Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The Foundation in Business introduces fundamental concepts across business disciplines while developing academic skills required for undergraduate study. Teaching typically combines lectures, seminars, workshops and assessed coursework. Key areas of study include:

• Principles of Management – introduction to organisational structures, leadership styles and basic management functions.
• Marketing Fundamentals – market analysis, the marketing mix, consumer behaviour and basics of digital marketing.
• Accounting and Finance Basics – introductory financial statements, budgeting, costing and the role of finance in decision-making.
• Economics for Business – micro and macro concepts relevant to business such as supply and demand, market structures and economic indicators.
• Quantitative Skills and Data Handling – numeracy, statistics for business, interpreting data and using spreadsheets.
• Academic and Communication Skills – essay writing, research skills, presentation techniques and critical thinking.
• English Language Support – if required, focused classes to raise proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking for academic purposes.

The programme normally culminates in assessed assignments and projects that mirror first-year undergraduate expectations, with opportunities for group work and case studies to apply theory to practical business scenarios.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements are designed to be accessible to students who need a preparatory year before undergraduate study. Typical requirements include:

• a recognised secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent;
• minimum passes at GCSE level or equivalent in English and mathematics, where applicable;
• for international applicants, proof of English language ability if not taught in English previously; the university accepts a range of recognised English qualifications and may offer integrated English support within the programme;
• a personal statement outlining motivation for study and any relevant experience; and
• where required, an interview (in person or online) to assess suitability and discuss progression plans.

Specific offer conditions can vary by applicant background and chosen progression degree, so applicants should consult the university admissions guidance for personalised entry advice.

Career prospects

The Foundation in Business is a pathway qualification that prepares students to progress into undergraduate degrees such as Business Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Human Resource Management or Economics. Graduates who continue to a bachelor’s degree can pursue careers in a wide range of sectors including business administration, marketing, finance, consulting, retail management and public sector roles. The foundation year itself builds transferable skills—communication, numeracy, teamwork and problem-solving—that are valuable to employers and useful for entrepreneurial ventures or further academic study.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a supportive environment for foundation students, with dedicated academic tutors, study skills workshops and English language support to help learners transition to undergraduate study. The university emphasises applied learning and close links with business and industry, providing opportunities for guest lectures, employer engagement and work-related projects. Situated in Oxford, the university combines a historic city setting with modern campus facilities and student services, and the foundation pathway has established progression routes into a range of undergraduate business degrees at Oxford Brookes.