Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme begins with a foundation year that prepares you for undergraduate study by developing academic skills, numeracy, introductory business knowledge and English language proficiency where required. On successful completion you progress to the honours stage, which provides a comprehensive grounding in the core areas of business and management alongside options to specialise.

• Foundation year modules – typically cover academic skills and study techniques, basic finance and numeracy, introduction to marketing and management, information and digital skills for business, and English for academic purposes where appropriate.
• Core honours modules – commonly include Principles of Management, Organisational Behaviour, Marketing Fundamentals, Financial Management and Accounting, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Business Law and Ethics, and Research Methods.
• Optional and advanced modules – examples you can expect include Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, Human Resource Management, International Business, Digital Business and Business Analytics, and sustainability in business.
• Independent project or dissertation – a substantial individual research or consultancy project in your final year, enabling you to apply theory to a real organisational problem.
• Practical learning – teaching typically blends lectures, seminars and tutorials with case studies, group projects, business simulations and guest lectures from practitioners. There are opportunities for professional skills development, live client briefs and extracurricular enterprise activities.

Entry requirements

The programme is designed to widen access to undergraduate study. Successful applicants will normally hold UK qualifications at the appropriate level for a foundation pathway or international equivalents. Typical entry will include a completed secondary education qualification plus evidence of readiness for university study; applicants without standard qualifications but with relevant work experience or mature-student status are also considered.

Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate suitable English language proficiency through an approved test or equivalent evidence. Specific subject prerequisites are usually not required for the foundation year, but a reasonable level of numeracy and communication skills is expected.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme leave with the broad managerial knowledge and transferable skills employers look for, including analysis, communication, project work and team leadership. Career destinations typically include roles such as management trainee, business analyst, marketing or sales executive, HR officer, operations coordinator and small-business owner.

Graduates also move into specialist functions by taking postgraduate study or professional qualifications in finance, marketing, human resources, business analytics or supply chain management. The course’s emphasis on applied projects and employability activity helps you build a portfolio of practical experience to support job applications across private, public and third-sector organisations.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University combines applied, career-focused teaching with a supportive learning environment. The Business School emphasises practical learning and real-world relevance through live projects, industry guest speakers and employability-focused modules. Smaller seminar groups and staff who combine academic and professional experience help ensure personalised support.

Studying in Oxford provides access to a diverse business community and networking opportunities, while university careers and enterprise services help with placements, internships and graduate job search. The programme’s foundation route makes it a strong option for students seeking a clear pathway into a full business degree with opportunities to tailor study to career goals.