• Undergraduate

Business Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London? 
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Our Business and Management courses are ranked #1 in London for modern universities - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Why study this course?

Do you want to face the challenges of the business world with more confidence? Join one of the country’s longest-established business studies courses to develop your knowledge and professional skills in this exciting field. This degree has built a reputation in the UK and abroad for meeting students’ educational and professional needs.

You will learn from teaching staff with high levels of expertise in a range of business sectors and benefit from our close links with professional bodies. Developed in partnership with public and private local business organisations, this course will give you an up-to-date, real-world understanding of the contemporary business world.

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Please note that a £2000 Path to Success bursary is available to all UK foundation year students, which is non-repayable.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
Without Foundation Year
Duration: 3 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Business Studies with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Business Studies with Foundation Year with us?

A collage of students
Malik Khan

What our students say…

The Business School is full of enthusiastic teachers who are ever willing to help, guide, and mentor. The amount of personal support I received from my teachers is remarkable. I have been guided and motivated throughout my degree and I am a much polished, skilled, and confident individual now.

Mubashar Rehan

I love the extra-curricular aspects of the University. There are so many great societies that help build a sense of community.

Malik Khan
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Top modern university in London for Business and Management
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
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Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

This internationally respected BA Business Studies course has been designed to develop your practical skills as well as your knowledge of essential business concepts.

Your studies will give you a rounded understanding of the varied requirements of running a business. You will cover topics including:

  • human resource management
  • finance and accounting
  • marketing
  • operations management
  • ICT

We have strong links with major professional institutes, including the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Institute of Direct Marketing and the Chartered Institute of Personnel. These links help us to evolve and advance your course content so that you will graduate with current knowledge of business issues.

We use a range of effective teaching methods, including:  

  • lectures to introduce new concepts, models and theories
  • task-based learning to develop your problem-solving skills and help you to relate theory to practice
  • group work to encourage you to share ideas and experiences discussion and reflection to encourage inquiry
  • seminar support, available through group and individual tutorials by arranged appointment
  • Blackboard, the University's online learning platform

Each member of staff brings a wealth of employment experience and knowledge into the classroom, helping you to translate theory into practice.

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Business

    During this module you will gain a basic knowledge and understanding of business organisations and the way they operate in the UK economy.

  • Recording of Business Transactions

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Data Handling and ICT

    You will develop skills and confidence in the use and application of numerical data and analysis. 

    You will also prepare, present and process data using business software.

  • Managing People and Systems

    In the course of this management module you will explore people management within business structures and how they lead to the fulfilment of business goals.

    You will learn about recruitment, different personalities, team dynamics, people assessment systems and understand basic theories of motivation and leadership.

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

Compulsory modules

  • Principles of Management

    This module has been designed to give you a basic understanding of organisations with emphasis on conceptual and interpersonal skills, an overview of the challenges that arise for managers in organisational settings, and to provide you with an introduction to the concepts and theories that can be useful in facilitating effectiveness.

  • Professional Skills

    In this module, you will learn to outline academic writing skills and presentation skills, show effectively working with others towards the completion of a task (teamwork skills), present skills in oral and written communication in the business environment, as well as duplicate the importance of business etiquette and the importance of rules and values in an organisation. 

  • Management in Practice

    In this module, you will develop job-specific knowledge and techniques needed to proficiently perform work tasks. You will also practise and improve the ability to work well with other people individually and in a group. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to practise taking a managerial approach to thinking and conceptualising about abstract and complex situations.

  • Introduction to Business Finance

    In this module, you will learn to identify different accounting terminology and distinguish between different users of financial statements, identify and apply accounting concepts and principles.  you will also have to classify non-current, current assets, non-current liabilities, current liabilities, and capital. In addition, you will have to prepare a simple statement of financial position, and apply accounting concepts to income statement.

  • Employability Skills

    In this module, you will develop the personal and professional skills to prepare you for the world of work and understanding the concept of employability; reflecting on your career journey; and developing an active LinkedIn profile. The module will link closely with the other modules delivered during the semester and will help you to prepare for your future career and grasp core business theory.

  • Analysis of Real World Issues

    The aim of this module is to enable you to critically evaluate the challenges faced by organisations in today’s perplexing business environment nationally and internationally. Furthermore, this module will allow you to critically examine the type, nature and gravity of those challenges and create an organisation which is flexible and fluid to adopt to those challenges.

Compulsory modules

  • Marketing Theory and Practice

    In this module, you will learn to evaluate and discuss marketing terminologies, principles, classifications, theories/concepts and orientations. You will have to assess the macro and microenvironment in which the marketing manager operates in, applying marketing theories (PESTLE, SWOT and Porter's Five Forces) to given scenarios. As well as reviewing the type of information required for marketing decision-making through marketing research and marketing information systems.

  • Advanced Presentation and Communication Skills

    In this module, you will be able to explore how to communicate in a professional environment both verbally and in writing and will deliver enhanced skills in public speaking and presenting.

  • Business Negotiations in Practice

    In this module, you will have to examine the effect of the external environment and firm related factors on the negotiation process.

     

  • Organisational Behaviour

    On this module you will gain critical knowledge of how organisations work, and how individuals and groups affect organisational success or failure. You will explore the emerging workplace realities of self-leadership, networks, knowledge management and virtual teams, as well as organisational learning and working within culturally diverse work-place communities.

