Global Business Management BA (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

Lecturer standing in front of rows of students

Prepare for global leadership with real-world business skills, industry insight and digital innovation — right in the heart of London.

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

Coventry University London (City of London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

Course code

N122

Start date

How to apply

Your UCAS Guide

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Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in management. You’ll seek to learn all the key components of successful leadership, along with essential knowledge of general business operations domestically and globally.

Degree

Looking to build a successful career in global business and be future ready?

This course combines real-world experience², digital innovation and strategic thinking. Gain the skills, knowledge and global and entrepreneurial mindset needed for success in a wide range of business environments.

Build practical skills in innovative digital technology, leadership and ethical decision-making.
Tackle real-world business challenges through hands-on projects, simulations and industry-focused assessments.

Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

Icon of human figure in front of whiteboard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field

Employability

Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study
Provides a grounding in key areas of business and management.

Degree

Study in a global business hub:
immerse yourself in London, a global centre for business and finance. Gain access to a diverse range of industries and professional networks and experience the dynamic integration of business practices firsthand².
Discover the dynamic integration of business in practice:
engage in projects, simulations and case studies that mirror real-world business challenges. Develop practical skills to help you become workplace ready.
Engage with industry experts:
where available benefit from the insights of guest speakers and industry events, gaining real-world perspectives from professionals who illuminate global business trends².
Think globally, act responsibly:
develop a global way of thinking by studying international business, sustainability and responsible leadership.
Enhance your career and business skills:
leverage career services and support from the Enterprise Hub to achieve your career goals, whether you're seeking employment or planning to start your own business.

What you'll study

Modules

Business Economics – 30 credits

Learn about the economic environment in which businesses operate, providing a fundamental understanding of economic systems and principles. Explore how resources are allocated in a market economy, and examine different market structures and their impact on businesses and consumers, and assess the role of government in economic decision-making. Learn about key economic issues, including inflation, unemployment and economic growth, as well as the influence of the international economy.

Compulsory

International Business Environment – 30 credits

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the global business environment, including the economic, political, cultural and legal factors that influence international business operations. Learn the skills and knowledge needed to understand and manage the challenges of doing business in different countries.

Compulsory

Marketing Essentials – 30 credits

Learn about fundamental marketing concepts, including consumer behaviour, the marketing mix and branding. Explore the role of digital media channels and technologies in developing effective communication strategies. Gain essential market research skills to analyse consumer needs and inform marketing decision-making in a competitive business environment.

Compulsory

Digital Technology and Business Decision Making – 30 credits

Learn how digital technology can help businesses make decisions and how using data can improve business performance. You will have the opportunity to use digital transformation, business technologies and data-driven insights to assess performance across business operations. Use practical activities to identify and interpret positive, neutral and negative performance trends. Develop transferable skills in ethical decision-making, communication and management to drive sustainability, innovation and business growth.

Compulsory

Modules

Research Methods and Applications – 30 credits

Engage in the principles of academic research within your chosen field and identify key research topics, develop research aims and present a research strategy. Develop skills such as data analysis, problem-solving and decision-making, while also reflecting on the research process, and communicate key findings to your audience.

Compulsory

Accounting and Finance for Business – 30 credits

Gain the accounting and finance knowledge to support effective management decision-making. Explore key financial concepts, tools and techniques used in planning, performance evaluation and reporting. Apply management accounting and financial techniques to real-world business scenarios, gaining insight into their role in budgeting, control and strategic decisions. Examine the benefits and limitations of various financial models to develop a critical understanding of how financial information can shape management decisions.

Compulsory

Human Resource Development and Management – 30 credits

Develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours in managing human resources emphasising the importance of Human Resource Development (HRD) and Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within organisations. Explore the key responsibilities of line managers in HRM and examine fundamental HRM functions, including recruitment, selection, talent management and performance management. Through practical application and analysis, classify the knowledge and skills needed to support effective people management in the workplace.

Compulsory

Sustainable Business Growth – 30 credits

Gain sustainability management knowledge and skills to assess the balance between commercial and economic growth, environmental stewardship and social inclusion. Explore how organisations evaluate and integrate sustainable practices into decision-making, global value chains and supply chains to create lasting impact. Analyse methods used to implement sustainability, compare current practices, and present informed business decisions which aim to drive long-term success in dynamic global markets.

Compulsory

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

Modules

UK Work Placement - 0 credits

This module 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 outcomes².

Optional

International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits

This module 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 outcomes².

Optional

Modules

Applied Business Project – 30 credits

Apply discipline-specific knowledge gained from previous studies to a structured project that tackles real-world business challenges. Through applied or business-focused research, you will develop a professional report that demonstrates analytical depth and practical insight. This module aims to enhance your critical thinking, strategic decision-making and professional communication skills and help you prepare for your career.

Compulsory

Business Strategies in a Global Context – 30 credits

Entrepreneurship and Innovation – 30 credits

Gain the knowledge and skills to engage with innovation and entrepreneurship practice across diverse contexts. Assess key factors such as individual traits, organisational dynamics and market forces shaping entrepreneurial and innovation-driven decisions. Explore how an ethical entrepreneurial mindset and behaviour create social, economic, and environmental value for a sustainable business. Through market research and data analysis, validate entrepreneurial solutions and articulate evidence-based suggestions to stakeholders.

Compulsory

Leadership and Corporate Ethics – 30 credits

This module aims to prepare you for strategic leadership and transformational roles within organisations. It emphasises the importance of ethical decision-making, which is crucial for today's leaders as corporate and individual responsibility takes centre stage in the public eye. You will explore the principles of ethical decision-making and how it applies to real-world scenarios. The module will cover the impact of ethical leadership on organisational culture, stakeholder trust, and long-term sustainability.

