BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year · York St John UniversityBachelor's degree · 4 years
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York St John University · Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at York St John University

BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year at York St John University. The foundation year provides additional academic preparation before you progress to the main degree.

BA (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
85%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Learn the vital aspects of business management and gain practical experience with leading businesses. From the provider’s course page.

BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Business and management graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (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.

8.2
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong75

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent85

Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent85

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 85% (2021-23; 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 6 modules
  • Responsible BusinessCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    There is an ongoing debate regarding what characterises a 'responsible business', covering everything from the requirement to maximise shareholder value, to considering everyone who is impacted by the business, and everything in between. In response to this ongoing debate, this module questions and unpicks how businesses balance the need for economic viability with a commitment to behaving responsibly. You will engage with theoretical and practical perspectives on issues such as: The provision o

  • Organisational BehaviourCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module will develop your knowledge, awareness and understanding of one of the most challenging areas of focus facing organisations today - the role, relations and relevance of people in the workplace. You will explore the links between management science, organisational psychology and organisational sociology, to learn about key concepts and issues associated with behaviour in organisations. Organisational behaviour is interdisciplinary in its approach, and we will apply different theoretic

  • Entrepreneurship and IntrapreneurshipCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Explore the exciting and increasingly complex work of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. You will gain an understanding of how a business interacts with its environment. On this module you will investigate modern discussions about entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. You will investigate theories relating to the business environment. From these, you will develop your ability to analyse and address different managerial issues.

  • Resource ManagementCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    All businesses rely on a range of resources to operate effectively and deliver value to their customers. Effective resource management involves the strategic deployment of an organisation's assets to achieve competitive advantage. Understanding how businesses manage their physical and financial resources is essential for decision-making and long-term success. On this module you will explore key aspects of the supply chain, including purchasing and procurement, operations and manufacturing, distr

  • Artificial Intelligence for BusinessCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    From generative AI and predictive analytics, to autonomous systems and intelligent decision-making, AI is reshaping business operations, consumer experiences, and workforce dynamics. Understanding these developments is essential for future business leaders navigating an increasingly AI-driven world. On this module you will learn about AI models, their applications, and their implications for business management, as well as exploring AI's potential to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and inno

  • Marketing and SalesCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    On this module you will investigate the methods and strategies organisations employ to identify and meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders. We will introduce you to fundamental marketing and sales concepts, including an in-depth exploration of the marketing mix, with particular emphasis on the 4Ps: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. By examining each component, you will learn to develop cohesive marketing strategies that are tailored to specific target markets. You will als

Year 2 6 modules
  • Management and LeadershipCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary management and leadership principles. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical application, you will critically examine the distinctions between management and leadership, along with their respective impacts on organisational performance. You will also explore the role of adaptability and resilience in in the context of an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world.

  • Financial AnalysisCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module will build your understanding of the financial environment. You will learn to work with key statements in published financial accounts, as well as how to analyse and interpret the information presented there. By the end o the module you will be able to evaluate information presented in published financial statements, demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of budgets and performance reports in planning and control, and select and use appropriate techniques for both short-ter

  • International Business CultureCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    On this module you will draw together knowledge from other business areas, including organisational studies, strategy, marketing, human resources management, and finance management. You will learn how to identify and apply cultural issues in the highly complex international business environment. You will explore how to define culture and review its various classifications in the world of business, assessing its role in business theories. We will investigate a variety of conceptual and practical

  • Business Research MethodsCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    Understanding research and conducting it is a life skill, as well as being valuable to the functioning of organisations. This module will give you the foundational skills to evaluate, design and conduct research. You will learn to: Formulate and scrutinise research questions Design and propose research methodology Collect qualitative and quantitative data Analyse data, reach conclusions using it, and report it These skills will be transferable in all fields of business, including finance, market

  • Business Intelligence and Data VisualisationCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    In today's data-driven business landscape, the ability to analyse, interpret, and communicate insights effectively is a critical skill. Organisations rely on Business Intelligence (BI) tools and data visualisation techniques to transform raw data into meaningful narratives that drive decision-making. This module will give you the practical skills d to harness the power of BI, using tools such as Power BI to create dynamic, interactive dashboards and reports. By integrating visualisation principl

  • Business Consulting ProjectCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    This module will provide you with hands-on, business problem-solving experience, by working on live briefs. In most cases this would include visiting the organisation, communicating your progress with clients, conducting primary or secondary research, and making recommendations in form of report and presentation. This module goes beyond theory, equipping you with authentic workplace skills and a deeper understanding of your own strengths and abilities. All of our projects are designed to develop

Year 3 2 modules
  • Research InvestigationCompulsory40 credits
    Module details

    On this module you will develop a substantial piece of specialist work, with the support of a designated research investigation tutor. This could be in the form of either: A traditional Dissertation A Business Creation Feasibility Project You will develop research objectives, formulate appropriate methodologies, and apply problem solving and analytical skills in a business context of your choice. You will also need to collect, analyse, interpret, and evaluate the data generated by your research.

