Cardiff School of Management>Courses>Business and Management (with specialist pathways) - BA (Hons) Degree

Business and Management (with specialist pathways) - BA (Hons) Degree

Entry Year

Our BA (Hons) Business and Management degree takes an interdisciplinary approach, blending business and management knowledge with the essential skills needed to succeed as a resilient, impactful and adaptable manager.

It encourages you to develop critical perspectives and build a professional and responsible mindset, whilst strengthening leadership and team working skills that will increase your appreciation of the roles managers undertake.

Embrace your entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial spirit to successfully navigate the evolving business landscape across various sectors – private, public, or third sector within organisations, or launching your own enterprise.

The degree is taught from a global perspective through a curriculum that reflects the realities of international markets. Sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethical decision-making are embedded throughout.

Our degree gives you flexibility to specialise in areas of interest through a choice of five pathways:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Supply Chain and Logistics Management
  • Marketing


As well as the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience through an experiential work or volunteering module in the second year, we also offer an internship year in industry between year two and the final year. Past internships have included Deloitte, Admiral and the Wales Cyber Resilience Centre.

TNE Partner Institutions

Degree Pathways

The degree offers the following specialist pathways of study for TNE Partner Institutions only:

  • BA (Hons) Business & Management (Entrepreneurship)
  • BA (Hons) Business & Management (Finance)
  • BA (Hons) Business & Management (Law)
  • BA (Hons) Business & Management (Sustainability)
  • BA (Hons) Business & Management (Human Resource Management)
  • BA (Hons) Business & Management (International Trade)
  • BA (Hons) Business & Management (Marketing)


Modules

Year one (Level 4)

In year one, all Business and Management students’ study six compulsory modules (120 credits total).

Compulsory modules for all pathways

  • Business Economics (20 credits)
  • Business Information Systems (20 credits)
  • Finance for Managers (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Marketing (20 credits)
  • Law and the World of Business (20 credits)
  • Managing People at Work (20 credits)


Year two (Level 5)

In year two, students have the option to choose one of the pathways. Study for compulsory modules, select one optional module and one pathway modules (120 credits total).

Compulsory modules for all pathways

  • Business In Action (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Operations Management (20 credits)
  • Ethical and Sustainable Business Practices (20 credits)
  • Business Research and Reporting (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Work Experience (20 credits)
  • Volunteering Project (20 credits)


Compulsory pathway modules

Generic pathway and international trade pathway – Intercultural awareness for business (20 credits)

Entrepreneurship and Sustainability pathway – Creativity and innovation management (20 credits)

Finance pathway – Money and investment (20 credits)

Human resource management pathway – People management and engagement (20 credits)

Law pathway – Business law for the digital age (20 credits)

Marketing pathway – Marketing communications for managers (20 credits)


Year three (Level 6)

In year three, students studying the generic pathway choose two compulsory modules (40 credits) and 80 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory modules

  • Strategic Management (20 credits)
  • Change Leadership (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Dissertation (40 credits)
  • Launching an Enterprise (40 credits)
  • Marketing Plan (40 credits)
  • Year in Industry (40 credits)


Pathways

Students choosing to study a pathway, select a minimum of two compulsory modules (40 credits) in your subject specialism and 80 credits of optional modules (20 of which may be pathway related).

Generic pathway (Optional modules)

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
  • International People Management (20 credits)
  • International Business and Cultural Diversity (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Finance (20 credits)
  • Legal and Managerial Responsibilities in Employment (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Communications (20 credits)
  • Ethical Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)


Entrepreneurship pathway

Compulsory modules

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
  • Applied Entrepreneurship and Business Development (20 credits)
  • Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Culture (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Legal and Managerial Responsibilities in Employment (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Communications (20 credits)
  • Ethical Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • International Business and Cultural Diversity (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)


Finance pathway

Compulsory modules

  • Contemporary Finance (20 credits)
  • Capital Markets & Derivatives (20 credits)
  • Investment Management (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Communications (20 credits)
  • Ethical Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • International Business and Cultural Diversity (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)


