BA (Hons) Business Administration (2026 entry)
Discover your path in business with a flexible degree that starts broad and lets you specialise later. Build core skills, explore key areas like finance, marketing, or AI, and graduate career-ready with global insight and real-world experience.
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Typical offer: 112
Entry requirements -
Fees: TBC
Full details -
UCAS code: N252 / N251 (top up)
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Course length: Various
Find out more -
Location:
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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Institute code: H36
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Work placement option
Find out more -
Study abroad option
Find out more
Start broad, then specialise in one of seven key business areas from your second year
Gain real-world experience through live projects, placements, or study abroad
Build a Graduate Success Portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Business Administration is a future-focused degree designed for students who want a broad foundation in business with the flexibility to specialise as their interests evolve. Ideal for globally minded learners, this course offers a unique first year where you'll explore a wide range of core subjects, from finance and marketing to digital innovation and strategic management, before choosing one of seven distinct pathways to follow from your second year of study.
You can graduate with a final award in areas such as business and marketing, business and finance, business and FinTech, business analytics and artificial intelligence, business management, events and tourism management, or remain on the business administration route for a more generalist approach.
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, this degree reflects real employer needs. You’ll build practical skills in leadership, teamwork, digital tools, and business analysis, preparing you for careers in consultancy, management, entrepreneurship, or specialist roles within your chosen pathway.
You’ll learn through live projects, case studies, and industry-informed teaching, with opportunities to portfolio, evidencing the experience and capabilities employers value most.
Whether you want to lead teams, solve business challenges, or launch your own venture, this flexible degree equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and global perspective to succeed.
Why choose this course?
This course is perfect for students who want to explore a wide range of business disciplines before specialising: In your first year, you’ll study core business modules and then choose your preferred pathway in areas like marketing, finance, FinTech, AI, management, or events and tourism.
Developed with input from employers, the course embeds practical business skills, digital tools, and applied learning across all years: Modules such as Live Business Challenge and Graduate Career Readiness help you develop leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking, skills that employers demand.
Build your portfolio: You’ll build a personalised portfolio of experience throughout your studies; showcasing your development, achievements, and career ambitions, making you stand out to future employers.
Learn from experts: Our staff combine academic research with practical experience in global business, entrepreneurship, and consultancy. You’ll benefit from sector expertise and opportunities to apply learning through real business problems, team-based projects, and client-facing tasks.
Just 25 minutes from central London, our campus gives you access to employer visits, business networks, and guest speakers from the UK’s commercial capital: You can also add a placement year or study abroad for further global exposure.
Strong employment prospects: 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22). Whether you remain generalist or specialise, you’ll leave Herts with the skills and confidence to succeed in today’s fast-changing business world.
Professional accreditations
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
The BA (Hons) Business Administration and its specialist pathways are aligned with the standards of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the UK’s leading professional body for management and leadership. The course is currently undergoing accreditation, and once approved, students will graduate with both a degree and a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership.
This dual award adds significant value to your CV, demonstrating not only academic achievement but also practical leadership and decision-making skills that are directly relevant to employers. The CMI qualification is widely recognised across industries and can help fast-track your journey to Chartered Manager status, one of the highest recognitions of professional competence in management.
As a CMI-aligned student, you’ll also gain access to exclusive resources including management toolkits, digital learning materials, webinars, and networking opportunities through the CMI community. These tools help you develop as a confident, capable leader during your studies and beyond.
The inclusion of this accreditation reflects our commitment to making sure every graduate leaves with strong, credible evidence of their skills, equipped for leadership roles across finance, marketing, tech, tourism, and more. It ensures your degree meets real business needs, both in the UK and internationally.
Your future career
Graduates progress into roles such as business analyst, marketing executive, FinTech consultant, and events coordinator. The course builds in-demand skills in leadership, digital tools, and decision-making. 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).
Possible roles of employment for business administration graduates include:
- business analyst
- marketing executive
- financial services associate
- events and tourism coordinator
- FinTech consultant
- business intelligence analyst.
Employability is built into every stage of the course, from skills development and live projects to professional qualifications and personalised career planning, ensuring you graduate with the confidence, experience, and global outlook to succeed across a wide range of business careers.
See what recent graduates are up to
Nadee Buddhiwickrama
Assistant Manager at Student Experience
Meet Nadee Buddhiwickrama who wants to use her degree to ensure future students have a great experience. She currently works as the Assistant Manager for Student Experience at SLIIT - Sri Lanka. She is based in Canada.
University life and experience
As an international student, Nadee craved the experience of studying in a different country learning about a different culture and gaining a true international insight into her course and its application. She was therefore grateful that she was able transfer from her university in Sri Lanka to the University of Hertfordshire to complete her final year of studies.
Nadee says the University offered her lots of unique experiences including the opportunity to work for the University, at the Hertfordshire Sports Village and also the British Council for Sri Lanka. However, she says, that the most valuable opportunity was the wide selection of modules offered in the programme and their relevance to her career.
Future aspirations
Nadee currently works as an Assistant Manager for Student Experience in Canada. Before moving to Canada, Nadee worked as an Assistant Manager - Student Experience at SLIIT in Sri Lanka. Her career in higher education was inspired by her internship at the University working within the Student Administration team after she graduated. She says, ‘I wanted to share and provide the same student experience I received.’ In the future she hopes to move into a managerial position within Administration at a Canadian university.
What you'll study
The BA (Hons) Business Administration is a flexible, full-time degree designed to give you a strong foundation in business before choosing a specialist pathway in your second year of study. This course is structured over three years, with an optional placement or study abroad year, and is ideal for you if you want to explore a range of business areas before committing to a final direction.
Your first year will be curriculum focused on core business principles, covering marketing, finance, operations, strategy, business ecosystems, and academic and digital skills. This exploratory year builds confidence, adaptability, and a broad understanding of how businesses operate across sectors.
At the end of your first year, you'll choose your specialist pathway, leading to one of the following degree titles:
- BA (Hons) Business Administration
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- BA (Hons) Business and Marketing
- BSc (Hons) Business and Finance
- BSc (Hons) Business and FinTech
- BSc (Hons) Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
- BA (Hons) Events and Tourism Management
In your second and third year of study, you'll dive deeper into your chosen area, building industry-relevant knowledge, skills, and experience through applied modules, live business projects, and collaborative learning. Assessment is 100% coursework-based, with no exams, and delivered through case studies, team projects, presentations, and consultancy-style briefs.
Across all pathways, you'll also complete zero-credit Personal and Professional Development modules each year and build a Graduate Success Portfolio, ensuring they leave with clear evidence of their personal and professional development.
What if I need support?
At Herts, studying business administration means you’ll be supported at every step of your journey. From your first day, you’ll be matched with a dedicated Personal Tutor, your advisor, coach, and mentor, who will help you navigate university life, track your progress, and plan for your future career.
Throughout your modules, you’ll benefit from personalised support from your Programme Leader, experienced module tutors, and Teaching Assistants, who are there to guide you through core business concepts, help you manage assessments, and apply your learning to real-world situations.
You’ll also be supported by our Future Success Team, offering tailored career coaching, CV and LinkedIn support, mock interviews, and direct access to internships, placements, and graduate roles. Whether you’re aiming to work for a global organisation, launch a start-up, or explore different business areas, they’ll help you take the next step with confidence.
For academic development, the Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is on hand with expert guidance in writing, numeracy, referencing, and study strategies, helping you succeed in your assignments and beyond.
As part of the business school student voice community, you’ll help shape the learning experience by feeding into regular conversations with staff about what works and what can be improved.
Wherever your business administration degree leads you, management, finance, marketing, or beyond, we’re here to help you build the knowledge, confidence, and connections to thrive.
Optional sandwich year
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge boost to your CV.
Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our groundbreaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Students placements include L’Oreal, GOSH, Red Rock International and TLC Group, however most recently, students have benefitted from placements at NHS, Worldpay, SMBC, Grant Thornton and Ernst & Young. Two students also got mini-internships in the 'Women in Business' and 'Black in Business' programmes.
You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.
More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.
With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge boost to your CV.
Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our groundbreaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Students placements include L’Oreal, GOSH, Red Rock International and TLC Group, however most recently, students have benefitted from placements at NHS, Worldpay, SMBC, Grant Thornton and Ernst & Young. Two students also got mini-internships in the 'Women in Business' and 'Black in Business' programmes.
Find out more about work placementsYou can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.
More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.
With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us
Find out more about study abroad optionsWhere you'll study
You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.
There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.
Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in an inspiring space.
The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.
A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.
Who you'll learn from
The business administration teaching team at Herts brings together a wide range of academic expertise and professional experience across business disciplines. Many of our staff have worked in industry before moving into teaching, with backgrounds in management, finance, marketing, consultancy, and entrepreneurship. This ensures that what you learn is grounded in real-world practice.
Our lecturers maintain strong ties with business through ongoing research, consultancy, and professional networks. Recent projects include advising SMEs on growth strategy, working with public sector organisations on service innovation, and supporting start-ups through the university’s Enterprise Hub. These experiences are woven into your learning through live case studies, project briefs, and applied teaching approaches.
You’ll also benefit from specialist support from our technical staff, who help you build confidence in the tools and platforms used across today’s business environments, such as data analysis software, financial modelling tools, and digital presentation platforms.
This blend of theory and practice ensures your learning is always relevant, accessible, and career-focused. Whether you’re exploring the foundations of business or preparing for your next step in the workplace, you’ll be taught by professionals who understand what it takes to succeed—and who are committed to helping you do just that.
How we support our students
At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.
We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.
Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
| Typical offer (UCAS points) | (enter tariff range) |
|---|---|
| Typical A Level offer | (enter range) |
| Typical IB offer | (enter range) |
| Typical BTEC offer | (enter range) |
| Typical T Level offer | (enter range) |
| GCSE | EG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics |
| Access courses | EG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3. |
| Additional information | Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements. |
| English language | All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level. |
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| Additional information | Find out more about International Entry Requirements. |
Ready to apply?
UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
| Start date | Study type | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | Full time | Apply via UCAS |
| Full time with study abroad year | Apply via UCAS | |
| Part time | Find out more |
International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK
Apply through Clearing
Our Clearing hotline is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00-16.45, Tuesday 11.00-16.45 and Friday 10.00-15.45. When the phone line is closed, please apply online.
Fees and funding
At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.
| Fees for 2026 entry will be published soon |
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Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
| Scholarships, grants and bursaries | Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies. |
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| Disabled Students' Allowance | The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. |
| Student loans | Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments. |
| Accommodation costs | We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget. |
| Additional course fees | Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet. |
More about the course
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
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Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |
Course length |
Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years |
