Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Business Management with Economics with Foundation Year

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Four year

Five year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

This course is also available with a professional placement year option.

To apply for this programme with industry placement or study abroad year, please speak to our enquiries team

Explore the most significant business and economic challenges faced by governments and organisations across the globe with our BSc Business Management with Economics undergraduate programme. Delve into real-world examples and analyse the implications of economic theories in the real world. 

  • Develop the business experience required for general management positions.
  • Study real examples and examine the implications of the theories explored in economics.
  • Build the skills that employers look for such as project planning, team working and self-presentation.

Become industry ready

Our Business Management with Economics undergraduate programme is dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the UK's sole chartered professional body dedicated to upholding the highest standards in management and leadership.

Career-focused and industry-informed, this course will equip you with the skills to translate insights from economic models into effective business management strategies and economic policies. 

You’ll also look ahead to the technologies that will affect the work of accountants in the future and gain the essential digitals skills that will help you go further in the industry, including: 

  • iDea Bronze Award
  • Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Word and 365
  • Power BI
  • Xero Accounting Software
  • Body swap technology

Your journey starts here

Ready to take the next step? Discover more by attending an Open Day, or speak to our dedicated course enquiries team for further information. 

Placement

options available

Course accreditations

Small Business Charter logo
iDEA (digital Salford) logo
CMI Chartered Management Institute logo

This is for you if...

1.

You want to learn how economics plays a vital role in business

2.

You are interested in the issues facing governments and global organisations

3.

You want to learn from looking at real-world examples

Course details

All about the course

Right from the start, our Business Management with Economics programme is all about supporting you to develop the practical skills that employers look for.

In your Foundation year, you will start to look at fundamental areas of business as well as the key skills you need to study at university level. In your first year, you will start to develop an understanding of the business and economics environment as well as how the sector operates. You will look at wider business areas and how economics integrates with them. The second year is all about exploring more specialised theories and learning skills that will be transferable across multiple functions. By your final year, you are becoming a professional, developing the skills needed for responsible leadership and understanding how to think strategically. 

Enhance your experience

Studying Business Management with Economics at Salford Business School offers numerous opportunities to gain additional practical experience and practice your skills in a real-world setting. 

With the opportunity for all students to complete a paid work placement or study abroad between their second and third years, you will enter the world of work with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and of key business concepts.

Discover our extracurricular and out-of-classroom opportunities to see how you can take your studies further.

Foundation Year

Foundations of Business

This module will introduce you to key concepts of business and management, looking at what business is (and isn’t). You will be encouraged to draw on real-life examples found in the businesses you use in your every day life. You will develop an understanding of the key functions used within contemporary businesses and learn about the tools and techniques used in business for analysis and planning. 

Sustainable Business Development

This module looks at what’s involved in starting up a sustainable business. You will discover what is needed for long term business success. We’ll look at financing and funding, business formation, planning, business ethics and sustainability along with other core aspects of start-ups. You will work closely with industry partners to gain insight into the world of start-ups. If you are interested in starting a business, this module will really help you to discover what is involved. You also gain key knowledge which your degree will build upon.  

Digital Business

This module will explain the importance and key elements of digital business. You will explore how digital business ideas drive technology choices and how those technologies support the development of the business.  

Academic and Personal Skills

Academic and Personal Skills is delivered with your future in mind. This module takes you through how to get to grips with the technology you need to succeed, as well as using the library, how to reference and how to produce the different styles of academic writing.

It also helps you to develop yourself; you will create a CV, learn how to write a cover letter and find out what your learning style is. The module has guest speakers who share their expert knowledge and experience with you.  All the skills covered in this module will help you to succeed in your chosen degree.

Business Project

This module is studied in term 2 of the foundation year and brings together everything that you have learnt so far on the foundation year. This is your opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. You will work as part of a team to develop a business idea; you will work through the process of setting up the business. As a team you will pitch your idea to a panel to gain investment in your start-up. You will then start the business and create an event with the profits being donated to a local charity of your choice. Whatever your chosen business discipline this module will give you the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills. 

Employability for Life

The module aims to acquire and develop an understanding of the employability skills required to succeed in your chosen industry. This is a practical module which will help you create and develop a professional CV and will develop your understanding of the recruitment and selection process. You will learn essential life-long skills to help you succeed in job applications whether they are for part-time work whilst you are a student or for your future graduate career.

