Business with Foundation Year

Business management is the study of how organisations are created, run, and developed, and how the functions of finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and strategy work together to produce sustainable performance. It is a discipline that draws on economics, sociology, psychology, and quantitative analysis to understand commercial and not-for-profit organisations of all kinds, and it develops the analytical thinking, communication skills, and practical judgement that employers across every sector value.

At Birkbeck College, this four-year programme includes a foundation year, which provides a supported and structured entry point before you begin the main degree. Birkbeck's distinctive character as a primarily evening university means the programme is accessible to students who combine study with employment or other commitments, and the foundation year provides an additional year to build the academic skills and conceptual foundations needed for success in business management at degree level. Employability and flexibility are built into the BSc, and you will develop knowledge across the key functions of business, including accounting, marketing, strategy, operations, and organisational behaviour, with the opportunity to specialise in areas that match your interests and career goals.

The programme combines academic rigour with a practical orientation, developing the skills and attitudes that employers are looking for.

Graduates go on to careers across the full range of business and management functions, in organisations ranging from small start-ups to large corporations and public sector bodies. Marketing, finance, human resources, operations, consulting, and entrepreneurship are all common career paths, and the combination of analytical and interpersonal skills the degree develops is valued in almost every professional context. Many graduates pursue professional qualifications in accounting, marketing, or human resources alongside or after their degree, and postgraduate study in business, management, or a specialist area is another route for those who wish to develop further expertise.