Three business management students working at a laptop and desktop

Business Management BSc(Hons)

Step into the world of business as a creative and future-proofed manager.

Key details
Location
Penryn Campus
Course duration
3 years / 4 years
Attendance
Full-time / Placement year
UCAS code
3B6G / PY16

Course overview

From understanding global economies, big data and business strategy to learning to navigate uncertainty and developing responsive and ethical leadership skills, this Business Management course will give you the knowledge and confidence to lead the future of business. You’ll gain critical business theory and management expertise while responding to real-world team challenges, supported by experienced industry professionals.

You will:

  • Develop a detailed business plan based on an original idea
  • Work on real-life challenges and take part in work placements
  • Explore the principles of effective leadership, investigating different management styles, strategies and techniques
  • Learn key skills in sales, networking, negotiation and identifying business opportunities
  • Be based on our Penryn Campus, surrounded by students from a range of creative disciplines

While studying this Business Management course, you will be eligible to receive the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership if you complete specific modules (Market Intelligence, Financial Insights, DataLab, Social Action Project, Present and Future of Management, Creative & Ethical Leadership or Crafting Your Future: Professional Practice and Research).

For the duration of your Business Management course you’ll also be an Affiliate Member of the CMI. This opens access to a host of member benefits to help you progress on your professional journey.

CMI logo

The placement year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2023 and is subject to validation.

Course details

BSc(Hons) Business Management

On this Business Management degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BSc(Hons) degree over three years or study Business Management BSc(Hons) with a placement year option.

Each term, you'll choose one module from each of our three categories. 'External' modules cover outward-looking subjects like customers, market research and industry partners. 'Internal' modules cover business management topics like people, finances and operations. And 'You' modules concentrate on your personal development, enhancing things like specialist knowledge, self-reflection and creative thinking.

During the first year of this business management course, you'll explore things like the key elements of business operations, current challenges in the business landscape, and future trends. Examining information, intelligence and data, you'll delve into finance, marketing, and how to influence people. You'll also see first-hand how businesses work through our field trip programme, and develop your individual and teamwork skills by presenting and pitching ideas.

Modules

Market Intelligence

In this module, you’ll develop a working knowledge of market research methods, learning how to interpret examples of market research from the real world. You’ll be introduced to primary and secondary modes of market research and gain an understanding of how to segment markets and analyse trends using different analytic methods. 

You’ll also get a crash course in Big Data, learn how to present information to different audiences and explore how market intelligence is essential in market sensing, back-casting and futurecasting. 

Present and Future of Management

In this module, you’ll be introduced to key concepts and theories in business management, with a focus on the practical and operational components of management. In seminars, lectures and tutorials, you’ll learn to distinguish between strategy, operations, economic sectors and business models as these relate to management. You’ll also explore the different ways in which managers engage with organisational behaviour, operations and systems management, markets, customers, suppliers and key partners. 

The Art of Strategy

In this module, you’ll learn how to think strategically about business objectives by engaging with a variety of case studies spanning different sectors. You’ll also explore different perspectives and theories on strategy, critically considering source and cultural context.

Wellbeing in Business

Here, you’ll learn about how feelings of wellbeing are fundamental to our mental, emotional and physical health and how wellbeing is intimately connected to both organisational management and customer satisfaction. You’ll also discover ways to develop wellbeing as a customer offer, addressing the importance of wellbeing for business success. Through a micro-placement, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the importance of wellbeing for your own personal and professional development. 

Design Thinking

In this module, you’ll explore design thinking methodology as a problem-solving framework used across multiple sectors from business to international relations. Looking at contemporary issues such as – but not limited to – poverty, gender inequality, healthcare and cybersecurity, you’ll work in groups to collaborate on a design-centric problem-solving process. 

Navigating Uncertainty

You’ll learn to operate in always-uncertain contexts, where traditional modes of practice (predictability, commitment, linear planning) are replaced with skills of agility, resilience and systems thinking. You’ll also look at uncertainty as opportunity, where change often indicates the emergence of new questions and consumer needs, as well as providing new tools for addressing these. 

