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BA (Hons) Business Administration

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Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: N252 - BA (Hons) Business Administration
N251 - BA (Hons) Business Administration
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC
112 - 120 BBC - BBB DMM - DDM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
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.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International 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.
Professional accreditations
The course is benchmarked against the following quality frameworks for business educators.
- QAA benchmark statements for General Business and Management (2015)
- Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (2014)
- SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for Further and Higher Education (2016)
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
112 - 120	BBC - BBB	DMM - DDM

Why choose this course?

83% Student Satisfaction (NSS 2022)
Benchmarked against quality frameworks for business educators
Flexible and varied business course

If you have a passion for business and a talent for organisation, you will thrive on this course.

Level up your communication, problem solving, and management skills as you learn to productively manage an organisations people, time and resources.

Prepare yourself for success in the global business environment as you learn management, digital, marketing and financial expertise.

With flexible pathways, focus on your specific interest areas, a key to the popularity of this course.

Benefit from assessments modelled on what you’ll face in the real-world, including business reports, presentations, speed pitches, online tests and case studies. These suit different learning styles and provide valuable experience.

Access a strong support network including our centre for academic skills enhancement (CASE) and personal tutors. This is useful for those adjusting to a new way of learning, particularly from abroad.

HBS maintains strong relationships with professional bodies and business connections. Meet entrepreneurs–in–residence, business ambassadors and industry leaders at networking events or in guest lectures through our Business Academy.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, enter the Flare annual competition with a chance to win support, training and funding to help make your ideas a reality.

This course allows entry at level 5 for students with a foundation degree or diploma. Entry is available at L5 or L6 for international students with a comparable qualification. A part-time option is also available over 6 years.

What's the course about?

Good business administration is a balancing act that requires a range of skills and knowledge.

Develop a strong core of in-demand business skills such as administration, marketing and finance alongside other professional skills, including time management, presentations and communication.

Choose niche areas to tailor the degree to your interests, such as technology, marketing, the global business environment, problem solving and ethics.

We actively support you to go out on an industry placement, study abroad or do an internship (including the latest online bite-sized digital experiences) to help you find your direction and to boost your CV to secure your first graduate role.

Above all, you are mentored and supported, to aim high to achieve future personal and professional success. Many students on this programme go on to post graduate study.

International students who join the University at Levels 5 and 6 are supported with additional language sessions, designed in conjunction with key core modules.

Where you'll study

Your teaching is on our modern de Havilland campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, featuring 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 (n shoot some pool or play video games). It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, which features 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 comfort.

The student union bar and additional facilities are only a 20-minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus. Student housing is available at both campuses.

What will I study?

A varied and practical course, you’ll start with principles in business administration before tailoring the course to your own interests.

Your first year covers the essential foundations for any business professional, including marketing, economics, accounting and people.

In your second year develop your analytical, organisational and professional skills, to enhance your ability to contribute the productivity of any organisation.

In your final year of study, choose from a large variety of choices to expand your knowledge and explore specialist areas. These include modules in business strategy, leadership, global business, creative problem-solving, cross-cultural trends, digital economy, project planning and business ethics.

There are also opportunities to further enrich your personal development through our GoHerts program, placements, internships, study-abroad and Future Success team events.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Principles of Marketing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This initial marketing module, which assumes no prior knowledge of marketing, aims to introduce students to some of the key ideas of marketing and is suitable for both marketing and non-marketing students. It examines the environment within which organisations operate and the role of marketing within the organisation so that students can understand the context within which marketing personnel work, and the different activities which are carried out under the umbrella term of 'marketing'. Concepts central to an understanding of marketing are considered - segmentation; targeting and positioning; the product life cycle; the 4Ps; buyer behaviour, etc.
Economics for Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the utility of economic approaches in studying the business environment. The basic tools and approaches which economists use; demand and supply and industry analysis, among others; will be introduced and applied to help understand the economic issues involved and the public policy which can be derived. Economics, of course, provides one of the key pillars of a solid education in business and this module represents some first steps in this direction as well as highlighting some of the major contemporary issues in our society.
Quantitative Methods for Business (UJH)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to a number of essential mathematical and statistical techniques that are extensively used in business and management. Particular attention will be paid to the circumstances in which the methods considered should be employed. The following quantitative methods are likely to be included in this module: equations and graphs; measures of location and dispersion; weighted averages and indices; probability and normal distribution; basic optimisation; critical path analysis; correlation and simple linear regression; time series forecasting; investment; simulation. Appropriate software (eg Excel) will be used to support learning.
Accounting for Managers	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint. Areas covered include the collection and reporting of accounting information to both internal and external users, as well as the use and interpretation of publicly available accounting information. The role of accounting in supporting the management functions of planning, control and decision−making is also covered.
People and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide students an introduction to the key concepts in human resource management and behaviour in contemporary organisations. It will consider the micro context of human resource management, performance and development, equality and diversity and international human resource management, predominantly taking an organisational perspective but drawing on other disciplinary approaches where applicable. Students will also explore theories and models related to learning, motivation, teamwork and individual behaviour.
The Business Professional	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. Students will be able to identify a variety of study strategies to enhance their learning and maximise the opportunities offered to them by the virtual learning environment. These will include Harvard referencing, academic writing, time planning and revision techniques. Students will also investigate the skills and behaviours pertinent to the professional manager within a business environment in preparation for the work place. Themes which will include professional communication, presentation skills, team working, methods of enquiry, and IT literacy. Students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.
The Global Business Environment	15 Credits	Compulsory
Advances in technology, communications and transport are key forces behind globalisation. Decreasing costs and increasing ease of access mean increasing numbers of businesses are operating internationally and globally. This has resulted in a substantial increase in intercultural contact. To succeed in this context managers must have sensitivity to, and a critical understanding of, issues arising out of cultural difference. This includes the ability to manage in the diverse and complex contexts including legal, political, ethical and sustainability issues. The module explores two interrelated areas. Firstly, debates surrounding globalisation are considered. Students will explore national similarities and differences, and their impact on business. This includes tensions between global standardisation and local differentiation and the extent to which the world is characterised by an increasing levelness and convergence or increasing disparity and divergence. Secondly, students will consider culture and cultural differences.
Business Technology Trends	15 Credits	Compulsory
Today technology is critical to many business operations. Therefore, no matter the size of the business, technology brings both tangible and intangible benefits to businesses. It also helps businesses to increase efficiencies, and profits while developing new services. This module helps students to understand the importance of technologies for the growth of business and some of the issues associated with technology. The internet and development of mobile technologies and social media are changing the way in which businesses communicate with consumers and this will be explored along with other emerging technologies. The importance of data and the role it plays with decision making will be explored through practical exercises and issues associated with data and technology will also be covered as this goes hand in hand with the benefits that can be achieved.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Managing People	15 Credits	Compulsory
Managing People aims at providing students with an introduction to the management of people in organisations. Content includes: - The development of HRM, theory and practice, contextual factors, strategic approaches. - Recruitment and selection - role of R&S, models of R&S and their application. - Equality and diversity - the case for equality and diversity. Approaches to implementing equality and diversity policies and tackling discrimination in organisations. - Flexibility - managing flexibility. - Performance and reward management - managing people for performance, motivation and the link with reward management. - Employee participation and involvement - definition of terms. Factors affecting the success of employee involvement (EI). Effective communication. - Learning and development - contribution it can make to people performance and business success from identifying needs to evaluation of the outcomes. Managing people activities will be introduced from both strategic and operational perspectives. The role of the HR function and the line manager will be introduced.
Exploring Business Ethics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to examine and reflect on the ethical behaviour of organisations and employees. To apply ethical theories to real and current organisational cases and activities and reflect on what responsibilities organisations have to society. It discusses guidelines, laws and external pressures and the impact these have on the ethical behaviour of organisations. The behaviour of employees and the individual choices they make when faced with ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes: ethical theorists, child labour, bribery, price fixing, working conditions, corporate social responsibility and whistleblowing.
Enterprise	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students study the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing enterprise skills provides. Students will also work in a team to identify a new business opportunity and take this idea through the full business planning cycle, ending in a formal presentation of their proposed enterprise. Topics covered will normally include: - Concepts of enterprise and entrepreneurship - The economic impacts of enterprise - Insights into developing new ideas - Construction of business plans - Sources of advice and support schemes - Net working
Enhancing Employability	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to equip the students with knowledge and understanding pertinent to employment and their personal skills to assist them to enhance their employability prospects while maintaining and enhancing their academic skills. It will enable students to research employment in their chosen sector or role and to develop an action plan to help them secure eventual employment. It will also help students to continue to develop their employability skills. Students will identify a potential career area, research relevant employment issues and analyse specific opportunities available in this field, before carrying out appropriate personal analysis leading to the formalisation of a career action plan. Students will be directed to activities organised by the Business School, CEE and academic skills advisors and will be expected to attend those sessions to which they are directed
Digital Marketing in Practice	15 Credits	Optional
Students will develop a digital marketing communications campaign and understand how to measure campaign performance. Students will explore digital marketing planning theories and concepts and examine current digital marketing practice, in order to develop a digital marketing communications plan. This module builds upon Level 4 studies in Introduction to Marketing Communications.
Management Accounting for Business Decisions	15 Credits	Optional
The module is aimed at prospective managers to enable them to understand the benefits and potential pitfalls of using management accounting information when making managerial decisions.
Cross-cultural Management	15 Credits	Optional
The module aims to provide students an introduction to a contemporary, applied and critical approach to the study of cross-cultural management in an organisational context. It is particularly relevant to students of International Business and Human Resources, but should also be of interest to any student wishing to pursue a career in international business or involved in working within multi-cultural environments. It will consider a critical examination of cross-cultural management theories and models, cross-cultural aspects of leadership and motivation, cross-cultural communication and multi-cultural team working. Students will also explore theories and models related to expatriation, cross-cultural management and human resource practices and ethics.
Mobile Business Technologies	15 Credits	Optional
In today's digital age, mobile phones have become an integral part of daily life used by millions of people and businesses around the world. Increasingly sophisticated technologies from Apple, Google and Blackberry in both the hardware and the software are turning mobile phones into communications devices that are taking over from the desktop PC as the most important piece of business equipment. Furthermore, some of the most important benefits of different mobile technologies are improved communication with staff, clients, suppliers,reduced downtime, increased productivity and improve customer service. TheTherefore, this module looks at the heart of the power of the mobile business technologies for different areas of organisations.
Financial Management	15 Credits	Optional
The module introduces students to the main theory and practice of the financing of companies, the allocation and management of financial resources within a company and the rewarding of the providers of a company's financing. Specific topics covered include: the financial environment; sources of business finance; capital budgeting; cost of capital and capital structure; dividend policy; investment risk, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model; valuation of assets, shares and companies; mergers and acquisitions.
Analysing Financial Statements	15 Credits	Optional
Students will be encouraged to consider specific businesses from the viewpoint of a financial analyst. The module focuses on the skills needed to extract useful information to understand and analyse the three key financial statements in the context of company specific factors, industry specific factors and the wider economy. Students will look at the context of financial statements, they will develop an understanding of the conceptual framework and the role of the financial statements in meeting the needs of users. Students will consider the information available on companies in the public domain and the importance of considering financial statements in context. The three financial statements will be considered in turn and students will calculate accounting extracts and adjustments and develop an understanding of the influence of accounting policies on the preparation and presentation of the financials. Students will calculate ratios and discuss the benefit of these as an analytical tool.
Business Operations	15 Credits	Optional
The module is designed to provide a solid understanding of business operations methods. Students will gain experience together with knowledge of techniques and tools to support decisions made within the context of business operations in a contemporary environment.
Project Management in Business	15 Credits	Optional
This module introduces students to project management principles, tools and techniques that may be used in a business project to fulfil client needs. Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project planning process. The module content and assessment strategy allows students to apply generic techniques thus developing skills and knowledge transferable to business. Students will develop a project initiation document using techniques such as work breakdown structure, precedence tables and activity network diagrams. Stakeholder and risk analysis will also be considered as these are key considerations as part of project management. Students benefit from greater flexibility and support due to a blend of face-to-face lectures and workshop seminars as well as on-line discussions. The module provides a sound basis for further professional studies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management.
Marketing Insights, Analysis and Planning	15 Credits	Optional
The ability to identify, analyse and interpret data from a variety of sources will enable students to gain a greater understanding of how marketing decisions are made and how marketing plans are developed to maximise identified market opportunities. This module will support students seeking to gain a career in marketing planning, customer and market analysis, and marketing management.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business and Commercial Awareness	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is essentially supported by lectures and workshop-based, where students will role play members of an organisational management team as they develop plan and implement a new product or service for their organisation. The lectures will present theoretical underpinnings for each of the activities required for the case. The workshops will allow students the opportunity to apply theory and develop the skills required via a selection of shorter case based exercises. The module will consolidate functional business knowledge and provide students with an opportunity to integrate theories and gain experience in a simulated business environment.
Leadership and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores leadership and management within the context of the business organisation, complementing the knowledge and understanding of strategic issues developed through studies on the companion module 6BUS1143 Business Strategy. It examines the development of leadership and management theory as well as discussing contemporary applications of theoretical approaches. Leadership styles and models are analysed, including their impact on follower performance. Students will be constantly reminded that the leaders of organisations often experience strategy in action/implementation as a messy, unstructured process. Up-to-date real world examples will be used, together with textbook cases, to appraise the effectiveness of particular organisational leadership styles and to show how strategic leaders and their followers interact in practice.
Strategic Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of a diverse range of organisations in a turbulent global environment. It will focus on the many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implementing them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts, both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module identifies the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning. It also focusses on the development of students' professional skills critical to effective strategy development and implementation. In particular, the module focusses on analytical and critical research skills, team work, leadership and professionalism.
Digital Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Topics will include - Definition of digital economy. Development of digital economy. Digital economy as part of the total company profile. Approaches to digital economy. Internal and external effects of digital economy. International methods of digital economy. Strategic advantage and barriers/ challenges faced through the adoption of digital economy. This will include the impact on the environment as well as the threats to a company's digital operation and assets and ways to avoid and mitigate against these.UK and EU legislation specific to a company's digital world will also be explored.
Industrial Placement Sem B only	0 Credits	Optional

Industrial Placement Year	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (South East Asia)	0 Credits	Optional
The student will complete a period of study abroad at a partner institution following an appropriate programme of study, set out in a learning agreement, agreed by the student, the programme tutor at Hertfordshire and the international office at the partner institution. The programme of study in a placement year is less prescribed and can both reflect the interests of the student in their discipline area or to broaden their education.
Placement Study Abroad (North America)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (Australia)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad A (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad B (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Industrial Placement (Semester A)	0 Credits	Optional

Issues in Global Economy	15 Credits	Optional
This module explores the fundamental economic changes in the global economy and their implications for both developed and developing economies. It addresses a range of issues related to changes in international production, global financial structures, trade patterns, global governance and economic development. The aim of trade and development is to deliver increases in wealth and economic well-being but the extent to which poverty and average income are improved are considered by exploring these aspects and income distribution in selected countries and cases. For example, the clothing industry and the extent to which working conditions and incomes are being positively impacted, as well as the extent to which such globalised supply chains conform to ethical practice. Other significant factors in driving global economic change are also explored, such as migration and the environmental impact of development, through considering selected cases e.g., the car industry and the development of cleaner, electric vehicles.
International Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Optional
The module provides contemporary, applied and critical insights into the management of people across borders and in multinational corporations (MNCs). The HR implications of managing international assignments are investigated, and in-depth exposition provided of HR contexts and features in major global regions. The module appears to students specialising in HRM and international business, and is also relevant to those working/planning to work in an international environment. The content includes an analysis of differences between national and international HRM, examines structures and strategies of MNC's and the ethical issues impinging upon international business in the field of employment. The module also considers the management of the expatriation cycle-recruitment, training, pay, performance management and repatriation. An analysis of industrial relations structures/systems for employee participation in north America, Europe and Australasia and an exploration of political/economic environments and major features of HR/employment practice in these continents and developing countries.
Forecasting Methods for Managers	15 Credits	Optional
The process of making decisions in organisations is based, in most cases, on future values of many variables. Therefore, it is vital that these future values are predicted in the most accurate possible ways. This module introduces students to a variety of forecasting techniques used to predict future values. Much of the module will be devoted to the use of software, especially spreadsheets, to calculate forecasts and their associated errors. A particular emphasis will be on the pitfalls associated with the application of different forecasting techniques. The module includes the following: the purpose of business forecasting; data collection and review; measuring the accuracy of forecasts; a range of methods presented for dealing with stationary time series, trend, seasonality and multi-variate models; demographics; communication of results to a business audience. Students use a calculator and computer to calculate forecasts and related error measures and statistics.
Creative Problem Solving for Managers	15 Credits	Optional
This module is very practically orientated and hands-on. It is aimed at anyone intending to become an effective manager, consultant or business analyst. The really important problems and crucial decisions faced by professionals in their work are often complex and ill-defined. They are known as "wicked" problems or "messes". Problem structuring (or soft systems) methods have been developed to help us cope in these challenging, unstructured situations. Often much of the difficulty is due to people's differing perspectives, the worrying uncertainties or the multiple interacting and dynamic factors. Imaginative approaches are needed to rigorously analyse messy, qualitative issues. Problem structuring methods take a holistic view and are highly effective. The three methodologies selected are: SODA Soft Systems Methodology System Dynamics With the right expertise and a suitable toolkit of methods, the manager or consultant can choose appropriate techniques, and creatively combine and tailor them to tackle any problem with confidence.
Social Networking and Enterprise	15 Credits	Optional
Social networking is a rapidly growing phenomenon and it is one of the most influential media in web technology today. Hundreds of companies globally use social media to gain credibility, foster employee relationships, build a forum for communication with customers and, often, to boost sales. Businesses receive inquiries directly from consumers and other businesses without advertising, which results in lower costs and higher conversion rates. Therefore, this module explores insights of the social networking sites and opportunities they present for organisations.
Small Business Management	15 Credits	Optional
The small business is now a major part of the economy and it is recognised for its contribution to employment creation. The module will examine how small business works in practice, focusing on its creation, development, growth and key functions. There is scope for the student to bring in their own experiences of small business and they will be encouraged to pursue their own particular interests within the overall framework of the syllabus, partly through exercises and case-based activities throughout the programme of planned tutorial sessions
Management Science in Business	15 Credits	Optional
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of both classical and current management science techniques used in business today. Students will be guided into formulating business problems as models. They will be shown how to manipulate and solve these models, and interpret the solutions. They will learn to recognise difficulties and limitations associated with the results given by the models. Students will be encouraged to use appropriate computer software to solve the models.
Financial Aspects of International Business	15 Credits	Optional
The international financial system Foreign exchange rate theories Foreign exchange risk – definitions Managing foreign exchange risk - techniques Devising a hedging strategy Direct foreign investment – risk management
Advanced Project and Risk Management	15 Credits	Optional
Projects are one of the principal means by which organisations implement change and manage the challenges arising from the business environment. Public and private sector organisations are increasingly managed by projects to improve internal operations, respond rapidly to external opportunities and threats, achieve technological breakthroughs and design and develop new products and services.
Databases for Strategic Decision Making	15 Credits	Optional
The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate the data requirements of a business problem and establish, through the use of data modelling tools, the structure of the database. A complete database design and development process will be undertaken and documented to include entity relationship diagrams, data dictionary, development using SQL, testing and evidence of SQL code being used to create queries. A very practical module which develops students' business analysis skills as they develop a logical database design model based on a set of requirements. The acquisition of skills in database design concepts and SQL exposes students in a very practical way to the means by which information is extracted from databases and manipulated for presentation to the user, underpinning a more theoretical understanding of information requirements at different levels of management decision-making.
Integrated Marketing Communications	15 Credits	Optional
This marketing module assumes that students are non-cognate but have completed at least one prior marketing foundations or planning module. It is designed for Business students to gain an understanding of marketing communications and to have an opportunity to apply their learning to a live client project. Students will first evaluate market research methods before conducting a research investigation to collect data for the client project. Students will understand the importance of marketing communications planning based on an understanding of the market, competitors, key stakeholders and the target audience. They will evaluate different marketing communications and media options in order to produce a marketing communications proposal for a live client.
Global Marketing	15 Credits	Optional
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, know ledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies and build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners and also consider the ethical implications of a range of global marketing strategies. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments, suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms. The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control.

