Course options
Key information
Duration: 4 years full time
UCAS code: N201
Institution code: R72
Campus: Egham
The course
Business and Management with a Year in Business (BSc)
Our School of Business and Management has a fresh and intellectually challenging approach to management research and education. Studying Business and Management at Royal Holloway means that you will learn from internationally renowned experts who will share their research and experience so that you gain current and relevant management skills and knowledge. The valuable context this degree will give you, combined with the interpersonal and transferable skills and business experience, will lead to excellent career prospects in management.
You will build on your skills and abilities in all the key areas of management, including strategy, international business, marketing and consumption as well as accounting. Our dual research and teaching focus guarantees high quality teaching, cutting edge materials and intellectually challenging debates. You will receive individual attention and flexibility to acquire, if desired, expertise within a specialist field. By electing to spend a year in business you will also have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice and gain real business experience.
This course will allow you to develop a creative approach to problem solving that produces effective management results along with how to provide direction, assess progress, and adapt your approach to changing circumstances.
We're committed to preparing our students for graduate-level jobs after university and we continually review and refresh our courses to ensure they align with current trends and employer requirements.
- AACSB accredited - the longest-serving accrediting body and largest business education network worldwide.
- Hear from industry speakers from across different sectors.
- Examine core managerial activities and leadership models.
- Understand the key concepts of corporate and business strategy.
- Learn about internships and part-time employment.
From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Course structure
Core Modules
Year 1
- Professional Skills
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In this module you will develop an understanding of quantitative studies and how they are employed in Management and Economics. You will look at how quantitative studies relate to differences, associations and relationships in groups and populations, and examine a range of statistical techniques.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the formal economic, political and legal institutions, as well as cultural, religious, and linguistic differences that must be taken into account when conducting business across borders. You will look at how the global context in which companies operate has evolved over time, considering the role of foreign direct investment and internationalisation strategies. You will examine the motivations for entering a foreign market, the factors determining whether a company enters on their own or in partnership, the risks of entry and how they are analysed, and how companies negotiate with governments.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the basic concepts of accounting, examining its role in organisations and society. You will consider the basic components of financial statements, including income statement, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, and the procedures and techniques for the preparation of these. You will also look at the principles of financial decision making and how to analyse accounting information
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the main economic, social, ecological and governance factors that determine the long-term sustainability of organisations. You will look at the interconnectedness of these factors and how they set the context within which small and large businesses, public service organisations and third sector organisations operate. You will consider perspectives on the identification and management of corporate social responsibility, including the complex and often contested business case for it, and how this is often tied into, and justified, in terms of the economic context within which the organisation operates. You will also examine the importance of corporate governance for global sustainability.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of organisation as a process and the organisation as an entity. You will look at key managerial activities, examining classical ideas about organisation with the context of nationalisation and humanisation. You will see how these ideas reappear, albeit in a modified form, in contemporary organisations, looking at organisational forms and modern management techniques such as culture management, emotional labour, and charismatic leadership. You will also consider Max Weber’s distinction of formal and substantive rationality and Anthony Giddens’ formulation of the duality of action and structure.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of information systems and how they have become the backbone of contemporary businesses. You will consider how they are used by business managers as a tool for achieving operational excellence, developing new products and services, improving decision making, and achieving competitive advantage. You will also examine the broader organisational, human and information technology dimensions of information systems and how they can be used to provide solutions to challenges and problems in the business environment.
- Principles of Marketing
Year 2
- Collaboration and Communication in Business
- The Global Economy
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This module builds on the knowledge and ideas introduced in Foundations for Sustainable Business, and develops them further through the introduction to the concept of doughnut economics of a regenerative and redistributive economy where businesses operate within the ecological ceiling of planetary boundaries and the social foundation of meeting the essentials of life. Throughout, we link to the concept of the triple bottom line (TBL) of environmental, social and economic sustainability.
- Data Visualisation and Analytics
Year 3
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This year will be spent on a work placement. You will be supported by the School of Management and the Royal Holloway Careers and Employability Service to find a suitable placement. However, Royal Holloway cannot guarantee that all students who are accepted onto this degree programme will secure a placement, and the ultimate responsibility lies with yourself. This year forms an integral part of the degree programme and you will be asked to complete assessed work. The mark for this work will count towards your final degree classification.
Year 4
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This module aims to provide a comprehensive overview to important and current leadership theories. Working at the boundary of practice and theory, weekly sessions are highly interactive and will be delivered in the form of lectures and workshops. We expect each student to engage proactively with all aspects of the module, including adequate preparation for each session as well as post-class reflections.
- Business and Management Impact Project I
- Business and Management Impact Project II
You will take one of the following:
- Business Negotiations Skills in Context
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This module will familiarise you with the management consulting sector, its controversies and the key skills necessary to enter the sector.
- Marketing and Entrepreneurial Skills
- Professional Practice: Skills and Careers
Optional Modules
There are a number of optional course modules available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course modules that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new modules may be offered or existing modules may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
Year 2
Autumn term - you will choose one of the following:
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The course aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the regulatory context and practice of financial reporting, in the context of governance and corporate social responsibility. Course lectures will focus on conceptual issues, while workshops will provide both practical applications of conceptual material presented in lectures and opportunities for students to discuss and critically analyse issues.
- Business, Politics and Corporate Governance
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the role of project management within organisations and its value in achieving organisational objectives. You will look at the process of planning, scheduling, monitoring and controlling resources (physical, technological, human and others) for the achievement of a focussed objective. You will consider the factors involved in promoting organisational change, and critically examine the problems of implementation. You will also examine the techniques used for monitoring and controlling projects, and approaches to project risk management.
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the significance of human resource management in organisations. You will look at the links between product market and human resourcing strategies, the role of human resources planning in workforce management, and polices such as employee participation and involvement, including the role of trade unions in employment relationships. You will examine the regulation of labour markets, employment discrimination and conflict and resistance at work. You will also consider specific human resources practices, such as recruitment and selection, training and development and pay and performance management.
- Intercultural Management and Communication
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the nature of consumer behaviour, its relevance to the marketing environment, and impact on society. You will look at the internal and external factors which underpin consumer behaviour theories, and consider the impact of marketing strategies on these. You will also examine the the nature of consumption, markets, and culture, and evaluate the complexity of consumer behaviour.
Spring term - you will choose three optional modules.
One from:
- Business Law for Accounting and Finance
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the design, planning and control of operating systems for the provision of goods and services. You will look at the tools and techniques used in the development of operational systems and the factors that affect the choice of operating methods. You will consider approaches to the planning cycle, inventory management, and production control techniques, including capacity planning, and the merits of push and pull systems. You will also examine quality control and its management in practice.
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The aim of this module is to encourage you to think critically and practically about your own career development as well as the careers of others (as managers and HRM professionals). It builds on current research and practice in the field of careers studies; utilising theory, research and practical activities, to equip you with the knowledge and skills to enhance and futureproof your career journey and employability in a changing world.
- Management and the Arts
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In this module you will develop an understanding of contemporary issues in the theory and practice of accounting for sustainability. You will look at key issues in the growing ara of sustainability accounting including notions of accountability in the context of sustainability, cultural and religious perspectives on sustainability accounting, elements of sustainability reporting, and the role of accounting in embedding sustainability in decision making.
- Business Information System for Accounting and Finance
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This module will introduce students to the economic, legal, tax and regulatory systems which impact personal financial planning decisions. Students will learn about different types of investments and the applicable tax implications. Contemporary issues such as voluntary work, caring for an aging population, unpaid work in the home and the differences in wealth between generations and countries will be explored. The risks, rewards and mitigation strategies of making borrowing and investing decisions will also be covered.
- Management, Music and Creativity
One from:
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the theories of strategic management. You will consider these theories in the context of contemporary business operations, including the political and regulatory frameworks, in response to technological change, financialisation, the development of new business models, and changes in the way corporate performance is assessed. You will look at key concepts and debates in the theory of corporate and business strategy, and examine the changing context in which corporate strategy is formulated and implemented.
- Management Accounting
- Creativity and Problem Solving
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the emergent discipline of organisational change and change management. You will look at the social scientific concepts and theories underpinning the management of change, and consider how these are applied in practice. You will examine the organisational problems central to contemporary management, becoming familiar with the diagnostic and prescriptive tools used in complex organisational change processes.
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In this module you develop an understanding of the nature and scope of marketing research, and how it is used to support the design and implementation of successful marketing decisions. You look at a conceptual framework for producing research results that are actionable and relevant. You will consider both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and methods of data analysis, gaining familiarity with the SPSS software package and how to write marketing research reports to assist decision makers.
One from:
- Digital Innovation and Circular Economy
- Managerial Finance and Economics
- Entrepreneurship Origins and Development
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This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of theory, policy and practice in the field of human resource management. Students are expected to gain a broad appreciation of the major current themes and debates in the field. While the main emphasis is on the nature of human resource management policies and practices in organisations, the programme also concentrates on the contextual labour market and political factors that shape human resource management policy choices.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the development and contemporary fluctuations of multinational enterprises. You will look at their history and the role of foreign direct investment in achieving growth. You will consider the effect of internationalisation on host countries, and examine the political economy context within which multinational enterprises operate, as well as their own strategic decision making.
- Digital Marketing and Customer Experience
Year 4
Autumn term - you will choose two of the following:
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In this module you will develop an understanding of responsibility in the context of entrepreneurship. You will look at the entrepreneurial process and consider the inherent ambivalence of both new ideas and their unintended consequences. You will examine the concepts of social entrepreneurship, sustainable entrepreneurship, and minority entrepreneurship, and evaluate how new organisations emerge, grow, and approach responsibility challenges.
- Organisational Ethics and Decision Making
- Accountability and Sustainability
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the 'time value of money'. You will look at the main principles of finance theory and how these can be applied to commercial problems. You will consider the relationship between risk and return, and examine the valuation of equities, bonds and options and the relative merits of different approaches to choosing and valuing securities. You will evaluate the consequences of a proposed takeover or merger from the perspective of capital markets and assess the relevance of information efficiency.
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Students will undertake an online business simulation and will apply concepts and knowledge from across their programme to make decisions that will affect the performance of their enterprise. Students will experience how different decisions and factors affect business performance while learning about the interrelationships between marketing, operations, finance and sales.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of social networks and social media platforms from multiple perspectives. You will look at the growth of social media and the connectedness of the networked society, considering recent advances in network science, social psychology, and marketing. You will examine the role of social networking technologies in enabling business innovation and societal change, and critically assess positive and negative impacts of these technologies.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the theories and practices related to corporate entrepreneurship. You will look at the management of creativity and innovation in large organisations, as well as the processes and structures relevant to the successful appropriation of opportunities within a market context. You will also consider the barriers that constrain managers and their companies from being entrepreneurial and examine conceptual and empirical evidence of corporate entrepreneurship from real-world examples.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of how small companies can become internationally competitive. You will look at the theories of clusters, and apply them to the analysis of small and medium enterprises operating in different contexts. You will consider vertical and horizontal collaborative strategies, and their impact on firms' capabilities, resources, and performance. You will examine the relationships between small companies and multinationals, and the mechanisms through which small companies are linked to the global economy. You will also compare different clusters and assess the competitive advantages and disadvantages they generate for companies.
- Current Issues in the Global Workplace
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In this module you will develop an understanding of why people work, how hard they work, and how motivation relates to employee wellbeing and performance. You will look at theories of people’s needs, values and traits, theories of justice, and the psychological contract. You will consider the role of popular management practices, including the use of pay, leadership, job design, and human resource management, and assess the evidence on the impact of such interventions. You will also examine the social and structural forces that influence work motivation and performance.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of multinational business in the Asia Pacific, their worldwide operations, and their impact on Europe. You will look at the contemporary economic, political, and cultural contexts of the Asia Pacific nations, and consider the diversity of the business environments and business practices in the region. You will examine the factors that lay behind the rapid growth of the region in the last five decades, and use empirical evidence to analyse the operation, performance and impact of multinational enterprises originating from there.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the key determinants of economic performance and the success of individual firms, industries and national economies. You will look at the achievements of the world's advanced economies, considering the character of their institutions and businesses, and examine the historical origins of differences in national institutions and corporate capabilities.
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The marketing environment is constantly changing and it is very important for marketers to keep up-to-date with contemporary trends and debates. This module explores current ideas within marketing scholarship and practice. It provides a vehicle to ensure that students stay abreast of theoretical advances and emerging organisational issues. Students will be able to critically evaluate areas of specific interest to them and further develop understanding and skills for marketing management. The aim of this module is to discuss some of the major issues that are currently impacting on marketing, such as environmental movements, the impact of new technologies and gender/diversity implications.
