BSc (Hons) Business Management (top-up) University of Bolton

Course Overview

Business management qualifications are essential for launching a career in business or advancing your current role. We are here to help you build on your foundation degree or HND-level knowledge and skills, preparing you to graduate as a BSc (Hons) Business Management (top-up) student. This course offers the opportunity to delve into advanced topics in business and management, enhancing your professional skills and boosting your employability.

Our expert team will guide you as you expand your understanding of strategic management and develop critical inquiry and research skills that elevate your work quality. Our flexible honours-level programme allows you to tailor your studies to focus on areas of interest that align with your career aspirations or further education goals. You can choose from a diverse range of modules across our specialisms in Enterprise, Finance, Supply Chain Management, People Management, Marketing, and Retail. Graduates will also receive the CMI Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management, with some modules offering exemptions from further professional qualifications from institutes like ACCA and CIM.

Employability is a key focus of this dynamic programme. Through real-life case studies, guest speakers, and industry visits, you’ll gain insight into the business environment and the needs of employers in various contexts. We aim to equip you with in-demand skills such as communication, data analysis, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Additionally, we foster lifelong learning skills, empowering you to take charge of your professional development and maximize your future success.

Starting in September 2024, you’ll also have the option to select modules from our Information Systems pathway.

Highlights

Our Business, Management, and Marketing courses are ranked second in the UK and top in the North West of England for course and teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2022.
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 also ranks our courses second in the UK and top in the North West for student experience.
The Institute of Management Greater Manchester, along with the wider University, offers a welcoming environment with small class sizes, modern teaching facilities, and excellent student support and library services.
Upon successful completion of this dual award course, you will earn both an academic degree and a professionally recognized management qualification – the CMI Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management. You won’t need to take extra exams or coursework; we integrate the degree module and CMI assessments to streamline your path to both qualifications.
You’ll receive a tailored induction program to help you transition smoothly into honours-level study.
Our experienced lecturers, who have worked across various sectors from multinational corporations to SMEs, provide face-to-face sessions and personalized support.
The University offers outstanding 24/7 library and IT facilities, WiFi, and well-equipped learning spaces.

Key Features

Study in our vibrant Institute of Management in Bolton town center.
Benefit from small group and tutorial teaching for personalized support from our faculty.
Engage with guest speakers who hold senior industry positions, gaining insights from their expertise.
Access online course materials to prepare for classes and make the most of interactive in-class learning.
We incorporate contemporary research findings into our teaching, ensuring a solid academic foundation for your studies.
Our dedicated team will assist you in developing critical thinking and research skills, which you can apply during your final year dissertation or work-based project (if applicable).
Enjoy Bolton’s diverse shops, bars, restaurants, and leisure options, and explore nearby Manchester, one of the UK’s most vibrant and multicultural cities. The Northwest of England is also known for its stunning countryside, coastline, and rich heritage.

Entry Requirements

To apply, you typically need a relevant Level HE5 qualification, such as a foundation degree or HND—examples include FdA/FdSc or HND in Business Management. Alternatively, a relevant professional qualification at an equivalent level may also be accepted.

You may be asked to attend an interview and/or submit a portfolio of work as part of the application process.

Career Opportunities

Our dual award BSc (Hons) Business Management (top-up) course is designed to deepen your understanding of business functions at an honours level, while also allowing you to explore specific areas of interest.

This course provides a pathway into general management as well as specialized fields. With modules in business accounting, finance, enterprise, human resource management, company law, marketing, retail, and supply chain management, you can customize your education to align with your career aspirations. The dual qualification you earn upon successful completion will significantly enhance your employability in your chosen management area.

Beyond developing academic and industry-specific knowledge, the programme emphasizes the cultivation of essential employability skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. Overall, the course aims to equip you with the skills necessary to thrive and adapt in a dynamic work environment.

Completing your honours-level studies will be instrumental in achieving your career objectives.

What can I do with this qualification?

Graduates with specialist knowledge underpinned by a broader understanding of how businesses and managers operate have a competitive advantage when entering employment or self-employment. As a graduate of this course, you’ll be well-equipped to enter a wide range of business and management roles in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Some typical employment opportunities could include retail management, human resources, marketing, customer service management, advertising, merchandising, logistics and supply chain management, accountancy and law.

You may also choose to undertake further study in subjects such as marketing, finance, human resources, data analysis, and international business management to develop your expertise in a particular area of business. Studying for an MBA is also another option.

Alternative career options

Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping stone into a range of other careers, bearing in mind that some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Some possibilities include:

Hotel and leisure management
Public relations
Financial management
Information systems
Market research analysis
Product management
Health policy and information
Purchasing
Teaching and education
Media (TV, film, online, newspaper, magazine)
Self-employment
Banking
Auditing and quality assurance
Project management
Risk and insurance

Modules

The modules listed below include a mix of compulsory and optional courses. Please note that you may not have the opportunity to study all the modules as part of the program.