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Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part-time study – 6 years
Full-time study – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements
Ask a question

BA (Honours) Business Management

Course code: Q91

Are you interested in how businesses develop strategies, manage risk and make decisions? This degree provides you with the skills and knowledge essential for success in business. You’ll explore how organisations operate, how they’re managed, and how they interact in the broader environment. Along the way, you’ll build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, applying them to real-world situations. You’ll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities businesses face. You can choose to focus on general business management or specialise in accounting, economics, leadership practice, innovation and enterprise or marketing.

  • Gain a solid understanding of business organisations and their key functions
  • Tailor your studies to your career goals with specialist routes
  • Apply business theory to real-world business scenarios and your own experiences
  • Earn your degree from a triple-accredited business school (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS)
  • Develop versatile skills applicable across various roles and sectors.
Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part-time study – 6 years
Full-time study – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll study a 60-credit introductory business and management module. Thereafter, for your remaining 300 credits, you can continue with a broad study of business or choose one from a range of specialist routes.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module. See Entry requirements for more details.

In this stage, you’ll have a broad and engaging introduction to the fundamentals of business and management in its global context and choose between a broad study of business management or following a specialist route through your degree.

Introductory business management module

Introductory business management module
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)60

Broad study of business management; Economics; Innovation and enterprise; Leadership practice; and Marketing routes

Broad study of business management; Economics; Innovation and enterprise; Leadership practice; and Marketing routes
ModulesCredits
You'll complete Stage 1 with 60 credits from:
Business data analytics and decision making (B126)30
Communication skills for business and management (LB170)30
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)60
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30
Economics in context (DD126)30
Fundamentals of accounting (B124)30
Introducing statistics (M140)30
Making your learning count (YXM130)30
Marketing essentials (B128)30
You and your money (DB125)30

Accounting route

Accounting route
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
Fundamentals of accounting (B124)30
You鈥檒l also choose one from:
You and your money (DB125)30
Business data analytics and decision making (B126)30

You&/courses/business-management/degrees/ba-business-management-q91/39;ll continue with your chosen specialist route or with a broad study of business management. 

Broad study of business management

Broad study of business management
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
You'll start Stage 2 with:
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
You鈥檒l also choose 60 credits from:
Developing leadership (B208)60
Business law (B251)30
Economics in practice (DD226)30
Entrepreneurship and innovation (B209) – planned for October 202560
Financial accounting in context (B293)30
Financial analysis and decision making (B294)30
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)60
Understanding customers (B206)60
You must have successfully completed Fundamentals in accounting (B124) prior to studying B293. 
Stage 3 (120 credits)
You'll start Stage 3 with:
Strategic management (B302)60
You'll complete your degree with 60 credits chosen from:
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)30
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320) – planned for October 202560
Leadership in a changing world (B329)30
Management accounting and international finance (B391)30
Marketing in action (B328)30

Accounting

Accounting
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Financial accounting in context (B293)30
Financial analysis and decision making (B294)30
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
Management accounting and international finance (B391)30
You鈥檒l choose one from:
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)30
Leadership in a changing world (B329)30
Marketing in action (B328)30

Economics

Economics
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320) – planned for October 202560

Innovation and enterprise

Innovation and enterprise
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Entrepreneurship and innovation (B209) – planned for October 202560
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)30
You鈥檒l choose one from:
Leadership in a changing world (B329)30
Marketing in action (B328)30

Leadership practice

Leadership practice
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Developing leadership (B208)60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
You鈥檒l complete your degree with 60 credits chosen from:
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)30
Leadership in a changing world (B329)30
Management accounting and international finance (B391)30
Marketing in action (B328)30
We recommend that you choose Leadership in a changing world (B329) for this route.

Marketing

Marketing
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Understanding customers (B206)60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
Marketing in action (B328)30
You鈥檒l choose one from:
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)30
Leadership in a changing world (B329)30
Management accounting and international finance (B391)30

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our or . This description was last updated on 31 October 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Business Management uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

  • Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
  • Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
  • Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
  • Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
  • Finding external/third-party material online
  • Specialist software
  • Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
  • Online tutorials
  • Group-work
  • Practical work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BA (Honours) Business Management.

If you choose specialist route, your degree title will show that:

  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Accounting)
  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Economics)
  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Innovation and Enterprise)
  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Leadership Practice)
  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Marketing)

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualification to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of 快猫视频, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our  website. 

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

With the exception of the Accounting route, there is the option to study a mathematics module at Stage 1. Whether that module is right for you will depend on your experience and confidence with mathematics. Visit our website for information and to try some diagnostic quizzes.

How much time do I need?

  • Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
  • This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

  • feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
  • support from a dedicated team throughout your study
  • detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Business and law Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with 快猫视频 as you&/courses/business-management/degrees/ba-business-management-q91/39;ll use printed and online materials to cover a wide range of topics in law and business.

View full details of Business and law Access module

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

  • A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
  • Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won&/courses/business-management/degrees/ba-business-management-q91/39;t have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
  • Most of our students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.
  • Our typical fee for 60 credits is 拢3,636*.
  • This means, at current prices, the typical total cost of your qualification would be 拢21,816*.
  • This qualification also includes one or more option modules with a lower-than-typical cost. If you choose to study one of these modules, the total cost of your qualification will be lower.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University&/courses/business-management/degrees/ba-business-management-q91/39;s .

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.


How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

  • a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
  • course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
  • module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
  • details of each assignment and their due dates
  • a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
  • online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our .

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Joe, talks about balancing working at the NHS and studying with the OU and how he has the best of both worlds.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

  • mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
  • guide you to learning resources
  • support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

  • Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

  • You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
  • They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
  • Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

  • The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

  • Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
  • You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
  • Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
  • If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.

Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

  • our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
  • other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
  • the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
  • free Microsoft Office 365 software
  • IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Skills for career development

This degree will help you develop a wide range of skills valued by employers, including the ability to:

  • understand key business functions such as marketing, human resources, information management, accounting and finance, and operations in their wider organisational and social context
  • construct reasoned arguments and challenge assumptions
  • analyse and critically evaluate information
  • understand the nature of leadership skills and behaviours within organisations
  • communicate clearly and effectively
  • use ICT to research, identify and present information
  • manage your time and take responsibility for your personal development.

Career relevance

The skills and knowledge gained from this degree can open doors to various career paths. Business management graduates are well-equipped for roles in:

  • middle and senior management across sectors
  • advertising and marketing
  • accountancy
  • human resources
  • banking, including investment banking
  • sales and retail
  • management consultancy
  • business journalism
  • transport and logistics.

Accreditation

快猫视频 Business School is proud to be one of the few institutions worldwide that hold triple-accreditation from the  the , and . These internationally recognised accreditations independently validate and ensure the quality of the School’s teaching, research and operations. The School has maintained this status since 2004 through regular reviews, and this qualification is included in these rigorous standards.

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Other careers

Business graduates are highly valued by employers for their commercial awareness. As globalisation and advances in technology, communications, financial services continue to create new business opportunities, this awareness can lead to careers in areas such as management consultancy or business journalism.

Many graduate roles, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector are open to graduates from any discipline, offering a wide range of career possibilities.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are , including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about .

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

  • business development officer
  • recruitment consultant
  • e-marketing executive
  • publicity officer
  • risk analyst
  • advertising account manager
  • management consultant
  • business journalist
  • accountant
  • human resources manager
  • sales and retail manager
  • business analyst
  • area manager
  • logistics manager
  • marketing manager.

Register for this course

Start dates
: apply by 05/12/2024

Request your Business and Management prospectus

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