Human Resource Management pathway

Compulsory modules

  • International People Management (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Employee Relations (20 credits)
  • Talent Resourcing & Development (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
  • Legal and Managerial Responsibilities in Employment (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Communications (20 credits)
  • International Business and Cultural Diversity (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)


International Trade Pathway

Compulsory modules (Select 2 minimum)

  • International Business and Cultural Diversity (20 credits)
  • International Trade Law (20 credits)
  • International & Global Marketing (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
  • International People Management (20 credits)
  • Ethical Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Finance (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)


Law Pathway

Compulsory modules (Select 2 minimum)

  • Legal and Managerial Responsibilities in Employment (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business and Consumer Protection (20 credits)
  • Business Obligations (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
  • International People Management (20 credits)
  • Ethical Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Communications (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)


Marketing Pathway

Compulsory modules (Select 2 minimum)

  • Contemporary Business Communications (20 credits)
  • International & Global Marketing (20 credits)
  • Strategic Brand Management (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
  • International People Management (20 credits)
  • Ethical Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Legal and Managerial Responsibilities in Employment (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)


Sustainability pathway

Compulsory modules (Select 2 minimum)

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
  • Ethical Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Leading Change for Sustainability (20 credits)


Optional modules

  • Legal and Managerial Responsibilities in Employment (20 credits)
  • International People Management (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Communications (20 credits)
  • International Business and Cultural Diversity (20 credits)
  • Dissertation (40 credits)

Foundation Year

This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.

The foundation year will be relevant to:

  1. Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
  2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.


Find out more about the foundation year.

Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation. Please refer to Key Course Information at the bottom of this page.

Course Content

Degree


The course structure develops from a compulsory first year, consisting of six modules, to only two compulsory modules and two compulsory pathway modules in the final year of study. This will enable you to direct your interests into a specialised pathway or specific set of optional modules, whilst ensuring that you receive a sound understanding and appreciation of business and management.

The degree also allows for considerable flexibility to ensure that you are academically guided in your ultimate choice as to whether to graduate with a BA (Hons) Business and Management degree, or a BA (Hons) Business and Management degree with one of the available named pathways.

All modules are taught in English and there is provision for the Welsh language equivalent in a number of modules in Levels 4. These are indicated below with an asterisk (*).


Year One (Level 4)


All modules are compulsory (120 credits) and designed to give you a sound grounding in business and management studies and your personal development.

Compulsory modules for all pathways (20 credits each)

  • Ethics Sustainability & Social Responsibility*
  • Analytical Tools for Competitive Advantage
  • Finance for Sustainable Business Performance
  • Introduction to Marketing
  • People Development within Organisations*
  • Entrepreneurial Approaches to Business


Year Two (Level 5)


In your second year, you will study five compulsory modules (100 credits) and select one optional module (20 credits). The optional module is the first stage of your pathway choice.

Compulsory modules for all pathways (20 credits each)

  • Business Transformation
  • Experiential Work or Volunteering Opportunities*
  • Global Challenges for Business
  • Ethical Business Operations & Supply Chain Resilience
  • Business Research and Reporting*


Optional modules (20 credits each)

  • Managing Change & Risk (Generic degree - No pathway)
  • Business Development & Intrapreneurship (Entrepreneurship Pathway)
  • Money & Markets (Finance Pathway)
  • People Management & Employee Experience (Human Resource Management Pathway)
  • Sustainable Procurement & Effective Strategic Relationship Management (International Supply Chain and Logistics Management Pathway)
  • Digital Marketing Communication for Managers (Marketing Pathway)


Internship year in industry

You have the option to spend a year in industry on a work placement after successfully completing your second year of study. We have a dedicated work placement team to support you in securing a placement. An internship year in industry can boost your career prospects and give you an advantage when applying for jobs after graduation.


Year Three (Level 6)


In your final year, you will study two compulsory modules for all pathways (40 credits), two compulsory pathway modules (40 credits) and two optional modules (40 credits).

Compulsory modules for all pathways (20 credits each)

  • Operationalising Strategy*
  • Leadership in Practice*


Business and Management with no pathway (20 credits each)

Compulsory modules

  • Contemporary Issues in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • International and Global Marketing


Optional modules

  • Wealth Management
  • Global People Management
  • Global Logistics Management


Entrepreneurship pathway (20 credits each)

Compulsory modules

  • Venture Creation and Growth
  • Entrepreneurial Cultures


Optional modules

  • Contemporary Issues in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Management
  • International and Global Marketing


Finance pathway (20 credits each)

Compulsory modules

  • Investment Management
  • Contemporary Finance


Optional modules

  • Wealth Management
  • Contemporary Issues in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Global Logistics Management


Human Resources Management pathway (20 credits each)

Compulsory modules

  • Talent Management in the Digital Age
  • The Future of Work and Employee Relations


Optional modules

  • Contemporary Issues in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Global People Management
  • International and Global Marketing


International Supply Chain and Logistics Management pathway (20 credits each)

Compulsory modules

  • Risk Management and Supply Chain Vulnerability
  • Global Logistics Management


Optional modules

  • Sustainable Supply Chain Management
  • Contemporary Issues in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • International and Global Marketing


Marketing pathway (20 credits each)

Compulsory modules

  • Strategic Brand Management
  • Corporate Communications and Reputation Management


Optional modules

  • Sustainable Supply Chain Management
  • Global People Management
  • International and Global Marketing


Optional Final Projects (40 credits each)

You also have the choice of selecting one 40 credit optional module:

  • Dissertation (40 credits)
  • Marketing Plan (40 credits)
  • Launching an Enterprise (40 credits)
  • Internship (40 credits)


Optional modules are delivered subject to demand and availability.

Learning & Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, guest speakers from industry experts and tutorials. Benefit from our extensive links with industry through guest lectures by business experts, field trips and completing a live business transformation project.

You will have opportunities to put theory into practice through case studies, work experience, internships, and hands-on projects to help you translate academic theory into real-world skills and experiences to prepare you for the challenges of the modern business world.

Modules have been designed with authentic assessments, to simulate real world experiences and to produce work that can be utilised to enhance employability.

For some modules you will learn as part of a team. Groupwork allows confidence building, negotiating skills and enhances the learning process. The ability to work as part of a team is vital in many career paths. Groupwork may be required for presentations, reports, and when collating information.

Opportunities for study abroad, both for a semester or a full year, are also fully supported on this degree through our wide range of global partners.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a range of coursework designed to give you the opportunity to submit evidence of reflective thought, analysis and problem-solving abilities.

Assessments take the form of essays, group and individual presentations, group and individual reports, poster presentations, practical work and portfolios with a focus on authentic assessment strategies where possible.

Employability & Careers

Knowledge and understanding of business management, in conjunction with the development of graduate employability skills required from employers is paramount. From the moment of induction, to the completion of your final year, employability is an important focus of your degree.

As well as a compulsory experiential work or volunteering module in year two, which we can help you arrange, we hold careers fairs and social networking events with employers. You also have the option of taking an internship year in industry between year two and your final year.

If you intend to become a young Entrepreneur and start your own business, the Centre for Student Entrepreneurship will aid you in business practice and help develop your business idea while you are a university student.

Most of our students enter the business world after graduation and will find employment in a wide range of organisations, in both the public and private sector. For example, students have found employment as business sales executives, marketing associate professionals, financial account managers, managers and directors in retail and wholesale, estate agents and auctioneers, and human resources and industrial relations officers, to name a few.

There are also opportunities for you to continue with postgraduate study at Cardiff School of Management, such as the MSc International Business Management, LLM International Business, MSc Strategic Marketing, MSc Human Resource Management, MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, MSc International Supply Chain and Logistics Management, MSc Banking & Finance and the MBA.

