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BSc Business and Management

At a glance

  • A flexible and practical degree, preparing you for a wide range of career destinations within the business and broader corporate world
  • Focus your degree further and choose from pathways including Marketing and Digital Business
  • Diverse ways of learning, from small group seminars to large lectures taught by academics and industry practitioners
Subject area(s)
Business & Management
Start Date
September 2024
Duration
3 years (4 years with placement year/study abroad)
Attendance
Full-time
UCAS Code
N100/N101/N102
Programme Director
Amal Ahmadi002 75e5pfidr
Dr Amal Ahmadi

Overview

This flexible course equips you with the fundamental skills of business – from theory and practice to their real-world applications.

In your first year you will be introduced to different ways of thinking about business and management, and to some of the big debates in the field. You will cover core content in management, marketing, accounting and data analysis, as well as developing your employability skills.

After your first year of study you will have the opportunity to stay on the general programme or choose one of our pathways to further focus your studies.

You can choose from:

Whilst studying at Henley you will have the opportunity to apply for a paid work placement or study abroad year. This will take place in your third year and is the perfect opportunity to enhance your CV and apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in a real work environment.

Our BSc Business and Management pathways have been designed to allow you to focus your degree even further and tailor it to your specific interests. Here is a guide to help you understand them.

In year one of your studies you will focus on gaining core knowledge of Business and Management. The content of the first year will be the same for all pathways as well as the general BSc Business and Management degree. At the end of year one you will be able to transfer to a pathway of your choice or continue general programme. You are not tied to a specific pathway at this point.

Year of study % weight of modules
Year 1 100% compulsory modules (all pathways)

In year two you will gain a more in-depth understanding of Business and Management. You will now start to focus your degree further with modules that are specific to the pathway of your choice. Some pathways give you the opportunity to start to tailor your degree with optional modules. At the end of the second year, you will not be able to choose a different pathway again, although you will have the opportunity to transfer back to the general programme.

Year of study % weight of modules
Year 2 50% compulsory modules (all pathways)
50% mix of further compulsory and/or optional modules (pathway dependent)

Between your second and final year you will have the option to do a work placement or study abroad year. Opting for the year can be beneficial for your career prospects and considerably enhance your CV, setting you on the right path for a successful career.

Year of study
Work Placement/Study Abroad (Optional)

In your final year you will consolidate your knowledge, preparing you to enter the world of work. You will have more flexibility with optional modules, with compulsory modules still relevant to the pathway you have chosen.

Year of study % weight of modules
Final year 100% mix of optional and compulsory modules (pathway dependent)

Part 1

Compulsory modules Credits

This module introduces students to key ideas and debates that pertain to the study of business and management. It exposes students to the intellectual foundations on which many well-known management frameworks are built. In doing so it requires students to consider business decisions from different disciplinary perspectives including economics, psychology, history and law, and to recognise the value of these competing viewpoints.

Academic authors
Dr peter miskell 397 3 Peter Miskell1 75e5pfi5i
Professor Peter Miskell
40 Credits

The aim of this module is to provide students with a foundation in business and management practices and theories. These provide the necessary context when students specialise in their later studies.

The module will introduce students to the competitive environment, markets, strategy, marketing, operations, organisational behaviour and entrepreneurship. While students will learn the core concepts which underpin these areas, they will also gain an understanding of the inter-relationships between them.

While there is a strong emphasis on key theories and frameworks, students will be required to apply them to current business cases which will help them as they start their careers in whatever industry they choose.

Academic authors
A Hull DR 1 75n9b6sin
Dr Andrew Hull
20 Credits

The aim of this module is to provide students with a foundation in how businesses use accounting information. It will introduce students to management accounting and financial accounting, and it will provide the necessary foundation in accounting to allow them to specialise in their later studies

Academic authors
Sue Blackett001 75efq6q4m
Sue Blackett
Sian Weatherburn
20 Credits

Acquiring, managing, and analysing data is an important business activity that allows organisations to make strategic use of their data assets.

Analysing historical data can give companies insight on how to optimise a wide range of functions related to accounting and management. Furthermore, constructing predictive models can facilitate the process of classifying future events and making informed data-driven decisions. This introductory module aims to expose students to key concepts in data analytics by introducing two stages of data analytics (a) descriptive analytics and (b) predictive analytics, as well as visualisation techniques for qualitatively summarising data.

