BA (Hons) Business Studies
with Foundation Year

Your four-year learning journey

Foundation Year (Year 0) — Academic skills, introduction to business concepts, research methods, and digital literacy. This year is designed to build your confidence and prepare you for degree-level study.

Year 1 — Core business modules including organisational behaviour, principles of marketing, financial accounting, and business economics.

Year 2 — Intermediate modules covering strategic management, operations management, human resource management, and business analytics.

Year 3 (Final Year) — Specialist electives, entrepreneurship, international business strategy, and a final-year dissertation or business project of your choosing.

Who can apply for this course?

This programme is specifically designed for students who may not hold traditional A-level qualifications. The Foundation Year provides an alternative route into higher education.

Standard entry: No A-levels required. Applicants should have GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.

Mature students (21+): Relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. We welcome career changers and those returning to education.

International students: IELTS 5.5 overall (with no component below 5.0) or equivalent English language qualification.

How to fund your degree

UK students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England which covers the full cost of tuition. You do not need to pay anything upfront.

A Maintenance Loan is also available to help with living costs such as rent, food and travel. The amount depends on your household income and where you study.

Repayment: You only start repaying your loan once you earn over £25,000 per year. Repayments are deducted automatically from your salary at 9% of earnings above the threshold.

AEC Consultant will handle your entire Student Finance application at no cost. We guide you through every step, from registration to confirmation.

Where this degree can take you

Graduates from this programme go on to work across a wide range of industries including finance, marketing, consulting, retail, technology and the public sector.

Common graduate roles: Business Analyst, Marketing Executive, Operations Coordinator, Project Manager, HR Assistant, Account Manager, Management Trainee.

Average starting salary: £29,000 (based on graduate outcomes data). 94% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months.

Many students also use this degree as a stepping stone to postgraduate study, including MBA programmes and specialist Master’s degrees.

Apply in three simple steps

Step 1 — Contact AEC Consultant. Reach out via our website, phone or WhatsApp. An advisor will discuss your background, goals and eligibility.

Step 2 — We handle your application. Your advisor will complete and submit your university application on your behalf. Most students receive an offer within 48 hours.

Step 3 — Student Finance. We help you apply for your Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan through Student Finance England. The entire process is managed for you at no cost.