Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) with foundation year

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 full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N20K

Start date

November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Foundation year

The foundation year will introduce you to the world of business with a strong focus on management, business communications and marketing in a global context. It creates opportunities for you to develop vital business skills and to put theory, both traditional and contemporary, into practice with real-world scenarios as well as preparing you for study at undergraduate degree level.

Degree

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.

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

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

Business Communications - 30 credits

This module explores the application of communication in business through a variety of methods. You are required to undertake a range of practical activities such as role plays, in different organisational and cultural settings, and examine the relationship between management and the workforce. You’ll also conduct thorough research of communications, using analytical theories as well as examining key management communication tools.

Finally, you’ll identify your own, personal learning style, and have an opportunity to develop these skills within a supportive and culturally sensitive environment.

Compulsory

Management Skills - 30 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the skills required by managers and leaders in business. You’ll explore why having an effective manager is crucial to the success of an organisation, in addition to identifying the successful characteristics of a manager and highlighting how they contribute to the development of a cohesive and productive workforce. We also encourage you to develop and refine your own management characteristics, as you look at relevant theories such as motivation, decision-making and problem-solving. You’ll get to practice a range of management activities and learn the competencies required to manage a business effectively.

Compulsory

Marketing for Business - 30 credits

The role of marketing within an organisation is critical to the success of any business. This module develops your understanding of the key principles of marketing and how these contribute to the achievement of business objectives. Marketing is a vibrant, fast-paced and exciting area of business and by the end of this module, you should know the role of marketing research, effective planning and the development of a fundamental tool, the marketing mix.

You’ll also exercise your acquired analytical skills and evaluate key, contemporary techniques and their practical applications in a business setting.

Compulsory

Global Business - 30 credits

In today's highly competitive environment, there is an increasing number of small and medium-sized firms that are involved internationally and the trend is expected to continue due to the globalisation of the world economy, markets, and intensified international competition.

You will explore the growing importance of global business in the 21st century and consider a range of operational activities and their interdependent roles and impact upon the wider strategy of the organisation wishing to trade internationally. The module will cover the principles of international trade and global business and the challenges faced by organisations, cultural differences, ethics and logistics from the viewpoint of achieving both operational and strategic objectives.

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:

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Assessment

During your foundation year, the learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block. This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the degree selected or the module.

Course breakdown:

Coursework
Interactive assessments

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.

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.

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.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. 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.

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£5,760	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	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.

Applies to degree only:

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).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*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.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathway courses for additional options.

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

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

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

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

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

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

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). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

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. 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.