Business and Management

The BA (Hons) Business and Management programme at the University of Central Lancashire offers students a comprehensive understanding of the core principles that underpin successful business operations in a dynamic global environment. This course is designed to equip future entrepreneurs, managers, and business leaders with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to navigate the complexities of contemporary business landscapes. Throughout the programme, students explore a wide range of topics including marketing, finance, human resources, strategic planning, and entrepreneurship, allowing for a well-rounded education that prepares them for various roles within the business sector.

The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial skills. Students have the opportunity to engage with real-world business challenges through case studies, group projects, and work placements, fostering experiential learning and industry engagement. The programme emphasizes the development of key transferable skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and digital literacy, all of which are highly valued by employers across diverse sectors.

Designed with input from industry professionals and academic experts, the course content is regularly updated to reflect current market trends, technological advancements, and global economic shifts. This ensures graduates are well-prepared to adapt to the ever-changing business environment and meet the demands of employers worldwide. The University of Central Lancashire also offers dedicated support services, including career guidance and networking opportunities, to help students achieve their professional aspirations.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Business and Management programme will be equipped to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as management consultancy, marketing, finance, operations, and entrepreneurship. Alternatively, they may choose to continue their studies through postgraduate programmes or professional qualifications. The programme’s flexible structure allows for specialization in areas of interest, enabling students to tailor their learning experience to fit their career ambitions. With a blend of academic rigor and practical experience, the programme aims to prepare students not only to enter the workforce but to excel as innovative and responsible business leaders in a competitive global economy.

A 3 year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits and each 20 credit (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study, which comprises of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study. Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time will be detailed within your module descriptors, and will depend on your option choices.

You will benefit from a variety of teaching and learning methods including: lectures, seminars, practical workshops, group activities, personal research and case studies. Personal study and independent research also form an integral part of the course. Some modules are part web-based with links to organisations such as professional bodies. You will also have the option to develop your skills in a variety of areas such as IT, web searching, social media, advanced excel and specialist Microsoft packages.

Assessment includes essays; reports; oral presentations; group assessments; investigating companies and tackling briefs from industry. In your final year you will have the opportunity to undertake an independent dissertation or company project. Exams account for no more than 50 per cent of the final mark (with exception of the accounting modules).

You will, on average, attend between 12 and 14 hours of formal study per week. In further years attendance will vary depending on which options are chosen but typically between 10-12 hours per week. During the optional placement you follow the normal work pattern of your chosen company.

Year 1 and 2

Core modules:

• Management and Organizational Behaviour
• Business and Management Project Essentials
• Introduction to Business Functions
• The Business Environment

Core modules:

• Global Environment of Business
• Work, Organisation and Change
• Career Planning
• Project and Operations Management
• Research Methods

Plus one of the following option modules:

• Principles of Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Finance
• Business Economics

Year 3 

Core modules:

• Management Strategy
• Contemporary Issues in Business
• Dissertation or Management Report
• Management Analysis Project or Professional Development

Plus two of the following option modules:

• E-Marketing
• Management Consultancy Skills
• Learning and Development
• Evaluating HRM
• Coaching and Mentoring
• International Management
• International Finance

UCLan requires all undergraduate applicants to have a minimum attainment of five GCSEs at grade C and above, or equivalent, (including Maths and English). In 2017 and beyond we will view the new Grade 4 as being equivalent to a C grade and will therefore require students to achieve GCSE Grade 4 or above. However, if the subject is relevant to our degree programme and requires a higher GCSE grade (e.g. GCSE B grade), and/or includes a Professional body that governs the entry requirements, Grade 5 or above may be required.

Our typical offer is 104-112 UCAS Points.  We operate a flexible admissions policy and treat everyone as an individual. This means that we will take into consideration your educational achievements and predicted grades (where applicable) together with your application as a whole, including work experience and personal statement. General Studies accepted.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit 
BTEC Diploma: Distinction*, Distinction
Pass Access Course: with 106-112 UCAS Points  
International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 104-112 UCAS points from Higher Level Subjects
IELTS: 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5
GCSE: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths & English or equivalent

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Central Lancashire offers various financial options to support students pursuing Business and Management degree programmes. Tuition fees for undergraduate courses at UCLan typically range depending on the mode of study and student residency status. For UK students, the annual tuition fee for full-time undergraduate Business and Management programmes is approximately £9,250. For international students, fees may vary but generally start from around £13,000 per year. In addition to tuition, students should consider living costs, which include accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. The university provides guidance on estimated living expenses, which amount to approximately £9,000 to £11,000 per year for students living in Preston.

Financial support is available through several channels. The UK government offers student loans for eligible UK students, covering tuition fees and providing maintenance loans to help with living expenses. These loans are repayable after graduation based on income level. For international students, scholarships and bursaries may be available, although these are more limited. The university itself offers various funding opportunities, including merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of education. Additionally, UCLan provides support through bursaries for specific groups, such as mature students or those with financial hardship.

Part-time work opportunities are encouraged, and the university’s location offers access to numerous part-time jobs in the local area. Some students also consider external funding options, such as private scholarships or sponsorships from companies in the business sector. International students might also explore additional funding options through their home country or international scholarship programs. On-campus employment options are available, subject to visa restrictions for international students. Overall, financing a Business and Management degree at UCLan involves a combination of tuition fee funding, living cost management, and exploring various scholarships, bursaries, and work opportunities to ensure students can finance their education effectively.

We are renowned for developing graduates who are highly employable and have strong entrepreneurial skills. This course offers a 48-week work placement opportunity where you will have the chance to work in a real business and gain vital work experience that will assist you in gaining employment when you graduate. In addition, you will have further opportunities for real-world work experience through short internships, volunteering and much more. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad and take some of your modules at our Cyprus campus. We offer a unique travel bursary fund where you can apply for funding to pay for your international study experience. Because of the equal focus on business and management our graduates are highly employable in a wide range of business areas throughout industry, commerce, the public sector and other non-profit making organisations.

We have a strong business network between local and national businesses which you will benefit from, for example, there is an opportunity to attend guest speaker events, which are organised in conjunction with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Chartered Institute of Marketing (CiM). The companies we work with offer internships, placements, live projects and mentors to provide you with excellent practical experience. The School also offers a number of electives and options that provide students with an opportunity to gain an additional professional body qualification.