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A complete guide to business and management degrees

Boss up your career by learning how to lead, strategise, and scale. Find out how a degree gets you there.

Dream of launching your own start-up? Leading a global team? Or mastering data and supply chains? A degree in business and management can make it happen. This versatile qualification equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in leadership, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, all key to succeeding in today’s fast-changing business world. Let’s explore what a business and management degree could do for you.

Topics you’ll explore

Getting a business degree builds your strategic insight and practical skills, preparing you to excel in today’s dynamic business world. Here’s what you might explore on a business degree:

Organisational behaviour

Marketing management

Financial accounting

Operations management

Business strategy

Human resource management

Skills you’ll gain

Studying business and management equips you with a versatile skillset that’s valuable across many professional fields.

Hard skills

Financial management
Data analysis
Project management
Marketing strategy

Soft skills

Critical thinking
Communication
Collaboration
Adaptibility

Degree routes available to you

When it comes to pursuing a business and management degree, you’ll find a diverse array of degree programmes and educational paths to choose from, including:

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

A BBA provides a strong foundation in key business areas like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources. It equips you with essential skills to succeed in a variety of business roles.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Designed for experienced professionals, MBA programmes focus on advanced strategies, leadership, and decision-making. This degree can unlock senior-level roles and boost your earning potential.

Specialised master’s degrees

If you want to specialise, master’s degrees such as an MSc in Finance, Marketing, or Operations Management let you develop expert knowledge in a specific business field.

Doctoral degrees

For those aiming for academic or top-level professional careers, doctoral programmes like a DBA or PhD in Management offer a chance to conduct research and make significant contributions to the field.

Common questions about business and management degrees

The time it takes to complete a business and management degree depends on the level and how you choose to study. A full-time bachelor’s degree usually takes three to four years, though accelerated paths or transfer credits can shorten this. Master’s degrees like the MBA typically take one to two years full-time. Part-time and online options offer flexibility but may extend your study period.

Business and management degrees typically cost between £14,000 and £30,000 per year, with international fees ranging from £15,000 to £37,000. Many students ease the financial load through scholarships, grants, loans, or employer sponsorships.

To apply for a business and management degree, you’ll usually need A-Levels (AAA to CCC), BTECs (DD to MMM), Scottish Highers (AAAAB to BBBB), or an International Baccalaureate score between 38 and 26. Good maths GCSE grades, relevant work experience, or involvement in business activities can also strengthen your application. Entry requirements vary, so always check the details for your chosen course.

Yes, you can study business and management online. Programmes like FutureLearn’s BA (Hons) Business Management and MSc Business and Management let you learn anywhere, anytime—perfect for fitting study around work and life. With cutting-edge technology and global connections, online degrees offer a flexible, affordable way to boost your career.

Why pursue a business and management degree

Diverse career opportunities

A business and management degree gives you a versatile skillset that opens doors across industries—from finance and consulting to entrepreneurship and corporate leadership.

Better earning potential

Starting salaries typically range from £19,000 to £25,000, with experienced business managers earning an average of £53,913. Senior roles can command £70,000 or more.

More flexibility

Many programmes offer part-time, online, or evening options, so you can balance study with work. The skills you gain are highly transferable, helping you navigate a changing business world.

Practical experience

Internships, real-world projects, and networking events are often part of the course, giving you hands-on experience and valuable industry connections.

Postgraduate pathways

A business and management degree provides a solid foundation if you want to specialise further with an MBA or other focused master’s programme.

Entrepreneurial mindset

You’ll develop the knowledge and confidence to think like an entrepreneur, potentially setting you up to launch your own business someday.

Where this degree will take you

With the versatile skills you’ll gain, a business and management degree opens doors to exciting careers in corporate leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship, and beyond:

Business Analyst

Analyse data, spot trends, and provide strategic recommendations to help organisations improve operations and make better decisions.

Business Development Manager

Identify new market opportunities, build partnerships, and drive growth through effective sales and marketing strategies.

Chartered Management Accountant

Manage financial planning, budgeting, and reporting to maximise resource use and profitability.

Entrepreneur

Use your business skills to launch and grow your own startup, turning ideas into successful ventures.

Management Consultant

Provide expert advice to help clients solve complex business problems and reach their strategic goals.

Project Manager

Coordinate and oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring they meet deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.

Find your business and management degree

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Common questions about business and management careers

Careers in business and management can be highly rewarding. With so many roles across different industries, you’ll have plenty of chances to find work that matches your interests and passions. Whether it’s the excitement of launching a startup or the satisfaction of leading a major corporation, these careers offer rewarding challenges and real impact.

Plus, the transferable skills you develop are valued by employers, opening doors to strong career progression and earning potential.

Business and management graduates can expect strong earning potential, though salaries vary by role, industry, and experience. Entry-level salaries typically range from £19,000 to £25,000 per year. With experience, earnings grow—business managers in the UK earn an average of £53,913, with senior roles reaching £70,000 or more. Postgraduate qualifications like an MBA can increase your salary by around £14,800 annually compared to bachelor’s degree holders.

To gain admission to a business and management degree programme, applicants will need to meet certain entry requirements set by the university. These often include:

A Levels: AAA-CCC (including a pass in a relevant subject, such as maths, if taken at A Level)
BTECs: *DD – MMM
Scottish Highers: AAAAB – BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB-BBB)
International Baccalaureate: 38-26

In addition to these academic qualifications, universities may also look favourably upon applicants who demonstrate relevant work experience, online courses or MOOCs in business-related topics, and participation in business-focused summer schools or activities. S

Strong grades in maths at the GCSE level are also commonly viewed as an asset. The total UCAS points required for a business and management degree typically fall within the range of 96-200 points.