Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Develop business, management and leadership knowledge and skills.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

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

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N20L

Start date

September 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

We constantly refresh our courses to ensure you learn the latest industry technology and skills. We are currently renewing the course content for this year of entry and expect to share the final details by August 2026. Please check back to see the latest module content and assessments.

Course overview

Modern organisations need people who can understand how businesses work, make informed decisions and support others through change. This course is designed to help you gain broad business knowledge while developing the communication, analytical and leadership skills used across contemporary organisations.

On this course, you’ll explore how organisations operate, how managers and leaders make decisions, and how businesses respond to customers, competitors, people, finance, innovation and global challenges.

You’ll connect business theory with practical application through activities such as case studies, business scenarios, group work and applied projects. You’ll examine how organisations plan, communicate, manage resources, support teams and respond to change.

You’ll also have opportunities to practise communication, teamwork, problem-solving, strategic thinking, research, analysis and professional decision-making. These skills can support future career planning or further study in business, management and leadership.

Why you should study this course

See business from every angle
Explore how people, finance, customers, markets, strategy and the global environment shape organisational decisions.
Strengthen your leadership judgement
Explore management and leadership approaches that can help you understand team behaviour, decision-making and organisational change.
Approach business problems strategically
Use business tools and frameworks to analyse challenges, consider risks and evaluate responses.
Develop an enterprising mindset
Consider how entrepreneurs and organisations identify opportunities, test ideas and adapt to changing markets.
Build practical professional skills
Practise communication, teamwork, research, analysis and problem-solving skills relevant across business and management contexts.

Become a business management leader of the future

Olaitan Ajiboye came from Nigeria to study at CU London and has now graduated with a degree in business management and leadership. We caught up with him at his graduation to talk about his time here and his future.

What you'll study

Modules

Innovation and Enterprise for Business – 30 credits

Entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise are important in contemporary business environments, where organisations need to respond to changing markets, customer needs and global challenges. This module introduces the principles and practices of entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise, helping you explore how opportunities are identified, creative solutions are developed, and new ventures are created and grown in a rapidly changing global economy.

You will explore the entrepreneurial journey from idea generation and opportunity recognition through to business planning, launch and early-stage growth. The module introduces key concepts including creativity, innovation, problem-solving, risk awareness, customer needs analysis and value creation, helping you develop an entrepreneurial mindset that can be applied to new ventures and existing organisations.

This module examines the economic, social, technological and environmental impact of entrepreneurship and innovation. You will consider how entrepreneurial activity can contribute to organisational success, employment, sustainability and wider societal change. You will also engage with contemporary frameworks and approaches such as design thinking, lean start-up principles, business modelling, digital innovation and sustainable enterprise.

Compulsory

Principles for Marketing and PR - 30 credits

Marketing, sales and public relations help organisations understand audiences, communicate value and build relationships with customers and stakeholders. This module introduces practical perspectives on marketing, sales and public relations, connecting theory with examples from high-street and online operations.

You will explore marketing strategy, relationship management, brand communication, and the internal and external factors that can influence organisational success across established brands, regional businesses, public sector organisations and emerging enterprises.

The emphasis is on applying theory to customer and stakeholder experiences. You will critically reflect on your own consumer behaviour while examining how organisations seek to build and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships in a fast-moving, digitally connected and globally competitive environment. The module highlights the challenges of engaging diverse audiences, managing reputation, and creating meaningful connections in both B2C and B2B contexts.

You will investigate branding, brand management, public relations, communication channels, consumer behaviour and market segmentation to understand how brands are created, positioned, protected and adapted over time. The module also explores the brand lifecycle, helping you consider how strategy, creativity, storytelling and data-informed decision-making intersect in modern marketing and communications practice.

Compulsory

Management and Leadership Perspectives – 30 credits

Understanding contemporary perspectives on management and leadership is important for studying business, management and leadership. This module introduces key management, leadership and motivation theories, models and practices within modern organisational settings.

You will explore both classical and contemporary approaches to management, leadership and motivation, while also examining themes such as agile leadership, digital transformation, hybrid and remote team management, sustainability, emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership practices. The module considers the evolving relationship between management and leadership, including how these functions can complement one another and the challenges and tensions that can arise in complex and changing organisational environments.

The module introduces essential management concepts and supports the development of professional language and critical thinking skills used to analyse, evaluate and communicate ideas. Emphasis is placed on communication, collaboration, team dynamics, decision-making and cross-functional working across a range of business contexts. You will also explore how organisational culture, diversity, ethics and responsible leadership can influence management practice and organisational performance.

Compulsory

The Business Environment – 30 credits

Businesses do not operate in isolation. They are shaped by the economic, political, social, legal, technological and environmental contexts around them. This module introduces the forces that influence how organisations operate, compete and respond to change in contemporary business environments.

You will examine both micro and macro environmental influences, developing your understanding of how external forces can affect organisational strategy and performance. Focus is given to the role of the economy at local, national and global levels, helping you critically explore how international events and economic decisions can affect UK businesses.

Taking a multi-perspective approach, the module encourages you to view the business environment through the perspectives of key stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers and wider society. This helps you consider the relationships and expectations that can influence organisational decision-making and success.

