BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year
Course Overview
The BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year is designed for students requiring an accessible entry point into higher education. Delivered by School of Coding & AI in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, the foundation year builds your academic and professional confidence before transitioning into an advanced exploration of business principles. This program is perfect for aspiring business leaders, equipping you with essential skills for a successful career in management and beyond. This course is ideal for:
- Mature students: Those who have been out of formal education for a while may benefit from this programme to refresh their skills and ease back into academic life.
- Students seeking academic confidence: If you feel you need to strengthen your understanding of core business principles before taking on a full degree, the foundation year is a great opportunity to build that confidence.
- Industry-Relevant Learning: Our curriculum is designed to incorporate real-world examples and projects that prepare you for the demands of the modern business world.
| Qualification Title | BA (Hons) in Business Management with Foundation Year |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Awarding body | University of Wolverhampton |
| Mode of Study | Full-Time |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry Requirements |
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| Intakes | January and September |
| Campus | Birmingham |
Course Structure & Modules
Year 1
- Module: 3GK023
- Credits: 30
- Period: 1
- Type: Core
This module is designed to introduce you to digital exploration and sustainability. Along the way, you will develop digitally focused academic and professional skills which will equip you to be efficient, inquisitive and enquiring in your studies. As well as digital technologies and applications relevant to your subject, you will explore tools and platforms available to support your broader academic studies. Awareness of digital ethics and safety, particularly in relation to emerging and evolving tools such as generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), will also be explored, used and experimented with. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be the subject of your learning and assessment journey, and throughout the module you will apply your digital skills to discover what the SDGs are, their aspirations for global challenges and inequalities, and their impact on you, your society and future professional aspirations.
- Module: 3BU009
- Credits: 30
- Period: 1
- Type: Core
This module focuses on the role and responsibilities of people working for themselves, or in organisations, situated within real world business contexts. This module will provide you with an introduction to leadership and management concepts, where you will explore the dynamic external and internal factors that influence organisational success. Alongside these core concepts, you will define and explore definitions of, and essential management functions that contribute to effective leadership. A significant focus is placed on developing your academic and digital skills through the practical application of knowledge to real world business leadership and management case studies. You will learn to research, structure, and construct a case analysis using appropriate digital tools. Finally, a critical component of the module involves self-reflection encouraging you to assess your strengths, identify areas for development, and align these insights with potential roles and career in business and management.
- Module: 3GK022
- Credits: 30
- Period: 1
- Type: Core
This module will introduce you to the university environment and you will explore strategies for successful university-level study. You will be encouraged to explore your course and how it will support your future career aspirations. Throughout the module, you will establish your own personal development plan (PDP), identifying your personal strengths and areas for development, and setting targets to promote your academic and personal development and develop the resilience needed to achieve your goals. The second part of the module will introduce you to the wide variety of academic skills needed to succeed at university and enable you to develop and apply these skills. This will include: 1. how to write in an academic style, 2. how to structure essays and reports, 3. reading for academic purposes, 4. referencing skills. By the end of the module, you will have a clear understanding of the craft of academic writing and the standard of written work expected at university.
- Module: 3BU008
- Credits: 30
- Period: 1
- Type: Core
This module provides you with an introduction to the wider environment in which contemporary businesses operate. You will examine current debates concerning the purpose and management of modern organisations and develop an understanding of how businesses function. The module explores key internal and external aspects of organisational activity, including Operations Management, Marketing, Financial Information and Human Resource Management.
Year 2
- Module: 4BU026
- Credits: 30
- Period: 2
- Type: Core
In today’s global economy, businesses are expected to do more than just make a profit—they must act responsibly and contribute to a sustainable future. This module introduces you to the principles and practices of responsible and sustainable business. You’ll explore how organisations respond to environmental, social, financial, and ethical challenges, and how they integrate sustainability into their strategies, operations, and culture. Through real-world case studies and interactive activities, you’ll examine topics such as ethical leadership, sustainable supply chain management, stakeholder engagement, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You will also have opportunities to work on practical projects that challenge you to think critically about how businesses can balance purpose and profit. Whether you’re passionate about climate action, social justice, or ethical entrepreneurship, this module will help you develop the knowledge and skills to become a responsible business leader in the future.
