Overview

The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: BA (Hons) Indicative duration: 4 years
Start date:
Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Curious about the way management impacts how a business operates?  

Our comprehensive BA (Hons) Business and Management will help you adapt to the ever-changing business environment. You’ll examine a range of real-world examples and use them to develop the key skills required to take your management career forward. 

Delve into a range of topics, including: 

  • the global business environment 
  • key business functions, including finance, marketing and HR management  
  • organisational culture and contemporary models of leadership  
  • developing an international marketing strategy 

Towards the end of your studies, you’ll embark on an in-depth investigation on a topic of your choice, culminating in the creation of a business research project.  

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The University of Essex Business School is proud to hold AACSB accreditation, which covers our BA (Hons) Business and Management. 

Why we’re great

  • Develop the necessary skills to approach business challenges with confidence from day one.
  • Reflect on real-life situations and issues facing management professionals.
  • Modules are taught by subject matter experts, experienced academics and respected industry thought leaders.
  • Study with an institution with over 15 years’ experience delivering high quality online learning.
  • Graduate on campus at the University of Essex, a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025).

Course structure

The BA (Hons) Business and Management is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 360 credits.

Optional modules: choose two at Level 6.

Build your proficiency, grow in confidence and familiarise yourself with the key areas of business in this exciting module. You’ll also develop key academic skills – such as report writing, research, referencing, writing and reflective learning – that will be beneficial in your future career. 

Distinguish between the role of leader and manager, and understand how to establish effective teams to increase motivation in the workplace. This valuable module will also develop your understanding of effective communication channels leaders employ, as well as the overall communication process. 

This valuable module examines the modern marketing environment and the four main decision-making areas to consider in business. You’ll then progress into interesting psychological aspects, such as buyer behaviour and consumer influence, while developing an understanding of the role of marketing in society as a whole.  

Explore the complexities of human resource management in this insightful module. You’ll gain a critical understanding of HR theories and practices in a global context, as well as a deeper awareness of ideologies within a wider social, political and economic setting. You’ll also consider the strategic influences of stakeholders on business performance. 

What role does finance play within an organisation? Find out in this valuable module. You'll cover topics such as budgeting, cost management and capital investment analysis, while developing your ability to analyse and evaluate performance. That way, you can make decisions based on financial information. 

How do businesses work within an international economy? In this insightful module, you'll learn about the internal and external environment of organisations and explore how it impacts people, technology and resources. This module will also provide you with a grounding in approaches to organisation management.  

This in-depth module will introduce you to the core skills currently in demand in the global labour market – while giving you a greater understanding of how to better prepare your skillset for today’s fast-paced job market. Evaluate your current core skills and plan to develop them in-line with fluctuating labour market demands.  

Gain a solid grounding of business planning with this valuable module. From business strategy to risk management and financial basis, you’ll cover a range of topics – allowing you to assess risk and its impact on a business. You'll also be able to apply your understanding to key business functions, including finance, marketing and human resource management. 

This comprehensive module introduces selling as an element of the marketing process, alongside marketing and sales planning strategies. You'll also explore a wide range of topics, including consumer buyer behaviour, key account management strategies, sales management responsibilities and selling techniques – from personal to relationship and multi-channel.  

What role does operations management play in the success of an organisation? Find out in this exciting module. You'll learn how to maximise scarce resources to produce goods and services in an efficient and cost-effective way, while developing the skills required to recommend changes and improvements to strategic operations and supply chain.  

This fascinating module provides insight into organisational culture and contemporary models of leadership. You’ll examine effective leadership attributes and approaches to managing change across people, processes and culture – so that by the end, you’ll be able to successfully evaluate the leader’s role in change management.  

Gain a grounding in financial management in a global healthcare context. In this module, you will explore theoretical and practical issues associated with effective financial management taking into consideration the complexity of the healthcare environment in a global setting. You will be introduced to the concepts of business performance, budgeting, financial reporting, income generation, investment and models of funding - all explored within a global workplace focus and reflecting on your workplace practices.

Explore the theories and concepts utilised for effective project management and the use of contemporary project management software. In this valuable module, you’ll gain insight from case studies and delve into project management knowledge areas and process groups while using specialist project management software. 

Explore a wide range of practical and theoretical issues relating to research in business, their applications and how they can be employed by different organisations. This fascinating module also allows you to conduct your own research into an area of interest, using appropriate methodology and professional research material.  

Immerse yourself in the key elements of the global business environment with this comprehensive module. You'll review international trade theories, the global financial marketplace and discover the organisations which support it. You’ll also learn to critically analyse the motives for and barriers to internationalism. 

Examine the development of international marketing strategy as a planned response to the global business environment. In this defining module, you’ll develop a solid understanding and appreciation of the underlying theories of international marketing, and critically assess the various steps taken by an organisation when looking to internationalise.  

Hone your strategic management skills with this exciting module. You’ll benefit from an engaging introduction to the key theories, approaches and concepts which form business strategy. Not only that, you’ll learn to critically evaluate the limitations of emerging schools of thoughts and how to they best work in practice. 

Immerse yourself in the research process by generating research ideas with clear objectives. Understand the differences between key data collection techniques and analysis procedures and explore why these are not mutually exclusive. 

Develop your understanding of the role strategic human resource management plays in organisational effectiveness. In this insightful module, you’ll explore processes that include workforce planning; performance management; employment relations and reward; and learn how these processes contribute to the overall operational success of the business.  

In this engaging module, you’ll identify the core foundations of law that regulate businesses and evaluate the changing legal environment and how this affects businesses on an operational level. Dive into the fundamental issues that face all businesses, contract, employment, tort and business operations. 

Identify the key concepts of e-commerce and e-business marketing in this exciting module. You'll learn how to attract customers through digital media channels; develop a solid understanding of search engine marketing, campaign performance and metrics; and discover how each of these channels interacts with the overall customer journey.  

Develop an understanding of business finance and its applications to the decision-making process in organisations. In this valuable module, you’ll work through the theoretical concepts and approaches to finance management within a domestic context – before critically analysing opportunities for expansion and divestment. 

Learning and assessments

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) – this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) – time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our BA (Hons) Business and Management has an indicative study duration of 4 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards.  

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS). 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

Your future

Business skills are incredibly transferable to virtually any field. As well as management, you could apply your new commercial knowledge to roles in finance, consultancy, project management, advertising or marketing – to name a few.

Gaining an undergraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Entry requirements

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

You will need to pass your first assignment set within the first three weeks of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our BA (Hons) Business and Management, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • two A-levels or equivalent

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our BA (Hons) Business and Management, you must meet the following criteria:

  • GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent
  • three years’ relevant work experience

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees and funding

Full tuition fee:

£18,500 (UK) / £20,396 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Designated for undergraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.   

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Our expert staff

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our BA (Hons) Business and Management are experts in the field of business.

What our students say

testimonials

Katie Mitchell -BA (Hons) Business and Management

I joined the Army at 16 years old, having only taken the three GCSEs that I needed for my chosen trade.

Having worked as a Troop Sergeant for the last four years, I’m about to start training to become a supervisor within my trade, which will involve promotion to Staff Sergeant on completion. Although my intention was to complete a full career in the military, I knew that my circumstances could change and I wanted to make sure I could get an interesting job, regardless of when my military service ended.   With such a busy and varied role, it’s impossible to commit to anything on a weekly basis and so the only option for studying was...

Read more

Matt Clifton -BA (Hons) Business and Management

I had a keen interest in business and after finishing college I decided to pursue a degree.

I applied to the University of Essex Online when was I 18 years old and in my last year of college. I’d also taken on a full-time law degree on campus, so this was another commitment I had. My overall intention is to enter business law, combining both of my degrees.  I contacted the Admissions team who informed me about the course and told me how it would fit into a busy lifestyle. Studying online allowed me to work in the comfort of my home while also managing my other studies. Another reason I chose the University of Essex Online was the fantastic student satisfaction rate, which was...

Read more

Paul Nicholson -BA (Hons) Business and Management

I was a project leader in the oil and gas industry, wanting to take my career to the next level. Learning through an online programme provided me with the flexibility I needed to manage my work and family life. Studying in the evenings and at weekends worked well for me, but without the support and understanding of my wife and daughter, it could have been very difficult. Summer holidays saw me sitting in air-conditioned rooms writing assignments while my family entertained themselves. I would say family ‘buy-in’ and support is crucial to succeed! However, while I've made sacrifices, I'll definitely reap the rewards in the long term.

Read more

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