Business Management BSc (Hons) with Foundation year

LSBU Business School is ranked joint 1st in the UK for improving your academic performance (Guardian, 2024) and has been shortlisted in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards’ Best Business School category (2025).

Join a business-minded, London-based community who work, build and grow together, with students securing roles at globally recognised companies.

LSBU Business School is one of the best in country, as evidenced by the National Student Survey (2024/25) and Guardian Good University Guide (2024/25).

Overview
Course Content
Teaching and Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Apply
Fees

Overview

As part of our on-going commitment to your future employability, we have recently revalidated our undergraduate courses and are delighted that they have accordingly changed from a Bachelor of Arts to a Bachelor of Science. This change reflects the analytical, evidence-based, and professional skills developed throughout the course, ensuring our curriculum remains current, relevant, and aligned with emerging trends, contemporary business practice, and the skills needed for success in the modern workplace.

Turn your ideas in real-world impact

Not everyone takes the same route into university, and that’s ok. If you’re passionate about working in business but don’t quite meet the entry requirements for one of our Business Management degrees, this course is for you.

The Foundation Year is your opportunity to step into Higher Education while building the confidence, skills, and knowledge you need to succeed. In just one year, we’ll help you develop a strong academic foundation and prepare you to take on one of our Accounting and Finance degrees.

We’ve designed the Foundation Year to give you a well-rounded start, with opportunities to explore your chosen discipline, develop your academic and professional communication skills, and consider contemporary issues. You’ll also work collaboratively on real-world projects, building the strong foundations you’ll need to thrive in your future studies and career.

Our recent revalidation ensures you get the most timely and up-to-date business education possible. The business world is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, sustainability, and ethical pressures, and our new Business Management BSc (Hons) prepares you to lead within it, with all three themes embedded throughout every year of your degree.

Your future employability remains at the forefront of our teaching, with our course development being directly informed by professional bodies, such as the institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE). Your specific style learning sits at the core of our teaching as well, as you are now able to choose your preferred assessment format across modules, helping us cater to a more diverse range of learners, allowing you to perform at your best.

LSBU - Business Management

Maybe you want to earn a business degree so you can give back to your community, guiding local businesses and creating opportunity and economic growth not only for yourself, but for the hard-working people in your area. Perhaps you need a skill set that can keep up with your ambitious career goals. Or you might just want to develop a strong academic understanding of and insight into a £2.8trillion industry.

At LSBU you’ll find a Business Management degree that gives you all of this and more, with an opportunity to undertake a placement in your third year, allowing you to evidence your theoretical knowledge and apply to the world of work. Students have completed placements in a variety of organisations, including the NHS and Nissan, as well as working for smaller businesses across the capital in the digital, commercial and marketing sectors.

Grounded in practical, industry-relevant teaching, our BA (Hons) in Business Management will provide you with the perfect blend of academic excellence and industry application, helping you get your start in the business world. You'll benefit get hands-on learning and industry relevant experience through business simulations, as well as input from guest industry speakers and graduates, as well as work-based learning modules in every year of the course.

This kind of experience has led to graduates securing roles at globally recognised companies, such as Bloomberg, Network Rail, Nissan and Octopus Energy, taking on the responsibilities of Senior Management, Project Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist and Junior Commercial Analyst. You’ll also get degree options to study different pathways within Business Management and tailor your own career path such as Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, or Marketing, meaning you can start to specialise from day one.

Watch the 'Introduction to Business Management at LSBU

Is this course right for me?

Stepping into the business world is like unlocking the door to endless opportunities. If you’ve got the compassion and vision to create opportunities in your community then this course is right for you. If you’re got the drive and team spirit to work with some of the biggest names in the modern business world, then this course is right for you. If you’ve got the determination and resilience to become your own boss, then this is right for you.

Most importantly, if you’re hungry to create your own version of success then LSBU is right for you. Because the making of you doesn’t begin and end with just your degree, everything that’s brought you here today is part of your story; your experiences, the life you’ve lived, the skills you’ve gained and the goals you’re chasing.

Not only do we see this, but we value that in you. We’re not in the business of forcing you into moulds, instead we’re here to help you break them. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of hard work, fulfilment and self-discovery, then Business at LSBU is definitely right for you.

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Course Content

What will I learn?

