Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) Business Management (2 year fast track)

UCAS tariff 112 - 128 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code N200
Institution code P60
Duration

2 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time

Study location Plymouth

Fast-track your way to a successful career with this two-year version of the BSc (Hons) Business Management course. Specially designed with concentrated periods of learning, you’ll gain the same skills and experience in managing people, projects and resources as on the three-year course. However, you’ll graduate with a full honours degree a whole year sooner. Our course will ensure you’ll get ahead of the game and make your mark on the business world.

This course is for you if...

  • you want to get stuck into real business tasks from day one
  • you appreciate building relationships that enable you to thrive
  • you enjoy the flexibility to follow your interests
  • you get a buzz from solving problems
A group of business people sit in a row in a training class. They look at an unseen speaker as they concentrate on his lecture.

Careers with this subject

Graduates follow careers in a wide range of sectors including investment and finance, technology, health, utilities, manufacturing, media, and in management roles including: human resources, marketing, operations, supply chain and procurement, and project management. 

Real experience every step of the way

As well as expert-led teaching, all undergraduate modules within Plymouth Business School have integrated CV building activity, for example, through micro-credentialing, problem-based learning, or embedded direct employer activity. 
We have ensured every module contains a real world problem-based exercise. We have reached out to employers directly to involve real business in our assessments. You will experience real world employee engagement every month. 
We know this is key to student academic and graduate success.

All organisations need managers 

Studying Business Management at Plymouth will stand you in good stead no matter what career path you follow. Our students graduate ready to face business challenges in all sorts of settings – from retail to finance and cross all public and private sectors.

Advice from graduate Christopher Cleves 

"Read around the subject you’re studying as widely as you can, watch the news and make as much use as you can of all the employability and skills development facilities at the University. What’s being reported in mainstream media can seem a little far away when you’re studying but coming to interview with a good knowledge of current affairs can help to bridge the gap between university and full-time work."

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

  • Complete your degree in two years, entering the graduate employment market one year earlier than your peers. Demonstrate your commitment and ability to work hard and consistently, and manage your time to meet deadlines by choosing to take the fast-track route to an honours degree. You will also benefit from lower fees and a year less in terms of outlay for accommodation and living expenses.
  • We recognise that our students are unique, coming from all over the world, with different backgrounds and interests. We believe that your degree should be as unique as you are, and that you should have the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests. Study the topics you are interested in and graduate with a specialist business management degree of your choice.
  • We appreciate that students learn in different ways. As such you will be challenged through both practical and theoretically derived assessments. You will apply knowledge to real business contexts and undertake tasks related to real world practice.
  • Join the Devon Junior Chamber, engage with industry employers and receive training and professional mentoring.
  • Study the topics you are interested in and graduate with a specialist business management degree of your choice. Engage with areas such as our Human Resource Management specialism, which is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 
  • The foundation year is open to those who don't yet meet the entry requirements.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Gain a solid understanding of management in a business and enterprise context. Look into the ethical and sustainability issues of business, work on live case studies and with businesses, in order to develop learning and apply theory to practice. In the summer (from early June to the middle of July), you begin to learn and acquire the knowledge and skills required of a practising manager, thereby enhancing your future employability. 

    Core modules

    ECN5009SU
    Economic and Financial Data for Business Decision Making 40 credits

    Excellent business performance can only be sustained if managers have access to high quality information. This module explores economic and financial data, common management decision making techniques (e.g., processes, models, analytical methods, and information support) and analytical frameworks in the context of their role in informing key business decisions (e.g., pricing, investment, cash flow, organisational finance, research and development etc).

    100% Coursework

    HRL4001
    Developing Management and Leadership Competencies 20 credits

    This module introduces you to the practices of the manager and leader, exploring the key attributes, roles, responsibilities and challenges facing them in 21st century organisations, and the attributes, skills and competencies required to be effective. The module focuses on leadership and management practice and encourages a self /individual developmental approach, enabling you to reflect on your current and future competencies.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    HRL5001SU
    Managing People, Productivity and Operations 40 credits

    Operations involves the production of goods and services through the coordination of human and other resources, where these resources are managed effectively levels of productivity that provide competitive advantage may be achieved. In this module you will explore how major themes of operations and human resource management interlink to influence organisational decision making and aspects of organisational and individual performance.

    100% Coursework

    MKT4003
    Marketing, Enterprise and the Digital Economy 20 credits

    As consumer behaviour and needs change, organisations need to become more creative and entrepreneurial in every aspect. This module will provide you with the foundation knowledge of consumer behaviour in the digital world; how businesses are adapting and developing effective entrepreneurial climates, cultures and structures for long-term sustainability. You will explore the role and impact of digital technologies and how the integration of online and traditional marketing techniques can be successful.

    100% Coursework

    PBS500CPD
    Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

    This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    HRL4003
    Business Culture and Behaviour 40 credits

    This module encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations, including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

    STO4002
    The Business Environment: A Global Perspective 40 credits

    This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

  • Year 2 or 3

  • Optional placement year

  • Gain valuable paid experience after your first or final year within a public or private sector organisation. You may even decide to set up your own business. 

    Core modules

    PBS6000
    Honours Project 0 credits

    The module gives you the opportunity to investigate in-depth a specialist academic or practice-based topic for which you have a passion for knowing more within your field of study.

    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.

    STO6003SU
    Strategy and Leadership 20 credits

    This module brings a problem-focused view to Strategy, Leadership and their interaction through Strategic Leadership. Particular consideration is given to strategic analysis, the development, evaluation and implementation of strategies and appropriate styles of leadership which facilitate this. The ethical and moral responsibilities of leaders will be critiqued, along with the development of relationships between organisational decision makers, leaders, and followers, within businesses.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    STO6004SU
    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

    Optional modules

    HRL5002
    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

    HRL5003
    Human Resource Management in a Global Context 20 credits

    This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.

    100% Coursework

    HRL5004
    Managing Change 20 credits

    This module considers the importance of change management and how it can be achieved and sustained. You will examine how change affects organisations and the individuals who work within them. You will go on to evaluate the means by which change can be analysed and implemented, considering the interactions between strategy, policy, human resources, and the organisational environment.

    100% Coursework

    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

    HRL6003
    Human Resource Management in a Global Context 20 credits

    This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.

    100% Coursework

    HRL6004
    Managing Change 20 credits

    This module considers the importance of change management and how it can be achieved and sustained. You will examine how change affects organisations and the individuals who work within them. You will go on to evaluate the means by which change can be analysed and implemented, considering the interactions between strategy, policy, human resources, and the organisational environment.

    100% Coursework

    MKT5003
    Marketing for a Digital World 20 credits

    In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will examine new approaches for segmentation, targeting and positioning to generate sales through a digital lens. This module further aims to provide a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.

    100% Coursework

    MKT5004
    Strategic Marketing Management 20 credits

    The module is designed to provide business students with an understanding of the essential elements of the marketing management process. It explores the way in which marketing strategies can be developed and implemented in business organisations, and the relationship between marketing, other functional areas of management and the external environment. It will address the potential impact of current issues on the marketing process.

    100% Coursework

    MKT6003
    Marketing for a Digital World 20 credits

    In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will examine new approaches for segmentation, targeting and positioning to generate sales through a digital lens. This module further aims to provide a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.

    100% Coursework

    MKT6004
    Strategic Marketing Management 20 credits

    The module is designed to provide business students with an understanding of the essential elements of the marketing management process. It explores the way in which marketing strategies can be developed and implemented in business organisations, and the relationship between marketing, other functional areas of management and the external environment. It will address the potential impact of current issues on the marketing process.

    100% Coursework

    STO5001
    Project Management 20 credits

    This module provides insight and application into key aspects of successful project management and the project management lifecycle.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    STO5002
    Responsible Global Enterprise 20 credits

    The module will focus on the management of global enterprises in a responsible way. You will consider the various forces within the local and international environments that are likely to influence firms’ expansion activities, including location choice, entry mode, internationalisation patterns and growth strategies. You will also explore the pros and cons of globalization, the emerging trends in deglobalization, fair trade practices and responsible foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, you will examines the costs and benefits of offshore outsourcing as a part of global supply chain management and in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    STO6001
    Project Management 20 credits

    This module provides insight and application into key aspects of successful project management and the project management lifecycle.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    STO6002
    Responsible Global Enterprise 20 credits

    The module will focus on the management of global enterprises in a responsible way. You will consider the various forces within the local and international environments that are likely to influence firms’ expansion activities, including location choice, entry mode, internationalisation patterns and growth strategies. You will also explore the pros and cons of globalization, the emerging trends in deglobalization, fair trade practices and responsible foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, you will examines the costs and benefits of offshore outsourcing as a part of global supply chain management and in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    HRL6010
    Experiential Practice 20 credits

    This module provides you with the opportunity both to reflect upon practical experience as well as develop your capabilities and profile so you are on course for life after graduation.

    100% Coursework

    STO6005
    Business Consultancy 20 credits

    This module focuses on exploring and understanding a range of theoretical approaches to developing strategies for businesses and applying these principles to a live consultancy project. You will have the opportunity to gain experience of working with a business on a consultancy basis, either in a research or strategic development setting. You will engage with a client business to mutually identify a suitable project and develop findings and guidelines to inform a new strategic direction.

    100% Practicals

    PBS5001C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

    Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5002C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

    In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5003C
    The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

    Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

    100% Coursework

  • Final year

  • Enhance your employability and understanding of professional development and career planning. Hone your decision-making, project planning and research skills. Tailor your degree by studying topics of interest and graduate with a specialist qualification. During the second year, you increase your understanding of strategic management and complete a research project in an area of your choice. You also have the opportunity to undertake a live consultancy project or reflect on your industry experience. 
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.

Pathways

These pathways are optional and if you prefer, you can continue to study a mix of areas to gain a degree of BSc (Hons) Business Management. If you wish to specialise you can choose these 'pathways' in your second and final year, meaning you can specialise in areas that interests you, and graduate with one of these specialist degree titles:

BSc (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)

The human resource management (HRM) pathway is professionally accredited by the CIPD and thus places significant emphasis on the employability and skills development in the area of HRM to help students develop as a HRM professional. The pathway will explore the management of human resources in modern organisations operating in complex environments. 
Example modules:
  • Contemporary HRM
  • HRM in a Global Context
Why choose human resource management? The ability to understand and manage people as a key resource within organisations will shape your future management trajectory.

BSc (Hons) Business Management (International Business)

The international business pathways provides you with the knowledge to manage global enterprises and international teams in a responsible way. You will explore the nature of globalisation and operating in a sustainable and ethical manner within the global environment.
Example modules:
  • Responsible Global Enterprise
  • HRM in a Global Context
Why choose international business? Develop the knowledge to extend your business across international frontiers to earn in multiple currencies.

BSc (Hons) Business Management (Marketing)

The marketing pathway provides the opportunity to write for different audiences, develop strategic plans and hone your selling skills so you can excel as a marketing professional.
Example modules:
  • Marketing for a Digital World
  • Strategic Marketing Management
Why choose marketing? Marketing products is the key to business success and the  primary way firms generate revenue, therefore your skills will be invaluable.

BSc (Hons) Business Management (Project Management)

The project management pathway provides you with the skills, knowledge, and ability to apply leading project management practices, take leadership roles, have the opportunity to influence positive change for businesses and society 
Example modules:
  • Project Management
  • Managing Change
Why choose project management? Because tomorrow is there for you to shape, the project management pathway can lead to a career that allows this to happen.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

112 - 128

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level: 112 - 128 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. This course considers general studies.
BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM in any subject. 
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction. 
T levels: Merit in any subject.
IB: 28 - 32 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level. 
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
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.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.  

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £11,100 £11,100
International £21,500 £21,500
Part time (Home) £620 £620
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business  and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,385.
Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

 

Business management - choose your specialist field

  • Fireworks on Plymouth Hoe (square)

    BSc (Hons) Business Management (Marketing)

    Hone your skills in promoting, selling, advertising and researching.
  • Container ship (square)

    BSc (Hons) Business Management (International Business)

    Explore how to extend your business across international frontiers to earn in multiple currencies.
  • City next to field with blue sky in background (square)

    BSc (Hons) Business Management (Project Management)

    Develop your ability to plan and head effective, efficient and sustainable projects.
  • HR concept, two woman walking across office (square)

    BSc (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)

    Learn how to bring out the best in an organisation's people to help the business thrive in this CIPD-accredited specialism.
  • Woman pointing at post-it notes in business meeting (squiare)

    BSc (Hons) Business Management

    Take a more generalist approach with greater freedom to mix modules from different pathways of business management.

Develop your leadership skills on the water

Making the most of our waterside location, we develop your essential leadership skills in a unique and unforgettable way – out on the water Mount Batten Watersports Centre.
While classroom learning provides a solid foundation, practical experiences play a crucial role in shaping effective leaders.
During your first semester you are challenged to develop and reflect on your current capacity to lead and motivate one another through a series of challenges including: 
  • rock climbing and abseiling
  • bell boating
  • orienteering.
Students kayaking at Mount Batten
Students paddleboarding at Mount Batten.

A place to cultivate business leaders

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus. 
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like. 
 

How it works

The academic year is extended into the summer, enabling you time to gain 200 credits in year 1 and the final 160 in year 2.

September – January

One 40 credit core module 
One 20 credit core module

February – May

One 40 credit core module 
One 20 credit core module

June – July

Two 40 credit core modules
(80 credits)

September – January

Two 20 credit optional modules
(40 credits)

February – May

One 20 credit core module
One 20 credit optional modules
Working towards honours project (40 credits total)

June – July

One 20 credit core module
One 20 credit core module
Working towards honours project (40 credits total)

On the virtual road to success

Discover how business management graduate Tobin Leigh became an accomplished esports professional driver and owner of his own esports and gaming company.
"I chose to study at Plymouth because I had a specific interest in business management and the University was one of the few places that offered a fast-track degree in this subject. This allowed me to complete my studies at a faster rate and gave me the ability to learn skills quickly and immediately apply everything in the real world – it was a complete win-win."
Tobin Leigh - Business Management student and esports professional

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Finance
    Expert in corporate finance and co-inventor of the Cost Carbon Calculator
  • Lecturer in Economics
    Expert in macroeconomics, microeconomics and international trade
  • In-sessional Academic Manager and EFL Lecturer
    Expert in developing writing confidence and fluency
  • Lecturer in Human Resource Studies/Leadership
    Expert in leadership, contemporary ethical issues in leadership and management
  • Associate Professor of Human Resource Management
    Expert in HR management and business
  • Lecturer in Marketing (Education)
    Expert in online marketing, facilities management, leisure and catering
  • Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in Business Operations & Strategy
    Expert in using management modelling, simulations and games to promote learning
  • Associate Head of School for Teaching, Learning and Quality
    Expert in French language and culture

A stepping stone into the world of HR

Nadine Mashingaidze graduated from BSc (Hons) Business Management and MA Human Resource Management before before moving into a role as a HR Manager.
"I thought with my degree I could only stay in a specific field, however I was able to branch out and receive career guidance to understand that I don’t have to be so boxed and confined when looking for a job. Studying at Plymouth opened my mind up to the opportunities available."
Nadine Mashingaidze circle