Undergraduate Course
Business Management BA (Hons)
Learn the vital aspects of business management and gain practical experience with leading businesses.
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We are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of creative, innovative and responsible business leaders who will challenge the business landscape and move organisational thinking forwards. You might be thinking of setting up your own business, working in a large corporation, the public sector or non-profit organisations. This course will give you an understanding of how businesses operate and how skilled managers can contribute to their success.
- Available in Clearing
Please note accreditations may be subject to change, and are dependent on fulfilling the awarding bodies criteria.
York campus
- UCAS code – N202 (NN21 with placement year)
- Duration – 3 years full time, 4 years full time with placement
- Start date – September 2025, September 2026
- School – York Business School
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2025 entry £9,535 per year full time
International 2025 entry £12,100 per year full time
Discover Business Management
Study Business Management
Dr Brendan Paddison, Associate Professor and Associate Dean at York Business School, introduces us to Business Management courses at York St John University.
Student Story (Grace)
Grace, a second year Business Management student, tells us all about her experience working as an intern with Aesthetica Film Magazine, and presenting her research in parliament as a Student Researcher.
Course overview
As the global business environment continues to become competitive and challenging, businesses need to be aware of the opportunities and risks facing them. They need to develop sustainable business models that serve their customers and have a positive impact on society. On this course you will discover how organisations are managed.
Management is about people, and we will help you to develop your own skills as a team player, a group member and as a manager of others. Your Business Management degree will allow you to specialise in management and gain an insight into how managers work to meet organisational objectives. Alongside this knowledge you will also develop the skills you will need to be effective as a future business leader in the dynamic digital age.
Fundamental to our ethos is working closely with business communities in the private, public and third sectors. Working with local, national and international companies helps build professional relationships and networking opportunities for our students.
Our business engagement strategy is designed to provide events, learning interventions and consultancy, knowledge transfer, and applied research.
Throughout the course there are opportunities to engage with practising managers, organisations, employers and entrepreneurs and take part in work related experiences and internships.
As a Business School we are passionate about social responsibility and sustainability. These values and this commitment will be embedded throughout this course. We are a Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatory for the United Nations. Our mission is to develop your potential so that you can make a difference in society.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.
In your first year, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
There is an ongoing debate regarding what characterises a ‘responsible business’, covering everything from the requirement to maximise shareholder value, to considering everyone who is impacted by the business, and everything in between. In response to this ongoing debate, this module questions and unpicks how businesses balance the need for economic viability with a commitment to behaving responsibly. You will engage with theoretical and practical perspectives on issues such as:
- The provision of environmentally safe, ethical and equal working conditions
- Sustainable procurement
- The role of philanthropy
This module will challenge you to apply your learning to complex debates around contemporary business and societal issues.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will develop your knowledge, awareness and understanding of one of the most challenging areas of focus facing organisations today - the role, relations and relevance of people in the workplace. You will explore the links between management science, organisational psychology and organisational sociology, to learn about key concepts and issues associated with behaviour in organisations. Organisational behaviour is interdisciplinary in its approach, and we will apply different theoretical perspectives to understand how the themes and tensions within organisational behaviour relate to managers and workers, as well as society and culture more widely.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Explore the exciting and increasingly complex work of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. You will gain an understanding of how a business interacts with its environment. On this module you will investigate modern discussions about entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. You will investigate theories relating to the business environment. From these, you will develop your ability to analyse and address different managerial issues.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
All businesses rely on a range of resources to operate effectively and deliver value to their customers. Effective resource management involves the strategic deployment of an organisation’s assets to achieve competitive advantage. Understanding how businesses manage their physical and financial resources is essential for decision-making and long-term success. On this module you will explore key aspects of the supply chain, including purchasing and procurement, operations and manufacturing, distribution and logistics, and sales. You will also develop your financial literacy by learning to read and analyse essential business documents such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and annual reports.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
From generative AI and predictive analytics, to autonomous systems and intelligent decision-making, AI is reshaping business operations, consumer experiences, and workforce dynamics. Understanding these developments is essential for future business leaders navigating an increasingly AI-driven world. On this module you will learn about AI models, their applications, and their implications for business management, as well as exploring AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and innovation. As well as developing your technical understanding, we will also confront ethical considerations, including bias in AI, intellectual property concerns, and transparency challenges.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will investigate the methods and strategies organisations employ to identify and meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders. We will introduce you to fundamental marketing and sales concepts, including an in-depth exploration of the marketing mix, with particular emphasis on the 4Ps: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. By examining each component, you will learn to develop cohesive marketing strategies that are tailored to specific target markets. You will also learn about the sales funnel, customer relationship management (CRM) techniques, and the importance of sales forecasting and analytics in driving business growth.
Year 2
In your second year you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary management and leadership principles. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical application, you will critically examine the distinctions between management and leadership, along with their respective impacts on organisational performance. You will also explore the role of adaptability and resilience in in the context of an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will build your understanding of the financial environment. You will learn to work with key statements in published financial accounts, as well as how to analyse and interpret the information presented there. By the end o the module you will be able to evaluate information presented in published financial statements, demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of budgets and performance reports in planning and control, and select and use appropriate techniques for both short-term and long-term decision making.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will draw together knowledge from other business areas, including organisational studies, strategy, marketing, human resources management, and finance management. You will learn how to identify and apply cultural issues in the highly complex international business environment. You will explore how to define culture and review its various classifications in the world of business, assessing its role in business theories. We will investigate a variety of conceptual and practical issues relating to culture at different levels of analysis, including national, industry, corporate, and individual.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Understanding research and conducting it is a life skill, as well as being valuable to the functioning of organisations. This module will give you the foundational skills to evaluate, design and conduct research. You will learn to:
- Formulate and scrutinise research questions
- Design and propose research methodology
- Collect qualitative and quantitative data
- Analyse data, reach conclusions using it, and report it
These skills will be transferable in all fields of business, including finance, marketing, economics, tourism and events. You will also learn IT skills for survey design and statistical data analysis. For this module’s assessments you will learn to create video presentations, to work conduct and report research collaboratively, and to propose an original piece of research.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
In today’s data-driven business landscape, the ability to analyse, interpret, and communicate insights effectively is a critical skill. Organisations rely on Business Intelligence (BI) tools and data visualisation techniques to transform raw data into meaningful narratives that drive decision-making. This module will give you the practical skills d to harness the power of BI, using tools such as Power BI to create dynamic, interactive dashboards and reports. By integrating visualisation principles with data storytelling techniques, you will learn how to present complex data in a clear and compelling way.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will provide you with hands-on, business problem-solving experience, by working on live briefs. In most cases this would include visiting the organisation, communicating your progress with clients, conducting primary or secondary research, and making recommendations in form of report and presentation. This module goes beyond theory, equipping you with authentic workplace skills and a deeper understanding of your own strengths and abilities. All of our projects are designed to develops your skills, while also helping local organisations find solutions to real problems that matters to them.
Year 3
In your third year you will study:
- A compulsory Research Investigation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 1 compulsory module and 1 optional module in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Optional Placement Year
As with all of our Business courses, you have the option to go on a placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree. If you choose not to do a full year, you can do a shorter placement module in Year 2. You can also choose to study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop a substantial piece of specialist work, with the support of a designated research investigation tutor. This could be in the form of either:
- A traditional Dissertation
- A Business Creation Feasibility Project
You will develop research objectives, formulate appropriate methodologies, and apply problem solving and analytical skills in a business context of your choice. You will also need to collect, analyse, interpret, and evaluate the data generated by your research. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to showcase your research at the York Business School Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
The requirement for effective strategic management is increasing due to the highly complex environments in which most private and public sector organisations currently exist. The study of organisational strategy includes theory and practice from a broad range of business sectors. You will investigate concepts introduced in earlier modules and you will develop your critical understanding of these topics and their relationships.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Organisations must balance long-term operational efficiency with the successful execution of short-term, goal-oriented projects. This module integrates these two perspectives, equipping you with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of project and operations management. You will critically engage with best practices established by professional bodies such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), exploring key topics including project methodologies, stakeholder management, governance, and risk management. Through case studies and applied learning, will you will learn to manage complex business processes and deliver strategic project outcomes.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will give you a critical understanding of business ethics and corporate social responsibility. This will help you to apply these concepts to major stakeholders in different corporations. You will study different concepts and principles so you can explore issues associated with the ethical challenges facing organisations today.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Globalisation has been a defining feature of how the planet has been re-shaped in economic, technological, social and cultural terms throughout the twentieth century, but it is increasingly being questioned. Issues such as uneven development, inequality, climate change, national-populism, and insecure employment have all challenged dominant thought on globalisation. On this module you will explore how globalisation is being revisited and rethought, engaging with arguments related to social justice in a contested global environment. We consider a broad range of perspectives, not just the traditional voices from the Euro-West that have typically been used to interpret the global environment. The module is informed by the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRiME).
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will gain a detailed knowledge of marketing theory and operations at an international level. An understanding of international marketing is particularly important when considering contemporary management issues, such as cultural diversity and strategic decision making. You will develop your understanding of the international context of marketing and particular issues that affect marketing decision making and planning at this level. We will introduce you to the complexities of international marketing practice by analysing product development, branding and market entry strategies in different international contexts.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
All of your modules will be delivered using a variety of different teaching sessions. This includes:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Guest speakers
- Workshops
- Events
Each module has 3.5 hours of contact time a week. This consists of a 1.5 hour lecture and a 2 hour seminar. 1 to 1 time can be booked through our tutorial booker system.
You will also have regular individual tutorial sessions with your academic tutors to support your learning. You will also have opportunities to gain work experience through modules which take your learning beyond the classroom and into the city.
Assessment
We use a wide variety of assessment types, which help you to develop skills relevant to the workplace. This includes:
- Written assignments
- Individual and group presentations
- Exams
- Practical activities
You will receive feedback on your work throughout each module. This will help you to improve your work for your graded assessments. We will advise you on developing your skills, useful areas for research and how to extend your business knowledge further.
Professional skills
We encourage you to extend your learning through Continuing Professional Development as you study, and are committed to providing you with Work Related Experiential Learning (WREL) throughout your degree. Our Success Lab provides extra events, short courses and opportunities to help you make the most of your degree. The academic and professional skills you develop through this will help to boost your employability when you graduate.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Business Management
This course will give you the knowledge you need to succeed in a range of business roles. The skills you develop in analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making are also transferrable to a variety of other career paths.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Business analyst
- Business development manager
- Corporate investment banker
- Project manager
- Human resources officer
- Marketing executive.
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate courses at York St John University
Alumni stories
Visit our YSJ Snapshots blog to see what our past students from across the University have done with their York St John degrees.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice.
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
This course is available with foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Advanced entry
Considering transferring to join us in year 2 or 3 of our Business Courses? Please see our Advanced Entry page for information on the courses available and how to apply.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for a degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK).
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be increased in line with inflation, prior to the start of each academic year, and subject to the fee cap set by the UK government. Such increases to fees will be at the Retail Price Index (RPI) forecast rate, as advised by the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Office for Students. The only exception to this would be where government legislation deems otherwise.
If a rise in the tuition fee becomes necessary, we will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible and we will explain the reason(s) for the increase. Any tuition fee increase will only be applied from the start of the next academic year and will not be applied 'in year'.
UK 2025 entry
The tuition fee for 2025 entry onto this course is £9,535 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2025 entry £9,535 per year full time
International 2025 entry £12,100 per year full time
International 2025 entry
The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this course is £12,100 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa pages.
Find out more about funding your degree.
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include a DBS check, purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad page.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Engagement with business
We challenge you to apply your knowledge by working with our industry partners. These include MINI, Hiscox, Make It York, Arup, Autohorn, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and many more global businesses.
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Consultancy Clinic
Experience what it is like to work as a consultant for local, regional and national organisations. Solve organisational challenges and provide sustainable and innovative solutions for business growth.
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Social responsibility
York Business School is a proud signatory of PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education). This is a United Nations initiative seeking to inspire and champion responsible management globally.
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Grace Business Management
My internship in Business Operations and Marketing at Aesthetica Magazine provided me with invaluable experience that directly enhanced my Business Management degree. Working with a respected arts and culture publication gave me practical exposure to project management, resource allocation, and content marketing strategies within a creative industry context. I'm developing crucial skills in digital marketing, brand management, and audience segmentation, while gaining insights into the unique business model of independent publishing. This experience allows me to observe how theoretical business concepts are applied in a real setting where creative and commercial considerations must be balanced. The professional connections I'm building span both business and creative sectors, creating a diverse network that will benefit my future career.
Charlotte Business Management
I have really enjoyed my course so far, the teaching staff at the university are dedicated to ensuring student success and always willing to help when asked. Overall the course allows for a lot of collaborative and presentation based projects and assignments which allows us to develop team working skills that are essential following graduation. Alongside this I have been able to complete individual report and essay based assignments which have allowed me to strengthen my research and written communication skills. In my first year I particularly enjoyed the Practising Responsible Business Behaviours module which provided us the opportunity to work with Enterprise Mobility - the company who I am completing my placement year with.
Tim Business Management
A lot of the universities I went to were quite intimidating and it was due to the size, I felt like I would get lost in the sea of people, but I loved York St John University because I felt like I would actually be a name rather than just a face. I came to an Open Day and the atmosphere and the friendly campus environment was great.
Jay Business Management
The Business Management Degree offers a wealth of up to date and current academia that sets up prospective career professionals with a robust understanding of the current business landscape across Marketing, HR, General Management and Finance. What I found equally as interesting and rewarding, though, was the lecturers professional experience and insights that they could share with the cohort on their own professional experiences which offered a relatable context to the theories that were being discussed.
Molly Business Management BA (Hons)
My experience at York St John has enabled me to grow personally, providing me with a variety of opportunities and a skill-set that is so vital for the working world. One aspect of my time at YSJ that is very memorable is securing a placement through the fantastic placement team and other staff within the YBS department. It makes you appreciate how knowledge learnt within specific modules is so applicable to the every-day world of work. Not only this, but it allows you to set up your career early, and network, which led me to securing my Graduate Role for September 2025 with the firm that I completed my placement with. All lecturers/tutors are great at making time for additional support outside of the teaching hours, which has had a positive impact on my performance at YSJ.
More to explore
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Join us in 2025
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Open Days
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