Academic authors
Markos Kyritsis 75n7l9phu
Dr Markos Kyritsis
20 Credits

The module focuses on developing students’ understanding of the graduate and placement recruitment process from the perspective of the recruiter and the organisations. For that purpose, the module draws on the skills and learning from the first two terms to provide students with an experience of the recruitment process, beginning to end.

The module will enable the students to use their learning so far to appreciate the economics of recruitment, the context of different organisations (businesses and sectors), the different talent management strategies and needs, the rationale for employing specific process and procedures, and what are the next steps in developing a successful, high-performing and engaged workforce.

The module is designed to be delivered in the summer of part 1. The lectures and seminars run ahead of placements and internships applications. Therefore, it equips the students to make better choices and improved applications, strengthening their success rate of obtaining placements, internship and future jobs upon graduation.

Academic authors
Tatiana Rowson Staff Photo
Dr Tatiana Rowson
Can Ererdi Photo
Dr Can Ererdi
20 Credits

You will also take 60 credits of optional modules at Part 2.

Example modules include (please note that all modules are subject to change):

  • Marketing Essentials [20 credits]
  • Branding Theory and Practice [20 credits]
  • Practice of Entrepreneurship [20 credits]
  • Sales and Business Development [20 credits]
  • Business Data Analytics [20 credits]
  • Management Accounting [20 credits]

Part 3

There are no compulsory modules at Part 3. You will choose optional modules to the value of 120 credits, of which 20 credits may be at level 5. You may select up to 20 credits of modules from elsewhere in the University, subject to timetabling constraints.

You can choose to specialise in a particular area (e.g. human resources) or remain broad by picking a wide range of subject areas.

Example modules include (please note that all modules are subject to change):

Optional modules Credits

This module allows students to engage in guided, independent study over two terms in their final year. The objective is to produce a long piece of written research (a ‘Project’), which engages in-depth with a chosen topic in business and management.

Academic authors
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Dr Joe Lane
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Digital enterprises face a range of challenges that differentiate them from non-digital start-ups. They often operate in hyper-competitive winner-takes-it-all markets from inception.

To succeed in this environment, they need to leverage digital technologies to shape novel business models, market their products and services and develop monetization strategies until they find product-market-fit, and achieve a scalable method of customer acquisition, typically by targeting global markets from the outset.


The module discusses how digital entrepreneurial ventures take advantage of the tensions and opportunities arising from current technological change. It then explores the approaches, methods and strategies employed by entrepreneurial, digital companies in validating and developing products, gaining market and customer traction, competing for scale in hyper-competitive markets as well as in monetizing their product, service and data offerings. It explores entrepreneurial marketing methods used by digital entrepreneurs including approaches to customer development. Finally, it also discusses data-driven decision making processes.

Academic authors
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Professor Marcello Mariani
Matteo Borghi Staff Profile Photo
Dr Matteo Borghi
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module examines theories of entrepreneurship and how it has been practiced from the 19th to the 21st century. It explores the context in which entrepreneurs operate, the strategies that they have developed in order to survive and their impact on economic growth.

To develop student’s awareness and understanding of theories of entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurs have behaved and operated from the 19th to the 21st century. This will involve an appreciation of the context in which entrepreneurs operate and the strategies that they have developed in order to survive by using both theory and case studies. Their impact of economic growth will be considered.

Academic authors
Professor Lucy Newton
Professor Lucy Newton
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Projects have become an important mode of organising work in many organisations and industries in response to the need to develop and deliver complex one-off goods and services and to manage change initiatives.

This module is designed to provide the theoretical and practical grounding for those working in and leading projects. The assignment includes project-based group activities to develop critical understanding of tools and techniques in practice.

Academic authors
Nigel Spinks 75e5pfiiz
Nigel Spinks
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module aims to develop students’ awareness and a refined critical understanding of the key approaches and theories of ethics and the understanding of key issues, and dimensions which reflect relationships in business and in society. It’s practically applied to relations involving business and broader stakeholders in international business and management contexts with a focus on ethical complexities in international management.

This module aims to develop students’ awareness and a refined critical understanding of the key approaches and theories of ethics. Students will develop an awareness and understanding of the ethical issues which reflect relationships with key business and non-business stakeholders in the context of international business. The class discussions will also emphasis the potential tensions between economic and ethics concerns and the need to ethically inform and balance economic and business aims with a focus on acting for the good in business and in society.

Academic authors
Adeyinka Updated Photo
Dr Adeyinka Adewale
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module builds on the concepts and techniques of management accounting introduced in AC107 and AC220 or AC 208. Management accounting may be seen as a way of providing information in three main areas: costing, decision-making, and planning and control.

The emphasis of this module will mainly be on the last two areas (i.e., decision making and planning and control). In reality, however, it is often difficult to separate any one area from the other two. For example, standard costing provides costing information which is then used as a tool for planning and control.

This module aims to further develop students’ critical understanding of the role of management accounting in organisational decision making and control. It seeks to provide students with a critical conceptual and technical understanding of management accounting tools and techniques relating to the provision and use of financial and managerial information in organisational decision-making, planning and control. An emphasis is placed on the strategically focused organisation in the modern business environment.
Academic authors
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Dr Ekililu Salifu
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module looks closely at a number of international financial reporting standards and at the preparation of consolidated financial statements.

Academic authors
Lei Tao
Dr Lei Tao
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Information systems are the means by which people and organisations, utilising technologies, gather, process, store, use and disseminate information. Digital business makes effective use of information systems to enable organisations to create value throughout the value chain.

This module covers key concepts, theories, techniques, and issues towards an e-enterprise. It emphasises the importance of aligning business and IT strategies through an understanding of the structure and function of information processed by IT systems from both business and technical perspectives.

Academic authors
Dr keiichi nakata 397 3 Keiichi Nakata 75e5pfi5h
Professor Keiichi Nakata
20 [10 ECTS credits]

In a fast-moving world in which information technology can be described as ubiquitous, we are often tempted to take for granted or perhaps not critically consider the impact information technology (and of course digital technologies) bring to our social and organisational lives.

In this module, we will take a critical look at the relationship information technology has with the social world and by consequence, the organisation and our own individual selves. What do we mean by ‘information’ and ‘technology’ in the idea of ‘information technology’ anyway? This module will challenge our ideas about what information technology is or what it does to the social world and the lively debates in the classroom will drive us to conduct some empirical research to help us gain understanding.

Organisations are looking for individuals who can critically consider contemporary issues, conduct research and design solutions to solve them. This module fills this gap by taking aim at some of the recent challenges that modern technologies pose to organisations and society as a whole. We will thus critically analyse issues concerning information and decision making, surveillance and management control, technology and modern day work in the gig economy, among others. Drawing on some philosophical and leading-edge theories, we will explore whether technology is in control of the human or the whether the human is in control of technology or whether the issues at stake are a bit more complex than we all think. The student taking this module is one who is curious, willing to challenge existing thought, and is able to work independently.

Academic authors
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Professor Norbert Morawetz
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This is an advanced module in Strategic Human Resource Management, which examines how companies manage people at work, and appraises the relationships between strategy, HRM and performance.

Decisions and choices in human resource management (HRM) have to take into account the priorities and objectives of the organisation, while also accommodating the needs and expectations of its employees. This module explores the tensions and dilemmas associated with trying to balance these two perspectives. It focuses on HRM options and choices that are ‘strategic’ because they involve thinking about how to respond to commercial imperatives, growth opportunities and business change. Students are expected to be able to understand links between the business models adopted by a firm, and the associated HR choices and activities.

Academic authors
Dr chul chung 397 3 Chul Chung 75e5pfi5f
Dr Chul Chung
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The course reviews the history of business from the earliest times to the present day. It provides a wide-ranging introduction to the history of businesses at different times and in different countries.

Academic authors
Professor peter scott 397 3 Peter Scott 75e5pfi6j
Professor Peter Scott
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The module considers exactly what it says – the dark side of marketing. Marketing is often presented as a solution to business problems. But marketing can itself cause problems for consumers.

This module focuses on exploring the conflicting, controversial and moral challenges facing marketing in specific contexts. We will be discussing the non-traditional and unspoken yet critical topics of marketing practice. Our focus areas are those having a global impact and that touch upon pretty much every individual on the planet. It is an integrative module that combines marketing with other science subjects (eg., nutrition, law and others). This module will explore marketing and its effects on consumers’ physical and mental well-being and alleged exploitation of vulnerable consumers. This module is critical, applied and contemporary. It looks at current issues and asks how you can use your marketing skills to help resolve some practical consumer and societal problems, and how marketing should be transparent, honest and true. We will explore ways to make consumer lives truly better, easier and happier.

This is NOT a traditional or foundational marketing module but one that will challenge the very way you view and think about marketing. In this module we will explore marketing that you perhaps didn’t know existed.

Academic authors
Irute Daukseviciute Profile Pic Jun18 75iuglcwd
Dr Irute Karanicholas
20 [10 ECTS credits]

*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

Our undergraduate degrees are taught through a mix of lectures, group projects and interactive classroom lessons. This gives you the opportunity to discuss, explore and then apply the subject content in depth with your lecturers and fellow students.

Through exploring and tackling real-world challenges, you will also be able to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Modules are assessed through written assignments, in-class tests, group presentations and formal examinations. This helps you graduate as a rounded individual and develops your transferable skills, which are highly sought after by leading graduate employers.

Each academic year you will be required to complete a number of compulsory and optional modules, totalling 120 credits. A typical 10 credit module requires a total of 100 hours of study. This includes contact hours with lecturers as well as independent study.

Typical offer

A Level: ABB

International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall

GCSE: Maths and English at grade B (5).

BTEC: DDD

Contextual offer

A Level: BBC

For more information on contextual offers, please visit the University of Reading webpage

Tuition fees for undergraduates at University of Reading are:

  • £9,250 a year, for the full course duration, for UK if you started your undergraduate course in September 2020 onwards*.

*This fee capped for the full duration of your course.

Your fees will be fully covered by a loan from the Student Loan Company, in line with its published repayment terms and conditions.

Government Funding

UK students can get government loans to help towards their living costs, known as ‘maintenance loans’. If you choose to take out both a fees loan and a maintenance loan, these will be rolled together and repaid only after graduation through the tax system, as a proportion of your income over £25,000.

UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.


The International Undergraduate 2024/25 fee level for this programme is £22,350. There may be financial support available - consult your local British Council/Education Counselling Service.

Please see the University's financial pages for further information on international fees.

You can apply online for all of our courses via the national admissions service, UCAS.

Find out more

Henley Careers

Our aim at Henley Careers is to empower and enable you to leave the Business School confident in being able to progress your career forward successfully.

We are committed to enable you to take a strong career leadership approach to your career planning. We will work with you to help you understand yourself better, as well as truly understand the obstacles and opportunities around you. Research both at Henley and other leading Business Schools shows that people who are self-reliant and usually achieve higher levels of success. We therefore encourage your job search to be driven by you and your needs, but along the way, we provide you with advice and insight regarding your strategy.

You can book a telephone or video appointment with your dedicated Careers Consultant to get support and advice for your career planning or professional development. We also hold numerous events to help you learn about different careers and develop your skills, such as Monday Night Employer Panels, Success Studios and Resilient You.

A work placement offers you an enormous range of benefits – both during your degree and beyond.

On most of our undergraduate courses you can choose to do a 9 to 12-month placement in your third year, before returning to complete your final year at the Business School. This will appear on your degree transcript and offers many of the following benefits:

  • Put your learning into practice
  • Enhance your CV by developing sought-after skills such as time and project management, teamwork, commercial awareness, and communication
  • Build a professional network - a successful work placement can lead to the offer of a permanent role with the same organisation upon graduation
  • Gain a wealth of knowledge, experience and transferable skills to set you on the right path for a successful career
  • Gain insight into the real world of business

How we support you

Our dedicated placement team, who all have a background in industry and graduate recruitment, will provide you with expert advice and guidance – from helping choosing the right Industry Placement through to supporting you while working during your third year.

You will start to consider what kind of work placement you would like to pursue in your first year. Students returning from their work placement will give presentations and share their experiences with you, providing a valuable insight into what you can expect.

You will receive ongoing support during your work placement, with your tutor visiting twice during the year to discuss your experience and performance. You will also develop and agree a training plan with your placement tutor and line manager.

Work placement destinations

Recognising that the majority of our students prefer to remain in and around Reading during their placement year we work with leading graduate employers in the region.

We also encourage and support students who wish to do their placement year in London, or other cities in the UK or abroad.

Study abroad

Most undergraduate students have the opportunity to benefit from our international links and spend time studying overseas. Find out more: https://studyabroad.reading.ac.uk/outgoing/

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding Accounting, Business & Management Courses, please contact us by:

Email: UG-BMAP@henley.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)118 378 5058

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