Business Management BSc(Hons)

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Top reasons to choose this course

• The University of Brighton is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – an accreditation achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools globally.
• A broad, challenging and practical course that prepares you for a wide range of business careers.
• Strong focus on your employability and developing your practical experience.
• Gain industry insight via experienced academics and guest lectures.
• A course that develops your academic, professional and personal skills.
• Tailor your degree to your interests through your choice of option modules.
• Graduate with a year of work experience when you choose a placement year.

Year 1

All our Business Management degrees share the same first year core modules, giving you a broad understanding of business principles.

Core modules include aspects of economics, entrepreneurship, marketing, law, HR, organisational behaviour and finance, aiming to give you a broad understanding of business principles and practice.

In your first year your classes will be over three days each week and they will not start before 10am. You may have other activities on campus on other days.

Modules

• Business Economics

  In this module you will develop your understanding of key economic concepts by applying them to contemporary issues within the world of business and through the application of quantitative techniques. You will also gain an understanding of how political, economic and environmental factors influence the world of business.

• Marketing Principles

  You will gain an overview of marketing as a discipline and its core concepts during this module. You will cover areas including the role and function of marketing; the external marketing environment; internal marketing analysis tools; competitor analysis and competitive marketing strategy; segmentation, targeting and positioning; pricing strategies and tactics; and branding, differentiation and key selling points.

• Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management

  This module will introduce you to a range of concepts, principles and theories that have been adopted within the study of organisational behaviour and human resource management and will give you an insight into how people are managed and organised in the workplace. You will develop an understanding of the relationship between the internal and external environment and the role that employees play in designing and achieving organisational goals.

• Financial Knowledge and Skills for Business

  This module provides you with an introduction to fundamental concepts in the fields of financial accounting, management accounting and finance. You will develop a basic understanding of an organisation’s financial position and performance through the application of appropriate analytical tools and procedures.

• Enterprise Project and Skills

  In this module you will create a business plan, a project plan and a marketing plan that include a digital presence. You’ll integrate and apply skills and learning from other year 1 modules using project management skills to deliver a practical and applied business project, to demonstrate your understanding of market dynamics, financial structures and HRM employment strategies.

• Managing Systems and Operations

  This module introduces you to digital technologies and operations management in business. You’ll explore contemporary issues, innovation and future trends in IS and operations management, examining how managers use digital technologies to measure and improve operations and systems performance. You’ll also develop an understanding of processes and how to improve them in both service-oriented and manufacturing-sector organisations. 

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. If you apply to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Year 2

From your second year, through the module choices you make, you can either continue along a broad business management degree route, or specialise in HR, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, law or marketing.

The university teaching hours are between 9am and 6pm. In year 2 the days and times you will need to be on campus will depend on a number of things including the option modules that you choose.

Modules

Core modules

• International Business Analysis

  This is your opportunity to apply both macro and microeconomic analysis to a related set of case studies. You will start by analysing an industry at a global level, move onto looking at macroeconomic data for a country that is key to that industry, and then apply microeconomic analysis to a company within that industry.

• Business Law

  In this module you will gain an understanding of the principles of business-related law and develop an awareness of how important law is within the business context. You will examine the general principles of the English Law and its sources and consider different legal dispute settlement structures. You’ll develop an appreciation of business transactions through the basic legal concepts of contract, agency, consumer protection and negligence.

• Managing Digital Transformation

  On this module you will explore the impact of digital transformation in the context of business management. You’ll cover the evolution of information systems, the role of AI in business and different digital business models. You will examine ethical and social considerations, including data privacy and the digital divide, and the relationship between technology and inequality. Finally, you’ll look at future trends in digital business, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Options*

• Creativity in Enterprise

  In this module you will explore the concepts and tools related to creativity in a business environment. You’ll also develop your research skills and ability to work in teams and enhance your personal development. A series of workshops will introduce a variety of tools, behaviours and strategies for problem-solving and creativity. These will help you develop an entrepreneurial approach to business and personal career development.

• Design and Innovation

  This module explores the relationship between innovation and design through familiar products and services. You will be introduced to the central concepts, theories and tools of design and innovation and think about their role in meeting the challenges of contemporary design-led product development. You’ll look at how design and innovation ideas have evolved over time, focusing on the key objects that best show their importance in contemporary practice.

• Understanding Finance Theory and Practice

  This module explores the theoretical underpinning of financial decision-making and considers approaches to the assessment of investment opportunities. This will enable the development of the knowledge and skills expected of a finance manager, particularly in relation to investment and financing decisions.

• Personal Financial Planning

  This module is an exploration of the principles of personal financial planning and investment, integrating theory and practice. You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of the interlinked relationships between the various components which encompass personal finance matters. This includes an analysis of various generic products, incorporating the inherent elements of risk and taxation, and the techniques and stages of personal financial planning. 

• Sustainable Operations and Procurement

  This module introduces some of the qualitative, quantitative, analytical and problem-solving techniques commonly used by operations managers. Areas covered include the greenhouse effect and other forms of environmental impact; the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs); lean synchronisation; quality management; inventory management; material requirement planning; and enterprise resource planning.

• Digital Marketing and Analytics

  This module will introduce you to digital marketing technologies to help develop your knowledge of the design, implementation and evaluation of digital marketing strategies. You’ll examine theoretical frameworks and models which are relevant to digital marketing practice and explore the development of supporting technologies for digital marketing.

• Information Systems and Decision-Making

  This module explores the strategies and use of information systems and analytics. You’ll gain an appreciation of the importance of digital data, information and knowledge in the digital economy, and work on the principles and practices used to manage information in organisations. You will also get practical experience of using SAP and be introduced to quantitative methods and analytical techniques used by business managers, as well as looking at issues, innovation and future trends in IS.

• Leadership

  Study the changing nature of leadership in the business world and acquire leadership skills needed for HR managerial roles in organisations. In this module, you will develop an understanding of the relevance of the internal and external environment and be able to apply relevant theories to understand leadership.

• Working Across Cultures

  This module explores the challenges, potential traps and opportunities when working across cultures. You will develop an understanding of how culture impacts on work-based relationships and organisational performance and will identify differences in multicultural behaviours and belief systems which impact on workplace practice and human relations.

• Applied Business Analytics

  This module will help you to develop an analytic mindset and equip you with basic data literacy that is useful for the business environment. You will look at methodologies, algorithms and challenges related to analysing and presenting business data alongside applying data analysis to support decision-making across business functions and industries.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

Following year 2 you can gain valuable industry experience and earn money on an optional placement year, returning to your final year with confidence, hands-on experience and contacts.

During your placement year you’ll complete a business project which is an assessed part of your degree and, depending on the topic you choose, could also provide a valuable piece of insight for your placement employer.

Previous placement companies include:

• American Express
• BMW
• Bosch
• Channel 4
• Disney
• Electronic Arts
• Honda Motor Europe
• Hewlett Packard
• Home Office
• IBM
• Ipsos Mori
• ITV
• lastminute.com
• Microsoft
• Rolls-Royce.

Our dedicated Placements and Employability team are here to support you in getting a placement, as well as while you’re on placement.

Final year

You have the freedom to tailor your course to your interests through optional modules which in the final year include entrepreneurship, financial markets, international business and corporate social responsibility.

The university teaching hours are between 9am and 6pm. In your final year the days and times you will need to be on campus will depend on a number of things including the option modules that you choose.

Modules

Core modules

• Managing, Teams and Developing People

  Using a hands-on approach, you’ll reinforce and build upon your understanding of theories and models, and apply these concepts by working in team activities involving management of yourself and others. You’ll explore common issues that are faced when working in groups and teams, equipping you with the skills to become an effective team worker and leader.

• Strategy

  On this module you’ll focus on the strategic business management of organisations in industry. You will explore and apply techniques for the analysis, development and implementation of strategies in order to achieve business goals, spanning domestic, international, global levels and in the context of the UN’s sustainable development goals.

• Developing Professional Practice in Business

  For students who aren’t undertaking a work placement year, this module is an opportunity to complete a 30-hour business or consultancy project to develop skills in problem-solving, creative thinking, analysis and project management. The project can be based in a range of settings including those offered by the Community University Partnership Programme, volunteer work or part-time employment. 

Options*

• Small Business and Entrepreneurship

  You will develop a business idea and plan using knowledge and skills developed throughout your course during this module. Students from a range of subjects take this module, creating a multidisciplinary approach to identifying and researching a business idea and developing a realistic business plan. Part of the assessment is a Dragons’ Den style presentation of your idea to a panel of local business people.

• Game Theory in Economics, Finance and Business

  Game theory is one of the most exciting, stimulating and promising subjects in modern microeconomics and is now also broadly applied in philosophy, sociology and political science among other fields. The module gives you the chance to apply game theory to financial and business analysis topics to deepen and widen your knowledge of economics, finance and business as an ongoing strategic game.

• Experimental and Behavioural Economics

  This module introduces the theory and practice of behavioural economics incorporating insights from psychology and other social sciences. You will explore the contrast between the neo-classical economic models and evidence that people often behave in ways that do not fit with the models. You’ll develop an awareness of the behavioural economics processes, issues and vocabulary and reflect on how it relates to other disciplines.

• International Finance

  International Finance takes the areas of finance and financial management you’ve studied in a domestic setting and explores how the domestic theory alters in an international setting due to factors such as exchange rates and country risk. You will also be introduced to the international financial management complexities associated with the foreign direct investment decisions of multinational companies.

• Understanding Employee Relations

  This module provides you with a general introduction to employee relations in the UK and compares these with examples from other countries. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the practical and procedural aspects of employee relations, including union recognition, grievance and discipline, employment tribunals, collective bargaining, conflict resolution and consultation.

• International Human Resource Management

  This module helps you develop an understanding of how international organisations manage their human resources across different countries. You will research the meaning and implications of international and comparative human resource management, linking your understanding of established theory with your research finding, and present your work in a report.

• Organisational Change

  In this module you will develop a critical understanding of approaches that maximise the outcomes of organisational change for individuals and organisations and gain insight into change management. You’ll also look at the importance of the roles and skills in the change process for individuals, human resource management, senior and line management and leadership. 

• Consumer Psychology

  You will focus on the main concepts used in understanding consumer psychology and consumer behaviour in the marketplace during this module. You’ll look at how these are used in marketing to both understand consumers and create strategies to ethically influence their behaviour.

• Marketing Across Cultures

  This module examines two key challenges facing businesses today: how to identify and develop international marketing and business opportunities; and understanding the importance of cultural differences across the globe to adapt marketing strategies and tactics for business success. You will learn about new cultures in the developed and emerging world and how to develop an international marketing plan, putting your entrepreneurial, research, creative and report-writing skills in to practice.

• Employee Selection and Development

  You will explore and consider how recruitment, selection, training and development contribute to the function and performance of an organisation during this module, giving specific focus to contemporary labour market issues. You will also look at the theoretical perspectives that have shaped discussion around these topics and use case studies to see how these ideas work in practice.

• Happiness: Work and Society

  During this module you will analyse the concept of happiness in work and society. You’ll consider happiness at an individual, organisational and socio-economic level, exploring topics such as positive psychology, happiness and wellbeing, nurturing happiness in the organisation, the issues and challenges of measuring happiness and wellbeing, and what makes a nation happy. 

• Retail Marketing and Distribution

  In this module you will learn about retail marketing and distribution through practical workshops with emphasis on real-life retail situations. You’ll study topics from historical development, current industry structure, trends and projected developments. You will combine theory and practice to produce a viable strategic report about the marketplace.

• Marketing Communications

  The module is an overview of key marketing communications tools, including branding, advertising, sales promotion and public relations. You will consider the main theories of marketing communications, exploring how advertising has its effect on consumers. You’ll also look at models of consumer psychology and behaviour to further understand the role of marketing communications in society.

• Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM)

  Supply chain management (SCM) is the handling of the entire production flow of goods or services – from raw materials to delivering the final product to the consumer. On this module you will develop a strategic understanding of SCM in a wider business context and explore how SCM objectives have expanded to include societal and environmental implications because of, for example, depleted natural resources. You’ll learn how sustainability can be a competitive advantage and explore the role of supply chains in a circular economy.

• Researching Contemporary Issues in Finance

  You will select a specific current issue in finance to study in depth during this module. You’ll review and analyse a wide range of published data with the aim of summarising good practice and recommending a possible solution to the problem in your final report. Issues might include finance for SMEs, bank lending, working capital management, financial risk management techniques, dividend policy and effect on the value of a company and bond markets and instruments.

• Researching Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour

  This module is an opportunity to research a contemporary human resource management or organisation behaviour issue of your choice. Through your research, you will develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of these topics and present your findings in a final report.

• Researching Contemporary Issues for the Intelligent Enterprise

  Intelligent Enterprise is a management approach that applies technology and new service models to the challenge of improving business performance. On this module you will conduct in-depth research into issues and emerging technologies that promote the concept of an intelligent enterprise. You can either choose an existing topic to research or identify a new one. Potential topics include blockchain; cryptocurrencies; mobile gaming; digital transformation; knowledge management; marketing information systems; and e-business systems.

• Researching Contemporary Issues in Marketing

  Choosing a contemporary marketing issue of interest – for example strategic marketing theory, marketing communications, cross-cultural marketing, social media marketing or consumer behaviour – you will undertake a piece of in-depth research. This will develop your analytical and critical skills and you will use the expertise and knowledge gained during your degree to produce a report. The module is based on independent study supported by a tutor.

• Researching Contemporary Issues in Supply Chain Management

  This module is an opportunity to choose and research a contemporary supply chain, supply chain management or inventory management topic that really interests you. Current trends and issues include outsourcing, use of technologies (data analysis, IoT, cloud computing), supply chain visibility among organisations and sustainable supply chains. In producing your report, you will further develop your analysis and evaluation skills and make recommendations for improvements in business decision-making.

   

• Researching Contemporary Issues in Strategic Management

  In this module, you will choose a strategic management issue to study in-depth. You’ll review published data and present your research as a clear and concise report summarising good practice and making recommendations of a possible solution to the issue. Topics you can choose are wide-ranging, and could include the mitigation and/or adaptation of businesses or public institutions to climate change; UN sustainable development goals in businesses and public institutions; strategic management in the responsible enterprise; and strategic management and technology in a specified industry (eg, pharmaceutical, road transport, film).

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Course leader

Dr Jose Christian

Jose is a senior lecturer and course leader of our Business Management BSc(Hons) degrees. 

His primary research interest focuses on emerging collaborative online innovation communities. Jose specialises in digital innovation ecosystems, community governance, digital platform strategy and emergent ICT-based business models. Part of his research involves developing and applying novel data science techniques in the study of online innovation networks.

Jose has a PhD in Innovation Management, an MSc in Global Business Strategy and a BA(Hons) in International Relations. He’s an accredited business management coach with a PGCert in Academic Practice and Advanced Higher Education Fellowship (FHEA).

He has worked on and co-authored research reports for various large European projects including CRE8TV, SPARK and INSPIRE. For CRE8TV he identified barriers to value appropriation in digital market places. For the SPARK project he helped identify how to support social enterprises in their innovation activities. Finally, for INSPIRE Jose co-developed a set of business innovation tools to support open innovation activities in European SMEs.

Find out more about your course leader. 

Course fees

This course offers a professional placement (sandwich) year in year 3. If you choose to take this placement you will pay a reduced fee during this year. For students starting their undergraduate degree in the 2025–26 academic year, the fee for the professional placement year is £1,500 for UK students and £1,850 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases in line with inflation.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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