Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Business Management

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Three year

Four 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 for more information

Want to make it big in business? During your studies, our BSc (Hons) Business Management programme will develop your leadership and management skills, preparing you for a successful career in business. You'll also learn how to identify opportunities and cultivate adaptability for the future. 

Whether you plan to launch your own start-up business or enhance an established company, this programme equips you with the knowledge, resources and experience needed to thrive in the business world.

  • Study the fundamental principles that underpin a career in business management
  • Study in a dynamic environment and learn practical management skills from business simulations and live projects
  • Build your own personal portfolio to enhance your CV and demonstrate your knowledge to future employers

You’ll look ahead to the technologies that will affect the work of business professionals in the future and gain essential digitals skills that will help you go further in the industry, such as:

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

Our Business Management course is dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership. We have also worked with industry partners to ensure the programme is highly practical, career-focused and industry-informed, preparing you for a successful management career. 

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

International

students accepted

Course accreditations

iDEA (digital Salford) logo
Small Business Charter logo

This is for you if...

1.

You want to explore different areas of business and management before specialising in your chosen sector/career journey

2.

You are eager to develop sought-after skills through work placements, study abroad schemes and real-world learning

3.

You are looking for a practical, expert-led and industry-informed business education, preparing you for future success

Course details

All about the course

In the first year, you'll gain a fundamental understanding of how organisations work, through business simulations and real-world projects. You will explore new subjects and gain a comprehensive understanding of the business sector. The second year focuses on more in-depth theories and transferable skills, with core and optional modules to shape your learning. By your final year, you are becoming a professional. You will be practising more advanced business skills, with optional modules allowing you to hone in on your interests. 

Enhance your experience

Studying Business Management 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. Previous students have completed placements at organisations including BUPA, Peninsula, the NHS, MHA Moore and Smalley, TalkTalk, IBM, and many more

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

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.

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.

Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making

How do we get inside the problems that businesses face, and reach the decisions that will solve them and support the future development of the organisation? This module will introduce you to systems thinking, providing an approach that helps you examine complex problems and develop holistic solutions. You will be encouraged to think creatively, developing the skills you need for creating innovative solutions that will help you with your studies and future career.

Data Analysis for Business

In this module you will be introduced to a variety of data analysis methods, which will be practiced on real world data sets. Regular formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.

You will have an opportunity to formulate your own research questions before analysing data to draw reasonable conclusions. The module will predominantly utilise real data and include a mixture of computer-based questions, calculations, interpretation and drawing conclusions.

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

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.

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. 

 

Operations Management

This module will enrich your knowledge, appreciation and detailed awareness of the means required to operationalize and manage the resources of a business.

It will establish and focus on the key operational processes using an underpinning of theoretical frameworks, supported by a range of examples from service, manufacturing or a combination of these from industry. This course also benefits from guest lectures and, where possible, field trips for you to gain ‘live’ experience and support learning.

This module will provide systematic understanding of operations management and the skills relevant to the development and sustainability of regional, national and international business.

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.

Marketing to Consumers in the Digital Age

The module will introduce you to key issues in marketing and the impact that this has on consumers as well as their behaviour. It draws upon key theories in marketing and consumer behaviour and reflects on the relevance to marketing practice in the digital age.

Live Project for Business

Optional modules

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Young Enterprise

Students will be introduced to a variety of methods of analysis to inform decision making which will be practised on real data sets to support a new business venture as part of the Young Enterprise programme. Formative assessment will be set, 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, optimisations of scarce resources, marketing planning etc.

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

Optional Year

Professional Placement

All 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 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.

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.

Supply Chain Management and Digital Transformation

How do you make sure your products reach your customers where and when they want them? What systems make it easy for customers to buy? How will you deliver to multiple customers around the country through rain and snow?

The main aims of the module are to evaluate the concepts of supply chain management, to consider how those strategically connect to company objectives and to provide a critical awareness of digital transformation within the context of procurement and supply chain management.

You will systematically interpret and apply theories, skills and research aiming to make defendable judgements about complex issues in supply chain management, taking into account organisational settings and cognitive biases in contexts of uncertainty, disruption and volatility.

You will learn to critically evaluate and advise on supply chain management issues at a strategic level of organisations and analyse the impact of digital transformation on different interconnected supply chain elements eg, forecasting, planning, facilities, inventory, transportation, sourcing and information exchange.

Leadership and Management in Business

This module offers a unique in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key practical and theoretical aspects of leadership and management in contemporary organisations. There is a focus on specific individual leaders, leadership styles and traits and offers an insight into how leaders operate in an organisational context. The module also explores personal leadership, the development of leadership and how leadership occurs at all levels. Practically the module will invite you to develop your own leadership style and experience, enhancing  employability.

This module enables you to explore your own leadership styles and traits and evaluate how these impact on the management of people.

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.

Optional modules

Choose between Business Entrepreneurial Simulation Project, Business Dissertation or AI for Business.

Business Entrepreneurial Simulation Project

In this module, you will work as part of a team in an online business simulation. Acting as the management team in a competitive business environment, you will solve business problems and learn about the relationships between different areas of business. This modules gives you a chance to test your entrepreneurship, business planning and your ability to manage change in an uncertain environment.

You can choose between this and the dissertation option

Business Dissertation

If you choose the dissertation, you will identify and focus on a specialist area of research related to an aspect of your degree programme. Through this module, you will carry out a substantial piece of independent research and produce a scholarly and critical dissertation as a result. As well as being a great way to prepare you for postgraduate study, your dissertation can also support your CV and be presented to potential employers as evidence of your analytical and research skills.

You can choose between this and the Business Entrepreneurial Simulation Project option.

