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BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year

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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  Get info and updates
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94% satisfaction for academic support (National Student Survey, 2026)1

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Over 91% of undergraduates in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2026)2

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A practical programme combining knowledge and professional skills

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year is a four-year degree that combines an introductory foundation year with a full honours programme. It gives you the opportunity to build your knowledge, develop the skills needed for university study, and explore how businesses operate, make decisions and achieve success in a changing world. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress directly onto the degree, ready to make the most of your university experience.

The BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year 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?

The BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year is a four-year degree designed to help you build the skills and knowledge needed for success from day one. The integrated foundation year provides additional time to develop key academic, business and professional skills, preparing you to begin your honours studies with confidence and a strong foundation for understanding how organisations operate, make decisions and grow.

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 91% of undergraduates are in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2026)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 91% of undergraduates are in work or further study (Graduate Outcomes, 2026)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 with Foundation Year at the University of Hertfordshire blends essential academic knowledge with practical, industry-focused learning to prepare you for a wide range of careers in today’s dynamic business environment.

In your first year (foundation year / level 0), you’ll develop core academic, digital and professional skills while building confidence and preparing for degree-level study in a supportive environment.

Building on this foundation-year launchpad, from your second year (level 4), you’ll study alongside students on the business administration programme. To support flexible study, teaching is typically scheduled across two days per week, giving you around 10–12 contact hours through a blend of lectures, workshops, seminars and collaborative projects. Assessment is 100% coursework-based, with tasks such as business reports, presentations, reflective work and group projects that emphasise real-world application rather than traditional exams.

You’ll build a strong grounding in core business disciplines, including marketing, finance, innovation, digital technologies and the wider business ecosystem. Alongside this, you’ll continue developing key academic, professional and analytical skills that prepare you to specialise further in business management as you progress through your degree.

In your third year (level 5), 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 final year (level 6), 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.

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 third 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).

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your third 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 third and fourth year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

At the end of your third 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 third 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 third and fourth 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

From the moment you join the Foundation Year, you are part of the Hertfordshire Business School community. Throughout your first year, you'll build academic confidence, develop essential professional skills and immerse yourself in university life on our College Lane Campus, with expert teaching at Hertfordshire International College - with access to the full range of university facilities, support services and learning resources.

For the remaining years of your degree, you’ll be taught on our de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre offering both open and private study spaces. You’ll also have access to online self-study materials to further support your learning.

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.

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.

Business Management Hannah Thompson

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah, I am a second year Business Management, student here at Herts. I have created this blog to give you a snippet of what I do as a student here. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at this University, and wish to share some of my experiences with you! 😊

To start the week - Monday:

My Mondays begin by getting the free shuttle bus, from College lane to the De Havilland campus. On arrival, I head to my 11am Consumer Behaviour lecture. After the lesson, I leave De Havilland, as my next class is not until 5pm. After arriving back onto College Lane, I have lunch, then walk down to the Learning Resources Centre (LRC), to prepare for upcoming lessons. At around 4:30pm, the shuttle bus takes me back to De Havilland in time for my final lecture of the day. Finally, to unwind I often attend a yoga session at 7pm, in the Oval Flexi Space.

Tuesdays:

On Tuesdays, I have no lectures. This gives me to opportunity to attend a Pure Stretch and Zumba session, in the Oval Flexi Space from 12pm-2pm. Later in the afternoon, I usually get the shuttle bus, or walk to the Galleria. The variety of shops and restaurants makes this time enjoyable. Finally, from 6pm-7:15pm I attend a free beginner Rollerskating session on the MUGA, at College Lane. The session allows me to meet new people, get outdoors and gather with friends.

Wednesdays:

On Wednesdays, again, I do not have any lectures. So, I do my food shopping at the Tesco Express, which is a five-minute walk from the College Lane campus. Then, later in the evening I take the opportunity to book study rooms in the LRC with my classmates.

As many of my modules contain group projects, it is important to familiarise myself with the people in my classes. If I have free time in the evening, I either attend a Softball or Rollerskating session from 7pm in the Oval 3G or MUGA.

Thursdays:

Thursdays are my busiest day of the week, as I have four lessons to attend. Before this time, I prepare breakfast before heading to the De Havilland campus, for my 10am Mobile Business Technologies tutorial. Following this, I enjoy an hour break with friends from class. Afterwards, my Business Operations and Financial Management tutorial commences from 12pm-2pm. After spending another hour break in the Enterprise Hub, I attend my final lesson of the day. Long after retuning back to College Lane, at around 9pm, I meet with friends inside the Spalding Court common room. We often play pool, table tennis or study together.

Fridays:

Finally, it’s Friday! 🎈 I have two lectures to attend. The first is a Financial Management lesson from 11am-12pm, followed by a two hour break. Meanwhile, I often head down to the Enterprise Hub. The spacious environment gives me the chance to relax, or catch up with work in preparation for the following lecture. The Enterprise Hub is also where I treat myself to a caramel frappe, or a snack from Starbucks. When my break is over, I go to my Business Operations lecture from 2pm-3pm.

I hope this has given you some insight into life at University. Remember - although it is easy to get overwhelmed with a fast-paced schedule and upcoming deadlines, maintaining a healthy work/life balance is essential. Take care of your wellbeing by doing the activities you enjoy, and always reach out if you need help! 😊 H.

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. This also applies to Clearing applications, so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a Clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2026 Full time Apply via UCAS
Full time with placement year Apply via UCAS
Full time with study abroad year Apply via UCAS

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 typeFees
UK studentsFull time
Year 1
£5,760 for the 2026/2027 academic year
Full time 
Year 2 onwards
£10,050 for the 2027/2028 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
BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A Download PDF
BA (Hons) Business Management with a Year Abroad with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A Download PDF
BA (Hons) Business Management with Placement Year with Foundation Year - Full Time, Sem A Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

No

Course length

Full Time, 4 YearsFull Time, 5 YearsSandwich, 5 Years

Not ready to apply?