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 exploring different organisational and cultural settings and examine the relationship between management and 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 explore 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, evaluate key, contemporary techniques and understand how they are applied 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. This 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

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.

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.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional 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

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

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.

We designed the teaching and learning for this course to give you a strong academic knowledge of key theories and concepts to help you understand and appreciate current and relevant research in this subject area. You also have the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts to current practice through real-life scenarios, case studies and a variety of class activities. The course will also give you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your essential analytical skills and respond to employer-related problems by making a set of clearly evaluated recommendations.

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 include:

case studies
presentations
management reports
portfolios
pitches
videos.

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

Check your eligibility

Take a few quick steps to see if you can apply now.

Apply now

Typical entry requirements:

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	£9,790 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 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 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 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 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

To secure funding for a degree with a foundation year, you must complete the full four-year programme. If you do not finish the entire course, including the integrated foundation year, you may have to pay the foundation year fees yourself. 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 degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

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 foundation years are taught at CU London’s Greenwich campus, which is located in the contemporary Mitre Passage building on the Greenwich Peninsula. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University London in the heart of the city.

Our CU London Greenwich site provides an outstanding learning environment and you will have access to our Library and Learning Services, fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites⁴. You'll also receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

If you choose to study at CU London (Greenwich) for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU London (Greenwich) at Mitre Passage, North Greenwich. Subject to meeting requirements you will then transition to Coventry University London for your progression degree.

People sitting in an outdoor cafe area in Greenwich.

Greenwich Peninsula

Close to city-wide transport routes, CU London Greenwich is a contemporary campus on the vibrant and bustling riverside Greenwich Peninsula. You'll be within walking distance of The O2 which is home to a shopping centre, cinema and over 30 bars and restaurants. The area also hosts a thriving festival, arts and entertainment scene.

The 6 Mitre Passage building photographed against a blue sky.

CU London Greenwich campus

The CUL Greenwich campus is based in 6 Mitre Passage – a modern 11 storey building just a three-minute walk from North Greenwich tube station and the Jubilee line. You'll have access to our Library and Learning Services with study areas and laptops, classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities, fully equipped open-access IT suites and breakout spaces.

A smiling student graduating from CUL Greenwich at a graduation ceremony.

Student support

Our aim is to see you succeed, so we offer support from day one. You'll benefit from a Customer Service Desk with staff on hand to help with any queries you have, an academic writing service, and a dedicated wellbeing team with a Welfare and Disability Adviser and Student Counsellor. You also have the opportunity to access a Success Coach for one-to-one guidance.

Our Global Business Management BA (Hons) students have access to a wide range of facilities⁴ to help you prepare for a successful career in business leadership and management roles.

Take a virtual tour of our campus to explore all of the facilities available to you.

Enterprise Hub

Our Enterprise Hub supports student entrepreneurs by providing extensive industry knowledge and guidance to help develop ideas into viable ventures. It is a dedicated space for enterprising students and professionals to solve problems, network professionally and collaborate on projects.

recruitment session two ladies and one man

Careers services

For employability advice, our careers services are your go-to. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops. Careers services also organise networking events to enable you to meet potential employers and industry contacts.

Gain a global perspective

There are opportunities to visit, study or work in the UK or overseas². You could get the chance to visit advertising agencies, financial institutions, manufacturers and small businesses. Past students have visited Paris, Berlin, Helsinki, Rotterdam and Dubai.

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

On successful completion of this course you will:

be able to understand and apply core business functions and processes in the global context.
develop knowledge, skills and experience necessary to manage people, physical and financial resources.
evaluate and provide data in order to make informed business management decisions and manage complex strategic and management issues of global and local businesses.
be equipped with investigative and analytical skills in order to examine impact of risk on global companies.
develop international management competencies required to operate in multicultural environment and diverse community.
be able to appraise, critically analyse and apply contemporary theories to real-world scenarios.
be able to analyse specific global business situations to identify areas of good practice and use creative solutions.

This course provides the flexibility to help you build a career in one or more of a wide range of business functions and to work confidently internationally. It will help you to develop into a career-ready, globally aware graduate with management, communication, numerical and information technology skills, and will also help develop the entrepreneurial skills you need to start your own business or run an innovative project within a large organisation.

Where our graduates work

Our previous graduates have gone on to work at:

Shell
RASCO
Think Mahogany, a creative-forward thinking communications agency
Monzo – an online bank

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

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Global Business Management BA (Hons) course, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level. You can do that right here at Coventry University London, with our Global Business MBA. You could continue to build on what you have learnt, further preparing you to build the managerial aptitudes needed to run operations and manage destinations sustainably.

We also offer alternative postgraduate degrees if you decide to take a slightly different route. You can explore all of your options, including other locations within the Coventry University Group. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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 students should apply for this course through UCAS.

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU London (Greenwich) for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU London (Greenwich) at Mitre Passage, North Greenwich. Subject to meeting progression requirements you will then transition to Coventry University London for your progression degree.

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 membershipsons

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 2026/2027 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.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Global Business Management BA (Hons) with foundation year

Course features

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

Course code

Start date

Available through Clearing

Call now

Eligibility checker

Course overview

Foundation year

Degree

Global ready

Teaching excellence

Employability

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Degree

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and Independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Check your eligibility

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Degree

Foundation year funding

*Irish student fees

**This degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

Facilities

Greenwich Peninsula

CU London Greenwich campus

Student support

Enterprise Hub

Careers services

Gain a global perspective

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Further study

How to apply

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