BA (Hons) Business Management and Law with Foundation Year

Business Management and Law

BA (Hons) & Foundation Year

Summary

Study level
Full time
4 years
Part time
4 years+
Location
Online
Faculty of Business

What makes Arden University special?

Education
Education for everyone, everywhere
Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.
Where to study
You decide how and where to study
We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.
Support
Full support both online and on-site
We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.
Employability
Strong focus on employability
You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

Are you interested in a career in business management and law, but need to build your academic skills ahead of your studies? Our CMI accredited BA (Hons) Business Management and Law with Foundation Year degree will help you do just that, offering study skills and guidance at every stage.

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 impact of law on everyday business practices, 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 the relationship between business and law, and the ability to make effective decisions in both practices - from the day-to-day running of a business all the way through to drawing up and negotiating contracts, acquiring new business assets, and everything in between.

Through case studies and 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 our Arden Enterprise Incubator, which hosts resources aimed at nurturing your business acumen, including training, coaching, workshops, and talks led by industry experts. 

Studying Business at Arden
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Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, supporting your career and connecting you with likeminded professionals. 

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Course details and modules

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 develop your knowledge of the legal aspects of running a business. Your modules will explore the core skills underpinning both disciplines, giving you the ability to apply law principles to improve business practices and make effective business decisions.

Adrian Williams

"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."

Adrian Williams
BA Business (Human Resource Management)

Modules

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.

  • Preparing for University Success
  • Exploring the Business Environment
  • Advancing your Academic Skills
  • Becoming an Effective Leader
  • Planning for Your Future Success
  • Investigation & Innovation Project
  • Digital Skills and Professional Development (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Marketing Dynamics (20 credits)
  • English Legal System and Skills (20 credits)
  • People Management (20 credits)
  • Contract Law (20 credits)
  • Technology, Innovation and the Law (20 credits)
  • Business Start-up (20 credits)
  • Sales Management (20 credits)
  • Dispute Resolution (20 credits)
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Consumer Insight (20 credits)
  • Project Management (20 credits)
  • Employment Law (20 credits)
  • International Business Management (20 credits)
  • International Commercial Law (20 credits)
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 credits)
  • Independent Study (20 credits)

How do we assess you?

Authentic assessments, no exams

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 modern skills such as drafting business documents and reports, ethical dilemma exercises, data analyses, and more.

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.

Your assessments are aimed at providing you with a range of transferable skills that go far beyond just the business and law sector, including analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, analysis and evaluation of data, independent learning, communication, and an appreciation of organisational behaviours and structures. 

Assessment methods

Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through a range of assessments including:

  • Company appraisal
  • Research poster
  • Consultancy project
  • Reflection activity
  • MCQ
  • Problem solving
  • Digital skills portfolio
  • Sales proposal
  • Podcast
  • Digital pitch
  • Case study
  • Business case
  • Presentation
  • Individual project

Study options

This course is currently available to students as a fully online course which you can study from anywhere worldwide. 

Martine Crawford

This course was the best decision I have ever made. It's given me a chance to have a career in a subject I love, and it’s given me more confidence in myself and my ability to succeed.

Martine Crawford
BA (Hons) Business (Marketing)

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management and Law 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

Introducing your Digital Backpack 

Once you’ve enrolled on your Business Management and Law 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:

  • Office 365 subscription
  • Integrated zoom video conferencing
  • Careers support available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
  • Free online access to our Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which we’ve carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
  • Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

Entry requirements

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.

What you need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study your degree in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

What do you need to study with us?

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. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the BA (Hons) Business Management and Law with Foundation Year, you should normally have:

  • At least 3 x GCSEs or 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we would also ask to see a professional CV.
  • If you do not meet these requirements, you may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of appropriate work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent.
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

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.

Course fees and funding

Find your country

Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

Dr Alison Watson

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.

Dr Alison Watson
Head of School - Leadership and Management

Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your business management and law 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.

What will the BA (Hons) Business Management and Law with Foundation Year do for me?

Your course will focus strongly on real-world practice, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn to real business management and law scenarios. By mastering a range of transferable skills, your qualification is sure to set you up for success in your future career. These skills include:

  • The academic study skills you need to succeed at university.
  • In-depth knowledge of business and law theory and practice.
  • A critical appreciation of the importance and impact of the law on everyday business activities. 
  • The ability to analyse and reflect upon contemporary issues in the business and legal environment.
  • Effectively applying your knowledge and experience to real-world scenarios.

What can I do after Arden University?

The real-world insight and practical workplace skills gained on your course will give you a competitive advantage in an exciting and challenging industry. Some of your career options could include:

  • Human Resources Manager
  • Corporate Paralegal
  • Intellectual Property Paralegal
  • Compliance Officer
  • Business Process Officer
  • Employee Relations Manager
  • Policy Manager
  • New Business Owner

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

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.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

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.

 

IBISWorld 

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.

enterprise incubator

Arden Enterprise Incubator

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.

LinkedIn Learning

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:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with our curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.