Learning more about the business world, you'll explore how your solution could come together. You'll also begin specialising in management and develop your own style. Working with your team, you'll get a firmer grasp of managerial and team roles as you learn to think and express yourself on a deeper, data and business level.

Modules

Complex Problem-Solving

In this module, you’ll practice multiple methods of complex problem-solving and explore outcomes through simulation. You’ll be introduced to systems thinking, an absolute necessity for contemporary business leaders who will be working in environments of densely layered interdependencies and networks. Systems thinking and systems approaches to problem-solving will provide a framework for understanding and managing complex situations in business. 

Responsive Leadership and Social Change

Here, you’ll engage with crucial issues of cross-cultural learning and development styles, change management, reflective business practices, workplace ethics and emotional intelligence. You’ll also explore current thinking about leader development – including self-leadership – and you’ll apply this to your own development. Various leadership scenarios will be explored (these may be based on real or fictional case studies) and working as part of a team, you’ll evaluate the leadership problem and apply the contents of the module in creative ways to resolve the issue set. 

Human Resource Management

In this module, you’ll develop an understanding of the core principles of human resource management (HRM) and build skills in team working, conflict resolution and motivational leadership. You’ll learn best practices for recruiting and retaining talent, line managing for best results, performance management and conflict resolution.  

You’ll also develop a working knowledge of the practices and functions of HRM in organisations of different kinds and sizes, and familiarise yourself with HRM policy structures, including how these translate in everyday use. This will be underpinned by cutting-edge and established HRM theory throughout. 

Demonstrating Sustainability

In this module, you’ll explore the sustainability opportunities and practices within experience activities, as well as the devastating effects of unsustainable practice. You’ll select a particular sustainability-related issue that you are passionate about and discuss this within a blog format. You’ll also utilise examples of best practice to inform and justify proposals designed to address the issue that you have identified. 

Financial Insights

Here, you’ll explore the basic principles of finance across a range of business sectors and build integrated knowledge of how finance impacts business operations. You’ll acquire an understanding of financial terminology to the level whereby you can confidently debate the financial health of a business or sector. 

Collaborative Project: Growth Challenge

Here, you’ll work collaboratively to create a disruptive solution to a challenge provided to you. For example, your solution could be in the form of a start-up or innovative business concept. To develop your solution, you’ll carry out research and develop an informed approach to an evidenced market gap. You’ll also be expected to provide an analysis of costs and return on investment, encouraging you to project value of investment over time. You’ll be working collaboratively, either with an organisation, student colleagues from other courses, or members of your own cohort.  

By the end of the module, you’ll produce a portfolio of materials to illustrate your solution and outline and justify your decision-making process. 

You can choose to take an optional placement year after your second year on a three-year programme, or after your third year if you’re studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year. 

You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the RealWORKS employability team. 

Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. 

How you’ll study during your placement year 

You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. 

You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. 

Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth. 

You and your team will evolve your thinking by evaluating your business opportunity ideas – backing up your ideas by investigating areas like leadership strategies, professional practice, and sustaining and growing businesses. Alongside this development, you'll round off your Business Management degree by taking on a dissertation, applied project, or work placement.

Modules

Creative & Ethical Leadership

Here, you’ll further develop your industry experience through the completion of a micro-placement opportunity, where you’ll participate in a 360-degree appraisal. You’ll also increase your understanding of creative and ethical leadership and build a portfolio to showcase the range of experiences and attributes that you have developed throughout your degree. 

Global Economies and International Markets

In this module, you’ll explore the ever-changing environment of international trading and your learning may vary to reflect contemporary factors. You’ll primarily examine the economic, political, social, cultural and environmental drivers that impact on trade and the different modes of entry into international markets. Choosing a preferred international market, you’ll explore the practical issues of corporate expansion into this market and critique the support and guidance available to businesses and entrepreneurs when entering new markets.   

DataLab: Generation, Analysis, Iteration

In this module, you’ll build skills in analysing data in the pursuit of business goals. You’ll examine the effects of data on business models, product development and customer engagement and consider this from the perspective of managers, marketers and entrepreneurs. You’ll look at data in relation to project parameters and you’ll explore how data can help us effectively futurecast in many scenarios. 

Crafting Your Future: Professional Practice and Research

In this module, you’ll put together a professional portfolio with the aim of showcasing your best work, skills and core interests. Your portfolio will be made up of three components: a digital showcase of professional practice, a personal development plan and an industry analysis essay focusing on the sector you wish to enter. Your portfolio will enable you to reflect on everything learnt during your degree and help you establish yourself as a professional within your preferred sector. You’ll be supported by weekly lectures, seminars and one-to-one supervisions.  

Social Action Project

In this module, you’ll be tasked with developing a social enterprise concept in response to a ‘wicked problem’ posed at the start of the module. You’ll work in groups to co-develop your concept and you’ll consider challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a range of societal challenges. You’ll be expected to produce and share research on relevant audiences and markets and you’ll be assessed based on a critical journal and presentation. 

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details for 3 year course If you began your studies during or before 2021 on the 2 year course pathway you can find your course details here.

How you'll learn

This course is all about applied learning. Just like in the real world, you'll operate within a team to develop a business plan based on an original idea, and work towards taking it to market. For each module, you'll typically attend a weekly one-hour lecture followed by a two-hour seminar. There are also online materials you can access in your own time and in bitesize pieces. And you'll get weekly coaching to help you connect your knowledge with your team's innovation. 

At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here.

Stories from our community

Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights

Hub Box restaurant exterior building with planters, tables and chairs
Hub Box Falmouth exterior building

Business students collaborate with Hub Box

28 March 2023

First year Business students are working with Hub Box to explore enhancements to their customer offe...

Business students collaborate with Hub Box
Adrian Bossey represents Falmouth University at GEI15 conference
GEI15 - Adrian Bossey

Credit: Graham Brown

Fresh thinking at the Green Events & Innovations conference 15

17 March 2023

Students and staff from Falmouth's events and tourism management courses recently attended the Green...

Fresh thinking at the Green Events & Innovations conference 15
Birds eye view of group of people sat around a table with business strategy papers
Designing a Sustainable Business Model

5 Principles of a sustainable business model

03 March 2023

Dr Flor Gerardou outlines 5 key principles of a sustainable business model.

5 Principles of a sustainable business model
Chloe and Giles
Chloe Lingard TSAP Travel Launchpad 4

Graduate Spotlight: Chloe Lingard launches TSAP Travel

10 February 2023

Hear from business graduate Chloe Lingard about her journey towards launching her volunteerism compa...

Graduate Spotlight: Chloe Lingard launches TSAP Travel
Dome stage at the Eden project, confetti flying through the air at a Flaming Lips gig.
Eden Sessions Flaming Lips

Falmouth University becomes Institute of Travel & Tourism ‘Recognised University’ 

21 December 2022

Falmouth University's Cornwall Business School has secured ‘Recognised University’ status from t...

Falmouth University becomes Institute of Travel & Tourism ‘Recognised University’ 
A student working on their laptop while looking at some textbooks
CIM accreditation for BSc Business & Marketing (Online)

Boost to student career prospects as courses gain CIM accreditation

20 December 2022

Students on Falmouth’s BSc Business & Marketing (Online) degree will now benefit from improved car...

Boost to student career prospects as courses gain CIM accreditation
Syeda Sana Batool
Syeda Sana Batool

International PhD Student awarded Pulitzer Grant for Journalism

19 December 2022

Falmouth University PhD student, Syeda Sana Batool, has been awarded a prestigious Pulitzer Centre G...

International PhD Student awarded Pulitzer Grant for Journalism
A large group of Sustainable Festival Management students posing in front of a wall with speakers on the floor
Sustainable Festival Management students at the Eden Project 1

Sustainable Festival Management students host Eden Project event

14 December 2022

‘Kesvewa in Kernow’, hosted at the Eden Project, invited visitors to celebrate in the meaning of...

Sustainable Festival Management students host Eden Project event
A woman working at a laptop by a window next to a plant and calculator
Careers in sustainability article image

Sustainable careers for the green economy

13 December 2022

What does the landscape for careers in sustainable business look like today?

Sustainable careers for the green economy
Close up shot of daffodil picking robot
Hackathon_Agri-tech 3

Hackathon explores robotic solutions for agricultural sector

25 November 2022

Falmouth University’s Entrepreneurship and Games Academy students collaborated to develop a daffod...

Hackathon explores robotic solutions for agricultural sector
Three people standing in front of a yellow board covered in post-it notes
Falmouth Launchpad group discussion

6 Market research methods to boost business performance

07 November 2022

When it comes to key decision making, market research is integral to getting your business strategy ...

6 Market research methods to boost business performance
Brown landscape with a link of windmills
Sustainable Business windmill image

6 Reasons why sustainability is important in business

13 October 2022

Explore how sustainability in business can bring a competitive advantage.

6 Reasons why sustainability is important in business
Portrait shot of Ben Penrose wearing black beach robe with red Zen Beach logo, with blue sea in the background
Ben Penrose Zen Beach

Student startup's mission to make first beach robe 'made and manufactured in Cornwall'

24 June 2022

Student entrepreneur Ben Penrose has already launched one successful clothing business – and now h...

Student startup's mission to make first beach robe 'made and manufactured in Cornwall'
A can of Lacuna IPA is held in front of a field on a sunny day
Lacuna field

Students gain industry experience at Lacuna Brewery

20 May 2022

Four undergraduate students from the Cornwall Business School have gained valuable work experience a...

Students gain industry experience at Lacuna Brewery
Shadowy figures of a four piece band playing on a smokey stage.
Popular Music live band

Academic publishes new research on the future of live music events

09 May 2022

As coronavirus rapidly enveloped the world and forced national lockdowns in multiple countries, live...

Academic publishes new research on the future of live music events
The Sdgs Grid
The Sdgs Grid

Falmouth ranked as Top 10 Institution by 2022 SDG Teach In

06 May 2022

For the second year in a row, Falmouth University's engagement with the Sustainable Development...

Falmouth ranked as Top 10 Institution by 2022 SDG Teach In
A woman poses on a catwalk in heeled black boots, a black skirt and black top. The catwalk is illuminated by frilled vintage lamps
Evolving fashion 1

Students bring sustainable fashion to the Palacio Lounge

28 April 2022

A group of Creative Events Management BA(Hons) students transformed Falmouth’s Palacio Lounge into...

Students bring sustainable fashion to the Palacio Lounge
A student stands in front of a television screen and presents their business pitch to a panel of experts
Dragons' Den pitch

£6000 up for grabs as students enter the Dragons' Den

04 April 2022

RealWORKS' second annual Dragons’ Den event took place in March, and saw students compete for a sh...

£6000 up for grabs as students enter the Dragons' Den
A group of Business & marketing students huddled together under blue sky during their micro-internship with Launchpad Venture Studio
Launchpad micro-internship group photo

Business & Digital Marketing students secure job offers during Launchpad work placement

01 April 2022

According to statistics released by the government in March 2022, the number of young people in empl...

Business & Digital Marketing students secure job offers during Launchpad work placement
Team photo of graduate business TeX Innovation Studio.
TeX Innovation Studio 2

Business graduates receive £200k funding for TeX Innovation

03 March 2022

Two graduates from Falmouth's Cornwall Business School have secured £200k funding from the National...

Business graduates receive £200k funding for TeX Innovation

Staff

With experience at businesses like General Electric, Marconi, Rolls Royce Business Ventures and Doctor Who, your tutors and sector-specific mentors provide real-world insights and personal support.

Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

Adrian Bossey

Head of Business & Experience Design

Adrian Bossey is Head of Subject at the Cornwall Business School, Falmouth University and a former a...

Adrian Bossey

Dr Jeremy Richards

Senior Lecturer

Jeremy has 30 years’ experience of the management and commercial exploitation of research and deve...

Dr Jeremy Richards
Sam Perkin staff profile picture

Sam Perkin

Lecturer

Samantha has 30 years experience in business management and finance.  She has worked in many SM...

Sam Perkin

David Potter

Course Leader, BSc(Hons) business courses

David has 33 years experience in the finance sector, including responsibility for a portfolio of sma...

David Potter
Ananya at Falmouth University

Ananya Banerjee

Lecturer

Ananya is an educator, problem solver, entrepreneur, lecturer, lawyer, author and startup advisor wi...

Ananya Banerjee
Kathy Zhang headshot

Dr Kathy Zhang

Lecturer

Kathy Zhang is a Lecturer, researcher and entrepreneur who currently teaches Innovation and Marketin...

Dr Kathy Zhang

Facilities

  • Professional design and prototyping tools.
  • IT suites and software packages.
  • Excellent media facilities for producing promotional material and audio-visual content.
  • Libraries housing a collection of 140,000 books, 17,000 DVD and video titles, and electronic and journal resources. 
student 06 fbs

Careers

As a graduate, you could become:

  • A leader in the corporate, public or cultural and creative industry sectors
  • A business development manager
  • A project or risk manager
  • A graduate trainee in a multinational corporation
  • Part of Launchpad, our innovative postgraduate venture studio, where you can develop and launch a viable business while gaining a full master’s degree

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

Ready to join us? You can apply through UCAS. You'll need to reference the course and University code (F33).

Apply now

Applying as an international student? 

International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our international applications page.

International applications

Course route UCAS code
Business Management BSc(Hons) three year degree 3B6G
Business Management BSc(Hons) with placement year PY16

All applications are considered on their individual merit and we welcome applications from all subject backgrounds including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the arts or humanities.

Course route Entry requirements
BA/BSc(Hons) three year degree 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
BA/BSc(Hons) with placement year 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
   

Check the title of your course to see if it's a BA or BSc award. UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

For starting your studies in 2023

UK applications: 25 January 2023 (for equal consideration)

Applications after the 25 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.

International fee payers

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

What we're looking for

We want someone who:

  • Has business knowledge, experience, and an enquiring attitude.
  • Shows self-motivation, a good work ethic, resilience, and perseverance.
  • Wants to learn, is open-minded, and takes on uncertainty and challenging situations.
  • Values others’ opinions and backgrounds, and accepts feedback to improve their reputation and performance.
  • Can take responsibility for their actions and behaviours.

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees

Annual tuition fee Student
£9,250 per year Full-time UK
£17,460 per year Full-time EU/international
Annual tuition fee Student
£9,250 per year Full-time UK
£17,460 per year Full-time EU/international
£1,850 per placement year Full-Time UK and EU/international

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Typical course costs

  • Personal laptop (if not already owned)
  • Suggested reading. Approx £10 (also available to read for free in the library)

If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

Ask a student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

 

Similar courses

A person at a music desk while a band is on stage performing
Music Business BA(Hons)

Music Business BA(Hons)

Get ready to shape the music business by mastering the skills needed to manage, create and innovate....

Music Business BA(Hons)
Student sat on the floor working on a project
BSc Business and Marketing

Business & Marketing BSc(Hons) (Online)

Become a skilled, confident, ethical and future-ready business and marketing professional with this ...

Business & Marketing BSc(Hons) (Online)
Music festival at the Eden Project with domes and pink flags
Sustainable Festival Management_2022

Sustainable Festival Management BA(Hons)

Engage with the future of festivals as part of this cutting-edge course, created in collaboration wi...

Sustainable Festival Management BA(Hons)
Aerial view of an estuary with sandy beaches and fields
Sustainable Tourism Management_2022

Sustainable Tourism Management BA(Hons)

Shape the tourist landscape of tomorrow on this innovative degree designed in partnership with the E...

Sustainable Tourism Management BA(Hons)
Business & Entrepreneurship student standing at a display table, smiling
Business & Entrepreneurship_2022

Business & Entrepreneurship BSc(Hons)

Join the business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and hone...

Business & Entrepreneurship BSc(Hons)
Digital marketing student working on laptop
Business & Marketing (online) - 2023

Business & Digital Marketing BSc(Hons)

Prepare yourself for a career in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of business and digital mark...

Business & Digital Marketing BSc(Hons)
Creative Events Management student event
Creative Events Management

Creative Events Management BA(Hons)

Learn how to take a creative and innovative approach to designing and delivering events. With entrep...

Creative Events Management BA(Hons)

Open Days and events

From visiting campus to online application advice, get all the information you need about joining our creative community.

Experience Falmouth
Parents smiling with daughter at an Open Day at Falmouth University

 

widget