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Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part-time study – 6 years
Full-time study – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

BA (Honours) Business Management

Course code: Q91

How do businesses develop strategies, handle risk and take decisions? What’s involved in functions such as marketing, accounting and finance? This innovative degree is firmly rooted in your own experience. You’ll investigate how organisations think and work, how they’re managed, and the external world in which they operate. This includes learning about the ethical and legal responsibilities that businesses have. You can focus entirely on business management, or choose to specialise within the subject areas of accounting, economics, leadership practice, innovation and enterprise or marketing.

  • Develops your understanding of business organisations and their key elements
  • Explores wider considerations such as environments, markets and processes; and how all these work together
  • Helps you relate your studies to your own experience
  • Offers a choice of specialist routes
  • Equips you for a wide range of employment opportunities across all sectors

We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Business Management (W51) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree; similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in Business Management (T27) corresponds to the first third.

Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part-time study – 6 years
Full-time study – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll study a 60-credit introductory business and management module. Thereafter, for your remaining 300 credits, you can continue with a broad study of business or choose one from a range of specialist routes.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module. See Entry requirements for more details.

In this stage, you’ll have a broad and engaging introduction to the fundamentals of business and management in its global context and choose between a broad study of business management or following a specialist route through your degree.

Introductory business management module

Introductory business management module
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)60

Broad study of business management; Economics; Innovation and enterprise; Leadership practice; and Marketing routes

Broad study of business management; Economics; Innovation and enterprise; Leadership practice; and Marketing routes
ModulesCredits
You'll complete Stage 1 with 60 credits from:
Business data analytics and decision making (B126)30
Communication skills for business and management (LB170)30
Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century (U101)60
Discovering mathematics (MU123)30
Economics in context (DD126)30
Fundamentals of accounting (B124)30
Introducing statistics (M140)30
Making your learning count (YXM130)30
You and your money (DB125)30

Accounting route

Accounting route
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
Fundamentals of accounting (B124)30
You’ll also choose one from:
You and your money (DB125)30
Business data analytics and decision making (B126)30

You'll continue with your chosen specialist route or with a broad study of business management. 

Broad study of business management

Broad study of business management
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
You'll start Stage 2 with:
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
You’ll also choose 60 credits from:
Developing leadership (B208)60
Business law (B251)30
Economics in practice (DD226)30
Entrepreneurship and innovation (B209) – planned for October 202560
Financial accounting in context (B293)30
Financial analysis and decision making (B294)30
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)60
Understanding customers (B206)60
You must have successfully completed Fundamentals in accounting (B124) prior to studying B293. 
Stage 3 (120 credits)
You'll start Stage 3 with:
Strategic management (B302)60
You'll complete your degree with 60 credits chosen from:
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)30
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320) – planned for October 202560
Leadership in a changing world (B329)30
Management accounting and international finance (B391)30
Marketing in action (B328)30

Economics

Economics
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217)60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment (DD320) – planned for October 202560

Innovation and enterprise

Innovation and enterprise
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Entrepreneurship and innovation (B209) – planned for October 202560
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)30
You’ll choose one from:
Leadership in a changing world (B329)30
Marketing in action (B328)30

Leadership practice

Leadership practice
ModulesCredits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Shaping business opportunities (B207)60
Developing leadership (B208)60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Strategic management (B302)60
You’ll complete your degree with 60 credits chosen from:
Creating futures: sustainable enterprise and innovation (B327)30
Leadership in a changing world (B329)30
Management accounting and international finance (B391)30
Marketing in action (B328)30
We recommend that you choose Leadership in a changing world (B329) for this route.

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 6 September 2024.


Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Business Management uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

  • Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
  • Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
  • Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
  • Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
  • Finding external/third-party material online
  • Specialist software
  • Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
  • Online tutorials
  • Group-work
  • Practical work

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.


Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.


Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BA (Honours) Business Management.

If you choose specialist route, your degree title will show that:

  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Accounting)
  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Economics)
  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Innovation and Enterprise)
  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Leadership Practice)
  • BA (Honours) Business Management (Marketing)

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualification to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 


Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

With the exception of the Accounting route, there is the option to study a mathematics module at Stage 1. Whether that module is right for you will depend on your experience and confidence with mathematics. Visit our Open Mathematics and Statistics website for information and to try some diagnostic quizzes.

How much time do I need?

  • Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
  • This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

  • feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
  • support from a dedicated team throughout your study
  • detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Business and law Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University as you'll use printed and online materials to cover a wide range of topics in law and business.

View full details of Business and law Access module

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

  • A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
  • Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
  • Most of our students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.
  • Our typical fee for 60 credits is £3,636*.
  • This means, at current prices, the typical total cost of your qualification would be £21,816*.
  • This qualification also includes one or more option modules with a lower-than-typical cost. If you choose to study one of these modules, the total cost of your qualification will be lower.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.


How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

  • a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
  • course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
  • module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
  • details of each assignment and their due dates
  • a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
  • online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.


Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

  • mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
  • guide you to learning resources
  • support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.


Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

  • Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

  • You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
  • They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
  • Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

  • The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

  • Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
  • You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
  • Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
  • If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.

Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

  • our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
  • other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
  • the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
  • free Microsoft Office 365 software
  • IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

This degree course will help you develop a broad set of skills that are of high value to employers, including the ability to:

  • understand key business functions such as marketing, human resources, information management, accounting and finance, and operations in their wider organisational and social context
  • put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions
  • draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information
  • understand the nature of leadership skills and behaviours within organisations
  • communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others
  • use ICT to research, identify and present information
  • manage time and take responsibility for your own personal development.

Career relevance

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop by studying this degree will equip you to follow a number of career paths, and are recognised by employers as having great value for work in management and business. A qualification in business management can lead to opportunities in a wide range of areas such as:

  • middle and senior management positions across all sectors
  • advertising and marketing
  • accountancy
  • human resources
  • banking, including investment banking
  • sales and retail
  • management consultancy
  • business journalism
  • transport and logistics.

Accreditation

The Open University Business School is one of the few institutions worldwide that are triple-accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and Association of MBAs (AMBA). These are internationally recognised quality standards which independently validate the quality of the School’s teaching, research and operations. The School undergoes regular reviews to ensure that standards are maintained and has successfully retained its triple accredited status since 2004. This qualification is accredited through inclusion in these reviews.

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Other careers

Employers are keen to utilise the commercial awareness that business graduates offer, as increasing globalisation and continual changes in technology, communications, financial services and distribution of goods and services open up new business opportunities. This awareness can also lead to opportunities in specialist areas concerned with offering guidance to managers, such as management consultancy or business journalism.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. 

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

  • business development officer
  • recruitment consultant
  • e-marketing executive
  • publicity officer
  • risk analyst
  • advertising account manager
  • management consultant
  • business journalist
  • accountant
  • human resources manager
  • sales and retail manager
  • business analyst
  • area manager
  • logistics manager
  • marketing manager.

Register for this course

Start dates
Credit transfer: apply by 05/12/2024

Request your Business and Management prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

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