- Module: 4BU027
- Credits: 30
- Period: 2
- Type: Core
This module introduces you to the foundations of enterprise and entrepreneurship, exploring what it means for individuals to think entrepreneurially and for businesses to act in an enterprising way. You will examine key theories and perspectives on creativity, innovation and enterprise, developing an understanding of how these ideas shape opportunities and drive success. You will be encouraged to question where ideas come from, how they are generated and the role of different people in turning ideas into reality. Through interactive activities and discussions, you will explore practical tools and approaches that help identify, develop and implement new ideas. By the end of the module, you will not only have gained knowledge of the essentials of enterprise and entrepreneurship but also gain confidence in applying them to your own studies, career ambitions and wider experiences. This will provide you with a solid foundation for further learning in entrepreneurship, innovation and business management at higher levels of study. The module uses globally relevant examples and activities so that students from a range of cultural and professional backgrounds can see the value and applicability of entrepreneurial thinking in their own contexts.
- Module: 4BU028
- Credits: 30
- Period: 2
- Type: Core
This module introduces you to the fast-moving world of digital business and how technology is transforming the way organisations operate, compete, and grow. You will explore key concepts such as digital transformation, innovation, and business models, and learn how digital capabilities like cloud computing, AI, and blockchain are reshaping industries. During the module you will gain insight into how businesses use digital tools to create value, improve customer experiences, and stay ahead of competitors. You will examine enterprise systems, information management, and understand how big data and business intelligence drive smarter decision-making. Legal, ethical, and regulatory issues will also be covered, helping you think critically about the risks and responsibilities of operating in a digital environment. This module blends theory with practical examples, giving you a strong foundation in digital business transformation, strategy and systems thinking. Whether you’re aiming for a career in business, marketing, technology, or entrepreneurship, you will leave with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital landscape and contribute to innovation in any organisation.
- Module: 4BU025
- Credits: 30
- Period: 2
- Type: Core
This extended induction module supports your transition into university life and introduces you to the requirements of academic skills. It helps you build confidence, develop a strong academic identity, and understand the expectations of university study. You’ll explore key academic practices including independent learning, digital literacy, and ethical academic conduct—such as referencing, plagiarism awareness, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in line with university policy. You will also be introduced to some of the tools and databases relevant for your studies. The module is structured around seven themes identified by students as essential to their university experience: Ready to Study: Clear guidance on expectations, transitions, and workload planning. Academic Skills and Educational Gain: Development of foundational academic skills including time management, critical thinking, and digital fluency. Career Readiness and Professional Identity: Early exploration of career pathways, CV building, and professional behaviours. Personal Development and Belonging: Activities that foster confidence, inclusion, and identity within the university community. Social Engagement and Community Building: Opportunities to connect with peers, staff, and wider university life. Feedback and Reflective Practice: Structured opportunities to receive, apply, and reflect on feedback to support growth. Wellbeing and Student Support: Embedded access to holistic support services and strategies for success. This module lays the foundation for future development, including the Level 5 Professional Development module/embedded placement experiences.
Year 3
- Module: 5BU026
- Credits: 30
- Period: 3
- Type: Core
This module explores the customer journey from first contact to long-term loyalty, helping you build knowledge into how businesses attract, win and retain customers. You will examine the marketing strategies and tactics that organisations use to acquire new customers and the approaches that keep existing ones engaged and loyal. You will be encouraged to think critically about the customer acquisition paradox, exploring why companies often invest more in chasing new customers despite research showing it can cost up to seven times more than retaining existing ones. Through interactive workshops, case studies and discussions, you will explore real-world examples of how businesses build meaningful customer relationships, use data-driven insights to improve retention and design effective campaigns that convert prospects into advocates. By the end of the module, you will not only have developed practical skills in planning and executing customer acquisition and retention strategies but also have gained deeper knowledge of how these contribute to sustainable business success. This will provide you with a valuable foundation for roles in marketing, sales and customer relationship management. To support the diverse student community, the module draws on globally relevant case studies and examples from international markets, enabling you to see how customer acquisition and retention strategies operate across different cultural, economic and digital contexts. Whether you are aiming to work in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa or other global regions, the scenarios explored in class will help you connect the concepts to your own ambitions, professional background and future career pathway. This international perspective is designed to help you see yourself in the narrative of the module and consider how customer-focused strategies are applied in a wide range of industries and countries.
- Module: 5FC005
- Credits: 30
- Period: 3
- Type: Core
The aim of this module is to introduce a range of financial and accounting concepts that will help business students improve their understanding and decision-making skills. You will develop an awareness of how finance operates within organisations and how financial information is used to support business planning and control. The module covers understanding and interpreting financial statements, exploring entrepreneurial and corporate finance, and recognising how budgets contribute to managing and evaluating performance. Learning activities use business-based scenarios to help you interpret financial information and consider appropriate financial decisions. This module is designed to build your confidence and credibility in understanding financial information and to strengthen your ability to engage with financial aspects of management within a range of organisational contexts.
- Module: 5BU025
- Credits: 30
- Period: 3
- Type: Core
This module develops your understanding of how organisations design, manage, and improve operations and supply chains, while also introducing core principles of project management. You will learn key operational concepts such as process efficiency, capacity planning, lean management, and sourcing strategies. You will apply project planning tools, including Gantt charts, stakeholder analyses, critical path analysis, and risk registers, to plan and evaluate real or simulated projects. Through practical group activities, you will build teamwork, negotiation, and communication skills essential for managing performance and coordinating across functions. The module also encourages you to reflect on the professional behaviours required in project and operations environments, including accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. By the end of the module, you will be able to analyse operational challenges, propose improvements, and plan and manage projects that balance stakeholder expectations, sustainability considerations, and organisational goals.
- Module: 5BU024
- Credits: 30
- Period: 3
- Type: Core
This module builds on the foundational skills and reflective practices introduced in the Level 4 ‘Succeeding at University’ module, supporting students to deepen their professional identity and career readiness. It is designed to support students in developing the knowledge, skills, and reflective practices essential for continuous professional growth in a dynamic and evolving workplace. Through a mix of practical experience and professional development sessions, this module will enable students to explore essential themes such as personal effectiveness, leadership, communication, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. Drawing directly from work experience and/or professional setting, students will reflect on their real-world experiences to deepen their understanding of what it means to grow and succeed in their chosen field. Students may draw on case studies or sector examples to connect theory to practice. Students will engage in self-assessment, goal setting, and action planning to identify their strengths and areas for development. The module emphasizes reflective practice as a tool for professional learning and encourages learners to critically evaluate their experiences and performance in real-world contexts. Specialist areas of business such as strategy, HR, marketing, finance, operations management, ethics and sustainability will be examined in relation to potential career pathways, so that students can begin to align personal skills and behaviours with industry requirements. CPD planning (continuing professional development) will support students in taking ownership of their learning, helping to enhance professional practice and take meaningful steps towards employability.
Year 4
- Module: 6BU033
- Credits: 30
- Period: 4
- Type: Core
This module gives you the skills to turn data into powerful business insights. You’ll explore how organisations use analytics and intelligence to make smarter decisions, improve performance, and stay competitive. Starting with the basics of information systems and business analytics, you’ll build up to advanced techniques like predictive modelling, artificial intelligence, and decision support. You will learn how data is collected, integrated, and stored through data warehousing, and how to evaluate Business Intelligence platforms and architectures. We will also consider the ethical and legal issues around data use, and how to manage analytics systems responsibly. By the end of the module, you will be able to design analytics strategies, apply descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive techniques, and understand the future of analytics in business. You’ll use real-world examples and case studies to connect theory with practice, preparing you for roles in data-driven decision-making. Whether you’re aiming for a career in business management, marketing, business intelligence, business analytics, or strategic planning, this module equips you with the tools to lead with insight.
- Module: 6BU031
- Credits: 30
- Period: 4
- Type: Core
This module explores how events and actions in the macro-environment impact on organisations, and the strategies used by leaders to respond or manage associated change. You will explore contemporary debates around new ways of working and communicating, including how to manage dispersed teams and collaborations across different contexts. We will also consider how organisations design learning and development strategies to meet evolving needs, and how leaders can create workplaces that are inclusive, psychologically safe, and sustainable. As an extension of your previous study, you will also engage with emerging topics in leadership and management, recognising how organisations adapt to shifting requirements and how this can impact on approaches to transition and change. By connecting theory with practice, you will gain insight into the challenges leaders face in today’s complex environments and develop confidence in applying strategies to real-world situations.
- Module: 6BU032
- Credits: 30
- Period: 4
- Type: Core
Why do businesses need to grow and how is this achieved? This module will explore how organisations develop and implement strategies to pursue growth in a globalised and increasingly complex world. Blending concepts from strategic management and international business, you will evaluate an organisation’s internal capabilities and its interaction with the external environment. You will assess the relevance of current strategies and identify strategic priorities to support future growth. Throughout the module, you will engage with a diverse range of organisations and apply key analytical tools to real-world scenarios. You will also develop the ability to interpret financial and economic data to make informed strategic decisions. On completion, you will be equipped to think critically about strategy in international contexts and contribute to effective decision-making in dynamic business environments.
- Module: 6BU034
- Credits: 30
- Period: 4
- Type: Core
This ultimate module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent study that blends learning from previous subjects. It is designed to showcase individual strengths and apply advanced knowledge to a practical business context. Students will create a professional business project that demonstrates their ability to address real-world challenges or opportunities. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, research planning, data analysis and professional communication skills. By completing this module, students will demonstrate autonomy, innovation and the ability to integrate theory with practice – key attributes for advancing in professional and managerial roles.
Fees Structure
| Location | Mode | Foundation Year Fee | Sep intake Fee | Jan intake Fee | May intake Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Full-time | £5760 | £9535 per year | £9535 per year | £9535 per year | 2025-26 |
| Home | Full-time | £5760 | £9790 per year | £9790 per year | £9790 per year | 2026-27 |
Programme Lead for Business Management
Nethan is an educator, entrepreneur, and business education specialist with extensive experience across higher education and enterprise development. He has worked with both public and private universities to enhance programme quality, improve student outcomes, and develop innovative curricula in management, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Beginning his academic career at the University College Birmingham, Nethan progressed from Graduate Teaching Assistant to one of the institution’s youngest Senior Lecturers. He later founded The Enterprise Hive, an entrepreneurial support initiative that helped more than 75 graduate entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures, contributing an estimated £750,000 to the local economy and leading to the creation of a collaborative co-working space in partnership with University of Warwick.
An experienced international educator and consultant, Nethan has taught in France and Hong Kong and advised institutions in China on embedding entrepreneurship and innovation within their curricula. Alongside his academic work, he has founded and supported several business ventures, bringing real-world entrepreneurial experience into the classroom.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year at School of Coding & AI, you should meet the following criteria:
- UCAS Points Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points, making this program accessible for students with non-traditional qualifications.
- Core GCSEs: GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or equivalent are required to ensure foundational skills in communication and numeracy.
- Additional Qualifications: Professional or vocational qualifications, combined with relevant work experience, may also be considered as part of your application.
Benefits
At School of Coding & AI, we believe in providing more than just academic theory – our foundation course is designed to offer a well-rounded educational experience that prepares you for the real world. The SOC Higher Education advantage includes:
- Foundation Year Support: Ideal for students returning to education or those with varied academic backgrounds, this year provides tailored support to build confidence.
- Practical Focus: The curriculum integrates real-world business scenarios, preparing you for hands-on challenges in management, marketing, and finance.
- University Experience: Studying at School of Coding & AI with Wolverhampton University’s academic oversight ensures a professional and enriching educational experience.
Further Career
- Management Roles: Progress into managerial positions across industries, applying leadership skills gained during your studies.
- Marketing and Brand Development: Use your insights into digital and traditional marketing to drive business growth and engagement.
- Financial and Operations Management: Enter strategic roles in financial planning, business analysis, and operational oversight.
Start your business journey with the BA (Hons) in Business Management with Foundation Year at School of Coding & AI. Whether you’re a school leaver without the required qualifications or a mature student looking for a fresh start, this programme is the perfect stepping stone to a successful future in business.
FAQs
The Foundation Year in Business Management is a preparatory course designed for students who wish to pursue a BA in Business Management but may not meet traditional entry requirements or need to build academic confidence. It’s ideal for recent school leavers and mature students looking to transition into higher education.
The entry requirements include either not having the A-levels or equivalent qualifications needed for direct entry or being a mature student seeking to refresh academic skills. Passion for business and a commitment to personal development are key factors.
Upon completing your BA degree, you can pursue various roles in business management, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, or even further studies such as an MBA. The foundation year provides the groundwork for these career opportunities.
The course focuses on building essential academic skills such as critical thinking, research, project management, and communication, ensuring you are fully prepared for the demands of degree-level studies.
Absolutely! The Foundation Year is an excellent option for mature students who have been out of formal education and want to ease back into academic life with a supportive learning environment.
Get in Touch
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0121 582 4468