Employers are looking for graduates who have both academic ability and practical experience in a real business environment. This business management course offers you the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of a range of business topics combined with a year in industry putting into practice what you have learned.

This is a broad-based degree, based on our successful BSc in Business Management. You will spend three years studying themes found in the actual arena of business, and you will also graduate with a firm foundation for the real world of work. One of the advantages of this degree is that it allows you to keep your options open. This is also something that employers find attractive.

First year

This year lays a foundation for the study of business. You study the same themes as students on the BSc Business Management.

Second and fourth years

In these years you have some choice within the themed structure of the programme. The modules offered will change from time to time, as they are developed to reflect the ever-changing world of business. This ensures that your degree remains sufficiently generalist to give you a wide choice of career options on graduation. During the second year you will be helped by our Year in Industry office or the University Careers Centre to identify a placement for your third year.

Third year

Your third year will be spent working in an organisation. You will be paid for this (typically around £14,000, although it may be more). Placements are available throughout the UK in companies such as IBM, Marks and Spencer, Warner Bros, Accenture and L’Oreal. Please note that your placement year is conditional upon the achievement of at least a 2:1 (60%) in your second year. If at the end of your second year you decide you do not want to take up the placement year you can choose to transfer to the three year programme.

Your learning will take place in a range of different settings, from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials, to self-study and peer group learning (for example preparing and delivering presentations with your classmates).

To begin with you may find this way of working challenging, but rest assured that we’ll enable you to make this transition and you’ll soon be benefiting from some of the most highly regarded teaching in this subject in the country, as our independent accrediatations show.

You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues, and a formal transition review during your first year to check on your progress and offer you help for any particular areas where you need support.

Find out more about our academics' approaches to teaching and learning.

Personal Tutor

From the outset, you will be assigned your own Personal Tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies, providing academic and welfare advice, encouraging you and offering assistance in any areas you may feel you need extra support to make the most of your potential and your time here at Birmingham.

Contact hours

As well as time with your lecturers and personal tutor, academic and professional services staff (like our dedicated Careers Network team) will be aviailable to offer individual and group support throughout your time here at Birmingham.

Learning settings

You’ll find academic and professional staff involved in the delivery of your degree here at Birmingham located in University House. Set in landscaped gardens this multi-million pound home to Birmingham Business School is equipped with the latest facilities and technology to ensure your studies are inspired by their surroundings.Lectures and teaching will take place in a variety of versatile lecture theatres and breakout rooms which, as well as the traditional whiteboard and pen, are equipped with wireless connection and constantly updated technology including all the audio-visual equipment that you would expect from one of the UK’s premier insitutions.

• Small-group tutorials/personal tutorials run alongside our lectures, addressing any individual problems you may have and allowing you to consolidate lecture material, as well as test your understanding through problem-solving exercises.
• Self study is an essential part of the programme and requires self motivation and enthusiasm for your subject. It also allows you to pursue your own lines of enquiry and become an independent thinker.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is an excellent tool for supporting our academic courses, allowing you to share throughts on assignments with other students via the discussion group facilities, and even submit your work electronically.

Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) is a group activity which requires you to work in a team, with a variety of assessment methods; in either a group or individually, by written reports and sometimes as a presentation. Based on techniques used in research-led organisations like the University of Birmingham, EBL gives you a research-orientated approach to a problem and helps you to gain essential skills that are highly valued by employers.

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CV’s and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.

Work Experience bursary Schemes

Undertake unique work experience opportunities to enhance your employability and rise above the competition.

Work Experience provides an ideal opportunity to gain invaluable skills and knowledge that will help further your career plans. With generous support from Alumni, undergraduate students (excluding those in their final year) can apply for funding to cover their incurred costs whilst they are working.

• Global Challenge Bursary (apply for one of our sourced opportunities)
  Up to £9000 available
• Gateway Bursary
  Up to £2000 available
• International Bursary
  Up to £800 available
• UK professional Bursary
  Up to £800 available
• Research Experience Bursary
  Up to £500 available

This funding can help you pay for:

• Accommodation costs
• Travel expenses
• Living costs

Our business degrees have long been recognised by major employers across all sectors of the economy. Our students find employment in areas as diverse as retail management, financial services, accountancy, motor manufacturing, management consultancy and pharmaceuticals; some become self employed.  The latest graduate destination information shows that six months after graduation the vast majority of our graduates are employed, whilst others are undertaking further training. Some of our students have also gone on to set up their own businesses after graduation.