Overview

What does it take to run a successful and sustainable business today? With the BA (Hons) Business Management course, you’ll learn how to make decisions that drive performance while creating positive impact. You’ll build the knowledge and confidence to adapt and solve problems in fast-moving organisations.

If you’re interested in leadership, teamwork, sustainability and problem-solving, this degree is for you. We’ll give you a strong foundation across key areas of business, helping you understand how they connect and work together in real organisations.

You’ll explore:

strategy
marketing
operations
human resource management
sustainability
finance.

You’ll apply your learning to current business challenges through projects, data analysis and practical activities that reflect industry practice. As part of a diverse student group, you’ll build confidence in teamwork and develop an understanding of different perspectives in a global business environment.

In Year 3, you can shape your experience around your goals. You can apply for a half-year or year-long work placement to gain hands-on industry experience. You can also choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities, building international experience and broadening your perspective. We’ll support you to prepare, apply and make the most of these opportunities.

You’ll benefit from our strong links with industry. Guest speakers, live casework and networking opportunities connect your learning to real organisations and current practice. Our Entrepreneurial Hub also supports you to develop ideas, explore innovation and apply your skills in new ways.

You’ll explore corporate social responsibility and how businesses can operate in a responsible and sustainable way. These themes are embedded throughout the course, shaping how you think, learn and make decisions.

As the University for the Common Good and a member of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) network, we prepare you to respond to real business and societal challenges. Our commitment to the UN Global Compact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals runs throughout your studies, including a dedicated module on sustainability, ethics and responsible business practice.

GCU was the first Scottish university to join the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate responsibility initiative. It brings together thousands of organisations across the globe, all committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universal principles covering human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Being part of this network means your learning is shaped by global standards and real-world practice.

The course is accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), a mark of quality recognised by employers worldwide. With strong industry links, practical learning and international opportunities, you’ll graduate ready for a wide range of roles across the global business sector.

Why study Business Management at GCU?

Build a strong understanding of how businesses operate sustainably across strategy, marketing, operations, HR and finance, and see how they connect in real organisations.
Apply your learning to real business challenges through projects and data analysis. Develop skills in decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork and communication for a wide range of careers.
Study an EFMD-accredited degree, recognised by employers worldwide, with a focus on the skills and knowledge needed for modern business.
In Year 3, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a half-year or year-long work placement. You can also apply to study abroad at a partner university and gain international experience.
Develop an enterprising approach and learn how to lead responsibly, preparing you to tackle real business and societal challenges.

European Foundation for Management Development.

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What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

Graduates from this course go on to a wide range of roles across the global business sector. You’ll develop skills in decision-making, analysis, teamwork and communication that employers value across industries.

Typical roles include:

Project Manager
Operations Manager
Marketing Executive
Business Analyst
HR Advisor
Recruitment Consultant
Procurement Officer
Supply Chain Manager
Business Consultant.

You could work in sectors such as:

supply chain and logistics
healthcare
consultancy
recruitment
procurement
operations and quality
marketing
human resources
finance
local and national government.

Recent graduates have secured roles with organisations including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Scottish Government, Hyster-Yale, Qualifications Scotland, Barclays and Mozilla Foundation.

Throughout the course, you’ll build practical experience through projects, industry engagement and optional work placements. These opportunities help you develop professional networks and apply your skills in real business settings, supporting your transition into employment.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BA (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	8J9J	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BA (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	8J9J	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

Scottish Higher: AABBB

A Level: BCC

Minimum entry requirement

Scottish Higher: BCCC

A Level: CCC

Year 2 entry

Standard entry requirement

15 credit HNC Fashion Business/Business with HRM/Business/Administration and IT/Retail Management/Law, Business and Accounting (or other HNCs with relevant modules) with A in Graded Unit

Year 3 entry

Standard entry requirement

HND Business/Business with Information Technology/Fashion Business/Administration and IT/Retail Management/Law Business and Accounting (or other HNDs with relevant modules) with AB/ABB in Graded Units

English language

IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent)

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching methods

You’ll learn through a practical and collaborative approach that reflects how business works in real organisations. Teaching is designed to be relevant to employers while helping you think independently and develop strong critical thinking skills.

