Business management qualifications are vital for those looking to launch a career in the business sector or advance their current roles. The University of Bolton’s BSc (Hons) in Business Management with Foundation Year provides a comprehensive foundation in contemporary business management subjects, while allowing you to specialize in your final year.

The foundation year is the first of this four-year program, designed to equip you with essential business principles and study skills that prepare you for degree-level learning.

Focus on Employability

A core objective of this dynamic and flexible program is to enhance your employability. Through real-world case studies, guest speakers, and industry visits, you’ll gain insights into the business landscape and understand employer needs across local, national, and international contexts. You’ll also develop key skills such as communication, data analysis, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Lifelong Learning Skills

We emphasize the importance of lifelong learning, empowering you to take charge of your professional development and maximizing your potential for success.

Pathways and Qualifications

You can graduate with a general BSc (Hons) in Business Management with Foundation Year or choose to specialize in one of our pathways: Information Systems, Enterprise, Finance, Supply Chain Management, People Management, Marketing, or Retail. All pathways offer the added benefit of receiving the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, with some options providing exemptions from further professional qualifications, such as those from ACCA and CIM.

Highlights

Top Rankings: Our Business, Management, and Marketing courses are ranked second in the UK and top in the North West for course and teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2022.
Expert Faculty: Our dedicated lecturers, who bring a wealth of experience from various sectors, offer face-to-face sessions and personalized support.
Dual Qualification: Upon successful completion, you will earn both an academic degree and a professionally recognized management qualification (CMI Level 5 Diploma) without needing additional exams or coursework.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Key topics include people management, company law, marketing, strategic management, information systems and big data, project management, finance, and innovation. In your final year, you can select from a variety of specialist modules tailored to your interests.
Vibrant Learning Environment: Enjoy excellent 24/7 library and IT facilities, as well as well-equipped learning areas.

Key Features

Interactive Learning: Small group and tutorial teaching allow for enhanced support from our staff.
Industry Insights: Regular guest speakers from senior industry positions provide valuable knowledge and networking opportunities.
Flexible Study Options: Course materials are accessible online, enabling you to prepare for classes effectively.
Research-Driven: We incorporate contemporary research findings into our teaching, ensuring a solid academic foundation.
Supportive Environment: Our team will assist you in developing critical thinking and research skills, particularly as you undertake your final year dissertation.

Choosing to study with us means enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Bolton, with its shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Plus, you’re just a short distance from Manchester, one of the UK’s most dynamic and multicultural cities, set in the scenic Northwest known for its countryside and heritage.

Entry Requirements

UCAS Points: A minimum of 48 UCAS points. We accept a variety of qualifications, including A-levels, BTECs, and T-levels. For detailed information, please refer to our UCAS Tariff guide.
GCSEs: Five GCSEs at grade C or above (or grades 4 to 9), including English and Mathematics.
Non-Traditional Qualifications: We are open to considering relevant experience or a portfolio of work as substitutes for standard qualifications.
Interview: You may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a portfolio of work.

Embark on your journey toward a rewarding career in business management with us at the University of Bolton!

Career Opportunities

Our dual award BSc (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of business functions within the commercial world. You can also choose to specialize in specific business areas through our individual pathways.

The program prepares you for both general management and specialized roles. With modules that cover business accounting and 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 enhance your employability in your chosen field of management.

Key Employability Skills

In addition to academic and industry-specific knowledge, the program emphasizes the development of essential employability skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. This comprehensive approach ensures you gain the skills necessary to succeed and adapt in the evolving job market.

Career Pathways

As a graduate, you will have a competitive edge in the job market, equipped to pursue a variety of roles in the public, private, and voluntary sectors. Potential career opportunities include:

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

Further Study Options

You may also consider advancing your expertise through further study in areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, data analysis, or international business management. Pursuing an MBA is another option for those looking to deepen their knowledge.

Alternative Career Paths

Graduates can leverage this qualification to explore a range of other career options, keeping in mind that some positions may require additional experience or postgraduate study. Possible 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, Newspapers, Magazines)
Self-Employment
Banking
Auditing and Quality Assurance
Project Management
Risk and Insurance

With a solid foundation and versatile skill set, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate a diverse array of career paths in the business world.

Modules

The following modules may include a combination of compulsory and optional courses. Please note that you may not have the opportunity to study every module listed as part of the course.

Academic Language and Skills 1
Academic Language and Skills 2
Academic Language and Skills 5
Academic Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP)
Business in Practice
Further Academic Skills
World of Work
Applied Business Finance
Practical Digital Marketing
Professional and Academic Skills Development
Financial Decision Making in Business
Business Environment
Contemporary Issues in Marketing
Information Systems and Big Data Analysis
People and Performance
Business Management and Career Development
Leadership, Management, and Organisational Culture
Project Management
Enterprise, Innovation, and Creativity
Business Case Study Analysis
Business Project
Dissertation
Strategic Management
International Human Resource Management (HRM)
Learning and Development
Work and the Employment Relationship
E-Commerce and Contemporary Marketing Practices
Global Consumer Behaviour
Integrated Digital Marketing Strategy
Retail Management
Strategic Information Management
Supply Chain Management
Logistics and Operations Management
Corporate Governance
Company Law
Financial Reporting for Management
Professionals in Practice
Financial Accounting and the Regulatory Framework
Advanced Data Analytics
Information Security and Risk Management

This diverse range of modules ensures a well-rounded education in business management, equipping you with essential knowledge and skills for your future career.