BSc (Hons) Business Management (Top-up)

You will complete a research project which will give you an opportunity to study, in-depth, a subject of specific interest or of direct relevance to your future employment. The successful completion of this leads to the BSc (Hons) classification.

Timetables

Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.

Modules   

Across the programme Employability Standards are built into every module. These are designed in consultation with employers, so you will always be able to see the relevance of what you are studying to your future career.    

All full-time academic programmes at the RAU are constructed using a selection of modules, each of which requires engagement with a variety of learning activities. Successful completion of module assessments will result in the award of credits, and students are required to achieve a total of 120 credits. Part-time students are required to achieve a 60 credits per year over two years.

Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. To achieve the award of BSc (Hons) in Business Management, a student must achieve a minimum of 120 credits. For this BSc (Hons) Top-up course, your grade is calculated entirely on this course's modules. 

The modules available for this degree are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.   

• 6B002 Strategic Management: This module explores strategic management theories and their application in dynamic business environments. Students engage with tools such as scenario analysis, strategic foresight, and business model innovation. Assessment includes a 1500-word scenario analysis report (40%) and a 2500-word business model development report (60%). The module integrates ESG principles, emerging technologies, and design thinking, preparing students to develop sustainable and innovative strategies for contemporary organisations.
• 6B003 Managing Innovation: This module equips students with the skills to manage innovation at strategic and operational levels. Through case studies and interactive projects, students explore frameworks, creativity, and the role of technology in driving innovation. Assessment includes a 15-minute individual presentation (30%) and a 3000-word essay analysing innovation in selected businesses (70%). The module encourages sustainable thinking, ethical innovation, and strategic leadership in evolving markets.
• 6M001 Research Project: This module enables students to undertake an independent research project aligned with their subject area. Topics are student-selected and supported through supervisor meetings and workshops. Assessment includes a 5-minute progress presentation and a 12,000-word thesis or multimedia portfolio. The module supports critical evaluation, ethical research design, and evidence-based recommendations for real-world challenges

Plus a choice of TWO electives, one selected from each group from those shown below:

Group 1

• 6B004 Organisations in a Changing World: This module examines organisational structures, leadership, ethics, and decision-making through interdisciplinary lenses. Students explore management theories and apply them to real-world organisational challenges. Topics include diversity, communication, power dynamics, and organisational change. Assessment includes a 30-minute group presentation (individually marked) and a 3000-word professional practice report. The module fosters critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills for managing contemporary organisations.
• ​6L005 Rural Land and Business management: This module explores agricultural tenancy law and rural estate business management. Topics include the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986, Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995, valuation methods, succession planning, and diversification strategies. Students engage with case studies and site visits to apply legal and strategic knowledge. Assessment includes a 1200-word problem sheet, a 2-hour written exam, and a 1600-word professional practice report. The module develops legal, analytical, and strategic planning skills for rural land professionals.
• 6B005 Business Communications and Negotiation Skills: This module develops advanced communication and negotiation skills for professional and personal contexts. Students explore rhetorical techniques, intercultural communication, and persuasive strategies. Topics include non-verbal cues, apologies, conflict resolution, and motivational interviewing. Assessment includes a 1000-word written self-reflection and a 10-minute pre-recorded audio-visual presentation. The module supports confident, ethical, and effective communication across diverse business scenarios.

Group 2

• 6B001 Changing Consumer Behaviour: This module explores how individuals and societies consume, and how behaviour can be influenced toward sustainability. Drawing on psychology, sociology, anthropology, and consumer culture, students critically assess marketing strategies and behavioural interventions. Topics include ethical consumerism, identity, technology, and globalisation. Assessment includes a 1600-word annotated bibliography and a 2400-word essay. The module supports understanding and shaping consumer behaviour for positive social and environmental impact.
• 6B006 Rural Entrepreneurship: This module develops the skills needed to launch sustainable rural ventures. Students explore idea generation, business modelling, market analysis, financial planning, and ethical considerations. A study tour and guest lectures provide real-world insight. Assessment includes a 10-minute recorded pitch presentation and a 3000-word business plan. The module supports entrepreneurial thinking, strategic planning, and the creation of viable rural enterprises.
• 6B007 Corporate Finance: This module provides a comprehensive foundation in corporate finance. Topics include capital budgeting, risk and return, portfolio theory, mergers and acquisitions, and sustainable investment. Students analyse real-world financial decisions and market strategies. Assessment includes a 15-minute individual presentation and a 3000-word essay. The module supports strategic financial planning and decision-making in corporate contexts.

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

Disclaimer information

The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.

This programme will prepare you for a broad range of rewarding careers. Our graduates have gone on to pursue exciting careers with companies across the globe, enjoying the following roles:

• International project manager
• Business strategy manager
• Sales executive
• Distribution manager

"This course helps you to embrace the art of strategic decision-making, master the science of organisational excellence, leadership and sustainable innovation. The lectures and interactive sessions are tailored towards channelling your career toward limitless possibilities. Your journey to becoming a dynamic business leader starts here."

Dr Tosin Lagoke, Programme Leader

Typical offers

• A Foundation Degree or an HND in a related subject, achieving 240 credits overall and gained in the last five years
• Depending on previous studies, you may be required to complete additional ‘bridging’ studies prior to enrolling on the Honours course in order to cover identified gaps in previous learning

Flexible entry

The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.

Further information

Read more general information about our entry requirements.

International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.

For any further help, please contact our admissions team:  

• Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912

2026-27 Applicants

For the academic year 2026-27 the tuition fees for this course are: 

*Tuition fee level for 2025-26. Tuition fees for home undergraduate students in 2026-27 will be confirmed by the Government later in 2025 and will be updated on our website as soon as the information becomes available.

For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.

Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.

Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan and are subject to Government and regulatory body conditions.

If you are an Irish national you can check if you meet the requirements for Home Fees. Please visit the UKCISA website and consult the pdf guide “England HE – who pays Home Fees”. First check category ‘3 years in Republic of Ireland/UK/Islands, settled in UK’ or ‘Brexit temporary offer for courses starting before 2028: Irish citizens with residence in Europe or overseas territories’. You will possibly need to be fee assessed when you submit an application for study to the RAU.

Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.