Business Management BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Student looking through the shelves in the library

Develop the strategic thinking, data analysis and leadership skills that global businesses value, and learn how to responsibly guide organisations in a world that never stands still.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N221

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Your UCAS Guide

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Shape the future of ethical and sustainable business

Learn the skills that matter most for tomorrow’s leaders. This course goes beyond profit-driven models, focusing on value creation, responsible leadership and positive social impact. You’ll gain a complete understanding of modern business, exploring finance, marketing, global strategy and sustainability. Apply data-driven insights and entrepreneurial thinking to solve real-world challenges across diverse organisations.

Ethical, sustainable, global thinking - Guided by the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), you’ll learn how to lead responsibly in a changing world.

International perspective - From teaching materials to real-world opportunities, we prepare you for success in multinational and global organisations.

Hands-on experience - Take a full professional placement or a study-abroad year to gain valuable work experience and life skills.²

Professional networks - Connect with alumni and employers at dedicated business career fairs, with brands such as HSBC, Bridgestone and Stellantis Group previously taking part.²

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Become a future business leader with the knowledge and skills to manage organisations in a fast-changing world.

Learn the fundamentals of business management – understand what processes drive successful organisations and prepare for leadership future roles.
Experience problem-based learning - bring theory to life through our Business Simulation Suite, where you’ll tackle real-world challenges.⁴
Learn from experts and build networks - benefit from teaching by staff with industry insight and, where available, connect with global business leaders.
Explore global perspectives - discover different cultures and examine business practices from around the world.
Focus on creativity and adaptability - understand how innovation and change are central to sustainable business management and future growth.

90%

of students on this course agreed with the statement that teaching staff have supported my learning well.

National Student Survey (NSS) 2025

Memberships

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.

AACSB- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.

BGA - Business Graduates Association

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development.

SBC - Small Business Charter

Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.

Memberships are reviewed on an annual basis and are not guaranteed. Applicants and students will be informed of any changes as soon as possible.

What you'll study

Common First Year - designed to broaden your knowledge and connect you with students on related courses, this collaborative first year approach gives you broad exposure across your chosen subject area helping you develop well-rounded skills and insights. During your first year, you’ll work alongside peers from similar disciplines to expand your understanding. You’ll collaborate and share experiences, building teamwork and communication skills.

If you discover a passion for a specific subject area, you have the option to switch to a related degree within the Business suite, after successfully completing your first year (subject to progression requirements).

Common first year courses

Advertising and Digital Marketing BA (Hons)
Business Administration BBA (Hons)
Business Analytics and Management BSc (Hons)
Business and Human Resource Management BA (Hons)
Business and Marketing BA (Hons)
Business Management BA (Hons)
Events Management BA (Hons)
International Business Management BSc (Hons)
Marketing BA (Hons)
Sport Business Management BA (Hons)

Modules

Marketing, Digital and Social Media – 30 credits

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts in marketing, including digital and social media. Develop an understanding of the role of marketing within an organisation, and the influence of factors in the external environment on marketing decisions including ethics, social responsibility and sustainability. Also develop an understanding of key marketing theories, approaches and strategies related to areas such as buyer behaviour, segmentation, targeting and positioning, branding, digital and social media marketing.

Compulsory

People and Organisations – 30 credits

This module aims to provide a holistic view of management and organisation theories and practices, exploring how people interact with each other in the workplace and the role that leaders and managers play in the organisation. Organisational culture, structure and type are examined to consider the impact they have on human behaviour, interactions and organisational outcomes. Examine the role of people management practices and how this affects individual behaviour in the workplace. By introducing concepts such as motivation, engagement and commitment, the module will explore how people work together as a team, and how leaders and managers can understand emotional and psychological responses to work.

Compulsory

Analytics for Decision-Making – 30 credits

Whether qualitative or quantitative, financial or non-financial, data is everywhere and plays a crucial role in informing decision-making. This module introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of business finance and data analytics, and how they can be applied to measure and analyse organisational and functional performance, and support decision-making. Data analytics is a skill set that is becoming increasingly important for finding actionable insights from data and guiding strategic business decisions. This module is designed to help deepen your analytical mindset, develop your understanding of financial information, and prepare you to use relevant financial management and data analytic tools, techniques, and methods to assist the decision-making process both in the short and long terms.

