Business Management and Leadership BSc

Course overview

If you want to build on your knowledge and experience of business management to develop your career, then this part-time degree is for you.

The course is taught during the evening over four years, using a blended learning approach with classes taking place both face-to-face and online. This allows you to study alongside your work and other commitments. You’ll be able to make use of your own work experience, as well as learn from the latest research and theory relevant to the current world of work, to make you a more effective manager and leader.

The course combines an excellent grounding in fundamental business management concepts, with an emphasis on the development of business management knowledge and skills. It also focuses on your personal and professional development and will develop your ability to plan and operate at a strategic level and build your capacity for progression to more senior management roles.

Lifelong Learning Centre support

We know that many mature and part-time students face unique challenges including balancing academic study with family and employment commitments. Whatever your concerns or questions, the Lifelong Learning Centre offers free specialist guidance, advice and support to mature and part-time students, from pre-application through to graduation and beyond.

Specialist facilities

You’ll have access to the four specialist research and student libraries on campus and be able to work and meet with fellow students in the LLC's Learning Resource Area. This space, which contains its own skills library, computers, desks and sofas, is especially designed to be a welcoming and accessible area for all LLC students.

Course details

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 (90 credits)

Organisational Environment (20 credits, Level 1) - This module provides you with a broad understanding of the nature, purpose and structure of different types of organisations and the tools used to analyse the impact on organisations brought about by changes in the internal, external and global environment.

Introduction to Management (20 credits, Level 1) - This module provides an introduction to the key tasks in management – organising, planning, controlling, directing, leading and dealing with staff. You’ll examine these concepts both from the classic management literature and tools, and from the perspective of managers in the 21st century. You’ll also develop digital skills, addressing areas such as academic and reflective writing, referencing and research, as well as developing professional and digital skills appropriate to working and learning environments.

Introduction to Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (20 credits, Level 1) - This module aims to give you the knowledge and skills to understand how businesses are responding to current ethical issues. Case study examples are used to underpin classroom discussions. Discussion, debate and participation are encouraged throughout and form an essential part of this module, drawing on experiences of the group; discussion of first hand and personal examples is actively encouraged.

Human Resource Management (20 credits, Level 1) - This module will provide you with a foundation in the theory and practice of Human Resource Management (HRM), allowing you to engage critically with developments in the world of work. It begins with an exploration of HRM and the various theoretical perspectives for examining work. The module will also develop academic skills, addressing areas such as academic and reflective writing, referencing and research, as well as developing professional and digital skills appropriate to working and learning environments.

Your Development: Introduction (10 credits, Level 1) - This module provides the opportunity for you to develop and reflect upon key academic, digital, research and professional skills.

Year 2 (100 credits)

Business Accounting (20 credits, Level 1) - This module allows you to develop an understanding of the language and terminology of accounting. You'll also develop an understanding of accounting techniques and processes that are used to inform business decision making.

Marketing (20 credits, Level 2) - The aim of this module is to introduce you to the philosophy of market orientation and the tools for environmental scanning, market research, segmentation, targeting and positioning. You’ll be introduced to ethical considerations that will provide an international perspective on studying for marketing.

Business Economics (20 credits, Level 2) - This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the nature and application of the core elements of microeconomics and macroeconomics and the role of economic policy and economic institutions within the economy.

Leadership and Change Management (20 credits, Level 2) - This module aims to develop your understanding of what makes an effective leader and the differences between a leader and a manager. You'll be introduced to the theories and practical techniques relating to leadership and change management by analysing the processes of leadership and by looking at how great leaders can influence and drive change within organisations. You’ll also develop digital skills, addressing areas such as academic and reflective writing, referencing and research, as well as developing professional and digital skills appropriate to working and learning environments.

Professional Practice (20 credits, Level 2) - This module provides you with the opportunity to reflect upon the application of academic theory, research and policy developments to workplace practice within your employment sector. This will enable you to develop your knowledge, capabilities and skills with a view to making improvements to your own practice and workplace.

Year 3 (80 credits)

International Business (20 credits, Level 2) - This module provides you with an understanding of the theory and practice of international business. You will examine core concepts of international business and how these apply to the dynamics, constraints and challenges of international business strategy within the global economic environment.

Data Analytics (20 credits, Level 2) - This module provides you with an understanding of how businesses and organisations use data analytics to support an evidence-based approach to management decision making. Topics covered include data management, business applications of data analytics, and the strategic and cultural requirements for effective analytics.

