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BA (Hons) Business Administration

This flexible Business Administration course will get you ready to effectively and efficiently operate at a high level in organisations. If you love business and are good at managing and getting things done, you'll thrive on this course.

To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to be ready for the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by September 2025.

Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:

  • module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
  • expected contact hours
  • assessment methods
  • staff teaching on the course
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93% satisfaction for organisation and management (NSS, 2024, based on the average of Q17-18)

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Benchmarked against quality frameworks for business educators

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Flexible and varied business course

Course overview

If you have a passion for business and a talent for organisation, you'll excel on this Business Administration BA (Hons) course. You'll develop your communication, problem solving, and management skills as you learn to productively manage an organisation's people, time and resources.

Get ready to succeed in the global business world by gaining knowledge in management, digital skills, marketing, and finance.

Flexible pathways make this course popular because you can focus on your interests. Technology, marketing, global business, critical thinking, and ethics are all options for customising your degree.

Assessments that mimic real life such as business reports, presentations, speed pitches, online quizzes, and case study analysis really benefit you. These provide hands-on learning for different styles.

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.

We have good connections with professional organisations and businesses. At our Business Academy, you can attend networking events and guest lectures where you'll have the chance to meet entrepreneurs-in-residence, business ambassadors, and industry leaders.

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

If you have a foundation degree or diploma, you can start this course at level 5. International students with a comparable qualification can enter at L5 or L6. You can also choose to study part-time for a duration of six years.

Why choose this course?

Good business administration is a balancing act that requires a range of skills and knowledge. Master this and you'll be in demand at organisations around the globe!

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.

Engage in stimulating class discussions with an international perspective as you learn from students and teachers from all over the world.

We have various business connections. These connections include entrepreneurs-in-residence, business ambassadors, and industry leaders, and you can meet them at on campus events.

Have fun engaging in various activities to jumpstart your business career. You might want to think about joining the Enactus Society, participating in the University Business Challenge, or signing up for our Enterprise Bootcamp.

No matter which pathway you select, you'll receive guidance and assistance to strive for high levels of personal and professional achievement.

If you're an international student joining the University at Levels 5 and 6, you'll receive extra language sessions to help you out. These sessions are made to go along with the core modules that are most important.

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)

Your future career

Get noticed in the global postgraduate job market with a diverse range of abilities supported by practical hands-on knowledge. Understand how to analyse and evaluate the management issues facing modern businesses.

Possible roles of employment include:

  • Office administrator
  • Human resources coordinator
  • Business consultant
  • Franchise manager
  • Business development manager
  • Sales executive

Graduates from the course (and its predecessor) have landed successful roles in BMW, OPPO, MultiVision Consulting, Ford, GlaxoSmithKline, The Doctors Laboratory, KPMG, Ocado and Tesco as well as gone on to run their own successful businesses.

This generalist business course provides you with a wide range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to various management and leadership roles. Enhance your learning by gaining work experience through placement and experiencing a new culture with the study abroad programme.

See what recent graduates are up to

Assistant Manager at Student Experience

Meet Nadee Buddhiwickrama who wants to use her degree to ensure future students have a great experience. She currently works as the Assistant Manager for Student Experience at SLIIT - Sri Lanka. She is based in Canada.

University life and experience

As an international student, Nadee craved the experience of studying in a different country learning about a different culture and gaining a true international insight into her course and its application. She was therefore grateful that she was able transfer from her university in Sri Lanka to the University of Hertfordshire to complete her final year of studies.

Nadee says the University offered her lots of unique experiences including the opportunity to work for the University, at the Hertfordshire Sports Village and also the British Council for Sri Lanka. However, she says, that the most valuable opportunity was the wide selection of modules offered in the programme and their relevance to her career.

Future aspirations

Nadee currently works as an Assistant Manager for Student Experience in Canada. Before moving to Canada, Nadee worked as an Assistant Manager - Student Experience at SLIIT in Sri Lanka. Her career in higher education was inspired by her internship at the University working within the Student Administration team after she graduated. She says, ‘I wanted to share and provide the same student experience I received.’ In the future she hopes to move into a managerial position within Administration at a Canadian university.

What you'll study

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 as well as delve further into the important topics of marketing, business operations and financial management.

In your final year, choose from a large variety of options 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.

What if I need support?

You'll benefit from an academic support team, wellbeing team and a personal tutor to help you adjust to the demands of university learning and living.

Additional support is available from our Student Success team focused on inclusive learning and our dedicated Future Success network who will help you with work experience, placements and graduate jobs.

You can also join and reach out to the Business School Student Voice community, a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure teaching remains effective.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is open to all Business School students, for extra support with academic writing, numeracy and referencing.

Optional sandwich year

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge 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.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our groundbreaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students placements include L’Oreal, GOSH, Red Rock International and TLC Group, however most recently, students have benefitted from placements at NHS, Worldpay, SMBC, Grant Thornton and Ernst & Young. Two students also got mini-internships in the 'Women in Business' and 'Black in Business' programmes.

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster!  Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge 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.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our groundbreaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students placements include L’Oreal, GOSH, Red Rock International and TLC Group, however most recently, students have benefitted from placements at NHS, Worldpay, SMBC, Grant Thornton and Ernst & Young. Two students also got mini-internships in the 'Women in Business' and 'Black in Business' programmes.

Find out more about work 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

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 comfort.

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

An experienced team with a wide range of backgrounds will lead your course as you connect theory to practice. To keep things current, we also work with external organisations.

You learn from specialists in each subject area, ensuring you get the best knowledge from each teacher.

Your teaching team includes award-winning global academics and researchers, with experience in m-learning, robotics and business process management as well as business practitioners.

There is also a considerable amount of professional expertise and tutors share their stories and insights to help you learn.

You'll be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities to enhance your knowledge and practical experience through our Go Herts programme and Future Success events.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)112–120
Typical A Level offerBBC–BBB
Typical BTEC offerDMM–DDM
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Additional informationFind 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)112–120
Typical A Level offerBBC–BBB
Typical IB offer112–120 UCAS points
Typical BTEC offerDMM–DDM
Typical T Level offerDesign Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses112–120
Additional informationFind 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)112–120
Typical A Level offerBBC–BBB
Typical IB offer112–120 UCAS points
Typical BTEC offerDMM–DDM
Typical T Level offerDesign Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses112–120 points
Additional informationFind 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 typeApply
September 2025Full timeApply via UCAS
Full time with study abroad yearApply via UCAS
Part timeApply with Herts

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

Apply through our international/EU application portal

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£9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time£1,155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time£1,940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International studentsFull time£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time£1,940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 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 course fact sheet.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,155 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 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 course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business Administration Download PDF
Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Business Administration Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

Yes

Course length

Full Time, 3 YearsPart Time, 5 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

Not ready to apply?