Business and Management

• Friendly and supportive academics
• Great learning environment
• Close knit student community
• Innovative Business and Management course offering a choice of specialist pathways
• Choice of work placement length: 10 month or 10 week
• Ranked highly in The Guardian League table
• Very strong student satisfaction scores 

Our Business and Management degree (UCAS code NN12) offers a diverse programme that will equip you with the business skills to work in a range of business sectors. You can choose a specific pathway through your Business and Management degree. This could be in:

• Accounting (UCAS code N400)
• Marketing (UCAS code N500)
• Human Resource Management (UCAS code N600)
• Tourism Management (UCAS code N832)

Why study Business and Management?

Ratio of applications to places

No. of applicants (2011): 1245

No. of places (2011): 80 (additional places are available as part of a Combined Award)

National student survey results

Overall student satisfaction with teaching for courses in this subject area (2012): 90%

Course structure

Year 1 ensures you have a broad and grounded knowledge of business today, giving a platform to develop specialised knowledge as you progress through the course. You'll explore how organisations work, how they are managed and how they interact with the business environment.  You'll gain an understanding of economic thinking.  You'll develop management skills in gathering and assessing information and data, in making and communicating decisions and in evaluating their effect. 

In Year 2 you’ll get to know about the functions of a business and how these interrelate. You’ll start to form opinions about how businesses manage the challenges that are presented to them on a daily basis. You'll have the opportunity to work on projects and to use business techniques to solve problems, and you’ll start to develop your employability skills before seeking a placement at the end of this study year. There is a compulsory module on financial accounting, and a range of other modules related to business and management functions.

At the end of Year 2 you have the option to choose a ten month business placement or a shorter ten week placement during the summer break. This is an invaluable chance to apply your knowledge and skills in the real world, making you even more attractive to employers.

In your final year, when you finish your placement, you'll practice, develop, challenge and explore all your business learning, and examine management as an integrating activity.  In your business-related dissertation you'll explore in depth a topic of business that really interests you. You’ll also have the opportunity to work individually or with colleagues to develop and set up a business. A choice of modules allows you to pursue specialist areas such as marketing, human resources, or management accounting.

Modules

There's an exciting range of modules on offer.  Some of our modules are compulsory but most are optional and will allow you to pursue areas of interest.  

Year 1

• Organisations and the Business Environment*
• Economics and Globalisation*
• Managing Data*

Year 2

• Creativity and Innovation in the Workplace*
• Financial Accounting*
• Human Resource Management
• The Marketing Business
• Information and Operations Management
• Reasoning with Research: Social Sciences Research Methods
• Destination Management 

• Work Placement - 10 weeks or 10 months work placement taking place at the end of year 2 (this will count as one of your final year modules)

Final Study Year: Year 3/Year 4

• Business and Management Research Project *
• Marketing for Managers
• Management Accounting
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Managing Sustainability
• Business Strategy
• International Business
• New Trends in Management
• Enterprise: Creating and Developing your Business
• Tourism: Contemporary Issues

* compulsory modules

Course assessment

You'll be assessed in a wide range of ways that will test your business knowledge and management skills.  These will include presentations, work related projects, group-work, computer based tests, podcasts, examinations, essays and business reports. 

You’ll be given personal support in your study – we are a friendly team of academics who are committed to helping students achieve their goals.  

Our library offers a wide range of business materials.  There is also a wealth of material available via electronic sources.  These include Business Source Premier, Mintel, Newsbank and an increasing range of e-books.  This on-line material can be accessed on and off campus enabling you to work at times that suit you.  

Teaching methods

We offer variety in the way we teach: sometimes we will set you problems so you can find the answers for yourself, sometimes we will lecture. Most modules use a mix of lectures and small group seminars. There is a good blend of on-line activities using our virtual learning environment.  We invite business leaders in to talk about their experience and we arrange visits to local businesses.  All of our teaching methods facilitate your development as a self directed learner.  

Application method

All undergraduate applications are handled by UCAS.

Course enquiries

Please contact our Admission team (see above)

Entry requirements

260–300 UCAS Tariff points

Career opportunities

You’ll have many opportunities to explore your career aspirations and you will be encouraged to take up work placements and internships.  You’ll also work alongside real businesses on project based assignments, giving you useful insights to a range of businesses and possible career choices.

Employers such as Logica, NHS, Liberty, American Express, Sky and Numatic International have recruited graduates from this course. Students have also gone into roles including Business Analyst, IT Services Analyst, Project Officer, Business Development Manager, Account Executive and Brand Planner. 

What students say...

Genevieve Flintham
Graduated in 2012
Now: Content Editor & Head of Public Relations
Stagweb - www.stagweb.co.uk

"I was originally hired in an admin role by StagWeb, realised my interest in marketing and writing, and promoted me to Content Editor and Copy Writer. Following that, I was put in charge of the company's Public Relations (which had drawn directly from lessons I learnt on the marketing module) to finding a 'lad' calendar for our newsletters, to talking to leading journalists in the wedding industry."

"I would highly recommend studying Business and Management at Bath Spa University. All of the tutors and lecturers have been wonderfully friendly and really are there when you need them. The hands-on experience and help every step of the way is superb, especially when it comes to leaving University and trying to establish yourself in the job market. The University itself is beautiful and an inspiring place to study and Bath is one of the safest and most exciting cities around. Overall, if you're going to BSU you're guaranteed a friendly atmosphere, terrific staff and an excellent set-up for the world of employment."

Zara Easton
Graduated in 2012 
Now:  Newstrade Marketing Executive, Bauer Media - www.bauermedia.co.uk

"I now have a job working for a company called Frontline, which is one of the largest magazine distribution companies in the UK. They employ me to sit in house with Bauer Media (one of their several London based publishers). Bauer Media publishes Celeb Weeklies such as Heat, Closer, Grazia and other titles such as FHM, Zoo and Empire."

"BSU Business & Management is a course that I would recommend without a doubt. There is constant support and the course is not overcrowded by any means. There is room for everyone to shine and build strong relationships with both lecturers and colleagues. If you want to learn all aspects of the business world, have constant support and build strong relationships then I would highly recommend the Business & Management course."

Paul Bartholomew
Graduated 2012 
Now: Area Sales manager, Batemans

"The Enterprise module enhanced my entrepreneurial spirit and enabled me to explore numerous possibilities including working for myself. One extremely important lesson I took from this module is: If you want something, go and get it."

"I highly recommend Bath Spa University to prospective students due to the support provided from the tutors. They provide informative, clear and encouraging guidance with whatever route you choose to pursue."

"Overall, Bath Spa University provides everything from friendly, motivational support through to beautiful grounds to help inspire your creative imagination."

Joseph Cooper
Graduated 2009
Now: Associate Director, Traded Products Legal at UBS Investment Bank - www.ubs.com 

"Upon graduating from Bath Spa I was offered a year’s internship with UBS AG Investment Bank based in the USA, which I’ve just finished. I’ve now returned to the UK and am working for the bank in London as a Legal Negotiator for Traded products."

"Attending Bath Spa University was the best decision I have made in my life."

"The lecturers offer a wealth of knowledge which is communicated to students in a simple yet effective style, which not only enables students to take in the information but also challenges the students’ thinking. Lecturers are always happy to offer support and further help when needed. A friendly and welcoming atmosphere from both staff and students alike made the University a joy to visit each and every day."

Business and Management Student Reviews