Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc

Course overview

This course is for UK students only. International students should apply for the International Foundation Year.

This extended four-year course allows you to study for a degree in one of the following:

• accounting and finance
• banking and finance
• business management with marketing
• business management and the human resource
• economics
• international business
• international business and finance
• international business and marketing
• management
• marketing.

The first year of the course consists of general business modules and is delivered by the Lifelong Learning Centre (home to the University’s specialist teaching and support for mature, part-time and foundation year students). The second year of the course involves modules aligned with your chosen pathway and is delivered by both the Lifelong Learning Centre and Leeds University Business School. As a foundation year student, you'll be part of the University from day one with all the experiences and opportunities that this offers.

During the first two years, you’ll gain an understanding of the key aspects of business studies, covering subjects such as innovation and enterprise, organisational environment, marketing and organisational behaviour, as well as specialist modules depending on your choice of pathway. The first two years will provide you with intensive and well-structured support to help you develop your skills and knowledge.

On successful completion of the first two years, subject to meeting the specific requirements for progression, you'll advance onto your chosen degree course at Leeds University Business School.

This course is for UK students from a widening participation background (who meet our additional entry criteria) who don’t currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree. This course will consider applications from candidates who have completed less than one year of full-time university study. This includes first-year degree study and other foundation years. Applicants with disrupted prior study experience in this way should outline this in their personal statement on the application. If these circumstances apply, applicants may also find it helpful to seek guidance from Student Finance England.

This course will consider internal transfers from eligible applicants (see academic and widening participation criteria) who are studying on other University of Leeds foundation years or the first year of a degree programme until the end of week 1 of semester 1.

Additional highlights

The first year of the course has been specifically designed such that academic, digital and professional skills are developed through a set of three compulsory modules. During the first year, these transferable skills can be acquired and then refined with the help of module tutors and dedicated skills tutors to give you the very best chance of success both on the course and beyond.

Specialist facilities and support

The Lifelong Learning Centre provides a supportive environment to enable you to progress to degree-level study.

At Leeds University Business School, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including state-of-the-art lecture theatres, collaborative learning and teaching spaces with the latest interactive technology and modern study spaces with dedicated computer clusters.

As a Foundation Year 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.

Course details and modules

The Business Studies with Foundation Year is a full-time, four-year course that allows you to follow one of nine pathways to study towards a full honours degree from Leeds University Business School:

• Accounting and finance pathway – this leads to the award of BSc Accounting and Finance
• Banking and finance pathway - this leads to the award of BSc Banking and Finance
• Business Management and the Human Resource pathway – this leads to the award of BA Business Management and the Human Resource
• Business management with marketing pathway - this leads to the award of BA Business Management with Marketing
• Economics pathway - this leads to the award of BSc Economics
• International business pathway - this leads to the award of BSc International Business
• International business and finance pathway - this leads to the award of BSc International Business and Finance
• International business and marketing pathway - this leads to the award of BSc International Business and Marketing
• Management pathway – this leads to the award of BA Business Management
• Marketing pathway – this leads to the award of BSc Marketing.

In your first two years, you'll gain an understanding of the key aspects of business studies. The structure has been designed to offer you academic, personal and professional development in a supportive and encouraging environment. This will help to ensure that you have the academic knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the third and fourth years of study.

On completion of the first two years 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 the areas such as innovation and enterprise, marketing, organisational behaviour, organisational environment, management, economics and accounting.
• Demonstrate digital, 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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Introduction to Innovation and Enterprise (20 credits)

This module allows you to explore the nature and role of entrepreneurship and will encourage you to develop the skills and knowledge that you'll need to apply innovative and creative problem-solving skills within an organisational context.

Introduction to 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 Marketing (20 credits)

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 through the process of marketing planning leading to the marketing tactics.

You will study additional compulsory modules dependant upon the pathway you are taking.

Year 2 modules

You will choose from a range of compulsory modules, dependent upon the pathway you are taking.

The Accounting and Finance, and Banking and Finance pathway modules:

• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
• Foundations of Finance (20 credits)
• Foundations of Banking (10 credits)
• Economic Theory and Applications for Finance (20 credits)
• Business Finance (20 credits)
• Introduction to Financial Accounting (10 credits)
• Introduction to Management Accounting (10 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B (10 credits)

The Business Management pathway modules:

• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
• The International Business Environment (20 credits)
• Introduction to Economics (20 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Managers (20 credits)
• Accounting for Non-specialists (10 credits)
• Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
• Discovery (10 credits)

The Business Management with Marketing pathway modules:

• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
• The International Business Environment (20 credits)
• Academic and Professional Development for Studies in Marketing (20 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Managers (20 credits)
• Accounting for Non-specialists (10 credits)
• Fundamentals of Marketing (20 credits)
• Discovery (10 credits)