Entry Requirements & How to Apply

Typical Offers

The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.

If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.

  • Tariff points: 112
  • Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
  • GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
  • English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
  • A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject.
  • BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM
  • T Level: Merit.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
  • Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.


How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

Contact Us

For general enquiries please contact Admissions on 029 2041 6010 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Lisa Wright:

Email: lwright@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Tel: +44(0)29 20416318

We endeavour to deliver courses as described and will not normally make changes to courses, such as course title, content, delivery, and teaching provision. However, it may be necessary for the university to make changes in the course provision before or after enrolment. It reserves the right to make variations to content or delivery methods, including discontinuation or merging courses if such action is considered necessary. Please read our Terms and Conditions for the full information.

Key Course Information

UCAS ​Codes:

If applying for one of the 3-year degrees, use one of the following UCAS codes:

BA (Hons) Business & Management: ​M200

Pathways:

Entrepreneurship: N1NS
Finance: M300
Human Resource Management: M500
International Supply Chain and Logistics Management: N1IT
Marketing: M400

If applying for one of the 4-year degrees including a foundation year, use one of the following UCAS codes:

BA (Hons) Business & Management: M20F

Pathways:

Entrepreneurship: N1NF
Finance: M30F
Human Resource Management: M50F
International Supply Chain and Logistics Management​: N1IF
Marketing: M40F

Place of Study:
Llandaff Campus

School:
Cardiff School of Management

Course Length:
Three years full-time.
Four years full-time if undertaking year-long industry placement.
Four years full-time if undertaking foundation year.
Five years full-time if undertaking foundation year and year-long industry​ placement.​

September and January intakes available for international students.​

OPTIONAL YEAR IN INDUSTRY

“I applied for a Year in Industry with Deloitte, between my second and third year of study, and I was on cloud nine when they offered me a position. Industry placements should be treated as seriously as any graduate role and may be even more significant! They allow you to build connections, help you grow both personally and professionally and gain more of an understanding of the working world.”
Read more

Kush Shinde
Business and Management - BA (Hons) | Human Resource Management - MSc | Human Resources Officer at Ashton Gate

STUDENT & GRADUATE EXPERIENCE
Blog
From Cardiff School of Management to Assistant Manager at Deloitte London

Read how Business and Management (Marketing) graduate, Daniela, is climbing the corporate ladder at Deloitte in London.
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Blog
Embracing my entrepreneurial spirit with the Business and Management degree at Cardiff Met

Business and Management (Entrepreneurship) student Aminata, blogs about embracing new challenges and pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams.
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Becoming a Management Trainee at 8 Views Digital Agency with the Business and Management degree at Cardiff Met

Business and Management (Marketing) graduate, Sai, blogs about her first managerial role in the fast-paced corporate world.
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Blog
From Cardiff Met to global climate conference: My experience at COP29 Simulation in Egypt

Read how Business and Management student, Taif, developed sustainable business management skills at COP29 Simulation in Egypt.
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Graduate Profile
Graduate Profile

"Of all the life lessons my University experience taught me, meeting new people has been the most valuable, especially when transferring into the world of work. I first started with Odyssey because I got to know Dom, the CEO (pictured right), in the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Cardiff Met.

Working with people from different backgrounds has given me confidence in my people skills and increased my cultural awareness. Today, my work involves marketing and so building relationships is key. Another experience that improved my ability to build relationships was my time studying abroad. I spent five months in Turkey on the University Erasmus+ programme. The company I now work for, Odyssey, is based in an entrepreneur space with a variety of people so the strong interpersonal skills I have developed allow me to excel in my role."

Joshua Richards (pictured left). BA (Hons) Business and Management. Marketing Executive at Odyssey

Graduate Profile

BA (Hons) Business and Management graduate Jack reflects on how his degree at Cardiff Met has helped him launch his career as a Partnerships Executive at Archers Sport Management.

Pathways: