TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BA (Hons)

Business

Expand your understanding of how organisations work, why innovation and enterprise matter, and build the communication and professional skills needed for a successful business career.

A fast, focused route to an Honours degree

Complete the programme in just one year, making it an efficient option to progress from business‑related foundation degrees or equivalent qualifications.

Career‑focused, industry‑relevant learning

A broad suite of business modules plus embedded CV‑building activities such as micro‑credentials, employer engagement, and real‑world problem‑based learning.

Expert teaching with personalised support

Learn from staff with substantial industry and academic experience, supported by tutors who provide exceptional academic guidance and pastoral care.
BA (Hons) Business

67 future students discovered this course in the last week

About Details Experience Careers Fees and funding Apply Register for open day

About

BA (Hons) Business is your launchpad into a fast moving world full of opportunity.
Whether you join for a one‑year top‑up or a two‑year programme with an optional industry placement, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and insight that employers value. With industry‑relevant modules, hands‑on learning, and a strong focus on real business decision‑making, this course empowers you to understand how organisations thrive in a competitive marketplace. 
It’s the ideal choice for ambitious students ready to accelerate their career and stand out in the business sector.
A group of people sharing ideas during meeting
 

This course is for you if...

you want to understand how modern businesses really work and explore the fast‑changing marketplace.
Two business people standing together holding briefcases
you're aiming to build a career‑ready business skillset.
Hand holding two cogs
you're looking for a fast route to an Honours degree.
Finger pressing button
you're excited about the prospect of turning ideas into reality.
Group of three people with lightbulb above head

Details

Year 1

Delve into modules covering a breadth of business specialisms from human resource management to managing change; enterprise, innovation and creativity to marketing strategy and business improvement.
Zero credit modules
  • PBS600CPD Continued Career and Professional Development (zero credit): This module is aimed at further enhancing student employability and builds upon the Level 5 module.
Man on laptop

Core modules

HRL6002
Contemporary HRM 20 credits

In this module, you will focus on exploring the management of human resources in modern organisations operating in complex environments.

100% Coursework

PBS600CPD
Continued Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students’ employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge, with the purpose of filling gaps in their CV’s and enhancing their employability.

STO6004
Enterprise, Innovation and Creativity 20 credits

The module will enable you to use creative processes to develop an innovative and viable business concept and to pitch for resources from potential stakeholders.

60% Coursework

40% Practicals

STO6009
The Strategy Challenge: Competitive Advantage and Value

This module’s primary purpose is to equip you with essential analytical tools and critical thinking skills to navigate complex business environments. This course focuses on analysing organisations and their environments, formulating, implementing, and evaluating strategies that drive value and competitive advantage. Through studying real-life organisation issues, such as aligning resources with market opportunities and adapting to dynamic conditions, innovative strategies will be examined, giving insight into real-world strategic challenges and organisational success. It also teaches, and assesses, personal skills such as time management, that the students will need in their later lives as managers.

STO6011
Business Improvement

This module brings a problem-focused view to business improvement techniques and concepts which are key to developing competitive advantage, both in goods and service based industries. Particular consideration is given to operations strategy, key aspects of operations and business improvement such as process and layout design, capacity and demand management, agility, lean, performance measurement and quality management.

MKT6013
Marketing Strategy: Analysis and Decision Making

Step into the boardroom as a marketing strategist. This module revolves around a single, in-depth case study of a real company at a strategic crossroads, challenging you to look beyond short-term tactics and develop a sustainable vision. You’ll dissect complex challenges, analyse the market, and evaluate how theory applies to practice, justifying long-term strategic choices in response to contemporary marketing issues.

Optional modules

ACF6012
FinTech and the Future of Money

This module introduces you to key FinTech innovations, including AI, digital payments, lending, robo-advisors, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies. It enables students to critically analyse how these developments are reshaping financial services and regulation. Using financial platforms and analytical tools, students apply technical analysis and evaluate case studies to assess the opportunities, risks, and future strategic directions of FinTech.

HRL6009
Leadership Practice 20 credits

In this module, you will explore the role of leadership within organisations, including both the practical and theoretical aspects of leadership, and how such concepts can change over time. You will reflect on your own ability to act as a leader and your role in teamwork-based scenarios.

60% Coursework

40% Practicals

 
 
 
 
 
 

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

Thriving industry connections

From consultancy colleagues commissioning live briefs, to networking at conferences, you will develop relationships with industry to help provide you with the connections and opportunities you need to begin your career.

Alice Harper, Founder of Harper's Health showcasing her Tempiii snack range.
Put learning into practice
With a vibrant mix of innovative, globally-leading businesses, our relationship with the city defines what we do and contributes to your graduate outcomes.
Accounting and Finance event
Industry mentors
Mentors from business will guide you, guest speakers from industry will inspire you, and entrepreneur experts will help you start your business.
Royal William Yard aerial
Working together in Britain’s Ocean City
With a vibrant mix of innovative, globally-leading businesses, our relationship with the city defines what we do and contributes to your graduate outcomes.
 
 
 

A home to cultivate business leaders

Our Fitzroy Building is the home of the Plymouth Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces. Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube - support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Fitzroy Building from the outside
 
 
 

Meet your expert teaching staff

We’re Team Plymouth. As one of our team, we’re here to help you succeed. Our expert lecturers and your own personal tutor will be with you every step of the way.
Dr Charles Thornton Lecturer in Service Operations Management and Business Strategy (Education)


Lecturer in Service Operations Management and Business Strategy (Education)

Programme Lead
Dr Rania Naguib Lecturer in Economics


Lecturer in Economics

Dr Rumbi Mukonoweshuro Lecturer in Finance


Lecturer in Finance

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

 
 
Business Growth

The power of a business degree

Undertaking a business degree will develop your understanding of business organisations and the markets and frameworks they operate within. You will acquire knowledge concerning customers, operations, communication, policy and strategy and how all of these are connected.
With the skills, knowledge and commercial awareness acquired through a business degree programme, careers in accountancy, project management, consultancy, banking, analytics and many more are open to you.
You may wish to explore other pathways that will make use of a more specific knowledge and skills set that you have developed. Maybe you have a passion to support, motivate and encourage people in the workplace, and so a human resources role might suit you. The public and charity sectors will take on business graduates to harness their commercial awareness and business acumen for public/charitable benefit. Or, maybe your outgoing personality will help you soar as a sales executive.

Inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs

From an idea to a fully-fledged business, the Cube offers advice, funding and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. The Cube can develop your creative skills and business acumen to maximise your future career.
“On my placement I ran my own business and got support from the Cube. They helped my business model and refine my skills.”
Samuel Jaffe
Workshop at The Cube

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,955
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,465
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,955
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,465
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

You must have completed a foundation degree or equivalent with a business or management emphasis, equivalent to 120 credits of study at Levels 4 and 5. It is expected that such qualifications will include a significant focus on: marketing, organisational behaviour/people management, accounting/finance, and business environment.
Please contact the Admissions Team with any queries.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
UCAS course code
N104
Institution code
P60
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
    Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent

    • Need support with your application?

    • Personal statement guidance
    • student visa support
    • travel and arrival information
    • and more.
     
    UCAS course code
    N104
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    1 year

    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
    Book your place
    Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends