Global Business and Management (Top-up)

BSc (Hons)

Have you got the drive and passion to lead a global operation or to manage a start-up or not-for-profit organisation?

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements
Duration

1 year

UCAS code(s)

NN21

Start date

Course overview

We know university is a big investment so it’s important to know that it’s all going to be worth it. Here’s how we can help turn your passion into a career.

For the aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, our BSc (Hons) Global Business and Management (Top-up) degree is a popular choice. 

In the forever changing world of business our degree has been designed to give you a greater number of modules so you can choose to specialise and tailor your studies to suit your career aspirations but also have the flexibility to adapt to the moving world of global business.

You will develop a breadth and depth of business knowledge including the functions of management and science of decision-making and learn from our business experts from Aston Business School which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

lucy

“One of the reasons I chose Aston University is the fantastic opportunities it gives you for the placement year. I was lucky enough to spend my placement year with IBM. After IBM, I went on to do the future leadership graduate scheme at Nissan. This then led me to go down the finance route and here I am today.”

Lucy Baines
BSc (Hons) Business and Management
Hiscox USA
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Recognised for quality
Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
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Gold standard teaching
Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
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Earn more
Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £36,100 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2023)
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66th in the world
We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)

Course description

BSc (Hons) Global Business and Management (Top-up)

Our BSc (Hons) Global Business and Management (Top-up) degree at Aston University will equip you with the skills, deep knowledge and practical understanding required by business managers of the 21st century.

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What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. Our inspirational teaching staff have established a reputation for developing innovative teaching methods, pioneering the use of gamification and creating games and simulations to make our students’ learning experience more rewarding.  

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

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What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking, have a passion for business and be excited about what contributes to the economy and society. 

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What skills we teach 
You will develop management and leadership skills that are applicable to real life situations. Our graduates are problem solvers who have developed the essential skills needed to keep up to date with the ever-changing world of business.

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Career prospects
As an Aston University Business and Management graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options. Our recent graduates have gone on to work across the public, private and third sectors for organisations including: Amazon, Channel 4, Jaguar Land Rover and J.P. Morgan.

Hear from one of our graduates, Simba Rwambiwa, in this episode of the After Aston I... podcast:

How will you learn

Our teaching approach is both modern and innovative. Alongside traditional lectures and training in the latest analytical tools, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience during your placement, enhancing your overall learning. At the beginning of your course, you'll be assigned a personal tutor for individual study guidance. Module tutors are readily available to answer questions, and all lectures are recorded for future reference.

Our emphasis is on practical knowledge application, with guest lectures from prominent business leaders and mentoring programs offering unique insights. Our renowned Visiting Professors, top UK business figures, share their expertise and expectations from students and graduates.

Complementing traditional teaching, our virtual learning environment provides electronic support materials. You'll have access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. University-wide services like the careers service, Jobshop, counselling and advice services, sports facilities, and Chaplaincy enhance your overall university experience and prepare you for your professional career.

Aston University also offers an array of extracurricular activities, including clubs and societies like Aston Bright Futures, which works with leading businesses across various sectors. These activities not only enrich your student experience but also help you explore your specific interests and career pathways.

bridiging and shaping minds

Maastricht Case Competition

Hear from Aston Business School students about their experience competing in the 13th International Case Competition at Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics.

What you will learn

The degree will provide you with an understanding of the various functions of management, alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of business that interest you, preparing you for a successful management career. We make extensive use of group working and presentations to prepare you for the reality of working life.

You will study key business and management theory and create strategies for both national and international enterprises. You will evaluate leadership, reflect on behavior and competencies, apply innovative problem-solving, and communicate business plans effectively. The programme ensures in-depth knowledge and equips you with practical skills and work experience for a successful transition into the professional world.

Course objectives

  1. Equips you with the ability to apply a breadth of business concepts.
  2. Develops your analytical skills and reasoning, undertaking complex analysis, and making evidence-informed decisions.
  3. Facilitates the acquisition of transferable intellectual and analytical skills within a management context.
  4. Enables the development of responsible managers.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Modules

You will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
Global Working15
Strategic Management15
Theories and Practice of Leadership15
Effective Management Consultancy 115
Global Marketing15
Sustainable Operations Management15
Effective Management Consultancy 215
Total105

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module TitleCredits
Business Ethics15
Emerging Technologies, AI and Law15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules. 

    Outcomes

    On successful completion of the programme, you will be able to:

    • Critically appraise theoretical approaches and business models.
    • Solve complex problems and generate effective solutions.
    • Communicate information and ideas effectively and purposefully.
    • Engage with current trends, opportunities and challenges in business management.
    • Articulate strategic thinking within a management context.
    • Appreciate ethical challenges to inform decision making.

    We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.


    Entry requirements

    • You should hold a HND (or equivalent) in Business or Business and Management with a pass grade equivalent to 60%. You must have successfully completed the equivalent of 240 UK credit points (120 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution.

    • English and maths grade C/4 at GCSE or equivalent

    International students

    Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

    Qualifications in your country

    Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

    English language requirements

    International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

    Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

    Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

    Find out more about applying

    Post-study work visa

    Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

    Graduate Immigration Route

    Fees and scholarships

    Course fees

    UK students
    (2025/26)

    Annual tuition fees:£9,250

    International students
    (2025/26)

    Annual tuition fees:£21,500

    More information on fees

    For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

    For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

    Scholarships

    At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

    Explore our scholarships 

    Assessment

    The programme will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments.

    Career prospects

    Our BSc (Hons) Global Business and Management programme will prepare you for a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, according to the 2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO). This data shows that five years after graduation, employed Aston University graduates have the 15th highest median salary among all UK Higher Education Institutions, with a median salary of £36,100.

    The transferable skills that our business and management programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

    • Market intelligence analyst
    • Legal project manager
    • Business development manager
    • Marketing specialist
    • Head of resources
    • Digital project manager
    • Senior manager
    • Assistant manager
    • Commercial analyst
    • Strategy specialist
    • Account manager
    • Operations manager
    • Area manager
    • Teacher

    Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as: Atos, PwC, DHL, Santander, National Grid, Nissan, KPMG, BMW Group UK, Lidl GB, Network Rail, Amazon, Rolls Royce, FDM Group, Deloitte and Jaguar Land Rover.

    George Greenhill

    Entrepreneurial success

    Founder of Protein Package, George Greenhill says his decision to study at Aston University was because of the excellent reputation of Aston Business School.

    Aston Business School graduates achieve some amazing things - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

    Hear from our graduates

    Alumni

    Be part of our community

    Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

    Frequently asked questions

    What kind of jobs does a degree in Global Business and Management lead to?

    You will gain strategic management skills, a broad knowledge of business, and an opportunity to develop a specialism in an area of business that interests you most.

    Our graduates are in high demand and go into a wide range of roles in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

    Recent roles have included:

    • Market intelligence analyst
    • Legal project manager
    • Business development manager
    • Marketing specialist
    • Head of resources
    • Digital project manager
    • Senior manager
    • Assistant manager
    • Commercial analyst
    • Strategy specialist
    • Account manager
    • Operations manager
    • Area manager
    • Teacher

    Recent companies have included:

    • Atos
    • PwC
    • DHL
    • Santander
    • National Grid
    • Nissan
    • KPMG
    • BMW Group UK
    • Lidl GB
    • Network Rail
    • Amazon
    • Rolls Royce
    • FDM Group
    • Deloitte
    • Jaguar Land Rover

    Why should international students choose Aston University?

    Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 different countries chose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham, it’s also a great place to live.

    Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career.

    Choosing to start your Aston journey with our foundation programme in business will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course.

    Why does Aston Business School create so many successful entrepreneurs?

    Aston Business School has established itself as an incubator for successful entrepreneurs, known for its inclusive, transformational and entrepreneurial ethos.

    Inclusive excellence and prestigious accolades

    At Aston Business School, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our accolades, such as our 'Triple Gold' award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF; 2023), our triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS, and our recognition as Outstanding Entrepreneurial University (THE Awards, 2020). These accolades signify our dedication to delivering outstanding education that empowers all students to reach their full potential.

    Transformational graduate success stories

    Our alumni are living proof of the transformative power of an Aston University education. Consider the journeys of:

    • George Greenhill (BSc (Hons) Business and Management): George founded Protein Package at seventeen, identifying a market gap for healthy snacks. Starting from his parent's home in Wolverhampton, he has since expanded into a warehouse and has hit a turnover of over £1 million.
    • Chukwudi Ononye (BSc (Hons) International Business and Management): Chukwudi founded Chefiesta, a catering and meal prep company specialising in global cuisine from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. During COVID-19, Chefiesta provided over 500 meals to the NHS, receiving heartfelt appreciation for making a difference in people’s lives.
    • Mehalah Beckett (BSc (Hons) International Business and Economics): Mehalah founded Lead Powerful Impact in 2020, a consultancy and coaching business dedicated to accelerating sustainable business practices and purpose-driven leadership. Her company supports leaders in making positive economic, social and environmental impacts.

    Entrepreneurial support through BSEEN

    We believe in empowering every student to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Our BSEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network) initiative offers comprehensive support, including mentoring, networking opportunities and funding. BSEEN helps transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses.

    Discover more about BSEEN

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    Comprehensive and practical curriculum

    Our programmes are designed to be transformative, blending theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Courses cover vital areas such as business strategy, financial management, marketing and leadership, ensuring students are well-equipped to launch and manage successful ventures. Additionally, resources like the Aston Centre for Growth provide tailored support to help small businesses and startups flourish.

    Expansive network and industry connections

    Aston Business School fosters an entrepreneurial ecosystem through strong industry links and a supportive alumni network. Regular guest lectures, workshops and networking events connect students with successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders, offering invaluable insights and mentorship.

     

    Register your interest

    Apply now

    Applying via UCAS

    If you plan on applying to more than one university or course within the same year, you can apply via the UCAS link below.

    Apply now (via UCAS) 

    Applying directly

    If you are interested in applying to Aston University directly, and do not apply to any other UK university in the same year, you can apply directly using the link below. Please note however, if you are waiting for A Level results ('results pending') at the time you apply you must apply through UCAS rather than directly.

    Direct applications are now open

    Apply now