Business and Society

Business and society is a degree that takes seriously the question that conventional business management programmes often ask too briefly: what are businesses actually for, and how should they relate to the communities and societies in which they operate? By drawing together concepts, theories, and evidence from business and management alongside social and public policy, the programme equips you to think critically about how private, public, and voluntary sector organisations might best address the challenges facing contemporary society, including inclusive economic growth, ethical business practices, social justice, and democratic governance.

At York, which has a strong research tradition in social and public policy as well as in management, this four-year full-time programme with a year in industry gives you both the academic framework and the professional experience to engage seriously with these questions. You will study how businesses operate and how they are managed, but also how they are regulated, how they affect different groups in society, and what responsibilities they carry toward their employees, customers, communities, and the environment. The year in industry provides direct experience in a relevant organisation, allowing you to test and apply your learning in a real context before graduation.

Graduates go on to careers in social enterprise, corporate social responsibility, public sector management, policy, consultancy, the voluntary sector, and a wide range of roles that require both business understanding and social awareness. The degree is also excellent preparation for careers in management, entrepreneurship, and international development. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in management, social policy, or related disciplines, using the interdisciplinary foundation of the degree to develop specialist expertise.