Key points
• Develop a solid understanding of business and management with a focus on enterprise and innovation.
• Gain practical skills in innovation and enterprise that are attractive to employers.
• Apply for a placement in industry with a major company such as 3M or BAE Systems.
• Access specialist business advice and resources to start your own business.

What is business and enterprise management?
Business is the main human activity of production and trade through which all of us receive the goods and services and the jobs that we need. Enterprise and innovation are seen as vital elements in sustaining competitiveness, not only in the private sector, but also in the public and not-for-profit sectors.

This course

Learn how businesses can thrive and grow even in tough economic climates. Understand how to apply the principles of enterprise and innovation that are becoming crucial to competitiveness in all organisations, including private, public and not-for-profit.

Throughout the course you gain a solid and up-to-date grounding in business and management, building your knowledge and skills and developing your ability to succeed in the increasingly complex, competitive and dynamic business environment.

The course has a practical focus on developing the enterprise skills that employers look for, such as problem-solving, creative thinking, team-working, communication, leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.

In the third year, you have the opportunity to apply your learning, finding solutions to real problems on a paid placement in industry. We strongly recommend taking a placement year as this is a great way to improve your industry knowledge with real insight and experience. It also enables you to build your CV, improve your career prospects and starting salary and can help you decide on your career path.

Placements are typically general management positions in areas such as marketing, human resource management, business operations and finance. We help you find a suitable placement and support and visit you while you are there.

You can apply for placements with major companies such as • 3M • BAE Systems • Hoya Lens UK • Microsoft • River Island Clothing • ASDA. There are also placements in a range of entrepreneurial companies, depending on your career interests.

Some students choose to trial their own business idea during the placement year by starting and then running their own business. If you choose to do this, you are supported by the university's Research and Innovation Office who provide a monthly bursary, business centre facilities and free business advice. This support is also available for up to five years after graduating.

If you do not complete a placement, you learn from other employment experiences in the work-based learning module.

You are taught by lecturers with considerable industry experience in a wide range of roles, including some with experience of running their own business.

Key areas of study
The course has a practical focus on developing enterprise skills such as • initiative • creativity • problem-solving • decision making. These are all skills employers increasingly look for.

Related courses

• BA (Honours) Business Economics (Full-time)
• BA (Honours) Business and Financial Management (Full-time)
• BA (Honours) Business Studies (Full-time)
• BA (Honours) Business and Human Resource Management (Full-time)
• BA (Honours) Business and Marketing (Full-time)
• BA (Honours) Business Management (top up) (Full-time)