AI for Business

This module will provide a business focussed introduction to Artificial Intelligence and its applications. Students will be introduced to the range of AI tools and technologies, including machine learning and Generative AI. Centred around the core concepts of digital transformation and data driven organisations, the module will allow students to understand how AI can be harnessed to generate strategic impact across diverse industries and types of organisation. Students will develop understanding of the challenges of implementing digital change in contemporary organisations. The module will equip students with the skills to critically evaluate AI applications, through a grounding in AI ethics and the introduction of analytical frameworks which can be used to guide responsible use of AI. This module will provide a business focussed introduction to Artificial Intelligence and its applications. Students will be introduced to the range of AI tools and technologies, including machine learning and Generative AI. Centred around the core concepts of digital transformation and data driven organisations, the module will allow students to understand how AI can be harnessed to generate strategic impact across diverse industries and types of organisation. Students will develop understanding of the challenges of implementing digital change in contemporary organisations. The module will equip students with the skills to critically evaluate AI applications, through a grounding in AI ethics and the introduction of analytical frameworks which can be used to guide responsible use of AI.

10 credit modules

This is a further opportunity for you to choose a short (10 credit) module in an area you might be interested in or that you've never tried before. Alternatively, you can secure a short work placement and get credit for it in your results. Choose one from the options below:

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.

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.

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.

Climate Change and Sustainability in Business

Climate change is a fundamental stressor which erodes past development and threatens future developments in vital areas of the well-being of humans. The sustainable use of energy is important in the 21st century due to our dependence on energy for transportation, business and heating which is the main factor behind climate change and the key to its solution. Therefore, energy and climate change are inextricably linked. The import of this module is to provide you with a background on issues pertaining to climate change from a multidisciplinary lens. You will study the science and policy of climate change, international climate finance, energy policy, business and sustainability and environmental policy.

Investment Management

The module will provide an introduction to the investment environment. The module will explain risk and how investors can manage risk. Furthermore, the module will explain about time value of money, portfolio management and the relationship between risk and return. 

Information Security Management

The aim of this module is to understand the management and protection of digital information across various technologies. The module also concerns managing data security risk, cybersecurity risk, data policy in contemporary digital technologies, the strategic aspects of information security management and digital forensics and the legal, ethical ad professional concerns in data security.

Sport Event Management

The module will introduce to students the strategic and systematic process of planning and managing sport events. Students will learn key managerial issues associated with project management, logistics, risk management, sustainability, sponsorship, and human resources through case studies, readings, discussions, lectures, and assignments. The module aims to develop students' leadership behaviours, enhance their ability to create risk management solutions, and prepare them to respond to managerial challenges facing sport event managers. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to apply event management processes to sport events and successfully manage diverse populations in the context of sports event management

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 will 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 or starting your own business.

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 presentations, report writing and business pitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a business management course?

The standard business management course is three years. If you choose to take a placement year or foundation year, the course length increases to four years.

What salary can I expect after studying business management?

Though nothing is guaranteed, after completing your studies and gaining work experience, the majority of business management-related roles offer a starting salary of £23,000 – £35,000* depending on the industry and role. This can quickly increase to £40,000 - £55,000+ through experience and hard work. One of the main advantages of studying business management is that the possibilities are endless. Rise to a senior position or start your own business and you could progress to earning a six-figure salary.

*Talent.com 2024

Which business management course should I take?

We offer a range of business courses at Salford Business School. If you’re interested in a specific field such as marketing or sport, it’s important to learn more about the programme by attending an Open Day and choosing a course which caters to your passion. If you’re undecided, it’s worthwhile taking your time, learning more about the variety of business courses we offer and attending an Open Day so that you can make an informed decision. If you want to learn about business management as a whole and specialise after graduation, the BSc Business Management course is an excellent choice and will prepare you for a variety of careers.

Meet Joseph

"I studied Business Management Studies which was a four-year course with a year working in placement.

The university introduced me to Handelsbanken through the placement meetings that took place. I didn't seek out a career in finance or banking but the opportunity I had was too good to miss. Because of this, I believe the University of Salford helped me to pursue the career in banking I have now.

Salford Business School and my course definitely helped me achieve my ambitions, I am very happy and proud of my achievements and where I am today."

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. You will have gained valuable new skills which prepare you for work and graduate entry into business and management training programmes. 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. 

A taste of what you could become

A Business Manager

An Entrepreneur

A Risk Manager

A Business Advisor

And more...

Career Links

As a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited business school, we teach the skills that employers need, and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects. 

Mercedes-Benz Cars UK Limited, CEVA Logistics, Tata and JCB all had input on the content delivered on BSc (Hons) Business Management during its development.

Requirements

What you need to know

Applicant profile

This degree offers excellent scope for any student wanting to start a career in management, finance, marketing 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.

If you know you love business but aren’t sure which direction to go in, the Business Management course is an ideal introduction to some core areas of business. 

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 / grade 4 or above. Applicants who do not have the equivalent of grade C or above in these areas 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

104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points

A level

BCC - BBC with a minimum of two A2 passes

BTEC National Diploma

DMM

T levels

Pass (C in Core subject) or Merit

If applying to start from September 2024, you will need a Merit.

Access to HE

104 UCAS Tariff points – Pass with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2

If applying to start from September 2024, you will need 104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points.

International Baccalaureate

30 points for International Baccalaureate Diploma

Scottish Highers

104 - 112 points with a minimum of two Advanced Highers

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 - 112 points with a minimum of two A2 passes

European Baccalaureate

Pass Diploma with 60% or above

International Students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

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 £9,250.00per year
Full-time international 2025/26 £15,720.00per year

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 Foundation Year UCAS Course ID - N103
Business Management with Placement Year UCAS Course ID - NN12

Enrolment dates

September 2025

UCAS information

Course ID N100

Institution S03