Compulsory

Modules

Financial Planning and Organisational Performance – 30 credits

Financial planning and performance management help organisations understand how resources are used, how decisions are made and how performance can be monitored. This module aims to develop your understanding of financial planning and organisational performance, with a focus on interpreting financial information and supporting managerial decision-making in contemporary business environments.

This module explores how organisations plan, allocate and control financial resources to support strategic objectives. You will examine the relationship between financial planning and performance management, considering how managers use financial data to monitor outcomes, improve efficiency and inform organisational decision-making.

While the primary focus is on financial planning and performance, this module also situates decision-making within the wider economic environment. You will evaluate how micro- and macro-economic forces can influence organisational performance, cost structures, pricing decisions and resource allocation. Economic theory is applied as a framework to support the understanding of business challenges and managerial responses.

Compulsory

Managing People – 30 credits

People management is central to how organisations support employees, meet strategic objectives and manage long-term performance. This module aims to develop your understanding of Human Resource Management (HRM) as a key organisational function within contemporary organisations.

The module introduces key people management theories, frameworks and practices, helping you analyse how effective HRM can contribute to sustainable competitive advantage. You will explore core HRM activities, including resourcing and talent management, performance management, reward systems, learning and development, and employee engagement.

The module also emphasises the importance of ethical people management, equality, diversity and inclusion, and compliance with employment legislation. You will consider how HRM principles can be applied responsibly within professional contexts.

Compulsory

Business Start-Up – 30 credits

Turning ideas into business opportunities involves creativity, research, testing and practical decision-making. This module is designed to introduce you to the process of developing ideas into potential business ventures. Whether you already have a concept in mind or are starting from a blank page, you will explore opportunities, test ideas and consider what is involved in launching and growing a new venture.

Throughout this module, you will explore how entrepreneurs identify problems, create value for customers and respond to challenges in changing markets. You will be introduced to key tools and approaches used in practice, including idea generation techniques, basic business modelling, and methods for understanding customers and markets.

You will be supported to develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving. A key focus will be learning by doing, with opportunities to work individually and collaboratively to develop, refine and present business ideas.

Compulsory

Project Management – 30 credits

Project management helps organisations plan work, manage resources and monitor progress towards agreed objectives. This module introduces practical knowledge and skills in project management, helping you understand how business projects are planned, managed and reviewed.

Emphasis is placed on applying project management concepts and techniques to business and organisational contexts. You will explore common causes of project failure and consider strategies that can support more effective project planning, control and delivery.

You will explore project plans, business cases, and management and control strategies. You will engage with tools and techniques for scheduling, risk management, resource allocation, budgeting and monitoring progress, applying these to work-based and case study scenarios.

The module also introduces contemporary approaches to project management, including agile methodologies, digital project management tools and collaborative team-based techniques. You will consider how projects are managed in fast-paced, technology-driven and cross-functional environments.

Compulsory

To help you explore a potential career path and apply your learning in a professional setting, you may have the opportunity to undertake a work placement² between your second and final years of study. Work placements can help you gain experience, develop transferable skills and better understand the type of work you may want to do in the future.

Placements are optional and are not guaranteed. You will need to apply for opportunities, and each placement must be approved before it can count towards your placement year. Employers or host organisations make the final selection decisions, and you may need to meet academic, conduct, right-to-work, visa or other eligibility requirements.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: apply for practical experience related to your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: where available, you may be able to apply for an international work or study opportunity. These opportunities may depend on availability, academic approval, eligibility, visa and travel requirements, and additional costs.

This optional year is non-credit-bearing. If you successfully complete it, your experience will be formally recognised on your final degree certificate.

If you are sponsored by the University and choose to apply for an international work placement, you must comply with UKVI immigration regulations. You can contact us for guidance before making arrangements.

Modules

Contemporary Issues in Business Management and Leadership – 30 credits

Contemporary organisations operate in complex environments shaped by regulation, stakeholder expectations, sustainability pressures, technological change and globalisation. This module explores current issues that influence modern business and management, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, accountability, sustainability and ethical decision-making.

You will examine the pressures managers and leaders can face in dynamic business environments, including changing markets, technological disruption and globalisation. This module considers how organisations respond to these challenges, including the strategies and tools they may use to manage risk, support responsible growth and encourage innovation.

A key focus is the role of stakeholders, including investors, employees, customers, regulators and communities. You will critically analyse how stakeholders can influence organisational priorities, shape strategic decisions and hold organisations accountable.

Compulsory

International Business and Globalisation – 30 credits

International business helps organisations understand how trade, markets, operations and decision-making work across different countries and cultures. This module introduces the practical and theoretical aspects of operating in a global trading environment, helping you explore how businesses expand into new markets, manage cross-border operations and respond to international challenges.

The focus is on developing a realistic understanding of how global business works, including the opportunities, risks and ethical considerations involved. You will explore the frameworks and rules that shape international business, including trade regulations, economic policies and cultural norms.

This module covers topics such as globalisation, international trade theory, foreign direct investment, market entry strategies and global value chains. Contemporary business challenges, such as digital markets, e-commerce, supply chain disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and sustainability pressures, are used to help connect theory with practice.

Compulsory

Business Management and Leadership Project – 30 credits

This module provides an opportunity to explore a management issue from both academic and practical perspectives. Your investigation will draw on your knowledge and understanding of management principles and practices.

To support this investigation, the module begins with the study of practical research methodologies and ethical frameworks. You will have the opportunity to develop a project that reflects your interests, background, and future study or career plans.

The management project is designed to support the development of your ability to investigate strategies, gather and analyse secondary evidence, and produce conclusions and management recommendations.

Compulsory

Strategic Leadership – 30 credits

Strategic leadership helps organisations set direction, respond to change and make decisions in complex, dynamic and uncertain environments. This module develops your understanding of how organisational strategy is analysed, formulated and evaluated.

You will explore how organisations establish strategic direction, respond to environmental change and seek to maintain competitive advantage. The module considers both classical and contemporary approaches to strategic management, applying theoretical frameworks to organisational contexts.

Emphasis is placed on strategic analysis, decision-making, implementation and performance evaluation. You will examine the interaction between internal capabilities and external environments, helping you evaluate strategic options and justify decisions in complex scenarios.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards..

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures: gain a structured introduction to key concepts, theories and frameworks
seminars: take part in discussion and debate to deepen your understanding and develop critical thinking
tutorials: access guidance to consolidate learning, explore key topics and apply ideas
presentations: practise communicating ideas clearly and presenting information to different audiences
group projects: build teamwork and collaboration skills through shared tasks and activities
workshops: apply knowledge through practical activities designed to support problem-solving and analysis
case studies: examine examples to understand how theory can be applied in context
business scenarios: explore realistic situations and consider responses
applied projects: connect theory with practice through research, planning, analysis or recommendations
online learning activities: access digital resources and activities that support flexible study and reinforce key concepts
guided and independent study: develop your understanding through directed reading, research, preparation and reflection.

Teaching contact hours

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

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning 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 will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

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

Assessment methods vary by module and may include:

critical analysis
case studies
coursework
reports
projects
group work
presentations
academic posters and infographics
vlogs
literature reviews
business reports
time-constrained assessments
reflective tasks.

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.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

What we're looking for

UCAS points: 104 UCAS tariff points
A Level: Minimum two A levels or equivalent
BTEC: BTEC equivalent qualification accepted
IB diploma: To confirm
GCSE: GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
Access to HE: Appropriate Foundation/Access qualification where the standard achieved is deemed equivalent
T Level: Overall Merit in the T Level qualification in any subject

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

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.

What we're looking for
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. Overall grade of Merit in the T level qualification in any subject.

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

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 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

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.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 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 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Fees and Funding 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 table above 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. 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 RPI.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

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) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*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.

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

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Our Dagenham campus is in the stylishly renovated Civic Centre, offering a unique mix of classic architecture and modern learning spaces. You can study in our modern library, use the open-access IT suites or find a quiet spot in one of the many breakout areas designed for group work.

When you need a break, the on-site café is the perfect place to grab a snack and socialise with friends. The campus is just a short walk from local shops and transport links, making it easy to balance your studies with your life outside of university. 

Our Greenwich campus provides a professional, modern environment right in the heart of one of London’s most iconic districts. You’ll have access to modern teaching rooms and quiet study zones, along with a library stocked with everything you need for your assignments.

Between sessions, relax in the social spaces or grab a drink at the on-site café while catching up with friends. With the Thames and major transport links just minutes away, you are perfectly placed to enjoy the shops, markets and atmosphere of Southeast London.

You’ll use facilities through timetabled teaching, practical activities and relevant independent study. Access may vary by module, activity, capacity, supervision or safety requirements. Access may change or be limited where the University needs to follow public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

A degree in business management can support a wide range of possible professional routes, from operations and project work to marketing, HR, consultancy, enterprise and leadership-focused roles. This course offers opportunities to develop broad business knowledge, commercial awareness and practical skills relevant to organisations that need people who can manage work, support teams, analyse information and contribute to effective decision-making.

Career routes may include:

management trainee roles
team leader or supervisor roles
operations management
project management
marketing or public relations
human resources or people management
business development
consultancy or advisory support
enterprise or start-up routes
public sector management
charity or third-sector management
postgraduate study in business, management or leadership.

Graduates may choose to explore opportunities in private companies, public sector organisations, charities, start-ups, consultancy settings, marketing and communications teams, HR teams, operations teams, project teams or business development functions.

These are examples of possible career paths. Some roles may require further training, professional accreditation or experience.

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 (0)24 7765 6565

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 (0)24 7765 6565

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, 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

Some 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 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. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

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 the 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.

For international students, we may increase fees annually 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 (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

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 2026/2027 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully 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 option

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

UCAS codes

Start date

Course overview

Why you should study this course

Become a business management leader of the future

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

How to apply

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

Your next steps

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Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons)

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

UCAS codes

Start date

Course overview

Why you should study this course

Become a business management leader of the future

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

How to apply

Your next steps

Discover Uni stats