BA (Hons) Business Management

Develop the leadership, strategy, and decision-making skills to thrive in any business environment. Gain real-world experience, build a career-ready portfolio, and graduate prepared to manage people, projects, and change.

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Typical offer: 112
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: N100
Course length: Various
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Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
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Study abroad option
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92% satisfaction for learning resources (National Student Survey, 2025)¹

Over 90% of undergraduates in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)²

A practical programme combining knowledge and professional skills

Business Management at Herts

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Business Management degree at the University of Hertfordshire is designed for future leaders, problem-solvers, and strategic thinkers who want to make a real impact in the world of business. Whether you see yourself managing people, running operations, or leading organisational change, this course equips you with the skills, confidence, and experience to succeed across industries.

You’ll begin with a broad introduction to business before specialising in management. From your second year of study onwards, you’ll explore areas such as data-driven decision-making, responsible operations, organisational leadership, and strategic planning, developing the practical and analytical skills required for real-world management roles.

The course is shaped by current industry needs and future-focused trends. You’ll work on live business projects, simulate leadership challenges, and collaborate on problem-solving tasks that reflect professional practice. Modules like People, Culture and Leadership and the live business challenge give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.

Career opportunities include roles such as project manager, operations lead, team supervisor, business consultant, or entrepreneur. You’ll also build essential transferable skills in communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and digital tools, skills that employers value in every sector.

With options to study abroad or take a placement year, and a graduate success portfolio to showcase your development, this course prepares you to step confidently into management roles in a fast-changing, globalised economy.

Why choose this course?

This course prepares you to lead with confidence in fast-paced, global business environments: You’ll learn through applied modules focused on strategy, decision-making, operations, and people management, equipping you to manage complexity and change.

You’ll take part in consultancy-style challenges, simulations, and a live business challenge: You'll have the opportunity to apply your learning to real organisational problems. There are no exams; assessment is 100% coursework, designed to reflect professional practice.

Learn from experts: Learn from staff with extensive experience in management, consultancy, operations, and entrepreneurship. Their academic research and real-world backgrounds mean your learning is informed by the latest developments in leadership and organisational practice.

Pick your area of interest: You’ll specialise in management while tailoring your experience through placement or study abroad opportunities. You’ll also build a graduate success portfolio, tracking your development in leadership, collaboration, and digital skills.

Just 25 minutes from central London: You’ll benefit from access to employer events, business networks, and leadership inspiration in one of the world’s most dynamic commercial centres.

Strong employment prospects: Over 90% of undergraduates are in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)².

Your future career

Graduates go on to roles such as operations manager, project lead, business analyst, or team supervisor. With strong leadership, strategy, and communication skills, they thrive across sectors. Over 90% of undergraduates are in work or further study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025).²

Possible roles of employment for business management graduates include:

finance executive
HR manager
sales representative
business administrator
project manager
trainee accountant.

Employability is central to this course, with real-world projects, professional accreditation, and career-focused modules built into every year. You’ll graduate with the confidence, experience, and leadership skills to step straight into management roles and make an immediate impact in any organisation.

What you'll study

The BA (Hons) Business Management course at Herts prepares you for leadership roles in today’s fast-changing business world. The course combines academic learning with real-world application, using interactive workshops, group projects, case studies, and simulations to bring management principles to life.

You’ll typically have 10–12 contact hours per week, supported by independent study and access to co-curricular learning. Assessment is 100% coursework-based, mirroring workplace expectations with tasks such as strategy reports, management presentations, reflective portfolios, and team-based problem-solving projects.

In your first year, you'll be introduced to core business functions and develop your professional and digital skills. Modules cover the business ecosystem, marketing, innovation, finance, and communication, giving you a strong foundation to build on.

In your second year, is where you begin to specialise in management. You’ll study data-driven decision-making, operations, and leadership, while also engaging with modules like Developing Your Future Career in Management. Optional placements or study abroad opportunities are available.

In your third year, you'll focuses on strategic leadership and change. You’ll take on a Live Business Challenge, working on real organisational issues, and complete your Graduate Success Portfolio, evidence of your skills and experience, ready to present to future employers.

