BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University
BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing with Foundation Year at Keele University. The Foundation Year provides additional preparation before you progress to the main degree.
About this course
Build core business and marketing skills and gain real-world experience with the Business Management and Marketing BA at Keele University. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Marketing graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Business & Management, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 49% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 5 modules
- Professional and Academic Development 1Compulsory
Module details
Our foundational professional development module is designed to help you identify and take advantage of your unique strengths. Using approved psychometric tools, you will learn about your strengths to uncover your inherent talents which will help you to shape your professional identity. This module offers a structured framework for you to reflect on your capabilities and areas for growth, supporting the development of your career plan. Through interactive workshops and guided reflection, you wil
- The Business of OrganisationsCompulsory
Module details
Begin your study of Business Management with an introduction to the core functions of a contemporary organisation. Over the module, your will learn about essential knowledge about the core functions of the organisation: Strategy, Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources, and the Logistics and Supply Chain. You will learn core theory, practice and techniques. This immersive module will not only provide you with an overview of each function in the organisation but will illustrate how all of the func
- The Global Business ContextCompulsory
Module details
A sound knowledge of the wider context of business is an essential element for businesses and organisations. In this module, you will explore how evolving political, economic, technological, and societal factors significantly impact business operations and models. You'll gain insights into economic principles, international trade, sustainability, and environmental considerations. Understanding the importance of context on business activity, you will learn about the two-way influence between orga
- Marketing FundamentalsCompulsory
Module details
The 'Marketing Fundamental' module introduces you to the dynamic world of marketing through developing your understanding of the vital role it plays in all forms of organisations in many different sectors. Through this module, you will acquire an understanding of what marketing is, the purpose of marketing and how marketing operates in practice. You will learn the key concepts, tools, and theories of relevance to marketers today including buyer behaviour, market segmentation, marketing research,
- Teams, People and PerformanceOptional
Module details
The "Teams, People, and Performance" module focuses on enhancing practical skills for effective teamwork. It covers key concepts such as team dynamics, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and leadership roles. Students engage in hands-on activities, group projects, and case studies to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. By the end of the module, participants will have gained essential experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and performance optimization within di
Year 2 6 modules
- Professional and Academic Development 2Compulsory
Module details
Using your commercial awareness and enterprise skills, you will tackle an actual organisational challenge, collaborating with a team gain first-hand experience of working with an organisation. This hands-on experience not only enhances your practical abilities but also encourages critical reflection on your personal and professional growth, steering you towards effective problem-solving and continued development of your professional identity.
- Contemporary Business OperationsCompulsory
Module details
In the second year, you will focus on the practical applications of operations and project management within organisations. This includes a thorough examination of operational strategies, quality management approaches, and the application of project management techniques. By concentrating on these key areas, you will learn how to enhance business efficiency, maintain high-quality standards, and successfully manage and execute projects in complex operational environments. This foundation prepares
- Marketing Research: Principles, Process and PracticeCompulsory
Module details
The 'Marketing Research: Principles, Process and Practice' module equips students with the core processes and practices to collect, interpret and present different forms of data to help inform organisational change and prepare students to face emerging challenges and opportunities within the marketplace. Over the course of the module, students will explore different digital and traditional marketing research tools and techniques and discover the role of marketing research within both day to day
- Creative Marketing Communication in the Digital AgeCompulsory
Module details
The 'Creative Marketing Communication in the Digital Age' module encourages students to explore the expanding marketing communication toolbox available to marketing professionals. Marketing communication plays a pivotal role in connecting organizations with target audiences and fostering positive relationships. Throughout this module, students will be introduced to core communication theories and concepts to help students experiment with how to optimise the marketing communication toolbox for cr
- Individual Placement ModuleOptional
Module details
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your
- Contemporary Business Ethics DebatesOptional
Module details
The business world is full of ethical dilemmas. This module is a practical, discussion-based course where you will select and explore current ethical issues in business. With your peers, you will engage in debates, presentations, and discussions, applying ethical theories to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach develops critical thinking and communication skills, preparing you to navigate and address ethical challenges in today's business environment.
Year 3 4 modules
- Professional and Academic Development 3Core
Module details
As a final-year student, you will compile and present your academic and project achievements in a professional portfolio that highlights your unique strengths. This module not only guides you to articulate your personal and professional attributes but also encourages reflection on your educational journey and career preferences. You will engage in recruitment and selection simulations, exploring both traditional CV and innovative no-CV approaches using various media. This comprehensive portfolio
- Strategic ManagementCore
Module details
The final year strategic management course focuses on integrating diverse knowledge areas to understand and manage complexity within organizations. You will look at positioning the organisation and competitive environment, align internal resources with external environmental demands, and using strategic frameworks and tools to make decisions. Drawing on all the study over three years, you will work on developing comprehensive strategies that enhance organisational competitiveness and sustainabil
- ProjectCore
Module details
In your final year of study, you will undertake a significant project that reflects the subject area of your degree. You can choose between undertaking a solo project, or working with a group to collaborate on a large project. Your solo project might include undertaking a piece of research or a management report. If you prefer to work in a team, you might undertake a consultancy project for an organisation, or put on an event, helping you develop teamwork and project management experience. Which
- The Digital ShowcaseOptional
Module details
The "Digital Showcase" is your opportunity to demonstrate your digital skills through the creation of a comprehensive digital project.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course builds core business and marketing skills alongside real-world experience. You'll usually start with foundations in management, marketing principles and business economics, then progress to operations, strategy and organisational behaviour. From year two onwards, you'll choose specialist options such as entrepreneurship, international business, digital business, consulting, marketing, or people and HR. Later stages typically include innovation and entrepreneurship modules, often with a live venture project, and conclude with a capstone or consultancy project drawing on the entire degree. The Foundation Year component prepares you for degree-level study if your prior qualifications need strengthening.
Who it's for
This course suits students seeking a structured entry to business and marketing study. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; typical entrants had a UCAS tariff of 96–111 points. The Foundation Year makes it accessible if your prior qualifications fall short of standard entry. You'll join Keele's student body of approximately 10,600 across the university, founded in 1949.
Careers & job market
Across Business & Management courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, and 60% of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £24,000–£32,000 at 15 months; after three years, £21,250–£30,000; and after five years, £26,350–£37,200. These figures reflect national outcomes, not university-specific guarantees. Check Keele's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
Keele University is a university located in Keele, founded in 1949. This is a 4-year full-time degree taught in English, leading to a BA (Hons) award. The degree is a recognised UK degree-awarding body qualification, nationally recognised. The university holds a Gold award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Contextual Offer Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 73% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
| a previous degree | 3% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code NN25). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Keele University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Business & Management graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,000 | £24,500 – £30,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £25,500 | £21,000 – £29,000 | 35 |
| 5 years after | £35,000 | £26,500 – £43,500 | 40 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / AnalystOn a scheme or first role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / ManagerOwning an area, marketing, finance, ops · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Head ofLeading a function and a team · 5–10 yrs
- 4Director / FounderRunning a business unit or your own company · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Business & Management nationally
National figures for Business & Management graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Business & Management courses at the same study level.
Compared with 3,421 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 35; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Business & Management graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine reporting and data pulls
- First-draft decks and copy
- Standard forecasts and reconciliations
- Scheduling and admin workflows
More human than ever
- Strategy and judgement under uncertainty
- Leading, negotiating and selling
- Sense-checking and owning what AI produces
- Relationships with clients and teams
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Business & Management graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Consultancies
- Corporate graduate schemes
- Retail & FMCG
- Startups & scale-ups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Business & Management graduates.
Business Director, Marketing ScienceXcedeBusiness ManagerLGPS CentralBusiness Change ManagerIGA Talent SolutionsBusiness Case ManagerPeregrineBusiness DirectorMedialab GroupBusiness Rates SurveyorW TalentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.5 out of 10: NSS 82.4% · in work or study 95% · continued 49%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Keele University
Business and management across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Keele University
88 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Business & Management right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Keele University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,200 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Keele University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Keele University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Keele University
Business & Management at other universities
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing with Foundation Year
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.