  • Organisational StrategyCompulsory20 credits
    Module details

    The requirement for effective strategic management is increasing due to the highly complex environments in which most private and public sector organisations currently exist. The study of organisational strategy includes theory and practice from a broad range of business sectors. You will investigate concepts introduced in earlier modules and you will develop your critical understanding of these topics and their relationships.

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

You'll focus on the vital aspects of business management and gain practical experience with real businesses. A course like this usually begins with foundations in management, marketing and business economics, then progresses to operational and strategic thinking, covering organisational behaviour and human resource management. In later years, you'll choose from specialist areas such as entrepreneurship, international business, digital business, consulting, marketing, or people and HR, and typically complete an innovation project or capstone assignment that applies learning to a real client brief or dissertation.

Who it's for

This course suits students who want a structured entry into business management with foundational support. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff band among entrants was 64–79 points. The foundation year makes this pathway accessible to those who may need additional academic preparation before beginning their main degree studies.

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, rising to £26,350–£37,200 after five years. These figures reflect the broader labour market for business graduates; your own outcomes will depend on your choices, experience and the role you secure.

University & format

This BA (Hons) is studied full-time over 4 years (including a foundation year) at York St John University, a university based at YSJ Main Campus. Teaching is delivered in English. The degree is a nationally recognised qualification from a recognised UK degree-awarding body and was awarded Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
71%
Learning opportunities
77%
Assessment and feedback
80%
Academic Support
85%
Organisation and management
70%
Learning resources
86%
Student voice
59%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysExplore our Open Days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists around 104 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent95% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 64 - 79 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check York St John University's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent95%
No / unknown prior qualifications5%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesDDDA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask York St John University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Home£9,790 / yr
International£12,100 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at York St John University →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 4 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All York St John University funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£25,000£22,000 – £28,00015
3 years after£22,500£18,500 – £27,000245
5 years after£27,500£23,000 – £33,000240

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

85%
in work or further study 15 months on
45%
in highly skilled work or study
85%
continue past their first year
60%
find their work meaningful
60%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate / AnalystOn a scheme or first role · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / ManagerOwning an area, marketing, finance, ops · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / Head ofLeading a function and a team · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Director / FounderRunning a business unit or your own company · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Business & Management nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£24,000 – £32,000
After 3 years LEO
£22,500
£21,250 – £30,000
After 5 years LEO
£27,500
£26,350 – £37,200
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £20,000 – £38,500

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.

85 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

70% working15% working and studying0% in further study45% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. 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.

This course £27,500Peer median £31,000Middle 50% £26,500–£37,000
33rd percentile

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 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
  • Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975

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: 65; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Is BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year worth it?

Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.

Slower payoff: this course’s graduate earnings stay close to non-graduate pay
break evenyr 0yr 5yr 10yr 15yr 20yr 25yr 30graduateNot recovered within 30 years

Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.

−£4,160
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
0.89×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£39,160
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 4 yrs (published course home fee)
£27,500
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£3,500 above a non-graduate (£24,000)

Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.

Job market & outlook

How Business & Management graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

87%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Business & Management courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
81%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Consultancies
  • Corporate graduate schemes
  • Retail & FMCG
  • Startups & scale-ups

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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

85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. 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 8.2 out of 10: NSS 75.4% · in work or study 85% · continued 85%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

York St John University

All students12,150
International37.1%
Aged 25+31.6%

Business and management across the UK

Students586,710
Aged 25+44.3%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around YSJ Main Campus

2,229 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 714Anti Social Behaviour 546Shoplifting 353Public Order 133Criminal Damage Arson 121

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 York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £12,100 / 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 York St John 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 York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 64 - 79 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by York St John University. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Business and management graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. 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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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