Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons)

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Develop core business and leadership skills to progress into management roles. This course blends strategy, communication and project-based learning to help you prepare for roles in a dynamic business environment.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)
CU London (Greenwich, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

UCAS codes

N20L / N20M / N20N

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

The information on this page is for 2023-24 entry and should be used as guidance for 2026-27 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Designed to help you develop key skills from managing people, projects and resources to strategic leadership within the UK and internationally.

Why you should study this course

The degree offers:

a focus on contemporary management issues, giving you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to aid progression from an operational level through to a leadership role within any organisation
opportunities to help you develop the required confidence, versatility and strategic thinking, coupled with elevated communication skills and a desire to succeed
the opportunity to gain professional recognition through registration with the Chartered Management Institute upon successful completion of this course—a great way to boost your career prospects (additional costs may apply).

The tutors are kind, approachable, and always ready to help whenever I’ve needed extra guidance. Their encouragement has really made a difference in how I approach my studies. I’ve also enjoyed learning alongside students from different backgrounds, which has helped me see things from new perspectives.
Jayasa Ghale, Year 2 student studying Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) at CU Coventry 2025

What you'll study

Build the skills and knowledge to prepare for roles in management and leadership. Learn how to handle new ideas and manage modern projects effectively, with a strong focus on both theory and practical application.

Explore key areas like how markets work, how to lead teams, manage finances and develop business strategies. This course takes a hands-on, real-world approach, preparing you to lead in a dynamic business environment.

In your first year, explore how organisations work and how decisions are made at a junior management level. Study key topics like management principles, organisational behaviour, business strategy, marketing and policy. Build your understanding of the business world and develop the core skills needed for the rest of your degree.

On successful completion of year one, you’ll be eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business Management and Leadership.

Modules

The Business Environment - 30 credits

Understand the environment businesses operate in, focusing on how both local (micro) and global (macro) factors influence organisational success. Explore how the economy impacts business performance, how global decisions affect UK businesses and how different groups—like customers, suppliers and stakeholders—shape decision-making.

Learn about organisational purpose, structure and key theories. Explore environmental scanning tools and techniques and apply them across private, public and voluntary sectors. Look into the challenges of working in international markets and introduces the concept of globalisation.

Compulsory

Principles of Sales Marketing - 30 credits

Gain hands-on insight into marketing and sales in both traditional and digital settings. Explore marketing strategy, relationship management and the practical challenges faced by large companies, small businesses and startups.

Apply theory to real customer experiences and learn how to manage profitable customer relationships in a fast-changing UK and global market. Reflect on your own consumer behaviour and explore key topics like branding, communication channels, segmentation, advertising, digital marketing, e-commerce and media. Look at how these areas influence the sales process, decision-making, and customer relationships.

Compulsory

Communication and Collaborative Working - 30 credits

In today’s world, strong communication and collaboration skills are key for effective leadership and long-term success. Explore your own communication style and look at how individuals and organisations work together to deliver goods and services.

Learn about communication and collaboration from personal, organisational and inter-organisational perspectives. Study relevant theories and how they apply in real business situations, helping you identify good practice and turn it into effective solutions.

By reflecting on strengths and weaknesses—your own and within organisations—gain tools to build better partnerships and achieve shared goals.

Compulsory

Management and Leadership Perspectives - 30 credits

Gain a solid foundation in management and leadership. Explore key theories, styles and approaches and examine how management and leadership work together—along with where they might clash.

Learn core management concepts, including teamwork, communication and collaboration, and understand how strong leadership skills can help drive change and success in organisations.

The module introduces both traditional and modern views, encouraging you to balance practical management with ethical leadership as you develop the skills needed to support effective organisational performance.

Compulsory

In year two, build on what you learned in year one to strengthen your understanding of key business principles. Working at a higher level, develop the skills operational managers need to handle more complex challenges.

Focus on specialist areas like financial management, entrepreneurship and the improvement of business practices. This year is about deepening your insight and preparing you for real-world management roles.

On successful completion of year two, you are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Management and Leadership.

Modules

Economic and Financial Management - 30 credits

Understand how economics affects business decisions and organisational success. Start with the basics of economics and explore key questions such as: What products or services should be offered? What resources are needed? Who benefits?

Look at how economic theories shape decisions and how changes in economic conditions influence supply, demand and costs. Learn how to interpret financial information and use accounting tools and techniques to measure performance and make informed decisions.

This module focuses on helping you apply knowledge, not just theory—equipping you to lead with confidence in a business environment.

Compulsory

Entrepreneurship, Enterprise and Innovation - 30 credits

Understand entrepreneurship, enterprise and innovation by exploring the start-up process for new businesses. Assess and develop your own entrepreneurial skills.

Learn why entrepreneurs are important to the economy and society, using tools like business modelling, lean start-up and open innovation to see how new ideas shape products and services. Explore intrapreneurship—how innovation happens within organisations—and its benefits.

Build business skills, confidence, creativity and communication with support from real entrepreneurs and the business community where possible.

Compulsory

Project Management - 30 credits

Gain practical project management skills to learn how to run business projects. Learn why projects fail and how to plan, monitor and close them effectively.

Develop knowledge in creating project plans and management strategies, applying theory to work-based case studies. This module covers key principles like business case development, project planning and control methods.

Understand project management fundamentals and gain the tools you need to manage projects confidently in your future career.

Compulsory

Resource Management - 30 credits

Gain a critical overview of how organisations manage their resources, including time, money, equipment and people, to achieve their goals.

Explore resource management challenges in today’s organisations and study the history and key principles of human resource management (HRM). Topics include recruitment, performance management and managing employee exits.

Look into managing both internal and external resources, planning and ensuring supply, maintaining quality and handling disruptions to resource availability to support organisational success.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements² 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.

Optional

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

In your final year, focus on the challenges and opportunities faced by strategic managers. Learn to continuously assess the business landscape and work effectively on your own. Cover strategic leadership, organisational design and strategic marketing. Complete a strategic business project tackling a real management issue, bringing together key themes from your entire course.

On successful completion of your final year, you will get a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management and Leadership.

Modules

Strategy and Change Management - 30 credits

Gain knowledge of how organisations set their strategic direction, manage it and respond to change through programmes of transformation. Explore how organisations develop through key stages while aiming for competitive advantage and innovation.

Study the history and theories of strategy and change, learning from key strategic thinkers in business and leadership. This module covers analysing both the external environment and internal organisational context, showing how these shape strategy formulation, planning and implementation. Learn different approaches to managing change strategically and operationally, with a focus on monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability.

Compulsory

International Business and Globalisation - 30 credits

Examine the global trading environment and the principles and practices of international business in today’s global context. Debate and consider different perspectives, including ethical ones.

Develop your understanding of the international trading environment by exploring the frameworks within which international businesses operate and the key principles and practices that guide their activities worldwide.

Compulsory

Contemporary Issues in Business Management and Leadership - 30 credits

Identify and analyse current issues in business and management that shape today’s business world. Explore important topics like governance, compliance, accountability and sustainability.

Examine the challenges managers and leaders face in modern organisations and learn how to address them. Look at the role of stakeholders, exploring their influence and power over an organisation’s strategy and decision-making.

Compulsory

Business Management and Leadership Project - 30 credits

Explore a management issue from both academic and practical viewpoints. Use your knowledge of management principles and practices while learning research methods and ethical considerations.

You can tailor the project to your interests and career goals.

Develop your skills in investigating strategies, analysing evidence and making informed recommendations. It is a major part of your Honours degree, so a high standard is expected. Your work should demonstrate strong analytical skills and connect real-world situations with what you’ve learned in other modules.

Compulsory

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.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures 
seminars 
tutorials 
presentations 
group projects 
workshops.

This course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field².

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

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

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

critical analysis
case studies
coursework
reports
projects
group work
presentations
academic posters and infographics
vlogs
literature reviews.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

"Studying Business Management and Leadership Skills at CU Coventry has been a rewarding experience. The course offered practical and in-depth knowledge through modules such as Entrepreneurship, Enterprise and Innovation, Project Management, and Economic and Financial Management. These have helped me develop strong leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and the confidence to apply business principles in real-world scenarios. I now feel well-prepared to take on future challenges in the business world."
Danyaal Shafiq, Year 2 student studying Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) at CU Coventry 2025

Two students talking with an open laptop on the desk in front of them.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Entry level	What we're looking for
HNC	64 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND	80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree	104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Entry level	What we're looking for
HNC	64 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND	80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree	104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

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 year. 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 how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0

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.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
EU	£9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary £14,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£14,800 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.

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

If you're studying at CU London Dagenham, you’ll be based in the grade II listed spacious former Civic Centre. If you choose to study at CU London Greenwich, you'll be based in the heart of the Greenwich Peninsula, just a 3-minute walk from North Greenwich tube station and the Jubilee line.

Both campuses offer Library and Learning Services with study areas and laptops, classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities, fully equipped open-access IT suites and breakout spaces. You'll also benefit from a Customer Service Desk with staff on hand to help with any queries and comprehensive student support services including an academic writing service and a dedicated wellbeing team.

You also have the opportunity to access a Success Coach for 1-2-1 guidance.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the degree course, you should be able to:

apply strategic and operational thinking. You'll be equipped to analyse business environments, develop strategic plans and make informed decisions that align with organisational goals
know how to lead and manage teams effectively. You'll gain the skills to motivate, manage and lead diverse teams, fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts and driving performance
use business tools and data for decision-making. Learn how to use financial, marketing, and operational data to support business decisions, and apply tools like SWOT analysis, KPIs, and project management frameworks.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course could go on to work for companies such as:

Large multinational corporations

Unilever
Amazon
HSBC
Google
Procter & Gamble

Consulting and professional services firms

Deloitte
PwC
KPMG
Ernst & Young
Accenture

Retail and Consumer Brands

Tesco
Marks & Spencer
John Lewis Partnership
ASOS
Nike

Public sector and non-profit organisations

National Health Service (NHS)
Local government authorities
Charities and NGOs
Educational institutions

Startups and SMEs

Many graduates also join or start small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in roles involving operations, marketing, or business development.

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.

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 UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU London directly. 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) 02477 652222

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCLU046 - Dagenham
CUCLGU046 - Greenwich

International students should apply directly to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

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

(+44) 02477 652222

cul@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

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.

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.

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Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons)

Course overview

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

How to apply

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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