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This module focuses on how strategic brand management can take a cultural approach to give a company a competitive edge. The innovative topics covered deal in depth with how cultural branding can enable marketers to create greater relevance with their target markets and resonate with specific lifestyles. Offering a blend of theory and practice, the module presents case studies of brands that have obtained iconic status using a cultural branding model. Overall, the module looks at how value is produced and consumed in a variety of ways that connect to wider societal issues and debates such as ethical consumerism, environmental sustainability and social diversity.
Spring term - you will choose two of the following:
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In this module you will develop an understanding of contemporary issues in the theory and practice of accounting for sustainability. You will look at key issues in the growing ara of sustainability accounting including notions of accountability in the context of sustainability, cultural and religious perspectives on sustainability accounting, elements of sustainability reporting, and the role of accounting in embedding sustainability in decision making.
- Marketing, People and the Planet
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In this module you will develop an understanding of various aspects of the international financial accounting environment. You will look at the regulatory background to the composition of reporting documents, considering influences on national financial reporting and international differences in financial reporting systems. You will examine approaches to the classification of financial reporting systems, and initatives designed to achieve international harmonisation and standardisation of accounting practices. You will also evaluate communication issues in accounting and analyse the impact of international accountability.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of financial management control strategy. You will look at the dependencies and relationships between business models and operating architecture, capital structure, and off-balance sheet financing. You will consider the context of managing accounting in a changing environment, and evaluate the impact of mergers and acquisitions on businesses. You will examine strategic control tools and techniques such as responsibility accounting and transfer pricing, and assess the relationship between product markets, internal organisation cost structures and capital market expectations.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the main managerial and technological principles which underlie business and analytics. You will look at the impact of business data analytics on product and service innovation, and examine the main challenges and risk related to business data analytics activities within organisations. You will learn how to carry out a variety of business data analytics techniques, and consider the impact of legislation, regulation and ethical codes of practice on business data analytics programmes and the organisations running them.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the principles and concepts of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). You will look at how firms use ERP systems for strategic effectiveness and consider the key strategic issues facing managers seeking to deploy and exploit such systems. You will examine the challenges facing those responsible for the selection, implementation and management of ERP projects, and gain practical experience using SAP software and other enterprise-level applications.
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This module aims to provide a comprehensive overview to important and current leadership theories. Working at the boundary of practice and theory, weekly sessions are highly interactive and will be delivered in the form of lectures and workshops. We expect each student to engage proactively with all aspects of the module, including adequate preparation for each session as well as post-class reflections.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of business innovation in the context of new ventures and corporations. You will look at how changes in technology, markets, and society are affecting how new business models, products and services emerge. You will consider innovation as a source of competitive advantage and examine the management of innovation, critically evaluating associated risks and uncertainty. You will also analyse past experiences and how they can be used to exploit future opportunities through innovation.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the entrepreneurship process. You will look at how to start and grow a new venture, and how to develop and translate entrepreneurial ideas into achievable opportunities. You will consider the theories of entrepreneurship relating to opportunity recognition, marketing, innovation, and team formation, and assess key concepts such as internationalisation, raising finance, managing growth and exit strategies. You will also examine the nature of business planning and learn to critically evaluate a business opportunity.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the implications of changes in the global organisation of firms and the international workforce for human resource management policy choices. You will look at the differences in business and human resource systems between the UK, the USA, Germany and Japan, and examine the approaches to, and strategies for, human resource management in international business activities. You will consider the problems of transferring human resource management practices from one country to another, and the role of multinational companies as agents of knowledge. You will also evaluate the role of transnational organisations in regulating human resource policies and practices in firms.
