Accessibility statement

Study from home, fit learning around work, and gain real-world experience while earning a respected university qualification. With The Open University, there's no need for Clearing – apply directly and get ahead in the business world.

Apply by 12 January 2027 to start this February.

Whether you dream of running your own business, leading a team, working in marketing or finance, or simply want a degree that opens doors across almost every industry, a Business Management degree from The Open University gives you the flexibility to study in a way that works for you.

You're not alone in choosing this subject. More than 64,000 applicants were accepted onto business and management courses in 2025, making it one of the UK's most popular areas to study. You can gain a competitive edge over other graduates by building your career while studying for your degree, allowing you to graduate with both academic knowledge and practical experience.

Every year, thousands of students change their plans after receiving their A-level results. Results Day can feel like there's only one decision to make: Which university can I get into through Clearing? But that's only one option. The Open University offers another route that gives you the flexibility to study on your terms, without compromising on academic quality.

We're a great choice if you:

OU study is so flexible. I can study when I want, how I want and where I want, so I can really make it fit around my plans and what I want to do.

The Open University Business School is one of a select number of institutions worldwide to hold triple accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). These are internationally recognised quality standards that regularly review and validate the quality of teaching, research, and operations.

Study our BA (Honours) Business Management to build broad business knowledge or specialise in accounting, innovation and enterprise or leadership practice. You can also combine business with economics, environment, law, marketing, computing and IT or a modern language to broaden your skills.

In addition, after successfully completing our BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance, you'll be eligible for exemptions from selected professional examinations with the accounting bodies ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA and ICAS.

What you'll study

You'll explore how businesses are created, managed and developed, learning about areas including:

As you progress, you'll apply your knowledge to real business challenges and develop the confidence to make informed commercial decisions.

See our full list of Business and Management courses.

For many employers, graduating with both academic knowledge and real-world experience can be a powerful combination, and one of the biggest strengths of a business degree is its versatility. Graduates work in areas including:

Whether you already have a career in mind or are still exploring your options, business management provides a broad foundation that helps you adapt to evolving opportunities.

Watch our Virtual Open Day on-demand to help you decide. Dive into subjects with exclusive videos, hear from academics and students, and explore our dedicated support and careers advice, all in one place and at a time that suits you.

Level info