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Do you want to gain the skills to excel across the business management and computing sectors, but aren’t sure if you’re ready for university study? Then our CMI accredited BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year might be just the degree you’re looking for.
The course will equip you with everything you need to succeed in higher education, even if you don’t have the academic confidence or qualifications to join a standard undergraduate course. It will then go on to instil fundamental business skills alongside the latest trends in business computing and IT, helping you gain valuable workplace skills across both disciplines.
This course has been designed in close consultation with some of today’s biggest players, such as Google, Coca Cola, and Oracle, ensuring the skills you gain are both in-demand and highly relevant to today’s workplace. You’ll acquire an in-depth understanding of how to successfully run a business, alongside how computing contributes towards this. Not only that, but you’ll be taught all of this by industry experts who will provide you with real insight into the sector.
Through our business simulation software, SimVenture, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning to practise in a safe environment, allowing you to experience first-hand how to run a business and overcome the challenges you might face along the way. You’ll also have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator, which provides a host of resources aimed at nurturing your business acumen, such as training, coaching, and workshops led by industry experts.
Arden's foundation year modules have been designed to give you a tailored and fully supportive introduction to university study. This first year of study will prepare you for success in higher education by introducing you to the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge required to excel in your chosen degree subject.
Your course modules combine a foundation year followed by a full undergraduate qualification. After reviewing key preparatory academic study skills, you’ll go on to study the relationship between business management and computing and how technical knowledge and data can be applied to support effective business decisions. Your modules will also demonstrate how IT systems and technology support varying aspects of business at the operational, management, and decision-making levels.
The course gave me the confidence and skills to go for senior jobs that I wouldn’t have previously. I have been promoted several times since.
You have 4-12 years to complete this course, meaning you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete the course within 4-8 years.
Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you won’t be sitting any exams on this course. Instead, our assessments have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-world scenarios, emphasising discovery, digital technology, innovative thinking, and the application of theory to real world business management and computing practice.
Through negotiated assessments and an independent study, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose your topics of interest with your module lecturer, allowing you to align your studies with your ambitions and future career goals.
Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through a range of assessments including:
This course is currently available to students as a fully online course which you can study from anywhere worldwide.
"I was already in the working world and running two businesses. Not to mention I also have a young family, so the freedom online learning offered, and the cost effectiveness of the course, was a big draw for me."
Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.
Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.
ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your Kindle handy.
Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.
Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.
Learn more about online learning
Once you’ve enrolled on your Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.
Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:
At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.
Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.
That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you'll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.
We’ll also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.
To be eligible for the BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year, you should normally have:
We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.
Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.
Dr. Alison Watson is the Head of School for Leadership and Management, she was also the Programme Team Leader for UG Business and Accounting programmes. Having taught at Arden for 15 years, she has supported many students on various management courses at all levels of study. Prior to this, Alison was an operations and project manager for a number of large retailers, and therefore has a wealth of experience in the field of business and management.
Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your business management and computing degree, or perhaps you're still a little unsure. Don’t worry if you’re still weighing up your future career options. We prepare you with a range of advanced multidisciplinary skills that employers from a variety of organisations will value, enhancing your career options wherever they might lie.
Your course will focus strongly on real-world practice, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn to real business management and computing scenarios. In turn you’ll gain a range of transferable skills that will ensure you stand out in the competitive job market. Studying this course with us is your opportunity to:
During your Foundation Year, you'll get comprehensive support and preparation for your university journey, including:
Introduction and preparation: our Foundation Year courses introduce you to university-level teaching, learning, and assessment methods. You'll develop essential study skills, research techniques, and critical thinking abilities, laying a strong foundation for your degree studies.
Personalised support: our academic staff will guide you throughout your Foundation Year. They'll ensure a smooth transition into your degree programme, providing the support you need every step of the way.
Direct relevance to your future degree: your programme content is carefully designed to align with Arden's degree courses. Studying a Foundation Year will equip you with subject-specific knowledge and interdisciplinary exploration, establishing a solid base for your chosen degree.
Improved degree outcomes: we prioritise not only your academic preparation but also your success. By boosting your confidence, academic skills, and understanding of the subjects, we empower you to achieve the best possible degree outcomes and expand your career opportunities.
Simply put, the possibilities are endless! Graduates from this degree will have advanced skills in two of today’s most in-demand disciplines, giving you a wide range of career options to choose from. And as organisations are becoming more and more reliant on technology, your qualification is sure to set you up for success in almost any sector.
Some professional roles you might consider are:
This course awards a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and offers CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status *
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.
As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline.
Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership and gain CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey - with a CMI qualification and a clear pathway to full Chartered Manager status.
*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate.
Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.
This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.
The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows our students that we are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through our own courses.
As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to the IBISWorld database, which provides trusted industry research on thousands of industries worldwide. Their in-house analysts leverage economic, demographic, and market data, as well as analytical and forward-thinking insights to help organisations of all types make better business decisions. You’ll be able to use this resource to both inform and enhance your academic and professional work.
As an Arden University student, you’ll have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI) online platform to support you in the area of entrepreneurship. Whether students are exploring the idea of setting up their own company or need help and guidance launching or growing an existing business, the AEI provides everything students need to kick start their entrepreneurial journey, as well as to support and empower them along the way.
The AEI has a wealth of resources available including monthly master classes, boot camps, podcasts, blogs, external events, and mentorship. Mentors include Arden University lecturers and industry experts so our students receive the very best support and expertise.
All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.
With LinkedIn Learning, you can:
