In a rapidly evolving business world, innovation and flexibility are more important than ever. If you have an interest in the way businesses operate and grow, if you’re naturally inquisitive and have the desire to develop your knowledge through investigation and research then this might be the course for you.
With the BA Business and Management you’ll start to develop your business, investigative and practical skills from day one. From people management to technological advances, marketing to culture and ethics, you’ll quickly build the knowledge to enter the global business sector.
The curriculum combines academic theory with knowledge of complex and modern business practice. You’ll learn from expert guest speakers and complete a selection of business-related projects such as developing a business plan for a new start-up. You have the option to complete the course in three years, add a placement year or spend a year abroad.
The curriculum offers plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. The first year introduces the key areas of business and management. In subsequent years you will further develop your knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, strategy, people management, marketing and human resource management.
Course Structure
Year 1
Core modules:
The Changing World of Business introduces the context of business. This module covers a wide spectrum such as international economics, global competition, technology, international politics, the cultural context and the legal environment. You will be encouraged to apply these concepts to a range of issues using examples from your own experience.
People, Management and Organisations provides a fundamental foundation for the understanding of people, management and organisations within contemporary society. You will study concepts such as diversity management, job satisfaction, leadership, motivation and organisational culture and apply these concepts to a range of issues using examples from your own experience.
Foundations of Effective Marketing covers the key principles of marketing theory and its application in both commercial and non-commercial sectors. You will study how marketing works in practice looking at areas such as consumer behaviour, market segmentation, marketing strategy, distribution, branding, communications theory, pricing and ethics.
Financial Information for Managers introduces financial management and sources of finance. You will develop an understanding of the purpose of a range of financial reports looking at areas such as budget, sources of finance, capital investment and performance analysis.
Strategy in Practice takes a theoretical and practical approach to strategic management and the processes of strategy-making. You will be encouraged to think critically about strategy, competition and business development so that you are equipped with knowledge and skills to manage strategy in future employment.
Introduction to Leadership introduces basic leadership theories and practices in an organisational context. It examines the roles of personality, power, emotion, gender and culture in the field and addresses some of the practices that might result in leadership failure.
Year 2
Core modules:
Business Research Methods and Statistics provides a comprehensive grounding in a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in the world of business. You will learn to access, analyse and present data and information and assess the quality of data sources. The skills learned will help you to develop a formal research proposal for the final year dissertation.
Information Systems analyses the role of information systems in social interactions in a complex and rapidly changing world. You will explore such questions as:
What is the relationship between computer-mediated communication and the business world?
What are the implications of 'digital lifestyles' for the world of work?
What is the 'information society'?
Human Resource Management focuses on the key issues relating to the processes and practices of human resource management. Exploring areas such as diversity management, performance management, training, development and conflict management it provides a critical understanding of research in the field.
In recent years, optional modules have included:
Operations Management
Integrated Marketing Communications
Entrepreneurship
Consumer Behaviour
Brand Strategies, Identity, Culture and Society
Applied Brand Strategy
Innovation Management.
Year 3
Core modules: (Choose Dissertation or one alternative):
Dissertation
Innovation Accelerator
Advanced Topics in Critical Organisational Topics
New Venture Creation Project
Strategising for Sustainable Futures.
In recent years, optional modules have included (Choose four optional modules):
Asia and the Pacific Rim
Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
Leadership
New Venture Creation
Corporate Entrepreneurship
Global Marketing
Global Sport Business
Service Operations Management
Social Marketing
Work, Organisation and Society
How to Read Business
Retail and Services Marketing
Managing Organisational Change
Facing the Future
Strategic Investment Decisions, Options, and Valuations Under Uncertainty.
Additional pathways
Students on the BA Business and Management can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.
Lectures and small group seminars are complemented by specialist workshops. Using up-to-date resources, the workshops provide hands-on experience of real-world business challenges.
You’ll also benefit from one-on-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills.
The Department also hosts specialist business and management events where you can further develop your knowledge and start building industry networks.
We place great emphasis on high-quality small-group teaching. The small-group teaching format and one-on-one attention from the personal academic advisor are embedded into the learning experience to help you get more out of your studies.
As you progress to the final year there’s an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research, including the dissertation, as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life.
Assessment
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations, written assignments and reports, investigative projects and presentations.
The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your critical thinking skills, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.
Entry requirements
A strong proficiency in Mathematics is required. If Mathematics is not taken as an A Level subject, a Grade 7 (or Grade A) in Mathematics at GCSE is required.
We particularly welcome the introduction of the Core Mathematics Qualification and we will accept a Core Maths Qualification (Grade B minimum) in lieu of our GCSE Mathematics requirement.
A level offer - AAB.
Contextual offer – BBB/ABC.
We consider all A level subjects, with the exception of General Studies, therefore General Studies would not be included in any offer.
IB score -36 to include 665 in higher-level subjects. If Mathematics is not taken at a higher level, then it is required at standard level 5.
In the context of widening participation, we will consider contextual offers, including guaranteed contextual offers for participation in a supported progression programme.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.
We consider each application holistically, on an individual basis and against the other applications we receive. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example if they can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference.
We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications, please email us for more information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to offer IELTS of 6.5 (no component under 6.0); or the University approved equivalent. We also require proof of English Language proficiency for students from the European Union.
We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry from those who have well- structured plans for work or travel, for example. We may, however, need to restrict the number of deferred entry offers we make because we have to be careful not to fill too many of next year’s places in advance. However, if you do apply for a deferred place and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply the following year.
You are welcome to apply if you are taking resits; we do not make higher offers to students who declare resits.
If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Our students graduate with a thorough understanding of management theories, marketing strategies and consumer behaviour, as well as the commercial awareness, IT and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers in the UK and internationally. This combination of academic knowledge and transferable skills will open up a range of career possibilities in the corporate world and beyond.
Our focus on employability extends beyond the classroom. You will benefit from employability-focused events that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. From interview advice and employer talks to business-tailored careers fairs, we work with you to achieve your goals.
Previous graduates have gone on to work as business managers, marketing specialists, civil servants, management consultants and business analysts working for companies such as Virgin Media, NHS England, Amazon, Barclaycard and PwC. Many have been offered places on graduate talent schemes across a range of sectors, while others have taken on roles in charitable organisations and in the finance sector.
Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:
95% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
95% are in high skilled employment
With an average salary of £35,900.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Management and Marketing
Develop the skills and mindset of an effective future leader at one of the UK’s leading business schools. Our undergraduate courses are informed by the latest research and our strong links with industry add real-world value from day one.
Built on a firm foundation and rooted in best practice, our business, management and marketing courses are designed to inspire and challenge you, while developing the qualities that are important in future leaders.
You will be based in Durham University’s Business School, one of the UK’s longest established business schools – an inspiring and stimulating learning environment that consistently ranks highly for the quality of teaching, research and for graduate prospects. When you join us, you will be welcomed into a diverse and engaged community. The academic team includes experienced business professionals and researchers whose work across a wide variety of disciplines informs and enriches the undergraduate curriculum, delivering practical insights and bringing you closer to the realities of the business world.
Our degree courses combine the fundamentals of global business with a range of optional modules allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests, whether that’s exploring subject content in greater depth, developing your entrepreneurial skills or taking on a new language. You will benefit from lectures by guest speakers who give new perspectives on relevant topics, while project work gives you the opportunity to investigate contemporary business challenges. Our business, marketing and management courses also offer opportunities for hands-on work placements and international study.
You’ll be taught across the University campus by world leading academics from the Business School. You’ll have access to the Business Schools modern, spacious meeting rooms and study areas. The University campus is within walking distance of the historic centre of Durham, a city with UNESCO World Heritage Status. Resources include up-to-date financial information and online databases. In addition, you’ll have access to Durham University’s prestigious libraries and archives.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
N201
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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