Business Management

Year 2

(Referred to as stage 1 of the degree)

You will develop knowledge, understanding and an appreciation of how businesses operate within the business environment. You will be able to enhance your academic, professional and analytical skills whilst reflecting on previous experiences.

Year 3

(Referred to as stage 2 of the degree)

You will be able to formalise your experience through academic study in the core areas of business and management. The year culminates with a business opportunity project which involves the development of a complete business plan that will add value to an existing business or a new business idea. 

Gain a degree in 1 year

We offer direct entry at Year 3 if you have a minimum of 3 years’ business experience and at least one year’s management experience or if you possess a relevant HND. This means you will gain a Bachelor’s degree in just 1 year.

Year 4

(Referred to as stage 3 of the degree)

You will integrate higher level knowledge, understanding and skills by independently working on an applied academic study or business consultancy project. Personal and professional skills such as research, oral presentation and teamwork will be developed thereby enhancing your employment portfolio and setting you apart from other graduates in your field.

Starting in February

The option to start the course in February is available to
students eligible to enter the course at Stage 2.

For students joining in February, it takes one year to complete the Bachelors degree. Students who choose to continue to the Honours year will have a few months break prior to re-commencing studies in September. This makes the full course duration 2 years 6 months.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Events

We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.

Find out more about this online course, and if it is right for you, when you watch our online event:

Learning Methods

This course is delivered through supported online study using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), CampusMoodle.

CampusMoodle offers you the flexibility of where and when you choose to study and gives you full open access to tutors and other class members. You will have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. The online campus provides you with course materials which include:

• Online activities
• Discussion forums - student and tutor led
• Up-to-date web technology for delivery methods
• User friendly material

Online classes will normally take place one evening per week and key learning is recorded for those unable to attend the live session.

Activity Summary

• Online live tutorials, 70 hours per stage

Please note this summary reflects the full Honours degree over 3 years, other course lengths will differ.

How long is a Business Management course?

This Business Management course can be successfully completed within 1 - 3 years. This is to include independent study, coursework preparations and other activities.

Independent Study

Over the duration of the course, you are expected to become increasingly self-motivated, taking greater control of the study process, and define your own personal objectives for learning. You will spend approximately 15 hours per week working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for online activities and researching and writing course reports.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Academic staff who teach on this course have worked in a range of professional backgrounds, are ‘business-connected’ and use professional networks and their academic research to ensure teaching is professionally relevant and cutting edge.

Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this. This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. In addition, many have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 2 (Stage 1)

• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 portfolio

Year 3 (Stage 2)

• 4 written assignments

Year 4 (Stage 3)

• 2 written assignments
• 1 dissertation
• 1 presentation

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

The knowledge and skills developed throughout this course will enhance your employability and enable you to progress your existing career, change your career path or apply for new job opportunities.

Is Business Management a good career choice?

Previous BA Business Management graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Supply Chain Management
• Business Support
• Sales Management
• Marketing

The course also provide you with the entry requirements for postgraduate study, for courses such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), MSc Project Management and MSc International Business..

What is needed for BA (Hons) Business Management?

We welcome applications from students who have work based experience.

You will complete a Personal Assessment Form providing more information about your experience to assist with the decision about which stage of the course is most appropriate for you.

Year 2 (Stage 1) Entry

For entry to Year 2 (Stage 1), we require 2 years work experience or a relevant HNC in Business or Admin and IT may be considered.

Year 3 (Stage 2) Entry

For entry to Year 3 (Stage 2) a relevant HND in Business or Admin and IT may be considered.

For someone with a minimum of 3 years’ business experience and at least one year management experience you could be eligible for accelerated entry to Year 3 (Stage 2) and obtain a Bachelor's degree in a year.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent. 

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Year and Stage Explained

At what Year/Stage can you enter the degree?

There are two different stages that you can enter the BA (Hons) Business Management degree. At which stage you will enter the degree depends on your existing qualifications and/or level of relevant work experience.

Entry Year 2, Stage 1

• Entry Requirement - 2 years work experience or a relevant HNC in Business or Admin and IT may be considered
• Exit Award - Diploma of Higher Education Management 

Entry Year 3, Stage 2

• Entry Requirement - a relevant HND in Business or Admin and IT may be considered. For someone with a minimum of 3 years’ business experience and at least one year management experience you could be eligible for accelerated entry to this year and stage to a Bachelor's degree in a year.
• Exit Award - BA Business Management

Students may elect to extend the length of study time to complete Stages 1 & 2, to suit their personal circumstances.

Entry Year 4, Stage 3

• Entry Requirement While you cannot enter directly in to this stage, you can progress post-completion of year 3 and gain your Honours award in this final year of study. This is an optional year after completion of year 3.
• Exit Award - BA (Hons) Business Management

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
• Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
• Accommodation and Living Costs
• Printing

Student Funding

If you are assessed as a Scottish fee payer by our admissions team, you will benefit from significantly reduced fees, and could qualify to have your fees fully funded by SAAS.

If you are applying to SAAS, you will need to make sure to apply for a Part Time Fee grant and not Full Time funding. This is due to the delivery of the course being fully online.

For more information about SAAS funding and to find out if you are eligible, visit:

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

Scholarships and Financial Awards

You may also qualify for a scholarship or financial award:

Disclaimer

For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter.  For further information see: