Become future ready and gain the business acumen and commercial knowledge necessary for a successful career in Business.
The BSc Hons Business Studies at Ulster University is the ideal degree programme for ambitious and motivated students who aspire to a dynamic business management career.
You will gain a thorough understanding of business activities and develop your knowledge across a broad mix of business areas such as information technology, marketing, human resources, accounting and finance, and, management.
You will also have the opportunity to tailor the degree to your specific career aspirations by selecting modules that interest you the most.
Graduates of the BSc Hons Business Studies have found employment across a number of industries and often progress to senior roles quickly.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The BSc Hons Business Studies at Ulster offers a comprehensive insight into how businesses and managers operate in a corporate environment and provides you with an excellent foundation in the core disciplines of management.
You will cover a range of business functions including marketing, finance and accounting, digital business and operations and management. Depending on your interests, you can select some optional modules or pathways in final year that are best suited to your career goals.
Guided by our industry-experienced staff, you will learn how businesses develop strategies, make decisions, organise internal resources and manage risk. You will also develop the relevant skills required by employers including critical reflection, research analysis, analytical reasoning, group working, report writing and presentation skills.
Graduates of the BSc Hons Business Studies are well equipped for a management career in industry. In final year, you can choose to specialise and further your knowledge in a business-related area such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, management or cyber crime and forensic technology.
As well as excellent preparation for employment in a wide range of business contexts and settings, the degree is also the perfect foundation for postgraduate study.
Example Module Timetable
Year One (Level 4)
Design Thinking and Management Skills – level 4
Year: 1 – Semester 1
This module aims to imbed the key foundation academic skills that undergraduates require. This module also provides a hands-on and interactive learning approach that will mirror real world business problems and work opportunities to allow students to identify and develop a foundation of key employability skills in their chosen career.
Business Awareness and Analysis – level 4
Year: 1 – Semester 1
This module will enable students to understand the business environment by developing an integrated perspective of the political, legal, economic, social-cultural, demographic, technological and ethical aspects impacting an organisation's internal and external business environment. Through careful application of key analysis tools and techniques an overall picture of the organisation and their relationship with these environmental aspects will be formed. Knowledge of these analytical processes will empower students to be more strategically focused in their understanding of contemporary business issues as well as becoming global citizens with civic insight on global issues, opportunities and challenges.
Introduction to Accounting for Business – level 4
Year: 1 – Semester 2
Introduction to Business Accounting provides an introduction to financial and management accounting. The background to the requirement to produce, and the purpose of preparing accounting statements is examined. The module introduces the student to the study of accounting as it impacts on business and economic activity. In particular it considers the preparation of basic financial statements for sole-traders and introduces the student to terminology used in cost determination and pricing.
Principles of Marketing – level 4
Year: 1 – Semester 2
This module provides students with an appreciation of the nature, scope and breadth of the fundamental concepts and principles of marketing. It represents a key underpinning to subsequent marketing related modules within degree programmes.
Year two(Level 4 and 5)
Principles of Management – level 4
Year: 2 – Semester 1
This module introduces students to the study of management, and the role of the manager within the business organisation. The characteristics of organisations (the context for management work) are examined and following on from this the module provides an introduction to the core functions of management. Topics studied include the functions of planning, organising, managing people and organisational control and culture.
Accounting for Business Decisions – level 5
Year: 2 – semester 1
The module informs and equips students to effectively respond to a plethora of potential issues that can arise in business, particularly those pertaining to investment, financing and costing decisions. The module aims, through a variety of teaching and learning mechanisms, to equip students with a knowledge of the main techniques used in accounting and business to competently assess and to understand the main issues and ramifications of decision making in business.
Business and the Economy – level 4
Year: 2 – Semester 2
This module will provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts and applications of economics as they affect individuals, firms and governments, as well as the policy decisions taken in industry, commerce, and local government. An emphasis will be placed on the application of economics to the world around us.
Marketing Communications – level 5
Year: 2 – Semester 2
This module aims to address Marketing Communication theories and concepts from a management perspective. The module considers the importance of planning to ensure communication tools are used strategically to meet specified objectives.
Year three(Level 5)
Digital Analytics Skills – level 5
Year: 3 – Semester 1
This module introduces students to Digital Business Skills concepts. The module aim is to enable students to study and develop digital literacy skills in order to collect, analyse and report on data from a variety of digital sources. It seeks to develop the student's ability to identify appropriate methods and techniques for analysis from different data sources in order to report on this and to develop and enhance their employability skills.
Operations and Supply Chain Management – level 5
Year: 3 – semester 1
This module equips students to understand the issues concerned with managing an organisation's resources and to appreciate the complexity of problems related to monitoring and managing operational performance. The teaching and learning methods incorporate inherently practical activities that are representative of the subject. The module demonstrates the importance of operations management to every organisation's success.