Study abroad

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.

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 opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

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 CV booster!

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.

For those wishing to finish within the 3-years, we help you find other opportunities to enhance your CV such as employer competitions, insight days, digital programmes, volunteering, student leadership roles, and achievement awards.

Students on the programme have recently had the opportunity to work at L’Oreal, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Red Rock International and TLC Group.

Our dedicated HBS Future Success Team 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.

My time at L’Oréal was amazing - I learnt so many new skills I never thought I could gain! I understood the value of teamwork and the ability to take responsibility by leading my own projects. My role included tracking the Hair and Colour Market by working closely with the Marketing and Commercial Teams. We would collate a Monthly Dashboard of the two markets, to share with the wider business. This placement has to be the best career decision I have ever made, I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Tasnim Hafsa Chowdhury

BA(Hons) Business Administration student

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Claire Rimington

Meet Claire Rimington who utilised the skills she gained during her MBA to move up the career ladder. She currently works as a Principle Commercial Manager for MBDA Missile Systems.

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Principal Commercial Manager
Year of graduation	2017
Course of study	Masters of Business Administration

Claire Rimington, who currently works as a Principle Commercial Manager for MBDA Missile Systems, explains how studying an MBA at the University of Hertfordshire has helped her into her current role. Claire is responsible for the contract management of some of the MBDA’s contracts with customers and says, ‘Although I am a small cog in a big organisation where I am now, the MBA helped me into this role from a smaller organisation.’

University experience

Although the MBA requires a lot of time and dedication, Claire describes how it helped her to take a break from work life and do something she enjoyed. She says, ‘I was extremely busy at work. The MBA weekends provided a respite! There was always something going on at work, but the MBA gave me the chance to step away from it and focus on learning and developing new skills and myself.’

However, Claire encourages other students who are considering doing an MBA to give themselves a break. She explains, ‘In the first semester, I was disappointed when I didn’t get distinctions! I would now tell myself to have a break as I made life very difficult for myself. Be consistent in your level of work. If you are consistent from the start, then it is easier to maintain that level throughout and be realistic.’ She urges prospective students to, ‘Ask for support from other students and staff because it is there.’

Aside from the workload, Claire says that studying an MBA with such a diverse range of individuals was extremely beneficial. She notes, ‘I loved the learning and it was easy to become hooked on learning and different ways of thinking. It was a diverse group and as everyone’s experiences and backgrounds are different, you learn as much from the students as the lecturers. We shared experiences and having the opportunity to work with different people who do not work the same way, have the same work ethic and different pressures but have the same goal was itself a learning experience.’

Studying the MBA at the University of Hertfordshire provided Claire with the qualifications to back up her existing experience. Yet the most valuable thing that she has taken away from the MBA has been ‘the ability to think differently about things and to think strategically.’. She says, ‘It has enabled me to see the big picture but maintain the narrower focus needed on my own role.’ In addition to the skills she has learnt, Claire reveals that she has met some great people along the way. She says, ‘I learnt so much from each and every one of them, and have made good friends, one of whom is now also a colleague.’

The future

Looking ahead, Claire says she is seriously considering doing a DBA. She explains, ‘I want to continue to study and learn, and I am interested in finding out about a DBA. Really interested in this as my next step.’

‘I loved the learning and it was easy to become hooked on learning and different ways of thinking. It was a diverse group and as everyone’s experiences and backgrounds are different, you learn as much from the students as the lecturers. We shared experiences and having the opportunity to work with different people who do not work the same way, have the same work ethic and different pressures but have the same goal was itself a learning experience.’

Alumni Stories

George Kruis

Current job role	Professional rugby player
Course of study	BA (Hons) Business Administration, 2014

Career Success

George has had considerable success in both his club and international rugby careers. In 2020 he moved to Japanese side Saitama Wild Knights.

George started his career at Saracens in 2009 and played a significant part in the club becoming the dominant force in English and European rugby. During his time at the club, they won the Premiership title four times (2015,2016, 2018, 2020) and the European Champions Cup three times (2016, 2017, 2019).

His success at club level inevitably led to international recognition and George has won 45 caps for England, played in two World Cups, and was selected for the British & Irish Lions on their 2017 tour of New Zealand.

Talking about his career achievements, George says, ‘There are clear achievements such as trophies and playing for your country, but by far the biggest achievement I have had from my career is the journey itself. In danger of sounding too soppy, for me, it’s been the opportunity to have spent the last 13 years playing with a group of friends and how that has moulded me as a person.’

‘My rugby club, Saracens, installed an amazing off-field learning programme early on in my career which in turn encouraged me down the path of going to the University of Hertfordshire. At Herts I studied a varied business management course. This part of my journey gave me a genuine passion for business and in 2018 another rugby player and myself set up a wellness brand called FourFive which is a huge part of my life now. The company is picking up some good pace stocking in big retailers such as Boots, Next, and Lloyds, so when I finish my career I will be going into this full time. As a professional athlete, this period of transition can be one that is pretty tough so I am in a lucky position that I will be dragged out of rugby earlier into another profession.’

Life at Herts

‘For me, the best bit about Herts was the varied group of people I met. Although there are improvements being made, in rugby there can be a lack of diversity. Working in groups and studying alongside people with different cultures and backgrounds gives people key skills to understand different perspectives. This I think is something that Herts did very well. Also, the fish and chips on a Friday were spot on!

For me, the best bit about Herts was the varied group of people I met. I have since used many of the skills I learnt at Herts whilst setting up my own business and am very grateful for the effort they put in to upskilling me off the field away from Rugby.

What's next for my career?

86% of UH Business Studies graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018-2019). The average salary of our Business Studies graduates 15 months after graduating is £23,500 (Graduate Outcome Survey 2017-2018).    

Many of our graduates have found work in the public sector and private sector, in roles such as Accounts Assistant, Administration Officer, Auditor, Marketing Officer, Project Manager Assistant and Data Analyst

Our graduates have also gone on to work for reputable employers such as Ernst and Young, British Airways, Royal Bank of Scotland, GlaxoSmithKline, Rolls-Royce, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)

Our aim is not only to teach you the principles of business theory but how to use those theories in practical business environments. This is the reason why so many of our students thrive in industry after graduation. 

Our graduates have gone on to employment in roles such as finance officer, HR manager, key account administrator, management consultant, marketing executive, purchasing officer, project manager, quality consultant, recruitment consultant and trainee accountant. They have found employment with major companies including Argos, Boots, Halifax, KPMG, Marks and Spencer, Marriott Hotels, and Procter and Gamble.
View our Alumni profiles

Claire Rimington George Kruis
Key staff

Senior research fellow and Lecturer Tetiana Hill
One of her significant research projects explored if and how cultural competence makes robots more acceptable and sensitive to the user’s needs, customs and lifestyle.
Find out more about Senior research fellow and Lecturer Tetiana Hill
Programme leader Yamaya Ekanayaka
A global academic, who has worked on award winning projects in m-learning and business process management. Yamaya also has a research background.
Find out more about Programme leader Yamaya Ekanayaka

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business Administration	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Business Administration	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 4 Years Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 5 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

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

Apply through our international/EU application portal

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

Apply using the links below:

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
18/01/2024	20/01/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Part Time)

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
18/01/2025	20/01/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)

Fees and funding
Fees 2022
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2022/2023 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £14000 for the 2022/2023 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £14000 for the 2022/2023 academic year
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1845 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1845 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 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.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

BA (Hons) Business Administration

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: N252 - BA (Hons) Business AdministrationN251 - BA (Hons) Business Administration

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Where you'll study

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Claire Rimington who utilised the skills she gained during her MBA to move up the career ladder. She currently works as a Principle Commercial Manager for MBDA Missile Systems.

University experience

The future

Alumni Stories

Career Success

Life at Herts

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

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

2023

2024

Fees 2022

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2023

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

UCAS code: N252 - BA (Hons) Business Administration
N251 - BA (Hons) Business Administration