Keele University

What you'll study

This degree brings together foundational business modules and specialist sustainability topics. In year one you study core subjects that introduce accounting and finance, marketing, organisational behaviour, economics and quantitative methods alongside an introduction to sustainability and business ethics. Later years build on these foundations with modules such as corporate social responsibility, sustainable operations and supply chain management, environmental management, sustainability reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Typical taught topics and modules include:

• Principles of Management — leadership, organisational design and decision making
• Financial and Management Accounting — interpreting financial information for managerial decisions
• Marketing and Consumer Behaviour — creating value and understanding market dynamics
• Business Economics and Quantitative Methods — data analysis and economic context for business
• Sustainable Business Strategy — integrating sustainability into long‑term planning
• Corporate Social Responsibility & Ethics — governance, stakeholder theory and ethical frameworks
• Environmental Management and Policy — environmental impacts, regulation and corporate responses
• Sustainable Supply Chains and Operations — resource efficiency, circular economy and procurement
• Business Analytics for Sustainability — using data to measure and improve sustainability performance
• Final Year Project or Consultancy — an individual dissertation or live consultancy project with an external partner

The programme typically offers options to take a paid industry placement year or a year abroad to gain practical experience. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, group work, guest speakers from industry and applied assessments such as consultancy briefs and sustainability audits.

Entry requirements

Entry is aimed at students with a strong secondary education profile. Keele accepts a range of qualifications including A‑levels, the International Baccalaureate, BTEC or Access to HE diplomas and recognised international equivalents. Applicants are normally expected to demonstrate competence in numeracy and written communication; GCSE or equivalent passes in English and Mathematics may be required or expected.

In addition to academic qualifications, applicants with relevant work experience or a strong personal statement showing motivation for business and sustainability topics are welcomed. International applicants should meet Keele's English language requirements. Mature students and applicants with non‑traditional backgrounds are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles that combine business skills with sustainability expertise. Typical career paths include sustainability analyst, corporate social responsibility (CSR) officer, sustainability or environmental manager, supply chain sustainability coordinator, ethical procurement specialist, business consultant, policy adviser in governmental or non‑governmental organisations, and roles in social enterprise or impact investing.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study (for example MSc programmes in sustainability, environmental management, business analytics or an MBA). Keele’s emphasis on applied projects and optional placement year helps students develop practical experience and employer contacts, improving graduate employability across the private, public and third sectors.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a campus‑based student experience with accessible teaching staff and small‑group learning that supports discussion and applied learning. The university places emphasis on interdisciplinary study and research, enabling business students to engage with environmental science, policy and social science perspectives on sustainability.

Students benefit from opportunities for industry engagement, guest lectures and live projects with external partners, plus optional placement and year abroad routes to gain practical experience. Keele provides academic and careers support, and the programme is designed to develop both technical business skills and the ethical, strategic thinking required to lead sustainable change in organisations.