  • Leadership and Teams

    In this module, you will have the opportunity to review the skills required to develop high performance working teams in the current business context. You will also explore the theories and models of group dynamics, communication, motivation, diversity, etc. Additionally, you will have to consider their implications for leadership in a team environment.

  • Group Business Development Applied Project

    In this module, you will have the opportunity to work in groups and identify and develop a business projects for an organisation. Furthermore, this module is also aimed at understanding the groups dynamics and how to work in group by eliminating conflicts and work towards a common goal.

Compulsory modules

  • Strategic Management

    In this module, you will learn to explain the basic concepts, principles and practices associated with strategic management process. You will also critically analyse the internal business environment to determine strength and weaknesses and inform strategic management decisions for a given organisation using appropriate frameworks. Additionally, you will be able to critically analyse the external business environment to determine opportunities and threats and inform strategic management decisions for a given organisation using appropriate frameworks.

  • Career Strategy and Planning (CSP)

    This module will give you the opportunity to apply professional career management skills designed to assist you in actively planning and preparing for your future careers.

  • Business Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Practice

    In this module, you will critically analyse the drivers of enterprise and wealth creation from the perspective of their ethical implications. You will also investigate changing approaches and attitudes to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Additionally, you will have to critically evaluate frameworks for the discussion of business ethical issues and the use of tools for managing business ethics.

  • Theory of Innovation

    In this module, you will have the opportunity to analyse frameworks and concepts that underpin emerging themes in Innovation, while critically analyse national and global conditions for innovation in different countries. You will also learn to appraise alternative innovative methods for the growth of a business. 

  • Creative Problem Solving in Business

    In this module, you will learn to evaluate and assess an organisation's relative position internally and externally by applying range of tools and techniques. Additionally, you will learn to critically analyse the current problems and issues faced by the organisation in terms of financial, legal, technological and economic environment.

  • Business Innovation in Practice

    This module is designed to give you an insight into the nature of innovation practice and creation in businesses and the people that run them.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A-Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A-Levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T-Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BA (Hons) Business Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BA (Hons) Business Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BA (Hons) Business Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BA (Hons) Business Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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September 2025 tuition fees


Foundation Year 1 - full-time UK (Home) student: £5,760, full-time international student: £16,250

Year 2 onwards (subject to change) - currently full-time UK (Home) student: £9,250, full-time international student: £16,250 

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Foundation year bursary

If you are a UK student joining a foundation year course with UWL, you will receive a £2000 Path to Success bursary to support your studies. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You will receive £500 per year subject to your attendance, engagement and progression through your studies. 

To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.

Funding your studies
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year*
September 2025 tuition fees


Foundation Year 1 - full-time UK (Home) student: £5,760, full-time international student: £16,250

Year 2 onwards (subject to change) - currently full-time UK (Home) student: £9,250, full-time international student: £16,250 

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Shafqat Abbas is smiling in front of a white background

Shafqat Abbas

Shafqat Abbas is a Senior Lecturer in business and finance. He is a professional academic with more than 10 years of experience in Higher Education. He has successfully delivered and led different business courses at various levels. His expertise covers various practices in international business management, finance and accounting, teaching, assessing, supervising and internal & external quality assurance processes. He had also worked for other colleges and universities, including the London School of Science and Technology, Bloomsbury Institute London, and the University of Bedfordshire.

His areas of expertise are finance and management subjects. His current research interests involve Corporate Governance, Finance, Money and Capital markets, and Corporate Law.

Before starting his professional academic journey, he worked in the banking industry, in both local and international banks, including the Royal Bank of Scotland UK, as a (KYB) Business Analyst.

In my opinion;

Universities are the centres of research and innovation; attending a university can expose you to cutting-edge ideas and technology. University education is an essential investment in your future that can have far-reaching benefits, both personally and professionally. 

Shafqat Abbas is a Senior Lecturer in business and finance. He is a professional academic with more than 10 years of experience in Higher Education. He has successfully delivered and led different business courses at various levels. His expertise covers various practices in international business management, finance and accounting, teaching, assessing, supervising and internal & external quality assurance processes. He had also worked for other colleges and universities, including the London School of Science and Technology, Bloomsbury Institute London, and the University of Bedfordshire.

His areas of expertise are finance and management subjects. His current research interests involve Corporate Governance, Finance, Money and Capital markets, and Corporate Law.

Before starting his professional academic journey, he worked in the banking industry, in both local and international banks, including the Royal Bank of Scotland UK, as a (KYB) Business Analyst.

In my opinion;

Universities are the centres of research and innovation; attending a university can expose you to cutting-edge ideas and technology. University education is an essential investment in your future that can have far-reaching benefits, both personally and professionally. 

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A female woman standing in front of a busy workplace

A Business Studies degree can open the door to many exciting and rewarding careers. Some of the fields our graduates tend to move into include:

  • personnel management
  • marketing
  • business research
  • finance
  • sales
  • sales promotion
  • retail management. Popular careers for our graduates include:
  • junior manager
  • salesperson
  • administration
  • market researcher
  • human resources assistant
  • data analyst
  • marketing assistant.

Alternatively, you could develop a related specialism or explore a new area on one of our postgraduate courses.

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.