This structured yet flexible approach ensures you graduate career-ready, with the strategic insight, leadership confidence, and applied knowledge to thrive in a range of management roles.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business Decisions in Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide students with an interactive and practical learning experience that mirrors real-world organisational challenges. It encourages the development of decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills by engaging students in activities that replicate the dynamics of a business environment. Participants will gain insights into the complexities of managing various business functions and the impact of their decisions in a competitive context.
Supporting personal and business professional practice (SPP)	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module supports students as they transition into university by developing essential academic, digital, and personal skills. Through a diagnostic and tutor-led check-ins, students build a tailored development plan and complete a core skills pathway. They also choose three additional soft skill areas to grow, such as confidence, communication, or career planning. A final portfolio evidences their progress. The module fosters independence, engagement, and belonging; laying a strong foundation for future academic and professional success.
Entrepreneurial Leadership for Social Impact	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will prepare you to become responsible future leaders and to contribute positively to society through the exploration of social enterprise. The focus is on understanding the practical considerations and offers you the opportunity to work as part of a team to develop a social enterprise concept. This will provide you with practical entrepreneurship experience and develop work-ready skills. You will develop a social enterprise idea, including a business plan, and pitch the idea to entrepreneurs. You will then explore the implementation of your idea. Through the reflection on your team's performance, you will develop your awareness of the critical success factors in social entrepreneurship and the skills and approaches that you can take forward into any career.
Skills for Success in Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces you to the foundational skills required to succeed in modern workplaces, such as effective communication, digital literacy, analytical thinking, team collaboration and time and task management skills, modelling the UH graduate attributes. The module provides experiential learning through workshops and real-world projects to build confidence and competence. Students have the additional opportunity to obtain badges as they compete with peers to develop skills including financial literacy, presentation techniques, career exploration, personal branding and networking, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, data skills, and Microsoft Office Specialist Certification.
Developing your Future Career in Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will help you explore with curiosity the business and management career you might want to follow when you leave university. Whether you are interested in a professional career in employment, or are an entrepreneur considering starting your own business, this module will encourage you to undertake investigation into the options available, reflect on how these match your own motivations, skills and attributes, and will lead to the development of aspirational goals and plans as you begin to develop a personal portfolio for future success.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Data for Decision-Making	30 Credits	Compulsory
Decision-makers need accurate, timely data to drive success and adapt to changes. Working as part of a strategic management team, you'll identify and search data from key business functions, including big data, digital sources and data presented in a range of formats. You will learn to apply the tools and techniques for categorisation, analysis and interpretation and then effectively communicate this complex data to inform decision making. You will also understand data validity, reliability, and ethical collection methods. By mastering these skills, you will have the foundations to make informed strategic business decisions.
Responsible Operations, Systems and Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores how organisations can integrate sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility into their operations and systems. Students will develop a deep understanding of responsible practices and learn to apply systems thinking to tackle complex challenges. Through critical analysis and practical engagement, the module equips learners with the skills to design and implement operations that balance organisational goals with environmental and societal well-being. Ideal for those seeking to make a positive impact, this module prepares students for sustainable and responsible professional practices.
Sustainability Impact Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module equips students with the knowledge, skills, and tools to address sustainability challenges through innovative, impactful solutions. Students explore systems thinking, sustainability strategies, and the integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Key areas include project management, sustainable operations, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through applied projects, students critically evaluate and measure the impact of sustainability initiatives. They develop transferable skills such as leadership, communication, and collaboration, preparing them for roles in driving positive change within diverse, global contexts.
Developing Personal and Business Professional Practice (DPP)	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module helps students enhance their academic, digital, and professional skills through personalised development planning, reflective practice, and portfolio-building. Students complete a diagnostic, attend three Personal Tutor meetings, and engage with core and elective skill pathways, including communication, teamwork, personal branding, and problem-solving. Direct entrants are supported to complete essential Level 4 skills. The module encourages engagement with real-world opportunities such as internships, online courses, and competitions, preparing students for final-year study, career planning, and future employability.
Live Business Challenge	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module equips you with the knowledge and tools to tackle real-world business issues through interdisciplinary approaches. You will develop strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills by integrating theoretical understanding and practical applications. With a focus on emerging technologies, sustainability, and ethical business practices, this module prepares you for the dynamic challenges of the global business environment.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Strategic Business Solutions: Applied Consultancy Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will enable you to independently lead a consultancy project aligned with your career aspirations. Using methodologies such as stakeholder analysis, strategic frameworks, and data-driven decision-making, you will analyse real-world challenges and deliver actionable solutions. Practical elements include consultancy projects, placements, or data simulations, offering exposure to authentic business scenarios. You will refine their communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills while using industry-standard tools. By connecting theory to practice, this module equips you with the resilience and confidence needed to address complex business challenges effectively.
Evaluating Personal and Business Professional Practice (EPP)	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module prepares students for life after university by helping them evaluate their skills, experiences, and aspirations. Students complete a final diagnostic, engage in three Personal Tutor meetings, and develop a graduate portfolio including a CV, LinkedIn profile, and personal action plan. Elective skill pathways and engagement with real-world career activities, such as mock interviews, networking events, or assessment centres, support transition into employment or further study. The module fosters confidence, reflection, and a clear sense of professional direction.
Graduate Career Readiness	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will help you reflect, evaluate and apply your value to contemporary business and enterprise settings as you prepare for graduation. Whether you are interested in a professional career, or are an entrepreneur starting your own business, this module will encourage you to reflect on your experiential learning and help you to develop a robust graduate success portfolio demonstrating your competence and confidence. The module will also encourage you to identify priority areas for future development to further enhance your career growth.
Strategic Decision-Making for Change	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Strategic Decision Making for Change module aims to develop an appreciation of what it means to think strategically in a challenging environment that is characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, you will gain an in-depth understanding of how strategy may be developed, formulated and enacted in organisations from national and international perspectives, a critical awareness of the inputs required for robust strategic choices and decisions to be made, the importance of ethics and the impact of leadership behaviour on these processes. The Strategic context Responsible strategic leadership Identification of strategic issues and options Evaluation of strategic options Implementation of strategic options Rational and irrational decisions Group dynamics and leadership
People, Culture and Leadership	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module prepares students to become future people managers who champion employees and stakeholders to achieve strategic goals. Through case studies, simulations, and role play, students explore leadership, teamwork, organisational culture, communication, conflict management, EDI, HR functions, and sustainability. Industry speakers support applied learning as students solve cross-cultural and organisational challenges collaboratively. By the end of the module, students will have developed a portfolio of weekly reflections on their leadership practice, linking theory to experience and showcasing their professional behaviours and collaborative problem-solving skills.