Managing and Developing People – level 5
Year: 3 – semester 2
This module explores the changing nature of HRM and people management and development in organisation. The impact of changes within the economy, in demographics, in legislation and advances in technology will be considered. Taking a broadly employee life-cycle approach the module covers the core functional areas of HRM to include recruitment and selection; equality, diversity and inclusion; learning and development in organisations; performance management; pay and reward; the employment relationship and employee engagement; and employee health and well-being: the topics are presented via a HRM lens but the importance of their understanding for aspiring line managers is emphasised.
Digital Business Management
Year: 3 – semester 2
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of business in a digital world, and the impact and application of technologies in different organisations. On successful completion of this module students will have an in-depth knowledge of digital business; understand and apply concepts and models underlying digital business; analyse how organisations apply business technologies to improve their operations and to create competitive advantage; critically evaluate the impact of digital technologies on individuals, companies, and wider society.
Year four
Governance, Risk and Ethics - – level 6
Year: 4 – semester 1
The module informs and equips students to effectively respond to the governance challenges organisations face today. The module aims to investigate the key components for securing the highest standards of effective corporate governance.
Global Marketing (option) - – level 6
Year: 4 – semester 1
This module is optional
In an increasingly global environment this module seeks to develop students' understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, legal and political variables which will impact on the international decision making and planning processes of an organisation and influence international marketing mix strategies.
Management of Business Finance (option) – level 6
Year: 4 – semester 1
This module is optional
This module is concerned with the study of business finance, with a distinctly corporate focus, examining issues mainly from the viewpoint of the corporate manager. The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to study at a more advanced level aspects of the management of business finance; investment, the balance between risk and return and the measurement and control of both, the operation of capital markets and the distribution of wealth between stakeholders.
Enterprise Development and Entrepreneurship - – level 6
Year: 4 – semester 2
This is a dynamic module which provides students with an opportunity to develop potential new ventures and develop their capabilities to recognise, assess, and plan new venture creation opportunities.
Integrating Marketing Insight (option) – level 6
Year: 4 or 5 – semester 2
This module is concerned with introducing students to a number of theories, concepts and practice around creating and applying marketing research information in to strategic plans. It allows them to critically evaluate and synthesise the literature in this area and to identify ways in which organisational performance might be enhanced.
Cybercrime and Forensic Technology (option) - – level 6
Year: 4 or 5 – semester 2
This module is optional
In today's increasingly networked digital age, a knowledge of cybercrime and its impact on the operations of businesses is important. Delivered in association with Grant Thornton's forensic technology specialists this module provides insights into cybercrime and forensic technology from both a theoretical perspective (the legal, professional and ethical issues relating to the cybercrime) and a technical perspective (gathering, reserving and presenting digital evidence).
Year four or five
Leadership and Change – level 6
Year: 4 or 5 – semester 1
Managing and leading change are increasingly important aspects of the manager's role. This module equips students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to recognise and understand the need for change and the nature of the change required, and to deploy a range of measures (tailored to the diagnosis) to ensure that the change process is managed and led effectively and efficiently.
Psychology at Work (option) – level 6
Year: 4 or 5 – semester 1
This module is optional
This module is designed to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the principles of psychology at work. Students will develop a further awareness of both their own and others' behaviour and how to apply this awareness to maximise effective performance.
Business Strategy - – level 6
Year: 4 or 5 – semester 2
This integrative core module, which places particular emphasis on achieving a balanced understanding of strategic management theory and practice, introduces the concept of Business Strategy. It aims to develop students' awareness and understanding of the means by which viable business strategies can be developed and implemented in a complex and challenging competitive climate.
Quality Management (option) – level 6
Year: 4 or 5 – semester 2
This module is optional
Total Quality Management is a holistic approach to managing organisations, which focuses on continual improvement in all areas, achieved by the active involvement and participation of all employees. At its core are the processes involving customer/supplier chains, supported by the 'hard' elements of Teams, Systems, and Tools, interwoven with the 'soft' elements of Culture, Commitment, and Communication, all combined into an effective whole.
Family Business Dynamics – level 6
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module provides a holistic comprehension of family business, particularly of the family-business interface, at the intersection of organisational, behavioral and management perspectives, by paying particular attention to the institutional context where family businesses are embedded. Examples will be drawn from the NI context as well as from family firms globally.
The programme can be completed in two to five years, depending on level of entry. For example if you have completed a relevant sub degree programme such as a HND you may be eligible for up to 240 credit points of exemption and therefore could complete the final 6 modules within one and a half years. However if you are joining the programme at level 4 (year 1) entry with no exemptions then to complete all 18 modules (360 credit points) on the programme will take anything from four years to nine years, depending on your choice of pace of study.
Class-based modules – typically, for example, one three hour session per week per module across each 12 week semester.
Blended modules– typically, for example, ten online sessions and two class based sessions across the 12 week semester.
As classes are scheduled am, pm and evening, flexibility is needed to attend in accordance with the timetabling of modules.
We aim for an excellent student learning experience through inclusive, relevant modules and curricula. Excellence in learning at Ulster University will provide all students, whatever their background, with a high-quality, challenging and rewarding experience that fosters students’ ability to:
Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
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We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
The traditional two ‘A’ levels are not normally a prerequisite for participation in this course.
If you are a mature applicant who lacks formal academic qualifications, you may be admitted to the course if you can satisfy the Course Committee of your ability to complete the course satisfactorily.
Exemptions may be granted from parts of the course where you already hold a higher academic or professional qualification providing evidence of relevant previous studies.
The Course Committee can consider exemption for up to 240 credit points within the programme at level four (equivalent to Year 1 of the full-time programme) or level five (equivalent to Year 2).
Exemption is granted on the basis of recent, relevant study.
The programme is fully compliant with the University’s Credit accumulation and transfer system (CATS) and students are eligible to transfer to other relevant programmes.
Exemptions- based on previous successfully completed accredited learning (completed within the previous 9 years) students can seek exemption from up to two-thirds of the programme. While an indication of likely exemptions can be given prior to entry, exemptions are confirmed during the Induction process at the time of entry.
Overall BTEC award profile:
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (inc. course if appropriate)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(inc. course if appropriate)(2012 Suite)
Award profile of DDD
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (inc. course if appropriate)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(inc. course if appropriate)(2016 Suite)
Award profile of DMM
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma (inc. course if appropriate) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(inc. course if appropriate) (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (inc. course if appropriate)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(inc. course if appropriate) (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (inc. course if appropriate) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma(inc. course if appropriate) (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (inc. course if appropriate)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate(inc. course if appropriate)(2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
Overall Irish Leaving Certificate profile:
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 at Ordinary Level, including English and Maths at O4/H6 or above.
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBCCC.
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCD
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 26 - 28 points (13 - 14 points at higher level).
Overall Access profile 63% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
Overall profile of 15 credits at distinction and 30 at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
To apply for the part time programme you must satisfy the general entry conditions for the University, which requires that you hold a GCSE (or equivalent) at C or above in Maths and English and that you satisfy the Course Committee that you are capable of study at Higher Education Level.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
The Course Committee can consider exemption for up to 240 credit points within the programme at level four (equivalent to Year 1 of the full time Honours degree) or level five (equivalent to Year 2). Exemption is granted on the basis of recent, relevant study. The programme is fully compliant with the University’s Credit accumulation and transfer system (CATS) and students are eligible to transfer to other relevant programmes.
What exemptions can I get?
Based on previous successfully completed accredited learning (completed within the previous 9 years) students can seek exemption from up to 2/3 of the programme. The Course Director of the programme can advise candidates as to the eligibility of their accredited course.
How do I apply for exemptions?
When accepted on the Course you are asked to complete an exemptions form, which is reviewed by the Course Director and exemptions are then agreed during the Induction process.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Experience over many years indicates that graduates in Business Studies possess a combination of knowledge and skills which is attractive to a wide range of potential employers. The career opportunities available include management level posts in marketing, finance, production, purchasing and personnel in industry and commerce, both in Northern Ireland and further afield. Many graduates are pursuing successful careers in the Civil Service, government agencies and other public sector organisations. Each year a number of graduates proceed to postgraduate studies at Ulster or elsewhere for the award of Diplomas, Masters Degrees or Doctorates in a variety of disciplines.
The part-time route does not require Placement or Study Abroad as part of its fulfilment.
2024/25 Fees
Fees for entry in 2024/25 have not yet been set. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
"I felt the course was very enjoyable, All the teaching staff have been a credit to the university always very helpful and understanding. Modules were great in terms of different areas of focus, very broad range and there was always modules to suit your skill set. I particularly liked how modules were completed with full time students this helped with making part time students feel more 'included'." - Katelin Devine (Graduate)
"There is very little criticism from me regarding the course. It is run very well and is a flexible option for part time students as well as providing a wide range of modules to study so that you can get knowledge in nearly every aspect of business that which will provide valuable insights into a future career." - Joel Gibson (Graduate)
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my Business Studies degree at Ulster... ...I think the course is well designed and really varied. I have been lucky to have had a really good set of lecturers who have genuinely seemed really passionate about their subjects." - Susanna Kidney (Graduate)