Compulsory

Responsible Management, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship – 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to engage critically with sustainability and entrepreneurship in the context of management theory and practice. Explore the relationships between organisations and societies and the impact of significant societal change on different types of organisations. Drawing on UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), examine how organisations respond by altering their practices through innovation and entrepreneurial activities. Ethical business practices and sustainability are further explored, requiring you to reflect on your approaches to ideation in creating social and organisational value.

Compulsory

Modules

Research and Insight – 30 credits

This module aims to develop your understanding of how well-designed investigations and research work. Develop your understanding of the research process, including literature review, research methodology and methods, data collection and analysis. This module provides you with the foundation for future research activity and the ability to design research to meet specific research objectives. Develop insight and the ability to understand and critique investigations and research undertaken by others. You will also have the opportunity to evaluate how conclusions are reached and analyse the methods used to get to those conclusions.

Compulsory

Data Driven Resource Management – 30 credits

This module considers how organisations can use their resources in the best possible way to reach their goals sustainably, while also reducing waste, and improving efficiency and effectiveness. Develop an understanding of the allocation of internal resources, including finance, people and talent, production, knowledge and IT resources. Learn how to account and budget for organisational costs and income: this will also entail developing techniques for providing analysis and communication of business performance data to assist management decision-making.

Compulsory

Economy, Society and Environment – 30 credits

Gain insight into the relationship between the economy, society and the environment within the context of sustainable innovation. Connect with some of the global challenges that are being faced, and value the positive contributions that business can offer to address those challenges through focused business models. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by looking at complex social and economic sustainability problems. Learn how businesses can help solve these problems to support shared goals for sustainable development. To achieve these aims, examine theories and practices of economic development, globalisation, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, social entrepreneurship, responsible innovation and sustainable development, Principles for Responsible Management Education, social responsibility, responsible leadership and ethics.

Compulsory

Managing and Leading People in a Global Context – 30 credits

Examine the challenges and complexities which can arise from managing and leading talent across organisational, cultural and international boundaries. Explore human resource management policies and practices in multinational organisations, including for-profit corporations, not-for-profit and third sector organisations. The institutional, ideological and intercultural factors such as cross-cultural communication, leadership, EDI, negotiation and decision-making will also be developed through international teamwork activities in a global virtual team.2 Reflect on yourself and think about how your skills are growing in areas like global citizenship and ethical leadership.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes..

Compulsory

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Modules

Applied Project – 30 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world business issue. You may choose to undertake a research project, a consultancy-style investigation, or a management simulation. Through critical engagement with academic and industry literature, data analysis and reflective inquiry, develop evidence-based insights and propose realistic, practical recommendations. This module encourages independent thinking, problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

Compulsory

Transformation Strategy– 30 credits

Think critically about both the theory and practice of strategy and change. Look at how outside factors like technology, society, laws and the environment affect how organisations change responsibly. Explore how to spot and assess opportunities and challenges to support strategic decisions based on data. Gain the knowledge and skills to understand what an organisation needs during change to create long-term value and stay competitive. Learn how to use change management tools and techniques to create and carry out a successful transformation strategy.

Compulsory

Critical Issues in Globalisation – 30 credits

Globalisation now touches the lives of everyone across the globe; therefore, it is important to understand how events, trends, trade and forces play a vital role in international business. This module defines the scope of global business and critical issues compared to organisations operating at a local and national level. Current world trade patterns, social, political and legal environments and the functions of international institutions will be examined. Look at how organisations use Corporate Social Responsibility and governance to help reach their goals in different countries. This module is designed to develop your critical analysis skills and help you to recognise and respond to the dynamics of globalisation for sustainable growth.

Compulsory

Optional modules - 30 credits

Choose one from the following two optional modules²:

Design Thinking and Project Management – 30 credits

This module focuses on project management in an organisational setting, developing your understanding and application of the methodologies, stages, tools and techniques required for project initiation, planning, execution, control and termination. Design thinking approaches will be applied to project management to help develop your soft and technical skills. These skills should help you understand the concept of project management, where projects come from, business case development and the selection process. You should learn how to apply this knowledge to various contexts, gaining the skills to lead and work on a variety of projects. The importance of project management scheduling skills, quality, estimating standards, as well as risks and stakeholders' management is emphasised within this module.

One Planet Marketing – 30 credits

Explore key aspects of global marketing, including the international marketing environment, social, ethical and cultural influences on buyer behaviour. This module also considers international marketing strategy options available to organisations, including market entry methods and the use and implementation of the marketing mix. Examine the international marketing mix and the extent to which international marketing communications, pricing, product and service strategies should be standardised or adapted to meet customer needs for sustainable competitive advantage.

Availability of optional modules may vary depending on student demand.

Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

Hear from our students

Find out more about studying Business, Management and Entrepreneurship at Coventry University.

How you'll learn

This course aims to offer a variety of teaching and learning methods to keep your experience dynamic and varied. Teaching methods may include⁴:

lectures with associated seminars
workshops, incorporating case studies, problem-centred learning, practical exercises, surgeries, the use of electronic business resources and databases and ICT packages⁴.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Your learning will be assessed through a variety of methods designed to showcase your skills, creativity, and professional readiness. Depending on the module, you may be assessed through:

formal examinations: to check your understanding of key concepts
essays: showcase critical thinking and academic writing skills
group work: collaborate and learn from diverse perspectives
presentations: build confidence in communicating ideas effectively
reports: present findings and recommendations in a professional format
projects: tackle real-world challenges and deliver innovative solutions
coursework and individual assignments: explore topics in depth and apply your knowledge.

Our assessment strategy is structured to be fair, transparent, and supportive of your success. It helps you and us track your progress towards achieving the intended course learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	28 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation pathway. Upon successful completion this should provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our facilities⁴ and technology are close to what you would expect in real-world business environments.

Take a virtual tour

DigiComm Lab

Use real-world platforms and apps in an advertising and marketing-focused environment. Campaign development, vlogging, disruptive technologies, marketing strategy and research – you’ll be applying your learning and newfound skills to all these elements and more.

Three students sat at a desk while lecturer points at screen.

Business Simulation Suite

Offering skill-based training that uses simulation games, role-play activities and scenario-based learning, the business simulation suite is an all-encompassing space for experimental business learning and training.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 18 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

The Skills Imperative 2035 research finds that, by 2035, the number of jobs in PBS (professional and business services) is projected to increase by 570,000 compared with 2020 (12%).

The comprehensive nature of this degree means you should graduate with highly sought-after, transferable skills applicable across any sector, globally. You should be equipped with a strong foundation in strategic management, ethical leadership, data-driven decision-making and financial acumen.

This course prepares you for leadership roles where you can drive sustainable growth and responsible innovation in various organisational settings—from for-profit corporations to non-profit and third-sector organisations.

What can I do with a business management degree?

As a business management graduate, your degree will open doors to a variety of exciting careers, including:

Management consultant: utilise your analytical and problem-solving skills to advise organisations on strategy, change and resource management.
Business intelligence/data analyst: apply your data analytics skills to find actionable insights that guide strategic business decisions.
International marketing manager: leverage your knowledge of digital, social and global marketing to develop and implement international strategies.
HR and talent specialist: manage and lead talent across organisational and international boundaries, focusing on cross-cultural communication and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Project manager: apply methodologies and techniques for project initiation, planning, execution and control to lead successful transformations within an organisation.

Where our graduates work

Recent graduates have gone on to join graduate schemes at National Grid, Ford, Opel and Royal Mail. Others have secured graduate positions as a commercial analyst for TNT, a commercial manager at Marks & Spencer, an assistant manager at Mitchells and Butler and a programme analyst at Jaguar Land Rover.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Business Analytics MSc or International Business Management MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CBLU015

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.