Innovation and Enterprise (20 credits, Level 3) - The purpose of this module is to introduce you to topics of business innovation and enterprise from a strategic perspective. It develops the skills and knowledge that are needed to apply innovative and creative problem solving and strategic management skills within an organisational context. Discussion, debate and participation are encouraged throughout. Drawing on experiences of the group, discussion of first hand and personal examples is actively encouraged.

Research Methods (20 credits, Level 3) - This module will allow you to develop an understanding of the process of planning your own research. You'll examine the various elements of the research process and identify ethical considerations. You'll develop your research skills which are relevant to any future research projects, or your professional careers or further studies in higher education.

Year 4 (80 credits)

Operations Management (20 credits, Level 3) - This module explores the way in which an organisation efficiently deploys resources to produce goods and services. It will introduce you to real operational issues experienced by organisations and help you to develop an understanding of how these can be effectively addressed.

Strategic Management (20 credits, Level 3) - This module is designed to help you develop an overall appreciation of the importance of strategy for organisations and the skill set required when competing globally. You'll explore how effectively and efficiently the organisation's corporate strategy is implemented and how well it is aligned to its general context. It is focused on the information, analyses, organisational processes and business judgment managers must use to devise strategies, position their businesses, define firm boundaries and maximize long-term profits in the face of uncertainty and competition.

Dissertation (40 credits, Level 3) - This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop independent research and evaluation skills whilst developing a deep knowledge of your chosen area of study. You’ll develop a research problem or question and will work with your supervisor to investigate the problem. The dissertation may take the form of a literature based, workplace based, or client focused project and should include some form of primary data gathering in the form of surveys, questionnaires, interviews or focus groups.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area. This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

The course is delivered through a combination of face-to-face sessions and a range of accessible digital resources. Our teaching is imaginative and supportive to make sure that you're intellectually stretched and helped to become an independent inquirer. Group sizes are small enough for you to engage actively in inclusive group activities which helps you to feel well supported and part of your own learning community.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment is an important way of enabling you to learn actively and feedback from tutors supports this process.

Our range of assessment methods help you to work to your strengths and to develop numerous transferable academic and professional skills that can be applied within both academic and employment contexts. Assessment methods include: essays, business reports, journals, real life case studies, presentations, creative portfolios, and timed assessments.

Entry requirements

A-level: 3 A-level passes

GCSE: English and Maths grade C/4 or above, or equivalent. T Levels will be considered on a case by case basis. We welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Other course specific tests:

Work experience which demonstrates your appreciation of a range of different roles and/or work settings and/or management.

Additional consideration will be given to life experience and circumstances in which you have gained prior qualifications.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay. Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

If you are a mature student or want to study part-time, the Lifelong Learning Centre offers a free, confidential and impartial pre-entry guidance service. Our experienced staff can also talk to you about how you might meet the entry criteria and what support may be available to you.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International:

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
In November 2024 the UK Government announced that the tuition fee cap may rise to £9,535 from £9,250.

The tuition fee cap for some foundation years may also reduce to £5,760 from £9,250.

This would start from the academic year 2025/26. However, this is subject to final confirmation from the Government. Once available, we’ll publish the fees for the 2025/26 academic year and individual offer letters shall be updated via email and post.

The foundation year courses affected are:
·         Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc
·         Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
·         Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
·         Social Science (foundation year) BA

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
 

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

For guidance on applying to a Lifelong Learning Centre course, visit our admissions guidance page.

Apply to this course through the Lifelong Learning Centre.

We will treat all applications individually. We’ll take into account your life experience and the circumstances in which you have gained prior qualifications and we encourage you to cover these things in your personal statement. Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team, and if you’re successful you’ll be invited to an interview. This could be either in person or on the phone. If you’re entering through the Alternative Entry Scheme you’ll be sent details after your interview.

If you are made an offer, you'll be asked to engage with KickStart. This is a pre-entry programme designed to ease your move into studying at the University of Leeds. You're welcome to contact us for further information.

It is also possible to study this programme part time. The programme content is the same but you will study at a lesser intensity. Find out more about how to apply, support available and the part-time student experience at the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Lifelong Learning Centre

Contact us

LLC Business Management and Leadership Admissions

Email: bm@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

A University of Leeds degree will make you very attractive to employers and enhance your career prospects. The Business Management and Leadership degree has been designed to provide you with a broad and deep understanding of business, so you're well placed to progress to more senior management roles within your existing organisation or move to a new role in a different organisation.

A qualification from the University of Leeds counts; our graduates are highly valued by employers. When you complete your degree, you'll also become part of a network of highly employable graduates.

Careers support