Your learning will include a mix of:

lectures, seminars and workshops
case studies and live industry projects
podcasts, webinars and online learning
group work and discussion-based activities.

You’ll work closely with peers, academics and industry professionals. This helps you build confidence, share ideas and apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

Assessment methods

Our assessments are designed to develop your knowledge and enhance your employability skills. You’ll complete a mix of individual and group assessments, helping you develop both independent thinking and teamwork.

Methods may include:

unseen examinations
class tests
essays
management reports
case studies
presentations
group work.

Each module uses different assessment approaches to support your learning. You’ll receive regular feedback to help you improve and develop your skills throughout the course.

Guest lectures and networking events

We bring bright, experienced leaders and entrepreneurs on campus to share their experiences. They’ll give current insights and real experience into your studies, sharing how they approach challenges in practice.

Previous guest speakers have included people from organisations such as:

Arnold Clark
Babcock
NHS
Scottish Government.

You’ll also work on live case studies and real business scenarios, helping you apply your learning in a practical context and understand how organisations operate.

You’ll have opportunities to attend networking events and connect with employers. Through our Careers Service, you can also access workshops, events and support to help you build your network and plan your next steps.

Corporate social responsibility

Responsible business sits at the core of this course. You’ll explore how organisations can create long-term value while responding to social and environmental challenges.

In your final year, you’ll study our Sustainability, Corporate Responsibility and Ethics (SCORE) module. This focuses on how businesses balance people, the planet and performance, and how these decisions play out in real organisations.

As the University for the Common Good and a member of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) network, we embed these themes throughout your studies. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and perspective to lead responsibly in a global business environment.

Entrepreneurship

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your ideas and explore innovation through our on-campus Entrepreneurial Hub. It supports social entrepreneurship, responsible leadership, curiosity and divergent thinking. You’ll work collaboratively to address real societal issues and apply your ideas in practice, developing the skills to make your business ideas a reality.

You can also get involved with Enactus GCU, a student-led enterprise society that is part of a global network focused on social impact. As a member, you’ll gain access to the wider Enactus UK network, including:

mentoring
networking opportunities
leadership and managerial training.

You’ll work with like-minded students to design and deliver projects that address real community and environmental issues. This could include developing sustainable business ideas or working with local organisations, helping you gain practical experience and build skills that stand out to employers.

Industry placements

In Year 3, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a six-month or year-long work placement. This gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting, apply your learning in practice and build valuable industry connections.

We will support you to find the right placement, which also helps you to understand the job application process when applying for your first graduate job.

You’ll develop practical skills, understand how businesses operate day to day, and gain insight into potential career paths. We’ll support you throughout the process, helping you prepare, apply and make the most of your placement.

Most placements are paid, giving you the opportunity to earn a full-time wage while you gain experience as well as gaining vital experience in your chosen industry. Please note that some roles may be unpaid, for example with charities or third sector organisations.

Exchange and study abroad

You can also apply to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Canada, the USA, Australia or Latin America. This is your chance to experience a different education system while broadening your global perspective.

Living and studying in another country helps you build independence, confidence and cultural awareness. You’ll also develop an international network and gain experience that employers value.

As you can choose to do this for one trimester, you can also combine this with a six month industry placement as mentioned above.

International partnership

This course is also delivered in Nepal, in partnership with Ace International Business School (AIBS). Students in Nepal are awarded a Bachelor of Business Administration, equivalent to the BA (Hons) Business Management.

Accreditation

The BA (Hons) Business Management is accredited by EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development), a leading international authority in business education quality assurance. Achieving this accreditation reflects our commitment to delivering academically rigorous learning with a strong global perspective and close alignment to industry needs. It also ensures your qualification is recognised internationally, enhancing your professional profile and supporting your ambitions in a globally connected job market.

Visit the EFMD website

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Business Management at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information