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The significance of workers’ wellbeing has grown notably in recent years, capturing the attention of organisations, HR professionals, and researchers. This module aims to evaluate how organisational interventions influence worker wellbeing and attitudes through the examination of key theories, models, and policies. It delves into various dimensions of wellbeing and investigates the interconnections between HR management, organisational performance, and employee wellbeing. Ultimately, it offers students an in-depth exploration of how work affects worker wellbeing, drawing from extensive literature debates.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the emerging markets, commercial realities, and national cultures within the context of the global economy. You will look at the strategic issues and dilemmas that managers face in their efforts to expand into emerging markets, and consider the commercial realities and national cultures of these. You will look at specific cases studies, including the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, Turkey and South Africa.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of how institutions, policies and processes have shaped the European Union and the European business environment. You will look at the key institutions, policies and processes involved in the widening and deepening of the union, and theories which explain its development. You will consider the national, regional and global influences on European business and examine the complex relationships between the EU and its major trading partners. You will also critically evaluate the challenges facing European countries, policymakers and businesses.
- Advertising and Promotions in the Digital Age
Teaching & assessment
Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations. Your understanding of the key management subjects will be achieved by the following learning methods:
- Lectures introduce the key subject areas, themes and frameworks through a larger teaching group format
- Group work will provide you with the opportunity to meet and learn to work with other people. This is important for your development when considering a management role in your future career.
- Case-studies will be integrated throughout your course. This will reflect the reality of decision-making and problem-solving activities in today’s business environment
- Independent Learning is a key skill that will benefit you in the workplace and life in general, as well as study. You will need to conduct your own research to find out more about the subject areas you are interested in.
- Seminars and Workshops are an opportunity to explore the themes raised in lectures in more detail. Seminars are comprised of small interactive groups, with discussion between staff and students.
- Formal examinations take place in May/June
- Placement assessment
Entry requirements
A Levels: ABB-BBB
Required subjects:
- At least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9-4 including English and Mathematics.
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. For students who are from backgrounds or personal circumstances that mean they are generally less likely to go to university, you may be eligible for an alternative lower offer. Follow the link to learn more about our contextual offers.
T-levels
We accept T-levels for admission to our undergraduate courses, with the following grades regarded as equivalent to our standard A-level requirements:
- AAA* – Distinction (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism)
- AAA – Distinction
- BBB – Merit
- CCC – Pass (C or above on the core)
- DDD – Pass (D or E on the core)
Where a course specifies subject-specific requirements at A-level, T-level applicants are likely to be asked to offer this A-level alongside their T-level studies.
English language requirements
All teaching at Royal Holloway (apart from some language courses) is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
The scores we require
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. Reading and writing 6.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Reading and writing 54. No subscore lower than 51.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
Country-specific requirements
For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please visit here.
Undergraduate preparation programmes
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements, for this undergraduate degree, the Royal Holloway International Study Centre offers following pathway programmes designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year – for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
- International Year One - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Your future career
A Business and Management degree at Royal Holloway can lead into many different career paths. It is highly regarded by employers because of the advanced understanding of modern business combined with valuable interpersonal and transferable skills that can be taken direct into the work place. By spending a year in business you will also have the experience that employers value highly, as well as having created valuable business connections - recent placements have included industry leaders such as Microsoft, BMW, Dior and PwC.
We will help students to recognise their own strengths, skills and abilities so that they can make strong applications for their chosen job or further study.
- Graduates have entered roles at a range of global brands, including:
- - Nike
- - eBay
- - Harrods
- - Versace
- - Vodafone
- - Nestle
- - PwC
Fees, funding & scholarships
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,250
The fee for your Year in Business will be 20% of the tuition fee for that academic year.
EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £21,000
The fee for your Year in Business will be 20% of the tuition fee for that academic year.
Other essential costs***: Costs incurred while on your year in business will vary depending on the nature and location of the placement. For further information please contact the School of Business and Management.
How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students who have already taken out a tuition fee loan for undergraduate study should check their eligibility for additional funding directly with the relevant awards body.
**The tuition fee for UK undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £9,250 and is provided here as a guide. The fee for UK undergraduates starting in 2025/26 has not yet been set, but will be advertised here once confirmed.
**This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2024/25, and is included as a guide only. The fee for EU and international students starting a degree in 2025/26 has not yet been set, but will be advertised here once confirmed.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. Please be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree. The upper limit of any such annual rise has not yet been set for courses starting in 2025/26 but will be advertised here once confirmed. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.
***These estimated costs relate to studying this specific degree at Royal Holloway during the 2024/25 academic year, and are included as a guide. General costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing etc., have not been included.
