BSc (Hons) Business Management (including work placement year) (3-year degree)
Our BSc Business Management placement degree will equip graduates with analytical and decision-making skills relevant to wider business context.
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Course overview
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Jan 2025 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting for Business | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Economics for Business | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Information-based Decision Making | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Marketing Fundamentals | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Personal Effectiveness & Communication Skills | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Understanding Business and Management with Embedded Academic Skills | Core | 30.00 | 4 |
| Accounting for Decision-Making | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Behaviour in Organisations | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Cross-cultural Management | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Globalisation and International Business | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Marketing Management | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Sustainable Operations | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Work Placement | Core | 30.00 | 5 |
| Business Simulation | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Corporate Strategy and Strategic Management | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Managing People and Change | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Project | Core | 30.00 | 6 |
| Research Skills for Business | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Business Success through Service Excellence | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Consumer Behaviour | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Behaviour | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Digital Economy and Digital Business | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Psychology of Work | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
Sep 2025 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting for Business | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Contemporary Issues in Business and Management | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Economics for Business | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Information-based Decision Making | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Marketing Fundamentals | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Personal Effectiveness & Communication Skills | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Understanding Business and Management with Embedded Academic Skills | Core | 30.00 | 4 |
| Accounting for Decision-Making | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Behaviour in Organisations | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Cross-cultural Management | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| External Placement (Business & Management) | Core | 30.00 | 5 |
| Globalisation and International Business | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Marketing Management | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Sustainable Operations | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Business Simulation | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Business/Marketing Project | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Corporate Strategy and Strategic Management | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Managing People and Change | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Research Skills for Business | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Business Success through Service Excellence | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Consumer Behaviour | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Behaviour | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Digital Economy and Digital Business | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Psychology of Work | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
Jan 2026 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting for Business | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Economics for Business | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Information-based Decision Making | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Marketing Fundamentals | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Personal Effectiveness & Communication Skills | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Understanding Business and Management with Embedded Academic Skills | Core | 30.00 | 4 |
| Accounting for Decision-Making | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Behaviour in Organisations | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Cross-cultural Management | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Globalisation and International Business | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Marketing Management | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Sustainable Operations | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Work Placement | Core | 30.00 | 5 |
| Business Simulation | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Corporate Strategy and Strategic Management | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Managing People and Change | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Project | Core | 30.00 | 6 |
| Research Skills for Business | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Business Success through Service Excellence | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Consumer Behaviour | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Behaviour | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Digital Economy and Digital Business | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Psychology of Work | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
Note: This programme is only available to UK students. We do not currently offer this course to international students.
Why study this course?
The BSc in Business Management degree including work placement provides you with a full year working in a business so you can see what it is like “from the inside”. You will be able to see the practical impact of what you learn in your first year of studying business management.
And when you return for the final part of your degree, you will be able to connect what you did in your year’s placement to the new topics you will be learning. As such, this business management course equips you with the essential skills relevant to a career in businesses of all kinds, as well as providing a useful addition to your CV with the work placement.
The early part of your study is focused on understanding the way business and organisations work and they fit in with society. You will cover topics including artificial intelligence, sustainability, globalisation, business ethics and big data analytics. The programme provides a blend of theoretical and practical study, never losing sight of what employers want and your own career plans.
This is an exciting time to study business and its role in the global environment. The business management course is designed to develop skills in solving current business problems. Practical and real-life projects and up-to-date case studies are used throughout the business management degree to ensure you get to understand business as it is now.
By the time you graduate, you will be equipped with professional skills, attitudes and behaviours linked to successful business careers and you will have expanded your understanding of the core functions relevant to the businesses of tomorrow. You will appreciate how organisations market themselves and their products/services, deliver them through networks, lead and manage their employees and stakeholders, while at the same time being socially and financially responsible and sustainable.
You will broaden your understanding of contemporary issues in business (the sorts of things that you will see and hear in the news) and be encouraged to take a critical, enterprising, and innovative view of business activity within a global community.
Skills and experience gained
By the end of the business management course with work placement, you will have a deeper understanding of the current business world and how you can influence its future. In particular, the work placement year will have given you insights into the business world from a practical sense. Furthermore, Buckingham’s multi-cultural environment will also enhance your ability to work in cross-cultural situations.
You will also develop the skills and qualities necessary to work individually, in groups and in teams. We embed employability skills throughout your course. This helps you get the job you want, as shown by the very high employability rates of our Business School students. As a Buckingham graduate, you will be confident, skilled, knowledgeable, and ready for the next stage of your life.
Typical placements
On the business management degree our students have been placed in a variety of different organisations. These have included government departments, marketing agencies, technology firms, the care sector, and local small and medium sized businesses. We work closely with our Careers Department to ensure students are placed in appropriate organisations that match their career aspirations.
Entry Requirements
Typical offers
The typical A-level offer is normally BBB-BCC, IB:30-32, BTEC: DDM from relevant National Diploma or equivalent UCAS Tariff points,
Applications to Buckingham are individually considered by the Admissions Tutor and other factors may be taken in to account. Applicants with BTEC qualifications are welcome to apply, including if you have a mix of BTEC and A levels.
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in a slightly lower A-level grade offer.
Foundation options are also available. Please contact the Admissions Office (admissions@buckingham.ac.uk or +44 (0)1280 820227) for more information.
Applicants must also have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent).
Flexible entry
All of our undergraduate programmes operate a flexible entry process, and the Admissions Tutor is happy to consider entrants from all backgrounds with slightly lower qualifications if they are able to demonstrate alternative eligibility for the course. This may be in the form of relevant work experience, keen aptitude and a passion for the subject, or unlocked potential that you feel can be discovered through your studies at Buckingham. If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact the Admissions Team.
UCAS applications
You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form.
Mature students
Because of our two-year degree, we find that the age range of our student body varies between those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or contact us using the form here.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching & Assessment
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.
Teaching methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is by assessed coursework; there are no exams for this programme, though there will be occasional in-class tests which will be invigilated. Please check module information for more details.
Assessment during the work placement year is based around a reflective / learning log (4 x 1,500 words) compiled during the placement as well as a presentation about your placement. You will have regular reviews with your placement tutor.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.
Assessment during the work placement year is based around a reflective / learning log (4 x 1,500 words) compiled during the placement with a final presentation summarising learning and experience. You will have regular reviews with your placement tutor.
Preparation for work
All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.
After Your Course
Graduate employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.
What our students and alumni say
“I believe attaining both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in 3 years, has put me ahead of my peers in the graduate job search. This is a testament to the quality of teaching and support at the university, which has driven me to challenge myself and complete my academic journey.”
Tom Penhearow, Business Management, 2022
Fees & Scholarships
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
Jan 2025 Full-time (3 Years) | UK | £27,750 |
Sep 2025 Full-time (3 Years) | UK | £27,750 |
Jan 2026 Full-time (3 Years) | UK | £27,750 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Scholarships
Details of our scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page.
Discounts
Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:
- 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
- 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.
How To Apply
We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.
Apply directly
Apply online via our course pages:
- Most flexible option
- Apply until shortly before the course starts
- No application fees
- You can apply to us as an extra option alongside your UCAS choices
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of the course page.
Apply via UCAS
You can easily make Buckingham one of your UCAS choices:
- You can apply to up to 5 choices
- The application and decision deadlines are set by UCAS
- There is an application fee to UCAS
Our UCAS code is B90.
If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.