BSc (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year

Entry year:
2025/26
Start date:
September
Study mode:
Full-time
Course duration:
4 years FullTime, 5 years Placement year
Campus:
Mount Pleasant

Why study this course with LJMU?

  • Prepares students for multiple business roles through the use of business simulation tools and live consultancy projects
  • Gain a BSc award, in recognition of the technical business skills you will gain through practical application of business theory
  • 91% of students surveyed said the teaching staff on our business courses were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
  • Opportunity to spend a year on placement, gaining valuable experience in industry
  • Study abroad opportunities in China, the USA and Europe
  • Funded international exchange opportunities
  • International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme 
  • Shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Awards 2024 Business School of the Year

About your course

The Business Management programme blends contemporary business theory with the practical application of technical business skills

As a Business Management student you will become competent in:

  • digital analytical expertise
  • managing finance with appropriate tools
  • understanding financial markets
  • people management
  • development and marketing of products and services
  • planning and project management delivery

Upon graduation, students will also be well prepared for the increasing challenges of global business and its environment.

Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Business Management honours degree programme yet. Once you pass the Foundation Year (level 3) you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

Level 4 study onwards

The programme has six core modules at level 4, which form the essential commercial underpinnings for a global career in the digital business world. After completing this first year, students can then specialise and gain accreditation in their chosen area of expertise.

You are encouraged to complete an optional year work placement in industry between the second and third year of study. This will provide you with a richer overall experience. It will also significantly enhance your employment prospects upon graduating, as you will have gained work experience that you can draw upon when completing application forms and interviews.

Business simulation tools are used in a number of core modules to replicate real-world work scenarios. Using various applications, students work in small groups and compete to develop the best business strategies for success - including business growth, market dominance, ethical business and sustainability goals.

Throughout each year of the programme we run a series of networking events with course alumni and industry that allows students to develop with confidence, honing their communication skills and grow their own contacts and business links.

Using LJMU's close business networks across the region, students have the opportunity to act as a consultant, working on live business case projects such as market research, ecommerce, business growth, project delivery, HR legislation, marketing or business ops.

Liverpool Business School has partnerships with business schools at universities and colleges across Europe, in the USA and in China.

The School recognises the importance of providing cultural enrichment opportunities for students and offers students on this programme the opportunity to spend a semester in their second year at a partner university abroad as part of their studies. There are also many supported opportunities for activities at partner universities during summer vacations. All study abroad opportunities are in English.

Live Consultancy Project

Through LJMU's Liverpool Business Clinic, students have a unique opportunity to work on real client briefs with local organisations putting academic theory into real world practice. This live consultancy projects is an optional module to a traditional final-year dissertation. 

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Core modules

Core modules

Optional Modules

Core modules

Optional Modules

Your Learning Experience

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

Subjects are delivered via a balance of formal lectures, informal workshops, online activities and seminars. These allow students to discuss, develop and practice their understanding of particular theories and principles.

Additionally professional speakers from industry share their own experience and perspectives with students, enabling them to gain invaluable insight into the workplace.

Practical off-site visits to organisations such as Jaguar Landrover, Typhoo, Vauxhall Motors and CAT (Centre for Alternative Technologies), allow students to observe how theory is put into practice. This helps provide context to theoretical underpinnings and can also help students select their future career pathway.

The programme uses business technology to support learning. This includes simulation, digital analytics, 'live' textbooks , use of the Bloomberg information centre, visits to our sensor city campus and case studies supported by our Canvas virtual learning environment.

Work-related Learning

You will gain valuable work-related experience when you work as part of a team of 'student consultants' on your live business project as part of the assessment requirements.

Early in level 5 you can decide whether to undertake a paid 48-week work placement in the UK or overseas. You would do this placement between level 5 and 6.

Placements provide the opportunity to gain experience of what its like to work in industry as well as giving you a chance to put your learning into practice, develop personal skills and enhance your employability. A significant number of our students also go on to secure employment with their placement provider after graduating.

Liverpool Business School's Placement Support Unit will help you find suitable vacancies and support you during the application process and whilst on placement.

Placements are available in a wide variety of roles, in organisations of all sectors and sizes, from large multinationals to small and medium enterprises. Organisations we have previously placed Business students at include Unilever, Liverpool Football Club, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Bentley.

During your placement, you will work on real-life business problems and have the opportunity to suggest ideas that may be implemented by your placement organisation.

Some students choose to spend their placement year abroad. Previous students have been placed with Airbus in Toulouse, Tom Tom in Amsterdam and Toyota in Brussels.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

The programme team provides a supportive environment in which to study. The 'student-centred' approach of your tutors will ensure that you are provided with the individual support and guidance needed. A personal tutor will be assigned to help you with your personal development and career planning.

In addition, each module leader offers drop in opportunities for you to clarify your understanding and, if needed, provide further detailed feedback on a piece of work.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

We understand that students perform differently depending on the type of assessment they are given and so a range of assessment methods are used on the programme. These include written assignments (essays/reports, individual/group), exams, practical assessments, individual and group presentations, portfolios, reflective logs and a dissertation. There could be up to three assessments per module, for example a presentation, report and exam.

Written feedback is provided within 15 working days of submission, but you can also get face-to-face feedback from your Module Tutor. We believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to develop further.

Where you will study

What you can expect from your School

The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool's growing Knowledge Quarter. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, social spaces, a café and a roof terrace with far reaching views of the cityscape and welsh hills. It is only a short walk from LJMU's Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies, and is open seven days a week.

 

Course tutors

Career paths

The modules taught on the Business Management degree reflect the very latest business practice that industry demands.

Liverpool Business School has historically had an excellent employment record with graduates securing graduate-level positions with leading employers in public and private sectors. These include Everton Football Club, Kellogg company, Santander and Deloitte.

Graduates can expect to enjoy varied career opportunities both in the UK and overseas. Many graduates may establish their own consultancies or businesses.

The degree opens up a wide variety of career opportunities for graduates in marketing, digital analytics, purchasing, human resources, management, finance and sales.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.

Tuition fees and funding

Foundation first year:
£5,760

The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament. In the event of such a change, any fee increase will be subject to a maximum cap of 10% of the total course cost as originally stated at the time of your offer.

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:

  • library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
  • access to programme-appropriate software
  • library and student IT support
  • free on-campus wifi via eduroam

Additional costs

Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:

  • accommodation and living expenditure
  • books (should you wish to have your own copies)
  • printing, photocopying and stationery
  • PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
  • mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
  • field trips (travel and activity costs)
  • placements (travel expenses and living costs)
  • student visas (international students only)
  • study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
  • academic conferences (travel costs)
  • professional-body membership
  • graduation (gown hire etc)

Funding

There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Grades/points required from qualifications:

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

Qualification requirements

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.

We are looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in business, management and/or entrepreneurship.

Applicants should be able to communicate effectively both orally and in their written work and possess the self discipline to manage their time and tasks effectively while at LJMU.

Your university life

From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.

Talk to our students

Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.

See what our students are saying

At LJMU we want you to know you're making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:

The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.