Year One

Digital and Business Skills

The Digital and Business Skills module introduces a range of digital tools for academia and the workplace. Important business skills such as management, collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to the module. Regular engagement with online platforms provides tasks to improve digital competency. Also, co creation work presents self-reflection and confidence building opportunities. Gaining the inspiring digital enterprise award (iDEA), completing LinkedIn learning assessments for Microsoft software applications, and completing collaborative video creation tasks will increase your digital and business skills as you progress towards the completion of this module. Digital Business is here to stay, so it is vital to improve these 21st century skills.

Data Analysis for Business

Using data effectively is central to business success and this module will provide a grounding in the key skills you will need to understand and use data. You will develop an understanding of the concepts required for the use and interpretation of the quantitative methods used to analyse business data. You will practice your essential Excel skills and learn to use Minitab, a statistical software package used by companies to spot trends, solve problems and use data to gain insight.

This module prepares you for more advanced studies dealing with quantitative analysis in business and economics.

Business Finance in Practice

This module is designed to provide you with practical experience of key aspects of business finance. Using a business simulation tool, you will have the opportunity to apply these concepts in a practical context. The module embeds group working skills and the experiential approach provides the opportunity to gain experience of defining, planning and delivering a project.

Understanding Organisations

This module provides you with an introduction to the key functions of business and is an opportunity to see how they work. You will get an understanding of functions including people management, accounting, marketing and operations, and how they underpin business success. This is illustrated through the lens of some of the successful businesses from across the Greater Manchester region that Salford Business School work with: we will look at a range of businesses including startups, family businesses and large scale enterprises and multinationals from different industry sectors. It is a first opportunity to see what makes businesses tick and will help you think about your future learning and employment journeys.

The Future of Business

What are the opportunities for business in the future? Starting with a grounding in the business context you will gain an understanding of economics and the digital environment, including the role of the digital economy. We will explore some of the key challenges that are on the horizon such as the impact of massive digitisation and industry 4.0, inclusive growth, food security and the climate emergency, and look at the opportunities for business to provide responsible and sustainable solutions

Economic Analysis

This module introduces you to the key concepts of modern economics, including how markets function as the foundation of contemporary economies 

Year Two

Professional Development

This module will enable you to plan and carry out appropriate professional development activities to increase your employability and performance. These include self-presentation, professional networking, project planning and implementation, team working, influencing and multimedia communication. You will gain all the necessary experience required to take advantage of global employment opportunities. 

 

Microeconomic Analysis

This module enables you to study the application of microeconomic theory to issues and problems, including the decision-making of individuals, households and firms, strategic behaviour, and market failures.

Project Management

During this module we take a detailed look at various aspects of Project Management through a variety of means such as lectures and practical seminars informed by research and industrial collaborations. We will focus on theoretical approaches, tools and techniques of planning and controlling projects.

We will discuss project management as an important and integral part of a business whether this is product or service based.

Macroeconomic Analysis

This module provides you with analytical skills and an ability to develop simplifying frameworks for studying macroeconomics. It explores the economic principles used to design, guide and interpret commercial, economic, social, and environmental policy. 

Live Economics Project

This module is a chance to get hands on experience inside a real organisation. Working in teams, reflecting your future working environment, you will help one of our partner organisations develop a solution to a current business problem. This is a chance to apply people, project and time management in practice and to see how your solutions can apply in practice. Our employers tell us that experience of live briefs is important to them, and this is your chance to apply the knowledge you have gained on the course in that context.

Analysis for Economics

Analysing and understanding data is at the heart of business decision making. In this module you will build on the data analysis skills that you learned in your first year, looking specifically at economic analysis and getting practical experience of using data to inform management decisions. You will work with data used every day by professionals and develop the skills you will need for your future career.

Business Intelligence and Dashboards

Students will be introduced to a variety of methods of analysis for management decision making, which will be practiced on real data sets aligned to students’ named degree titles. Formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.

The decision making techniques introduced in the module can be applied to a wide range of settings, such as interpreting market performance, forecasting growth, make or buy decisions, optimisation of scarce resources etc.

Optional modules

You will choose one of the following 10 credit module options. 

Contemporary Issues in International Marketing

On this short module, you'll look at the issues affecting current marketing in a global setting and the impact this has on the wider business environment. You'll look at different marketing niches from a social, economic and environmental perspective, considering the importance of minority group affiliations associated with Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+, social inclusion, ethics, sustainability and the marketing-savvy green consumer. You'll also gain an understanding of the ethical, moral and legal requirements that managers must appreciate when engaging in international marketing activities.

Applied Econometrics

This module aims to equip you with the analytical skills required to handle and analyse business, financial and economic data using basic econometric methods, including simple and multiple linear regression models, inference and hypothesis testing. As part of this module, you will get hands-on experience with the Data Analysis Toolkit within Excel and the Econometric/Statistical software package Stata. You will also undertake an applied empirical project where you are expected to demonstrate your understanding of data analysis and econometric methods.

Internship

A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This module allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 4 and the start of level 5, but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.

Business Accounting

You will be introduced to some fundamentals of basic financial and management accounting, learning to understand the content of financial statements and the accountancy practices required to prepare these statements. You will learn to analyse and interpret financial statements and use the data to make informed management decisions. With cost (and its impact on profit) a key factor in an organisation’s success, you will learn to communicate financial information both in writing and speaking.

Legal Aspects of Business

On this module, you will learn about some of the key aspects of law and how these impact upon business. You will be introduced to the outline of the English Legal System, Contract Law, Employment Law and Company Law. You will develop a critical understanding of legal issues that may arise in business situations and be able to use your knowledge of the law in relevant business practices.

Sports Business Finance: Trends and Analysis

The module provides a comprehensive understanding of economic and financial principles as applied to the sports industry. Students will analyse contemporary sport issues, financial statements, revenues, costs, demand, pricing strategies, and the market structure of the sport industry. The module also covers financial strategies for sport organizations, including business formation, fund-raising, maintaining a healthy financial position, and expansion strategies. Additionally, students will learn about the application of economics and financial management in sport organizations, data-driven decision making, and the role of sport in political and diplomatic issues. This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to make sound financial decisions and strategic management in the dynamic and evolving field of sports business

The Digital Workplace

The digital workplace is here to stay. This module helps you gain an understanding of the application of digital technologies in organisations. You will develop a critical awareness of the relationship between people and the workplaces of the future. You will also explore the issues around implementing a digital strategy.

Optional year

Professional Experience Year

At the end of year 2, you may choose to undertake either a paid placement or study abroad for a year. If you choose to study abroad you will spend your academic year at one of our partner universities, enhancing your language skills and international business knowledge

All of our BSc students can apply for a one-year professional placement, which takes place between your second and last years of study. This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and over the last five years, 90% of Salford Business School undergraduates taking a one-year placement secured a 2:1 or 1st class Honours degree. We will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations. Here is just a small selection of the companies our students have enjoyed placements with so far: NatWest, Barclays and the Cooperative Bank; BP, Esso and Shell; IBM, Hewlett Packard and Compaq; Ford, Vauxhall, Jaguar and Nissan; Marks & Spencer, Selfridges and Sainsbury’s; Eli Lilly, Glaxo and ICI; Fujitsu, Marriott and Virgin.

Optional Year

Professional Placement

You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees.

This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and we will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.

 For more information, please visit the placement and internships page

You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees. For more information, please visit the placement and internships page

Year Three

Business Ethics and Sustainability

This module equips you with an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the implications of Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability within national and international organisations. This module will also develop your knowledge with respect to the importance of the balance between shareholders, stakeholders and the purpose and values of the organisation. It will explore the roles of social and technological innovation in global ethical organisations in order to prepare you for future employability.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Employers tell us that they are looking for employees with an entrepreneurial mindset.  Or perhaps you're thinking of setting up your own business.

In this module you have the opportunity to undertake an enterprise project for an internal or external sponsor on a topic of common interest.  Alternatively, you can use this opportunity to undertake in-depth research for your own project, for example, a business plan if you are wanting to start up a company after you graduate. The nature of the project will be negotiated by yourself, the module leader and the sponsoring company. 

Strategic Management

This module will provide a detailed understanding of business strategy, so that you acquire an organisation-wide perspective through exploring strategy techniques and processes within the global environment. You will draw together your knowledge from across the programme, and apply this to real world organisational problems, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry, some of which are at the forefront of strategic research and practice. The module prepares you for a career in business and management, developing the next generation of managers, and you will work on industry problems drawn from your pathway specialism.

Industrial Economics

This module develops your knowledge of the core economic principles relevant to the analysis of competition and competition policy. You will analyse and critically evaluate models of competitive markets and apply economic principles to problems and policy issues related to competition 

Applied Game Theory

You will critically appraise the economic concept of uncertainty and explore the methodology of game theory to integrate uncertainty into economic analysis. You will also analyse real-world conflict situations and explore their resolution in diagrammatic and mathematical formats. 