The Foundation Year

You’ll study a shared Foundation Year across the College of Society and Professions, with broad-based modules instead of subject-specific ones. This year will give you:

A well-rounded learning experience where you can explore ideas across different subject areas.

The chance to build on your previous qualifications (e.g. A-levels or International Foundation) and strengthen your academic skills.

Flexibility in your first year, with the option to move between courses in the College if your plans change.

The degree

You’ll study an integrated approach to business, combining high-level academic theory with practical, real-world application. Over the years students have supported 100+ businesses through consultancy projects with partners such as Southwark and Lambeth Councils, and impactful partnerships with the likes of Grow London Local.

You’ll develop a keen understanding of modern business organisations, how they’re managed and how they can evolve and thrive in the 21st century. You’ll learn from experienced and seasoned business professionals, including lecturers, guest speakers and industry-based mentors. You’ll even have the option to specialise further into your study through our International Business Masters program.

This module lays the foundations for academic success by developing core academic skills, self-awareness, and effective learning strategies. It supports students transitioning into higher education by enabling them to understand how they learn, develop confidence, and engage with academic expectations in Business Subjects, Law, or Criminology. These foundational skills are further developed and applied in Module 4: Personal Development – Applying Skills for Academic Success (Semester 2), preparing students for successful first-year undergraduate study.

At assessment students will have the opportunity to develop their portfolio focussed on their individual discipline.

This module enables students to begin developing subject-specific knowledge and skills aligned to their intended undergraduate pathway in Business Management (including Accounting & Finance, Economics and Marketing), Law, or Criminology. It provides a structured introduction to disciplinary fundamentals while allowing flexibility in assessment choice, supporting inclusive learning and preparing students for the academic demands of Year 1 undergraduate study.

At assessment students will have the opportunity to develop their chosen presentation submission i.e. synchronous or asynchronous, selecting an issue contemporary to their individual discipline.

The module supports students in becoming confident users of academic language, quantitative information, and discipline-appropriate communication.

At assessment students will have the opportunity to develop their academic poster related to their individual discipline and chosen presentation submission i.e. synchronous or asynchronous.

This module develops academic literacy by connecting reading, writing, critical thinking, and communication in authentic practice. Building on Semester 1 foundations, students learn how these competencies work together: feedback improves writing, collaboration deepens thinking, and reflection strengthens academic voice. Students apply these interconnected skills to discipline-specific work in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Economics, Law, or Criminology, whilst developing progression plans for successful transition to undergraduate study.

At Assessment students will have the opportunity to develop their portfolio elements focussed on their individual discipline.

This module introduces students to key contemporary issues shaping Business, Law, and Criminology in a rapidly changing global environment. It is designed to develop students’ awareness of current debates, policies, and challenges, such as sustainability, digitalisation, inequality, crime trends, and regulation, while building the academic skills required for undergraduate study.

The module supports students in making informed connections between real-world issues and their chosen academic discipline.

At assessment students will have the opportunity to focus their chosen (student selected) assessment format to their individual discipline.

This module provides a culminating experience for the Foundation programme, enabling students to consolidate and apply the academic, personal development, and study skills gained in previous modules. Students will work collaboratively on a group specialist project in Business (Business Management, Marketing, Economics, Accounts & Finance), Law, or Criminology. Individual accountability is ensured through a viva voce examination where each student demonstrates their contribution, understanding, and readiness for the academic demands of first-year undergraduate study.

At assessment students will have the opportunity to focus their chosen (student selected) presentation methodology on their individual discipline i.e. Business, Law or Criminology.

Students to a range of economic and financial topics and shows how these can be applied to understand the world around us. The module develops students understanding of the external environment businesses face, and aspects of finance relevant to the business context.

Aims to provide students with an introduction to the nature and scope of marketing. It provides them with an understanding of the fundamentals within the marketing discipline and to be introduced to the understanding of marketing as a management tool. Students will also be introduced to the role of marketing within the general marketplace and society.

In this module students will be utilising business project frameworks, problem solving skills and ideas generation techniques that will support them through the key stages required to complete a business small business project from concept to delivery. Throughout the stages of their project, and by incorporating a facilitated coaching process, students will be supported to develop key skills vital to successful leadership and management.

The module examines a range of ways of handling, analysing and presenting quantitative information.The underlying theme is to look at data in a variety of forms, to determine the ‘story’ that this data is telling, and to use that ‘story’ to justify decisions.

