BA (Hons) Business Management
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- N200
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Business is about numbers, of course, but it’s even more about people. This degree will give you the analytical tools that drive business strategy as well as the influencing and team building skills required in a successful business.
It’s a highly flexible programme which after a solid grounding in year one, gives you the freedom to specialise in those areas of business that interest you most.
There’s a great choice of subjects to focus on from marketing to talent development, from project management to law or entrepreneurship and many more.
This course will deepen your overall business understanding at the same time as allowing you to keep your options open, until you choose where to focus.
Norwich Business School at UEA was ranked 14th overall for research quality in Business and Management Studies in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis.
At Norwich Business School, we believe that exceptional management is all about balancing hard and soft skills. That means understanding numbers, their use and how they can shape your view about an organisation. It also means understanding people, how they behave and why they behave as they do. On this course, you’ll become adept at this difficult balancing act, a skill that is highly prized in the business world. We also believe that anyone can become a great manager, no matter what their background is, so our course is inclusive and welcoming to all.
You’ll have the chance to hone your qualitative and quantitative capabilities, at the same time as learning how to work with people, building your reflective skills, and developing your ability to look at yourself and your own work critically.
At UEA, we focus on evidence-based management, so you will learn to pose questions and challenge assumptions and use evidence to make your own decisions and back them up. You will develop quantitative and qualitative skills, learning how to deal with numbers and accounts, and how to interpret statistics, as well as how to manage people and resources. You’ll also gain experience working with others and presenting your findings and ideas. This is great practice for your career when you’ll need to not only develop solutions to problems but also persuade people of their validity.
Norwich Business School is a friendly and supportive school, with a lively and international cohort. We are in a region that’s safe and welcoming, with a thriving business innovation and enterprise community. All our teaching is informed by our world-leading research and real-world business experience. That means you’ll gain knowledge of the latest issues and debates facing industry and employers.
Our current research interests include finance, accounting, employment systems and institutions, responsible business regulation, marketing, entrepreneurship and business strategy, and innovation, technology and operations management.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). When you successfully complete this BA degree you may qualify for some CIMA examination exemptions.
Study and Modules
Structure
The BA in Business Management is part of our family of BA degrees which share a common first year. This structure means you’ll get a broad view of business and can be confident you are on the right course for you. As you progress through your degree, you’ll be able to specialise and tailor your studies to the areas that you find most interesting and that are most relevant for your career goals.
Across six fascinating core modules, you’ll explore the essentials of contemporary business. You’ll study themes about the business environment, principles of marketing, accounting and finance, managing data in the digital world, and managing organisations. You’ll also undertake an applied business project which will give you your first experience of independent learning and an opportunity to explore a topic that interests you.
By the end of your first year, you won’t just have a firm foundation of your chosen subject, you’ll understand all the key disciplines of business. Throughout your future career, you’re likely to work closely with these disciplines, so this understanding is extremely valuable – being able to communicate with and understand other disciplines is a crucial part of management.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Throughout your degree, you’ll hone your skills and build your knowledge through a mix of lectures, seminars and workshops.
All our teaching is informed by the latest research and real-world business experience. That means that you’ll benefit from the latest thinking in the industry. Many of our lectures are interactive, and across all our teaching you’ll use a rich selection of source material, including textbooks, articles, academic research papers, videos, and business articles from publications such as the Financial Times and The Economist.
Business is ever-changing, so you won’t just learn to understand, evaluate and utilise the current leading theories, you’ll also develop the critical skills needed to examine and put to use any new theories and methods that come to the fore during your career.
Independent study
You’ll also learn through self-directed study – a skill that’s highly prized by employers. Depending on the modules you choose, you might undertake IT lab work, using online resources to practice textbook questions. You’ll also do various projects, including a project in which you’ll solve a live marketing brief for a real company and present your work to that business. We’ve worked with organisations such as Adnams Brewery and the East Anglian Zoological Society on past projects. You can also choose to enhance your studies by getting involved in the student-led, extracurricular Accountancy Society and Business Society.
Teamwork and communication
During your first year and some of your second and third-year modules, you will work alongside students from other Norwich Business School degrees. You’ll also have the chance to deepen your understanding of topics through discussion with your peers in seminars. This will build your teamwork and communication skills, as well as helping you gain insight into other business disciplines. To be a successful manager you must be able to understand and work with the whole spectrum of business specialists. Working alongside other Norwich Business School students during your degree is a great way to develop this skill. We also attract students from the UK and all over the world, so the relationships you build here are also great practice if you aspire to an international career, or to working for a multinational company.
Guest speakers
During your time at UEA, you will be able to gain unique insights from leading industry figures. Previously, for example, Mark O'Hagan (Joint CEO of the East of England Co-Op) and Natasha Evans (Team Lead for Customer Success at LinkedIn) spoke to our second-year Human Resource Management class, and Professor Andy Wood (CEO of Adnams) spoke to first-year Organisational Behaviour students.
Employability
Your career is our priority, and employability is embedded in our degrees in all sorts of innovative ways, from guest speakers from industry and projects with real businesses, to accreditations and exemptions from key professional bodies. During our flagship Employability Week each year you can meet potential employers and speak to successful UEA alumni about how they got where they are now.
During their first-year students are expected to build on pre-university qualifications and experience, as well as to develop and enhance employability skills. Students will attend a series of lectures and seminars that will provide a real mix between conceptualisation of a business problem and the best practices to evaluated and solve it.]
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a mix of essays, presentations, reports and online tests. Our assessment methods have been developed not just to measure your skills, but also to aid your learning. For example, when you’re writing an essay, you’ll receive feedback on a formative exercise first. You’ll then have a chance to make revisions and improvements before handing in a summative essay for assessment. This helps you identify and focus on areas for improvement.
There are numerous opportunities to take this further with engagement in our employability prizes, sponsored and judged by industry and business specialists. In previous years Adnams, the famous Suffolk brewer, has sponsored a prize for students on the Marketing Communications module, and the Alan Boswell Group (independent insurance brokers and financial planners) have sponsored a first-year prize.
Assessment methods in the first year include a range of individual and group-based assessments. These often include a combination of reports, course tests, exams, presentations and formative (developmental) and summative (contributes directly to module grade) activities that involve solving business related challenges and reviewing real-world case-studies.
Structure
After a first year spent discovering the fundamentals of business, you will focus on core business management functions like managing people and managing information systems and will develop your strategic awareness and analysis. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose optional modules, allowing you to try different things, explore your interests, and discover where your talents and ambitions lie. For example, if you’re interested in marketing, you could take the Marketing Communications module, during which past students have visited BBC East to learn how to make TV ads. Or if you are interested in the legal side of business then you could study Practical Law for Management. There are options for the more creative among you with modules such as Employability, Creativity and Personal Development. And there is the opportunity to develop your awareness of the ethical dimension of decision-making through the Business Ethics module.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As students progress into their second year they have the opportunity to specialise more on subjects and areas of interest for future career development.
Assessment
Assessments will vary depending on the options modules chosen but will include assessments that provide opportunities to develop authentic (real-world) learning through group presentations, course tests, exams and the writing of business-related reports that strive to encourage students to analyse and resolve current issues and challenges.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll develop your understanding and strategic analysis with the Strategic Management module. You will also complete a Final Year Project, which can take the form of a dissertation or a work-based project.
Beyond that there are no compulsory modules, giving you even more flexibility to build a degree that suits you. For example, if you’re interested in starting your own business you could take the Entrepreneurship and Small Business module, or if you’re interested in consultancy, either working for a consultancy firm or learning the skills of how to be an effective internal consultant, you could take the Management Consultancy module. The annual Norwich Business School Modules Fair will help you choose the right options for you. Some third-year options are only available if you’ve taken specific second year modules, but we can advise you on this.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional G Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
With only one compulsory module in year three, students have a lot of flexibility to shape and mold their subject choices to their academic strengths and job-role aspirations.
Assessment
Assessment methods are designed to build on the student's skills, knowledge and experience developed across the previous two years and therefore can culminate in the opportunity to engage in a research-based dissertation or practically orientated project-based option. Alternatively students can choose to take five option modules of their choice, without the dissertation or final project. Usual assessment methods on these options modules will include written reports and oral presentations designed to enhance skills of critical analysis, innovation and creativity.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB excluding General Studies. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects: Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Accounting, Finance, Management and Administration.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration . See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 .
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM.
Diploma: DD plus B at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-Level
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Year One in Business Management and Economics (for Year 2 entry to UEA)
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
In an ever-changing and increasingly complex world, one thing is certain: Norwich Business School is where great business careers begin. Our degrees have a proven track record of leading to successful careers in management.
Whether you want to excel within a large organisation or bring big ideas to a small business, your business management degree will provide you with the grounding of hard and soft skills required for a successful career in any number of management roles.
You could work in any industry, from manufacturing, to retail, to the service industries, media, arts, entertainment, sport and more, at multinational and major companies such as Sky, Unilever, Manchester United and British Airways. All businesses need the skills you will develop here, so the list is endless.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
-
HR manager
-
Operations manager
-
Supply chain manager
-
Marketing manager
-
Entrepreneur
Discover more on our Careers webpages.