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Business and Finance

BSc (Hons)

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UCAS code: NN23

Start dates: September 2023 / September 2024 / September 2025

Full time: 3 years, or 4 with work placement

Part time: up to 8 years

Location: Headington

Department(s): Oxford Brookes Business School

Overview
Course details
Careers
Entry requirements
How to apply
Tuition fees

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Overview

The business world is full of opportunity. And our business and finance degree keeps your options open. Whether you want to advise small charities or analyse data for a multinational corporation, you’ll have the confidence and the skills to achieve your goals.

Our experienced teaching staff keep up to date with the latest developments in the business world. They use their contacts to organise guest speakers, bringing fresh ideas into the classroom. And with the optional one-year placement, you can gain even more insight into professional life.

Later in the course, you can choose from our optional modules in subjects like Environmentally Sustainable Business or International Finance. That way you can tailor your experience to your interests and focus more on either business or finance. Whichever path you choose, we’ll help you develop the professional skills that employers are looking for.

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Students chatting in the John Henry Brookes Building

Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Study in Oxford

    The city is full of innovative startups and large corporations. And we have great relationships with many of them.

  • Explore your interests

    Tailor the course with optional modules on topics like ethics or international management.

  • Gain experience

    We believe you should learn through experiences, so much of the course is practical. You also have the option to go on placement to experience business in real life.

  • Free language courses

    Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

  • Study abroad

    You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.

Course details

Course structure

We’ve designed the course so you can develop your own values, critical awareness, and sensitivity to diverse global perspectives. You’ll build your skills in problem solving, communication, and IT, suitable for any career destination.

In year one, you’ll examine contemporary business and financial issues and business and management. We’ll look at the international environment and see how the theory applies in real life.

The compulsory modules in year two build on the knowledge you’ve already gained. The Developing Professional Practice module will enhance your employability skills, while the optional modules give you a chance to personalise your course to your interests.

For year three you can choose to go on placement. Business school students have gone to companies like IBM, BMW, Lloyds Banking Group, and L'Oreal.

In the final year you’ll cover more advanced topics within the subject and have a chance to do independent work in the synoptic module. You can choose more optional modules to further specialise in an area that you might be interested in working in.

Three students working with laptops

Learning and teaching

On this course your learning experience will be exciting as well as challenging. You will have the opportunity to:

  • take part in case study analysis
  • solve issues for real businesses
  • work with diverse groups to present your analysis and recommendations.

We focus on helping you to develop the skills you will need to succeed in today’s fast-paced and competitive business world. You will also have opportunities to learn from business professionals. Whether it’s guest speakers or working on live cases from the business community.

We are delighted to have launched our new Bloomberg Trading Suite.

Students on our Accounting, Finance and Economics courses can gain certification and experience of trading on the financial markets by making mock transactions using real-world financial market data. Read our in-depth news story to find out more.

Bloomberg Trading Suite News Article

Assessment

Your learning will be assessed by coursework and examinations, and you’ll carry out your coursework both individually, and in small groups. You’ll run project investigations, write reports and essays, and present your work to groups. You’ll also have the chance to use dedicated facilities like the new Bloomberg Trading Suite and gain certifications. Your coursework will be directly relevant to the changing world around you. You might write a report assessing organisational behaviour and Management in an SME. Or you might make a presentation on how to run an environmentally sustainable business.

 

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Business and Management

    This module will introduce you to the internal and external factors that both shape business and that business seeks to influence. You will initially be introduced to basic understandings on the form and functions of business organisations and their environmental context followed by discussion and application of key management understandings to authentic business scenarios. Building on factual knowledge, you’ll evaluate business and management challenges within different contexts. These challenges traverse both an internal perspective encompassing aspects of organisational purpose and the various issues that lie within.

    Key academic literacies of information sourcing, referencing, academic group work as well as cognitive skills of academic argument, analysis and evaluation are emphasised throughout the module. Your employability skills are developed through an assessment centre exercise designed and orchestrated by final year students.
     

  • Accounting and Financial Information

    This module demonstrates the importance of accounting and finance in the context of new and small businesses. In this module you will learn how to prepare and analyse simple financial statements as well as how to apply management accounting techniques in the areas of planning, budgeting and short term decision making.
    In these sessions, you’ll learn financial principles and techniques for different business situations, and apply these to a combination of both in-class mini case examples and extended case examples.
     

  • Digital Technology and Maths for Business

    The module introduces foundations of business information management to understand the potential of digital technologies. You will gain essential numerical, modelling and IT-skills, and will learn to manipulate data in order to create meaningful and user-friendly management information. These skills are taught in a business and problem-oriented way, using simplified business problems, combining several skills for each problem. 

  • Raising Individual Financial Awareness

    In this module, you'll gain a foundational education in financial literacy and learn about personal finance issues. You'll explore the basics of saving, investment, and property, as well as income tax, National Insurance, pensions, and wills. In addition, you'll discover the role of financial institutions like the Inland Revenue, Banks, Building Societies, and the Stock Exchange. Furthermore, you'll develop skills to gather and analyse personal financial data, recommend appropriate solutions, and select strategies to manage your finance and fiscal requirements.
     
    This module empowers you with the knowledge and skills to operate within the finance and tax framework. On successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to make informed financial decisions, manage your finances and make recommendations that align with your personal circumstances.
     

  • Exploring Economics

    As an introduction of economics to students, examples from the real world will be used to illustrate economic concepts and theory. You’ll learn about the role and methods of economics, which will include developing a testable hypothesis. 

    On successful completion of this module, you’ll understand the basic principles of economics and the relationships between economic variables, while also developing the ability to work with graphs. 

Optional modules

Foundations of Marketing

This module provides you with an understanding of core marketing principles, including an introduction to key marketing content in the context of the micro and macro-business environments.

You will gain a solid grounding in the different marketing concepts, equipping you for your further studies.

Global Business Communications

This module aims to equip you to communicate effectively as managers in a global environment, highlighting the importance of intercultural exchange as central to modern business and organisational practice. The module is an introduction to the use of oral and written communication in an international context using a variety of supporting technologies and formats. It includes the opportunity to develop your digital literacies and team working skills through collaboration in virtual teams.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to use communication and collaboration skills to achieve business objectives, engage in appropriate and effective communications in diverse groups and apply relevant theoretical frameworks to the analysis of intercultural communications.
 

Mathematics for Economics and Finance

This module will provide you with foundational mathematical techniques that are essential in the fields of economics and business. You will learn how to perform algebraic operations, solve systems of equations, and work with quadratic functions. Additionally, you will acquire the ability to differentiate multivariable functions and to analyse functional relationships using mathematical tools. 

Through this module, you will develop problem-solving skills, self-management, communication, and learning abilities. By the end of this module, you will have gained proficiency in the application of mathematical techniques and a deeper understanding of how they are used in finance and optimization within the context of economics, finance, and business.

Work, Employment and Globalisation

To give you an understanding of the complex and dynamic challenges of contemporary global labour markets, you’ll explore contemporary issues about work, employment and global labour markets throughout this module. And you’ll investigate the changing nature and organisation of work, inequalities at work, migration and labour mobility, identity at work, and the digital economy. These issues will be examined using a variety of institutional, organisational and individual theoretical perspectives. 

From exploring post-industrial work and society within different institutional contexts, you’ll gain a key understanding of issues of diversity and inclusion at work, while gaining the intellectual skills required to critically research and review literature. 
 

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage

    You will develop knowledge and critical understanding of the classical principles of business strategy in exploring the question 'How should organisations compete to achieve sustainable, competitive advantage in today's global business environment?’ In answering this question, the potential of an organisation to create value through effective exploitation and development of internal resources and capabilities is examined using well-established analytical tools.

    On successful completion of this module, you will be able to analyse and evaluate the relative impact of the international industrial and competitive environment on organisations and the strategic choices they face, apply decision-making criteria and weigh risks appropriately.
     

  • Applied Financial Skills

    Building on from first year accounting study, this module allows you to critically evaluate the financial results of strategic and financial decisions as reported by different companies. You’ll develop desirable skills of financial analysis and management accounting to support the needs of future managers and marketing professionals. 

    This module will also allow you to develop the confidence to use financial information both independently, and collaboratively with financial specialists. 

  • Developing Professional Practice

    This module will help you develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for making effective career decisions and managing your future career development, including transitions into graduate employment, self-employment or further study (including professional training courses) whether in the UK or overseas. This module will support you in taking an informed and critical view of the current and future world of work and consider your future role and responsibility, not only to yourself but also to others. This module will raise your awareness of the services and support offered by the Careers Service and OBBS WAVES team. The aim is to encourage you to further develop your career by engaging in placements, internships, volunteering and other extracurricular activities offered by the University.
     

  • Financial Markets and Institutions

    On this module, you’ll examine the nature of financial markets and the role of financial intermediaries. You’ll analyse the nature of market efficiency, and the extent to which asset prices reflect rational decisions in consideration of psychological or speculative factors. You’ll also explore comparative merits and the question of financial regulation. Different types of financial instruments and their valuation will also be explored.

    Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to assess institution-based and market-based finance in a variety of contexts, understand the main principles underlying asset pricing models, and resolve general problems in selecting investments in a global market. 

  • Organisational Behaviour and Management

    This module focuses on contemporary debates in the field of organisational studies, enhancing your ability to understand and apply organisational behaviour concepts to real-world problems. The module covers core topics, and you will distinguish between individual, group and organisational levels to analyse complex organisational issues. You will also develop an awareness of diverse perspectives, cultures, and values. Additionally, the module facilitates learning in adaptive and collaborative environments, helping you develop independent and self-motivated learning strategies.

    After completing the module, you will be well-equipped with the skills and knowledge required to analyse evidence critically and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field of organisational behaviour and management.
     

  • Corporate Finance

    This module will introduce you  to the fundamentals of finance and to the finance function in a company or corporation. This will enable you  to understand the sorts of decisions that are taken by financial managers along with their rationales. The content includes an explanation of the role of finance in business and the objectives of the finance function. You will also examine the decisions affecting capital structure and the cost of capital.
     

  • Placement Search and Preparation (only compulsory for who will take the optional Year 3 work placement)

    This module is designed to provide practical guidance and support in undertaking a placement search, preparing for the placement experience, and succeeding in the modern workplace. Throughout the module, you will develop critical self-awareness and personal literacy skills, enabling you to self-reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and target your placement search effectively. Additionally, you will also explore methods of effective and targeted placement search, increasing your chances of securing a placement.

    In summary, this module is an essential component of your employability journey. By integrating with co-curricular activities, the module provides a holistic approach to employability, ensuring that students have a broad range of skills and experiences to draw upon in their future careers.
     

Optional modules

Corporate and Business Law

In this advanced module you’ll get a good introduction to the specific areas of corporate and business law. You’ll gain understanding and knowledge of business activities and how they are affected by business law. You’ll also have the opportunity to examine and test those areas of law against specific cases in various business areas. This will help you develop a good knowledge of corporate and business law, that can be applied to real world business activities.

Environmentally Sustainable Business

You’ll look at the environmental sustainability challenges facing society and businesses. You’ll discuss key environmental issues such as:

  • global warming
  • pollution
  • biodiversity loss 
  • freshwater depletion 

and the role of business in causing as well as responding to such issues. 

You’ll explore macro (economic, policy, governance) as well as micro (organisational and individual) perspectives. You’ll also be introduced to a variety of stakeholder perspectives and frameworks for evaluating business responses. Through the module you’ll develop your key competencies for sustainability that are endorsed by UNESCO (2017) and the QAA/Advance HE (2021). The competencies are:

  • systems thinking
  • anticipatory thinking
  • normative competency 
  • strategic thinking
  • collaborative competency 
  • critical thinking
  • self-awareness 
  • integrated problem-solving competency.
     

Independent Study in Business

This is your opportunity for independent study on an approved topic. It will relate to your programme learning outcomes. You’ll select and discuss a relevant topic area with your Programme Lead/Subject Co-ordinator. Your independent study may involve:

  • action based learning 
  • be based solely on desk research 
  • limited primary research
  • group work.

And will be self directed. Through any group work you may have a specific role and responsibilities.
 

International Finance

You’ll study the main forces that are shaping the international financial environment. You’ll also look at the techniques and strategies used by organisations to respond to the international financial environment when making key financial decisions. 

You’ll look at:

  • capital flows
  • exchange rate determination
  • risk management in an international context
  • international investment decisions and 
  • the financing of international activities.

To develop your understanding of global finance and give you insight into global financial decisions that are made in today’s world.
 

Management Information Systems

This module aims to equip you with the skills of modelling and abstraction, and the ability to use generic business models to understand and analyse an organisation from both an information and process perspective. You will examine the information flows that integrate across organisational functions and explore the role of Information Systems in supporting business processes and information flows. Throughout the module, you will learn how to apply systems theory to analyse an organisation's information perspective, as well as draw and analyse an Information Flow Diagram.

By the end of this module, you will have a cross-functional understanding of business and management, allowing you to maintain a perspective on your field's role in the broader picture. You will have a comprehensive skill set to analyse and model business processes, and communicate them effectively in both oral and written reports.

Managing the Digital Business

In this module, you'll critically analyse the role of digital technologies in modern businesses. You'll explore software and hardware applications and evaluate their impact on competitive strategy and organisational change. Using a multidisciplinary approach, you'll cover topics like online and mobile channels, digital marketing, and business-to-business relations. You'll develop analytical and presentation skills to provide clear and concise reports, both individually and in teams.
 
This module prepares you to lead digital technologies in modern organisations, and it equips you with essential skills to evaluate the value of digital business development for businesses and sectors.
 

Year 3 (optional placement year)

Optional modules

Work placement (includes a Placement Search and Preparation module in your second year)

You can spend your third year on a work placement, which is a great opportunity to enhance your CV, preparing you for future employment. You will gain commercial and practical experience, and many students are offered graduate positions by their placement employer. Recently, Business School students have enjoyed inspiring and intellectually challenging positions at organisations such as IBM, BMW, Apple, Bosch, EY, Deloitte, Metro Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, Harley Davidson and L'Oreal. For more information about the fees please go to the Fees/Funding section. Learn more about how Oxford Brookes Business School supports students secure a work placement.

Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

  • Business and Finance Synoptic

    On this module, you’ll develop a critical stance in investigating contemporary business and finance practices and issues. Using an informed and critical perspective, you’ll independently research from a range of sources including current research, newspapers and financial data. 

    You’ll develop skills required to evaluate current practice and research in the area of business and finance, and you’ll gain a systematic understanding of its key aspects. 

  • Contemporary Issues in Finance

    This module provides an opportunity for students to investigate the forces shaping the contemporary financial system. A variety of issues will be examined, taking the financial turmoil of 2007-2008 as a starting point. The emphasis will be on both the underlying causes of recent financial developments and the more general implications of these for our understanding of finance and on the possibilities open to regulatory authorities, companies, investors and other interested groups to respond to these developments.
     

  • Leading and Managing Change

    The module aims to develop critical thinking in evaluating the application of change management theory and normative practices to challenges taking place in organisations and wider society. The literature used in the module draws on a breadth of sources including the mainstream and contemporary literature on change management. It aims to increase personal reflexivity and self-awareness. 

    After completing this module, you will have an understanding of the nature of change and key theories, frameworks, principles and practices relevant for the management and leadership of change. You'll be able to evaluate critically the actions taken by those leading change. You will be better prepared to lead and manage change in your own managerial careers and have an increased awareness of your own potential for ongoing personal development in leading and managing change.
     

  • Advanced Financial Management

    This module extends the basic theory of corporate finance covered in previous years by developing more complex approaches to financial management which can guide decision-making in the face of risk and uncertainty. It also examines corporate decisions concerning capital structure and the choice between internal and external finance and sets these decisions in the context of developments in a range of financial markets. Your learning outcomes include being able to apply investment appraisal techniques to conditions of risk and uncertainty, assess the impact of cost capital for businesses and understand the key principles and techniques of risk management.

Optional modules

Choose 3 Optional Module credits from those below:

Business Accountability and Responsibility (1 module credit)

On this module, you’ll explore contemporary issues in accounting and finance, in relation to developing a business. You’ll engage with factors such as culture, ethics and organisational size and form, to understand how they impact finance and accounting issues for business. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop digital research skills, while engaging with online reporting by corporations. 

You’ll develop skills and knowledge central to organisational forms, organisational life cycles and different cultures. 
 

Business Ethics (1 module credit)

This module is designed to address our changing world that is facing social and environmental challenges. You’ll develop the capacity to make ethically defensible decisions as members of business organisations and of society in general. You’ll analyse and evaluate the ethical propositions of others. And, you’ll evaluate the ethics of different systemic models of production, distribution and exchange.

Upon completing this module, be able evaluate and apply ethical reasoning to local and global business dilemmas and economic systems, and you’ll be able to evaluate the significance of a range of western and non-western ethical perspectives.

Business Intelligence and Decision Making (1 module credit)

This module concentrates on developing an understanding of the wider strategic and tactical aspects of analysing corporate performance. In teams, you’ll use a range of IT systems to develop a business intelligence system. And you’ll also explore the nature of decision making in business, from strategic to transaction based decision making, and the role of IT in supporting it. 

Upon completion of this module, you’ll develop the necessary skills to analyse both quantitative and qualitative data, while being adept for management decision making.You’ll also have the ability to evaluate appropriate frameworks used for developing business intelligence solutions.

 

Entrepreneurial Business Management (2 module credits)

This module provides you with an in-depth focus on the skills involved in evaluating business ideas, the practical steps involved in launching a business and the necessary processes of winning the finance. The module also addresses those issues that ventures must consider when planning an exit strategy and so focuses attention on the purpose of business enterprise. In Semester 1 this module explores contemporary theories of entrepreneurship and applies them to real life case studies. In Semester 2 the module focuses upon the preparation of a complete plan for a new business, capable of attracting funding.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to apply appropriate analytical concepts to provide support for untried venture proposals, understand the range of technical issues faced by those in start-up ventures and reflect on application of entrepreneurship theory, based on experience in a practical setting.
 

Finance and Development (1 module credit)

Throughout this module, you’ll explore the economic challenges of financing development in developing countries, while using internal and external sources of finance. You’ll investigate the difference between development and growth, the roles of public and private sector, financial dualism, credit market failures, micro finance and international capital flows. 

Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to interpret the implications of international financial flows on development, and you’ll gain an understanding of how a viable financial system can assist in economic growth and development.
 

Independent Study

This is your opportunity to embark on independent study of an approved topic that relates to your learning outcomes. Your study will be conducted under supervision and you will select a relevant topic area from your course and you’ll need to get approval from the module leader.

Your study on this module can involve:

  • action-based learning
  • solely on desk research 
  • limited primary research.
     

Perspectives on International Management

This module aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage effectively in a globalised business environment. You’ll analyse a wide range of management practices, while also evaluating theoretical frameworks and conducting research on national cultures. You will evaluate the strategic implications of culture on business operations and HRM practices, while also developing the aptitude required to manage effectively across cultures.

Benefits to you include gaining a competitive edge in the job market by expanding knowledge about managing in a globalised world and navigating cross-cultural communication challenges. You will also broaden your horizons and increase your cultural awareness and sensitivity, enhancing your ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Careers

With the broad range of skills you’ll learn on this course, you’ll be a valuable addition to any business. We’ll help you build professional skills to adapt to working life, and our careers office are always there to support you in your search. Job opportunities include:

  • multinational businesses
  • charities
  • education
  • healthcare
  • government.

Many of our students go on to graduate training schemes in companies like IBM, Virgin Mobile, Intel, Yell Ltd, O2 and Dell.

Related courses

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Accounting and Economics
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Entry requirements

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 104

A Level: BCC

IB Points: 29

BTEC: DMM

Contextual offer

What is a contextual offer?

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

BTEC: MMM

Further offer details

Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses. For advice on eligibility please contact Admissions: admissions@brookes.ac.uk

If you don’t achieve the required tariff points you can apply to join a foundation course, like Foundation in Business or an international foundation course to help to reach the required level for entry onto this degree.

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process


Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCAS


Part time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the University


International applicants
Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,500
International full time
£15,500
International sandwich (placement)
£1,500
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,600
International full time
£16,300
International sandwich (placement)
£1,600

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,500
International full time
£15,500
International sandwich (placement)
£1,500
2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,600
International full time
£16,300
International sandwich (placement)
£1,600

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Oxford Brookes Bursary for home students Undergraduate maintenance loans for part-time UK students Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.