What if I need support?

At Herts, studying business management means you’ll be supported every step of the way. From day one, you’ll be paired with a dedicated Personal Tutor, your advisor, coach, and mentor who will help you settle into university life, track your development, and guide your academic and professional journey.

In your modules, you’ll receive tailored support from your Programme Leader, expert module tutors, and Teaching Assistants, who are there to help you understand key management topics, stay on top of assessments, and grow in confidence as a future business leader.

You’ll also benefit from our Future Success team, who offer one-to-one career coaching, CV and LinkedIn advice, mock interviews, and access to internships, placements, and graduate roles. Whether you’re aiming to become a project manager, launch your own venture, or join a global firm, they’ll help you take the next step.

For academic support, our Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) provides expert guidance in writing, numeracy, referencing, and study skills, ensuring you’re equipped to succeed in all aspects of your course.

You’ll also be part of the business school student voice community, where your feedback helps shape the learning experience, making it more inclusive, relevant, and engaging.

Wherever your business management journey leads, we’re here to help you succeed, with personalised, approachable support that’s focused on your goals.

Optional placement 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 ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students recently enjoyed placements at Ocado, Enterprise, Amazon and Egress Software Technologies (EST).

Find out more about work placements

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.

Find out more about study abroad options

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.

Students recently enjoyed placements at Ocado, Enterprise, Amazon and Egress Software Technologies (EST).

Find out more about work placements

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.

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 options

Where 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 management teaching team at Herts brings together a diverse blend of academic expertise and real-world leadership experience. Our staff have held professional roles in operations management, consultancy, HR, logistics, strategic planning, and entrepreneurship, working with both SMEs and global organisations across sectors such as finance, retail, public service, and technology.

Many team members are still actively engaged in the business world through consultancy projects, professional networks, and industry collaborations. Recent work includes advising on digital transformation strategies, leading organisational change programmes, and supporting start-up incubation projects through the University’s Enterprise Hub. These insights feed directly into your learning, ensuring your education is current, practical, and aligned with industry needs.

Our lecturers also lead research in areas like leadership development, ethical management, sustainable operations, and organisational behaviour, bringing fresh thinking and innovation into the classroom.

You’ll also be supported by technical staff who provide training in project planning software, data analysis tools, and digital platforms used by modern businesses. This means you’ll not only learn the theory but also gain the hands-on skills you’ll need in the workplace.

Together, this range of expertise ensures that your learning experience is grounded, globally relevant, and designed to prepare you for the real world of business management.

Check out our student blogs

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.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

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)	112
Typical A Level offer	BBC
Typical IB offer	112
Typical BTEC offer	DMM
Typical T Level offer	Accepted T Level subjects: Accounting; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Animal Care Management; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Craft and Design; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design Production, Design and Development; Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Support Services; Education and Early Years; Engineering. Manufacturing Processing and Control; Finance; Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Marketing; Media, Broadcast and Production; Onsite Construction; Science
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	112
Additional information	Find out more about our 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.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112
Typical A Level offer	BBC
Typical IB offer	112
Typical BTEC offer	DMM
Typical T Level offer	Accepted T Level subjects: Accounting; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Animal Care Management; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Craft and Design; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design Production, Design and Development; Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; Digital Support Services; Education and Early Years; Engineering. Manufacturing Processing and Control; Finance; Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics; Health; Healthcare Science; Legal Services; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Marketing; Media, Broadcast and Production; Onsite Construction; Science
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	112
Additional information	Find out more about our 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.
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 placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
September 2027	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS
	Part time	Apply with Herts

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

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Our Clearing hotline is open for support, Monday - Thursday 9.00-16.45 and Friday 9.00-15.45. You can apply online at any time.

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.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,790 for the 2026/2027 academic year
EU students	Full time	£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year
International students	Full time	£17,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year

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.
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 Programme Specification.

More about the course

Programme specifications
Business Management (Full Time, Semester A Intake)	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

BA (Hons) Business Management

Develop the leadership, strategy, and decision-making skills to thrive in any business environment. Gain real-world experience, build a career-ready portfolio, and graduate prepared to manage people, projects, and change.

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Typical offer: 112

Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)

UCAS code: N100

Course length: Various

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Optional placement year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

Check out our student blogs

Hannah Thompson - Week at a glance

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.

Student Blogs

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate courses and degrees

Experience

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield