The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: BA (Hons) Indicative duration: 16 months
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

If you have previously completed a Foundation degree or equivalent and are looking for a way to complete your Bachelors while gaining up-to-date insights into the business world, this cutting-edge course will bring you up to speed with the latest innovations in business and management.

This is a field that is always changing and adapting, as business leaders need to continually stay ahead of the curve and at the forefront of innovation. Our long track record of providing high quality teaching means we can help you achieve a degree-level qualification with a range of focused and fascinating topics, including:

  • global business environment and international trade and economics
  • the role of strategy and policy in the success of business organisations
  • international marketing and distribution
  • forms of business unit and the laws relating to them

You will also have the opportunity to plan, research and present a project on the topic of your choice within the scope of the programme, as well as providing thoughtful commentary on the projects produced by your fellow classmates. This will contribute to the development of key interpersonal skills such as communication and evaluation techniques that will be advantageous in any organisational setting.

Why we’re great

  • As one of the longest running online higher education providers we have a track record of success and improvement.
  • Our assessment processes are designed for online and mature students to reflect real-life situations and issues.
  • We gained a superb score of 88% for overall student satisfaction in the 2022 National Student Survey (NSS).

The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Top-up) is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 120 credits.

Optional modules: choose two.

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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 ad 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 (Top-up)  has an indicative study duration of 16 months, 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. 

Business skills are incredibly transferable to most fields. As well as management, you could apply your new commercial knowledge to positions in finance, consultancy, project management, advertising or marketing.

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%

Our top-up courses are designed for those with some prior university-level education. As such, you must have completed one of the following within the last five years:

  • a relevant Foundation degree from University of Essex Online or another recognised institution
  • two years of a relevant BA (Hons) degree from a recognised institution
  • a relevant Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised institution

You will also need to meet our English language requirements. Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within the first three weeks of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

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.

Full tuition fee:

£6,167 UK / £6,475 International (2023-24) 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 residing in specific regions outside the UK. 
  • 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. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our BA (Hons) Business and Management (Top-up) are experts in the field of business. Take a trip to our tutors page to meet the staff who will be guiding you through the course content.

What our students say

testimonials

Andy Robertson - BA (Hons) Business and Management (Top-up)

Being a naval chap, I thought that I was a broad, adaptable, comfortable manager. However, as a mature student, the vagaries and pressures of work take priority and zap your energy, making the balance beyond work, between family and study even more precarious. In maintaining the balance between work, study and home life, I learned that one has to set aside a period known as the “study period” and sacrifice being idle! Giving up free time simply means giving up time without purpose, a really neat trick of useful time management. And when in doubt, I sought the great bunch of tutors and student advisers at University of Essex Online.

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Oluwole Okanlawon - BA (Hons) Business and Management (Top-up)

Growing up in Nigeria, I always wanted to have a University education. I would sometimes go to school, walking several miles with no food, but didn’t achieve any GCSEs. After moving to the UK, I enrolled at a Business School before eventually gaining admission to the University of Essex Online Business and Management Top-up degree. I graduated in 2014 and achieving a degree is a dream come true; I am the first person in my family to hold a degree! The course has also inspired me to become an entrepreneur and I have started developing my own products. The learnings from the course will come in very useful for building my own business.

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Serina Jonas - BA (Hons) Business and Management

I set out to earn a living instead of studying, but despite this choice I always wanted to fulfil my ambition to have a qualification. I set about furthering my education, to advance my business understanding and enrich my life skills; all from the comfort of my home. That's why I chose to study BA (Hons) Business and Management with the University of Essex Online. My new-found knowledge and confidence have improved my career over the past four years, teaching me the ‘corporate speak’ and I feel qualified to belong to the corporate world. My final objective on my personal development plan was for my daughter to look up to me and see me as a good example of a working mother with a growing career. Having my family at my graduation filled me with pride.   Interested in seeing where a business course could lead you? To find out more,

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