Leadership and Management in Economics

This module will help you to develop your leadership skills and prepare you for your future career. You will explore theory, behaviour, people management and leadership within an organisational context, apply this in your specialist context. This is an opportunity to develop the skills you have gained in the early part of your degree and apply them to prepare you for the responsible and authentic leadership that future business requires

Optional modules

You will choose one of the following 10 credit module options. 

Technology Innovation

Technology innovation is concerned with developing your awareness and understanding of the use of digital technologies and their role in digital transformation. We will examine contemporary issues in this area and explore the impact that digital technology had had on business and will have in the future. On completion, you will have a critical awareness of the digital industry and have considered the application of technology to business problems. This module links with and is supported by Launch@ Salford, the University’s incubation centre.

Big Data Analytics

Modern businesses derive significant insight from applying advanced analytical techniques to massive volumes of data. In the module, you will learn a range of established Big Data and analytics techniques and the value they provide to organisations. On successful completion of the module, you will not only be able to collect and analyse data to underpin business decisions but also be able to apply them within the business context, looking at strategy, business goals and organisational competitive advantage.

Internship

A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This modules allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 5 and the start of level 6 but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What Will I be Doing?

Teaching

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials using a wide range of learning activities such as business simulations.

Our teaching is focused on supporting you to gain hands-on experience for your career. Right from the start you will develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that you'll need when you begin working. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of business and provide you with that extra edge when it comes to securing a job.

Assessment

We use different assessment techniques in different modules and try to ensure all assessments reflect the types of work you will do after graduating. This may include portfolio work, presentations and business pitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is business management and economics?

A business management with economics degree provides comprehensive knowledge of business principles and issues, as well as covering economic theory within a business context. 

What can you do with a business economics degree?

A Business Management with Economics degree opens up a range of career roles for graduates in a variety of sectors. You could become a business analyst, financial analyst, economic consultant, account manager, and so much more!

How does economics relate to business management?

Economics and business management are closely intertwined, as economics provides the foundational theories and principles that inform many aspects of business management such as financial decision making, cost management and strategic planning. 

Meet Rachel

As part of her degree, BSc (Hons) Business Management with Economics alumnus Rachel Brown completed a placement with the NHS.

"Throughout the delivery of the modules, I was constantly learning new skills as well as enhancing already acquired knowledge. Salford University aims to increase students' knowledge and prepares them to face any obstacles in the future. 

For my placement year, I worked within the finance sector at the NHS, completing a range of financial skills including payroll analysis, reviewing financial transactions and budget statements as well as producing journals. The exposure to many different financial tasks whilst working alongside different teams increased my problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills."

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

Further study

A postgraduate degree is a great option if you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a significant fees discount. 

Employment

When you graduate, you will have transformed yourself from an ambitious individual into a skilled and business-minded graduate. We have used our close links with industry partners to make sure the programme is highly practical, career-focused and industry-informed so you are ready for a successful career. 

The skills and knowledge gained by studying business management are practical and applicable across a wide range of business functions. IBM, Bank of New York Mellon, HSBC, RBS and Manchester United are just a few of the organisations that our students have gone on to secure positions with. 

A taste of what you could become

an economist

a project manager

a systems analyst

a quantity surveyor

a chartered accountant

And more...

Career Links

Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focussed education is equally relevant today. As a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited business school, we teach the skills that employers need. As a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects. 

The curriculum across our undergraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience, allowing you to apply theory in practice in a way that has been proven to produce highly employable, articulate business professionals who have forged the contacts that will help develop their future careers. 

 

Requirements

What you need to know

This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.

Applicant profile

This degree offers excellent scope for any student wanting to start a career in management, finance, economics and a variety of other different business areas. Knowledge and expertise in business are highly sought after by employers across a wide variety of sectors.

English language requirements

Applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English, with an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5).

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

Maths and English at grade C or grade 4 or above (applicants who do not have the equivalent of grade C or above, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English will be considered on a case by case basis).

You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.

UCAS Tariff points

64 points UCAS Tariff points

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £8,250.00 for Foundation Year and £9,250.00 for subsequent years.

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply!

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Undergraduate Open Days or contact us:

By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545

Additional UCAS Information

Business Management with Economics UCAS Course ID - N1L1
Business Management with Economics with Placement Year UCAS Course ID - N1LC

Enrolment dates

September 2025

UCAS information

Course ID N1L2

Institution S03