Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

BA (Hons)

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UCAS code: N100

Start dates: September 2024 / September 2025

Full time: 3 years, or 4 if a work placement is chosen

Part time: up to 8 years

Location: Headington

Department(s): Oxford Brookes Business School

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Overview

Want to start a business and become your own boss? Eager to learn how to be entrepreneurial across different industries and roles? Our Business, Enterprise, and Entrepreneurship course is delivered by people who’ve walked the walk and can bust through the myths to get you on track.

Studying with us, you’ll experience a unique combination of application, practice and theory as you learn how to create jobs and growth in all kinds of businesses, from small family companies to not-for-profits to big corporations.

Whether you join us straight from school, you’re planning your fledgling venture or you’ve already got started, you’ll experience a top 5 UK city for start-ups and one of Europe’s top 20 tech hubs for investment. We’ll connect you with the people and organisations that can give you your big break. From placements to module options, you can tailor the course to your goals as you learn how to live the life of the entrepreneur.

And if you decide to change focus, you can switch to Business and Management or International Business Management at the end of the first year.

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Students Presenting in Class

Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Funding network

    We have strong ties to start-up and entrepreneur networks with about 1000 entrepreneurs and active investors and the University's extra curricular Brookes Enterprise Support Team.

  • Pioneering teaching

    Oxford Brookes Business School is not only innovative but also truly inspiring. Your teachers are experts who have been in business themselves or carry out their own research in this area.

  • Thriving start-up community

    Find collaborators, funding and partners at events for start-ups and entrepreneurs almost every night of the week in the Oxfordshire business scene.

  • Get noticed

    You’ll be able to present your business idea at an investor panel event, this panel will be composed of successful business owners and Business School Alumni.

  • Access to EiR and VIF

    Our Entrepreneurs in Residence and Visiting Industrial Fellows deliver lectures, lead Business School projects and mentor students on career options.

  • 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.

  • Accreditation(s)

    Chartered Management Institute

    • Chartered Management Institute

Course details

Course structure

Throughout the course, you’ll analyse all kinds of businesses from not-for-profits and charities to corporations and family firms. You’ll examine entrepreneurship in serious growth unicorns, traditional companies in disrupted industries and everything in between.

In Year 1, a highlight for our students is the whistle-stop tour around entrepreneurship, its historical roots and future direction. You’ll start looking at all the core phases of enterprise, from creativity and innovation to business planning and growth strategies.

You’ll explore the idea of entrepreneurialism within an established business and experience the practical Creativity and Innovation module. Optional modules include sustainability in business and supply chains. Also you can choose a paid placement year.

In your last year, you either follow the academic pathway where you’ll take the popular (according to our student satisfaction surveys) module Entrepreneurial Business Management. Or, if you’re keen to get started, you can set up your own business with course leaders setting work-based learning goals.

Independent learning

Learning and teaching

We want you to enjoy developing the skills you will need to succeed in the competitive business world. Your learning experience will be exciting as well as challenging. You will have the opportunity to take part in;

  • problem-solving classes
  • assessments in virtual teams
  • sessions with local employers
  • workshops to develop presentation skills.

You will also have the chance to work with business professionals and on live business cases.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods, including;

  • written exams
  • practical exams
  • coursework.

We pay particular attention to when and how feedback is given to support your learning. Our feedback methods include;

  • audio
  • face-to-face
  • written feedback.

The majority of teaching and assessment activities take place between Mondays and Fridays, 9am to 7pm. There may be occasions when such activities may fall outside of these hours.

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Finance for Managers

    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
     

  • Exploring International Business

    In this module, you’ll be actively engaged with the study of Business and Management, through exploring essential characteristics of organisations in a global context, while assessing the role of management within this. You’ll explore the functions of business and the impact of the external environment on business choices. You’ll also use a variety of media including simulation and published accounts of decisions being enacted by businesses and managers today. 

    This will equip you with the core concepts required to analyse and research business and management issues. You’ll also develop your academic and employability skills, such as critical thinking, evidenced based decision-making and collaboration.

  • The Entrepreneur

    This module develops your entrepreneurial mindset and skills essential for success in the modern business world. You'll explore a full range of tools and techniques for innovation, creativity, and enterprise and learn to evaluate different components for success in diverse business landscapes. A multi-faceted approach to learning, combining classroom-based lectures with practical workshops, gives you the opportunity to apply behaviours, skills, and attributes associated with entrepreneurial success in a productive learning environment. This module also focuses on academic literacies, including critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation of contested knowledge.

    On successful completion of this module, you will have a strong foundation in the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to succeed in various business contexts.

  • Business in Society

    This module is designed to provide an introduction to the ideas of personal corporate responsibility, sustainability, diversity and criticality that will underpin your professional career. You’ll also practise argument construction and debate in order to use wider thinking. 

    Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll be able to critically analyse evidence, demonstrate critical awareness to the complexity of diverse global perspectives and construct an argument to an audience. 

  • 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. 

  • Professional Practice 1

    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.

  • Creativity and Innovation

    This module aims to provide the underpinning theory, concepts and some basic skills to understand and engage in the processes of creativity and innovation. It uses a holistic approach to look at this subject from a variety of angles such as from an academic perspective, an organisational perspective, a management consultancy perspective, and an entrepreneurial perspective.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • International Business Strategy

    In this module, you’ll delve into the social issues and opportunities associated with international business, and the challenges associated with a dynamic business environment. To develop your understanding of globalisation, you’ll be provided with a thorough overview of current affairs. You’ll also explore international business, while considering issues of sustainability and equality. 

    By completing this module, you’ll be able to assess the management and operational environment in which international business operates, while also developing the ability to analyse specific international business, innovation and sustainability strategies pursued by firms (MNCs, SMEs, NGOs). 
     

  • 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.
       
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

    The module has been designed to help develop the knowledge and understanding as well as the related skills and capabilities associated with enterprise in its broadest sense. This module addresses the subject of entrepreneurship in a holistic manner, one in which the range of contexts; from entrepreneurship to intrapreneurship, and from high tech spin out to social and public enterprise is considered. The module focuses on both macro and micro dimensions, to help you understand both the dynamic nature of the entrepreneurial economy and their own employment opportunities within it.

    On successful completion of this module, you will understand the theoretical underpinnings of enterprise and entrepreneurship, be able to identify the perspectives required for entrepreneurial success and be able to evaluate the contribution of government policies designed to develop an enterprise culture.

  • 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.
     

  • Professional Practice 2

  • Applied Start-Up


     

  • Responsible Marketing Management

    While this module addresses a broad range of concepts that fall under the marketing management umbrella, it will be delivered via an extremely practical task structure that facilitates an engaged and productive academic journey. The module takes key marketing principles such as customer centricity and approaches them through the lens of management, giving you a profound understanding of the pillars of marketing. 

    On successful completion of the module, you’ll be able to appreciate emerging marketing techniques and theories, perform critical market analysis and apply multi-faceted solutions to marketing problems. 
     

  • Sandwich mode only (compulsory)

    EITHER

    Choose one module from:

    • Placement
    • Full Year International Study Abroad

    OR

    Choose two modules from:

    • Short Placement
    • Work-based Learning.
       
  • Placement Search and Preparation (only compulsory for sandwich mode)

    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

Accounting for Managers

Introduction to People Management

This module is designed to introduce you to the operational role and functions of people management and how it supports organisations to manage their diverse workforce in an international context. People management is an essential tool for all line managers as it provides them with the skills, knowledge and competencies that equip you to be effective in how you recruit, motivate and reward your staff. This module offers you an operational ‘toolbox’ that covers all the core, fundamental features of people management.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to identify the essential components of viable people management policies whilst also illustrating their effectiveness and engage in appropriate and accurate communications amongst different business contexts.
 

Leading with Purpose: Lessons from the Nonprofit Sector

The module covers various non-profit organisations such as charities and social enterprises, and emphasises the unique aspects of the third sector, which relies heavily on a volunteer workforce. By taking this module, you will gain valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of non-profits and learn how to address strategic issues that these organisations face. Additionally, the module will help you develop both conceptual and practical skills that are essential for non-profit placements, independent study modules, or dissertations.

Overall, you will have a broad understanding of the third sector, its similarities and differences from the private and public sectors, and the opportunities and challenges that come with working in the non-profit sector. By acquiring this knowledge, you can pursue a career in non-profit organisations or become an informed citizen who can contribute to the sector in various ways.
 

Family and Society in Business


 

Design Thinking and Project Management

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is concerned with managing and controlling the activities along a chain of supply. From procuring materials to delivering finished goods that satisfy customer orders. 

This module will help you study, in a global context, the processes necessary to strategically manage the flow of materials and products in order to achieve a competitive advantage. You’ll examine how effective logistics and purchasing systems can become key business enablers. Also you’ll look at how the management of international supply chains must form a significant element of the strategy of any organisation operating on a global basis. By the end of the module you’ll gain a deep understanding of the various threads in a supply chain and that an improved supply chain can be of significant benefit for a whole business.
 

Business Analytics and Decision Making

International Markets and Competition

In this module, you’ll consider the different exchange rate regimes, both in theory and in practice. You’ll also explore theory of international trade, the costs and benefits of protectionism, national and international measures to encourage competition. You’ll also be able to understand how to prevent anti-competitive behaviour and their rationale, and study the international organisations that control and regulate free trade.

You’ll be able to analyse international data from a variety of sources, and explain international trade patterns including trading blocks and the role of MNCs and FDI. 
 

Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

  • Entrepreneurial Business Management

    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.

  • Social Enterprise and Social Innovation

    The module covers a multi-disciplinary approach to contemporary issues in entrepreneurship allowing you to develop a well-rounded skill set. Throughout the module, you will learn from experts in the field and gain practical insights into entrepreneurship. You will have the opportunity to engage in practical learning, including research and working within a community of like-minded individuals, enhancing your personal and professional growth. Moreover, emphasis is placed on interaction within a research community, providing you with valuable teamwork and communication skills.

    Overall, this module offers you a unique learning experience that combines academic rigour with practical insights, giving you a competitive edge in the job market while developing essential research and self-development skills.
     

  • Business Governance and Human Rights

    It is becoming increasingly accepted for businesses to be socially responsible. In light of this, our module provides you with the opportunity to understand current corporate structures and governance regimes, which are being used to hold businesses accountable for their activities. With a particular emphasis on human rights, you’ll explore issues such as human trafficking, child labour, discrimination, environmental degredation and abuses within global supply chains.

    You’ll be equipped to evaluate the ways in which businesses are meeting their social responsibilities internationally, the capacities for businesses to have possible impacts, and strategies for development and change. 
     

  • Business Strategy and Futures in Disrupted Environments

    This module will equip you with the necessary skills to appreciate, understand, and cope with a fast paced, and changing business environment. Within a contextual framework of current disruptive innovations, you’ll also evaluate and challenge the norms of business models. 

    You’ll gain analytical skills that can be used to evaluate the impact of disruptive innovation, new technologies, modes of employment and their impact on business now and in the future. These analytical and evaluation skills can also be used to develop directed goals for career development.
     

  • Business Ethics

    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. 
     

Optional modules

Entrepreneurial Business Management

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
 

Entrepreneurial Business Ideation


 

Entrepreneurial Business Launch


 

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.

Contemporary issues in International HRM

This module enables you to review and develop disciplinary knowledge and research skills within a contemporary global context. The module adopts a broad definition of `international human resource management', to include issues relating to the impact of diversity management, national culture, the debates in the comparative HRM literature and examples of differences in the way HRM is conducted around the world. It also examines how international organisations deal with the extra complexity that operating internationally brings to HRM.

Current issues will also be examined including the foreign vs. local staffing debate, women expatriates, joint venture issues and issues surrounding cross-cultural management.
 

Critical Management

This module is designed to provide you with a range of benefits to support your development as a successful corporate leader. Through the exploration of contemporary business themes and analysis of current cases, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the external drivers that shape organisational strategy, behaviour, and management. This understanding will enable you to recommend effective policies and strategies that align with stakeholder interests and wider societal responsibilities. Additionally, this module focuses on both national and international levels, which will help provide a global perspective on business themes and their impact on strategy.

By developing cognitive skills such as critical thinking, analysis, creative problem solving, and decision making, you will be better equipped to navigate complex business environments with confidence.
 

Business and Artificial Intelligence

Responsible Leadership

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.
 

Business Law

In this module, you’ll gain a strong understanding of International Business Law. You’ll gain key knowledge of the legal environment of business organisations throughout the world. You’ll gain excellent analytical skills as you compare and contrast these environments, and consider how they affect trading between states.

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.

International Marketing

International businesses need to understand international marketing strategy to create sustainable competitive advantage. Within this context, you’ll analyse critical success factors, while drawing from a rich theoretical background. Organisations are increasingly conscious of the importance of ethics, professionalism and social responsibility, which are all issues that will be examined in depth, at an international level, in this module.

Upon successful completion of this module, you’ll understand the effects of a rapidly changing global environment on a diverse range of organisations, develop a set of professional values based upon a critical appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives, and you’ll be confident in qualitative and quantitative data analysis. 

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.

Download course structure chart

Careers

Graduate from Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship ready to set up a business and create job opportunities for yourself and others. Your entrepreneurial skill set is also ideal for a consultancy career and KPMG has named Oxford Brookes University the 3rd most significant supplier of graduates to the Big 4 accountancy firms.

During your third year, we encourage you to do a year in industry. We offer placements at early-stage businesses, start-ups like Purple Frog and Cogeco, and enterprise organisations. Many placements lead to roles after graduation with OBBS alumni at IBM, Aldi, BMW, Dyson, Ernst & Young, GlaxoSmithKline, Nestlé and PayPal.

Your leadership, strategy, management, marketing, social enterprise and innovation skills can also open the door to international companies like Virgin Mobile, Intel, Dell, Hewlett Packard, and Oxford Biomedica.

Alternatively, growing numbers of students now go on to pursue a higher degree and we offer a 10% discount to those who stay for our MSc in Enterprise and Innovation.

Our Staff

Kate Maguire

Kate is one of two subject coordinators for the business and management programme. With her 25 years of extensive business experience, Kate helps entrepreneurs work on genuine business problems.

Read more about Kate

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: 112

A Level: BBC

IB Points: 30

BTEC: DMM

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

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:

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.

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.