This module introduces students to the basic concepts of management in organisations. It provides students an appreciation of the complexities of organisations that affect employee behaviour within them. It introduces them to human resource management strategies to manage people in organisations. The module incorporates key management, organisational behaviour and people management theories and practices.

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge of skills of basic strategic analysis. Students will be exposed to the use of simple strategic tools to evaluate the business and its wider environment. They will also be able to identify creative strategic solutions to simple organisational issues. The module further aims to develop students’ ability to make decisions between different strategic alternatives.

This module provides comprehensive insights into graduate employability and career development for Business Management students. It teaches students essential techniques of self-awareness building, career exploration, job search, succeeding in recruitment and selection processes and teamwork, enabling them to secure employment and thrive in the world of work.

This module demonstrates the importance of operations, logistics and the supply chain while also considering procurement and negotiation strategies and techniques within business services, retail and manufacturing environments. Students will analyse best practice in logistics and supply chain management and the effects of disruptive technological and communication developments on business operations.

Negotiation is a core business skill integral to some degree in the vast majority of commercial and even non-commercial business activities. Successful negotiation is a process that involves a number of essential soft skills including effective questioning, effective listening, critical thinking and empathy. In addition, planning, situational analysis and the ability to recognise and evaluate the shared, differing and conflicting interests of the parties involved is key.

The corporate responsibility agenda of the 90s was about ticking boxes. Now, companies are more progressive with a shift in focus towards social value, and understanding that responsibility is a commercial imperative, embedded in strategy to provide a competitive advantage. This module outlines some of the resources and strategies adapted from management and leadership across industries. With a focus on sustainable development the module introduces students to sustainability narratives and challenges stemming from the scarcity of resources, and the inherent concerns from the complexity of the leadership issues involved towards an adaptive and assimilated sustainability planning.

This module introduces students to the basic theory, concepts, and techniques of digital business transformation. It focuses on developing the thought processes and practical skills needed to identify, analyse, evaluate and apply digital technologies in order to address real-world business problems.

The Digital Economy
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Business Discovery and Development
Finance in a Digital World
Learning and Talent Development
Media Relations
Fundamentals of Project Management
Practical Analytics

This module examines the scope and nature of leadership, strategic management and change and approaches to establishing organisational objectives. It demonstrates the link between strategy, resources, markets, innovation, technology and finances available. The impact of the size and structure of organisations as well as external factors impacting strategy including globalisation and sustainability are also considered.

In an ever broadening set of interdependent relationships among countries, the need to recognise the opportunities and restrictions presented by different world markets has gained significance. This module is designed to impart students with the analytical skills to assess the socio-economic differences between countries, and to identify how these differences impact business and management behaviour across countries through comparative studies. It is based on the rationale that students understanding as managers will be expected to analyse and compare market and business environments in different countries to attain business success. The module develops students’ understanding of business practice in different regions and acquaints students to apply analytical management tools and qualitative research methodologies to critically evaluate and gain an understanding of comparative international management practices.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent a large share of our economies and a leading force in economic development. This module focuses on such enterprises and explores the distinctive features of management in the SME environment. The module covers the fundamentals of managing SMEs and family owned small businesses in relation to leadership, strategy implementation, product development, innovation management, domestic growth and internationalisation strategies. Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations of entrepreneurship. Students will also look at the roles and contributions of entrepreneurs and SMEs to economies, and will consider debates around the provision of hard and soft government support for entrepreneurship and SMEs. The module examines the application of entrepreneurship across different domains, including the role of women, family businesses, ethnic minority businesses, and corporate ventures.

This final year module allows students to consolidate their learning over the whole of their degree by undertaking an independent small-scale research project, with a business or management focus.

This final year module allows students returning from their undergraduate placement year to consolidate their learning on their degree and industrial experience by undertaking an applied project.

Business Intelligence
New Technology Innovations
Global Finance and Technology
Contemporary Issues in HR
Strategic Market Channels
PRINCE2® - Methodologies for Project Management
Retail Boutiques and Shopper Behaviour
Volunteering

* Modules are subject to review and change throughout the year.

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Meet Saarah, a Business Management student in LSBU Business School

Day in the life of Margarida Nero- A Business Management student at LSBU.

Day in the life of Saarah - a Business Management student at LSBU

Day in the life as an LSBU student

There will always be something for you at LSBU, you'll feel at home in no time

Meet LSBU CareerSmart, your fast-track to the future

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Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

In your foundation year, you’ll be assessed entirely through coursework, giving you the chance to focus on developing your skills without the pressure of exams.

This approach sets the groundwork for your degree, where you’ll apply theory to practice at every stage. From group projects to real-life case studies - everything is designed to help you gain confidence, build experience, and prepare for the world of work.

The Business Management degree is coursework based so you’ll be putting theory into application as much as possible, utilising the same kind of top tech and facilities real business professional use, including Bloomberg, SAGE, FAME, Nvivo and SPSS.

Become part of our mentoring scheme and learn directly from seasoned business professionals, ready and willing to help you put your skills to use in real world settings. Whether that’s working in our Business Solutions Centre or getting involved with our Speakers Club, where you can improve your presentation and people skills, there’s plenty to stuck into at LSBU.

You’ll also have the opportunity for a placement year in industry, putting your skills to the test in the real world of business, or if travel is on your horizon you can choose a year abroad in Europe, America and Australia, doing business on a global scale and building your network across time zones.

You’ll also get access to LinkedIn Learning where you choose from a wide range of courses and materials in your own time, building your skills, adding to your qualifications and giving you a leg up on the competition.

Meet your lecturer - Business Management

Careers

What’s in it for me?

This is your future. Your career. Your success. And we’re here for it.

Going to university might just be the biggest investment you ever make, but with us by your side you can turn a degree into a bright future, full of purpose, passion and career you can be proud of (which may be why our graduates earn the highest average salaries across London Modern universities).

With Business at LSBU you get:

To study at a Business School ranked joint 1st in the UK for improving your academic performance (Guardian 2024)
Hands-on learning through business simulations, and the opportunity to collaborate with local SMEs and local government initiatives
The chance to grow your own business through our expert support and South Bank Starters and entrepreneur programme
To study a decolonised curriculum that centres inclusive, applied education (LSBU are ranked 3rd globally for reducing inequalities, THE Impact Rankings 2024)
Business Management received 92.8% positivity for its teaching (National Student Survey, 2025).

Why LSBU Business School?

We are an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), and an associate member of major accreditation agency, AMBA.

We hold Centre of Excellence status with the IOEE - recognising our entrepreneurial culture and practice, and entrepreneurship is embedded within the curriculum and within extracurricular activities.

“I chose Business Management because of the wide range of skills and career pathways it offers. The transferable skills I've gained open doors across industries, giving me flexibility and more opportunities after graduation.” - Daniyal, Business Management student

Our courses hold accreditations from the IoEE to boost your entrepreneurial skills, ACCA and CIMA, providing you with memberships to professional bodies, exemptions from certain professional exams and extra certifications

We’ve supported 500 SME leaders via our Help to Grow programme Help To Grow | LSBU | Home

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Entry Level Requirements

64 UCAS points

Or equivalent level 3 qualifications.

If you do not meet the entry criteria above we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant.

Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.

Choose your country

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belgium
Botswana
Brazil
British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Estonia
Ethiopia
Finland
France
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Mongolia
Morocco
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkiye
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Additional Info

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Business Management & Foundation Year	4 years	September or January	N21F	UCAS
Business Management with Placement & Foundation Year	5 years (with placement)	September or January	N30F	UCAS
Business Management (Accounting) with Foundation Year	4 years	September or January	N22F	UCAS
Business Management (Accounting) with Placement & Foundation Year	5 years (with placement)	September or January	N23F	UCAS
Business Management (Finance) with Foundation Year	4 years	September or January	N24F	UCAS
Business Management (Finance) with Placement & Foundation Year	5 years (with placement)	September or January	N25F	UCAS
Business Management (Marketing) with Foundation Year	4 years	September or January	N26F	UCAS
Business Management (Marketing) with Placement & Foundation Year	5 years (with placement)	September or January	N27F	UCAS
Business Management (Law) with Foundation Year	4 years	September or January	N28F	UCAS
Business Management (Law) with Placement & Foundation Year	5 years (with placement)	September or January	N29F	UCAS

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

How to apply

Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.

Welcome Week

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Welcome Week pages.

Fees

United Kingdom

£9790

Tuition fees for home students

International

£17880

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

For more information about fees and funding, please visit our fees section.

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees to reflect increased costs of delivery and to maintain an a high-quality student experience. This increase would be no more than Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increases plus 5%.