BSc (Hons) Business Management with foundation year University of Bolton

Course Overview

Business management qualifications are vital for pursuing a career in business or advancing your current role. The University of Bolton’s BSc (Hons) in Business Management with a foundation year provides a solid foundation in contemporary business management subjects, with the flexibility to specialize in your final year.

The foundation year serves as the first of this four-year program, offering essential insights into business fundamentals along with the development of study skills to prepare you for degree-level learning.

A key focus of this dynamic program is enhancing your employability. Through real-life case studies, guest speakers, and industry visits, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the business environment and employer expectations across local, national, and international contexts. We will help you cultivate essential skills such as communication, data analysis, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Additionally, we aim to empower you to take ownership of your professional development, fostering lifelong learning skills that maximize your potential for success.

You can graduate with a general BSc (Hons) in Business Management with a foundation year or choose to transfer to one of our specialized pathways: Information Systems, Enterprise, Finance, Supply Chain Management, People Management, Marketing, or Retail. Graduates from all pathways will also earn the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, with some options offering exemptions from further professional qualifications, such as those from ACCA and CIM.

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.
Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic lecturers provide face-to-face sessions and one-on-one support, ensuring you receive the help and guidance you need.
Upon successful completion of this dual award course, you’ll earn both an academic degree and a professionally recognized management qualification—the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management—without the need for additional exams or coursework, as we integrate degree modules with CMI assessments.
You will explore key concepts in areas such as people management, company law, marketing, strategic management, information systems, big data, project management, finance, innovation, and enterprise. The final year offers a variety of specialist modules, allowing you to tailor your degree to your personal or professional interests.
The University provides excellent 24/7 library and IT facilities, WiFi, and well-equipped learning spaces.

Key Features

You will study in the vibrant Institute of Management environment in Bolton town centre.
Small group and tutorial teaching ensure you receive personalized support from our teaching staff.
We regularly host guest speakers from senior industry positions, offering valuable insights and advice.
Course materials are accessible online, enabling you to prepare at home and maximize the benefits of interactive in-class sessions.
We incorporate contemporary research into our curriculum, ensuring a strong academic foundation for your business management studies.
Our dedicated team will assist you in developing critical thinking and research skills, applied during your final year dissertation.
By choosing to study with us, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Bolton’s many shops, bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Nearby Manchester is one of the UK’s most multicultural and vibrant cities, while the Northwest of England boasts stunning countryside, coastline, and rich heritage.

Entry Requirements

To apply for this course, you will need 48 UCAS points. We accept a wide range of qualifications that contribute to UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs, and T-levels. For details on how to achieve these points, please refer to our guide to the UCAS Tariff. Additionally, we can consider non-tariffable qualifications for most courses.

Any subjects at Level 3 are acceptable.

You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above, or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.

We welcome applications from individuals with non-traditional qualifications and relevant experience, or a suitable portfolio of work that we believe is a reasonable substitute for the typical qualifications required for this course.

An interview and/or submission of a portfolio may be required as part of the application process.

Career Opportunities

Our dual award BSc (Hons) in Business Management with a foundation year is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of business functions in the commercial world. You’ll also have the flexibility to transfer to specialized pathways in specific areas of business if desired.

This course paves the way for careers in general management and various specialist sectors. With modules covering business accounting, finance, enterprise, human resource management, company law, information systems, marketing, retail, and supply chain management, you can tailor your education to align with your career aspirations. The dual qualification you earn upon completion is intended to significantly enhance your employability in your chosen management field.

In addition to building academic and sector-specific knowledge, the program focuses on developing essential employability skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. Overall, the course aims to equip you with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving work environment.

What Can I Do With This Qualification?

Graduates with specialized knowledge and a broad understanding of business operations have a competitive edge in the job market. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be well-prepared for a wide range of roles in public, private, and voluntary sectors. Potential career paths include:

Retail Management
Human Resources
Marketing
Customer Service Management
Advertising
Merchandising
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Accountancy
Law

You may also opt for further studies in areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, data analysis, or international business management to deepen your expertise. Pursuing an MBA is another option available to you.

Alternative Career Options

Your qualification can also serve as a stepping stone into various other careers, though some of these may require relevant experience or additional postgraduate study. Potential alternatives 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 following modules may consist of both compulsory and optional components. Please be aware that not all modules listed may be available for study in this course.