Business Management and Leadership BSc

Year of entry

2024 course information

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Start date
September 2025
Delivery type
On campus
Duration
4 years part time
Typical A-level offer
3 A-level passes excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies or equivalent
Full entry requirements
Available to UK residents only
Yes
Contact
bm@leeds.ac.uk

Course overview

Business meeting

This part-time degree allows you to build on your knowledge and experience of business management to develop your career.

The course is taught on a Tuesday evening, 18:00-21:00, 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 previous 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, will develop your ability to plan and operate at a strategic level building your capacity for progression to more senior management roles.

Lifelong Learning Centre support

We know that as a mature and/or part-time student, you may 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.

We’ll welcome you into the LLC community, where you’ll be taught by our friendly and supportive staff, who are experienced in working with adult learners. The nature of the course allows you to fit study alongside your work and family commitments, and we’ll support you in doing so successfully.

Specialist facilities

You’ll have access to the four specialist research and student libraries on campus. As an LLC student, you’ll have access to dedicated study and social spaces that are designed to be welcoming and accessible. The areas in Beech Grove House and the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building (pictured below) offer computer access, reference books and the space to socialise and work with your peers.

Students sit around two circular wooden tables. They are engaging in conversation and working on laptops.Staff and student interacting at a reception desk

Course details

The course is taught on a Tuesday evening, 18:00-21:00, over four years, using a blended learning approach with classes taking place both face-to-face and online.

The course is delivered through a set of modules which allow you to build your knowledge of business management and leadership. You'll study how different types of organisations react and adapt to changes in internal, external and global economic environments.

You'll also examine the key functions of organisations including marketing, finance, operations management and human resource management. You’ll develop your strategic leadership and management skills within the context of the ethics and responsibility, global and cultural and employability threads that run through the modern workplace.

On completion of the course, you should have provided evidence of being able to:

  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the nature, purpose, function and structure of different types of organisations.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the interrelationships between organisational structure, culture and the wider organisational environment and the impact on organisations brought about by changes in the internal, external and global environment.
  • Apply a critical understanding of theories of business management across a range of organisational contexts in areas such as organisational environment, leadership and management, marketing, innovation and enterprise, international business, economics and accounting.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of ethics and of individual, collective and corporate social responsibility.
  • Critically evaluate alternative approaches to areas of complexity or uncertainty and apply their own perspective to recommend and justify solutions.
  • Demonstrate academic and professional literacies within business related disciplines.

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 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Introduction to Management 20
Introduction to Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility 20
Human Resource Management 20
The Organisational Environment 20
Your Development: Introduction 10

Year 2 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Human Resource Management 20
Business Accounting 20
Marketing 20
Research Methods for Business 20

Year 3 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Leadership and Change Management 20
Project Management 20
Work Based Research Project 20
Management Decision Making 20

Year 4 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Strategic Management 20
Operations Management 20
Innovation and Enterprise 20
Management Consultancy 20

Year 1 (90 credits)

The Organisational Environment (20 credits) - 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) - 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) - 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) - 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) - 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 Principles (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.

Developing your Professional Identity and Skills in Context (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’ll 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.

Business 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.

Entrepreneurship 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 Skills and Methods in Context (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.

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.

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 excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies or equivalent

GCSE: English and Maths grade C/4 or above, or equivalent. Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C. Courses requiring a higher grade in GCSE maths or English may not accept Level 2 Functional Skills in its place. Please check with the course admissions team before applying.

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

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits overall, with 45 graded credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above and 15 at Pass.

BTEC

Merit, Merit, Pass in National Extended Diploma.

T-Levels

T Levels will be considered on a case by case basis.

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 English and Math 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: To be confirmed

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.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

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

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.

Part-time Leeds Bursary

Learn more about the part-time Leeds Bursary

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.

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

The Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) has a strong commitment to enhancing opportunity with its own dedicated expert guidance team. Enhancing employability and opportunity are embedded into the LLC, so our students can get dedicated support, as well as the excellent wider university provision.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons University of Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Student profile: Leila Farhang

"Returning to education as a mature student, I wasn’t sure how my course would work. I balance study with my children and job by utilising the facilities at Leeds."
Leila Farhang, Business Management and Leadership
Find out more about Leila Farhang's time at Leeds