The Business Management and the Human Resource pathway modules:

• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
• Introduction to Finance (20 credits)
• Introduction to Economics (20 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Managers (20 credits)
• Business and Society (20 credits)
• Economic Institutions (Labour) (10 credits)
• Economic Institutions (Industry) (10 credits)

The Economics pathway modules:

• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
• Academic, Professional and Research Skills for Studies in Economics (20 credits)
• The International Business Environment (20 credits)
• Economic Theory & Applications (30 credits)
• Accounting for Non-specialists (10 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B (10 credits)
• Economics and Global History (10 credits)

The International Business pathway modules:

• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
• Academic and Professional Development for Studies in International Business (20 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Managers (20 credits)
• Global Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
• Introduction to Economics (20 credits)
• Principles of International Business (20 credits)
• Discovery (10 credits)

The International Business and Marketing pathway modules:

• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
• Academic and Professional Development for Studies in Marketing (20 credits)
• Introduction to Economics (20 credits)
• Global Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
• Principles of International Business (20 credits)
• Fundamentals of Marketing (20 credits)
• Discovery (10 credits)

The International Business and Finance pathway modules:

• Academic and Professional Development for Studies in International Business (20 credits)
• Economic Theory & Applications for Finance (20 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B (10 credits)
• Introduction to Finance (20 credits)
• Business Finance (20 credits)
• Principles of International Business (20 credits)
• Introduction to Financial Accounting (10 credits)

The Marketing pathway modules:

• Academic and Professional Development for Studies in Marketing (20 credits)
• Cross-Cultural Consumer Behaviour (20 credits)
• Integrated Marketing Communications (20 credits)
• The International Business Environment (20 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Managers (20 credits)
• Introduction to Marketing (10 credits)
• Introduction to Marketing Analytics (10 credits)

Learning and teaching

You'll learn through a mix of face-to-face workshops, seminars and lectures complemented by tutor support, group work and a range of digital resources.

There is a strong emphasis during the first two years on building your academic skills to help you achieve your full potential. You’ll be taught by our expert academics who have subject and research specialism in the areas of degree progression, as well as vast experience of working with mature and under-represented students.

Teaching is imaginative, inclusive and supportive to make sure that you're intellectually stretched and helped through any sticking points in your learning. You’ll receive support from your academic personal tutor for your academic and professional development.

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.

Methods of assessment used in the first two years reflect those that you'll find later in your degree to ensure that you're well prepared for continuing study and help to ensure that your written, discussion and digital skills are developed in preparation for Years 3 and 4 of your degree.

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

Entry requirements

A-level: CCC excluding critical thinking and general studies. Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement. We welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

GCSE: English and maths grade C/4 or above, or equivalent. Applicants interested in following the Accounting and Finance, Banking and Finance, Economics or International Business with Finance pathway will need GCSE maths at grade B/6 or above, or equivalent. Applicants interested in following the Marketing pathway will need GCSE English Language and maths at grade B/6. Applicants interested in following the Business Management with Marketing or International Business and Marketing pathway will need grade B/6 or above in GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths at grade C/4. 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:

As well as the academic requirements above, you must live permanently in the UK and meet at least one of the following:

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 English and maths 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.

Fees

UK: £5,760

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2027/28 will be £5,760 for the foundation year. Fees will increase in future years when you progress to your undergraduate degree. Fee information is available on individual course pages.

Read more about tuition fees.

Additional cost information

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.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23.

Admissions Guidance

Visit our Admissions Guidance page for more information about applying to the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Please mention on your personal statement the subject area you want to progress to.

Please note that this course is for UK students from a widening participation background (who meet our additional entry criteria) and who don’t currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree. This course does not accept students with previous higher education experience, including other foundation years or international students.

Admissions process

Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team.

The admissions team, when making offer decisions, take into account a wide variety of factors which include, but are not limited to, actual performance to date and predicted results for qualifications currently being studied, contextual information and your personal statement. In some cases, you may be invited to an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made.

Mature applicants are encouraged to apply early.

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.

If you’re entering through the Alternative Entry Scheme, you’ll be sent details once you've been made an offer.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

Lifelong Learning Centre

Contact us

LLC Foundation Year Business Admissions

Email: bm@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 113 3433212

Career opportunities

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.

• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.

• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.

• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

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.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad opportunities are part of the progression degree after the foundation year. All opportunities available within the specific progression degree are available to foundation year students.

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement year as part of the course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation.

Our Employability Team will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas

• Build industry contacts within your chosen field

• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers

• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice

• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry

• Improve your employability

Find out more about Industrial placements.