BA Business Management with Sustainability

Undergraduate

BA Business Management with Sustainability

Learn how to run an ethical business. And make money doing it. There is literally no down side.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

N210

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

Sustainability is the future of business. And our region is at the forefront of that movement, thanks to its association with Siemens, Green Port Hull and similar organisations. On this course, you’ll develop expertise in corporate social responsibility alongside core business management skills.

You’ll discover how organisations work as a whole – learning about their various functions. Our industry connections mean you’ll be able to work on projects with local companies right from Year 1.

And you’ll find out how to generate sustainable value – with specialist modules in responsible business, supply chain sustainability and the environment, and sustainability reporting.

More to explore
Download your 2021 prospectus Come to our Virtual Open Day Accommodation Fees and finance Choose Hull Hull University Business School

Six reasons to study Business Management with Sustainability

  1. 96% graduate employability rating*
  2. Prestigious AACSB accreditation
  3. Study abroad for a year, a semester or a summer
  4. Fantastic placement opportunities
  5. Work on real projects with local companies
  6. Change direction after Year 1 if you want to
This course is AACSB-accredited

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    Accounting and Finance

    Delve into topics such as financing decisions, cost behaviour, cost-volume-profit analysis, absorption costing, variance analysis and budgeting.

    Marketing

    Discover core marketing theories and concepts such as segmentation, targeting and positioning, consumer behaviour, and marketing mix. Apply your understanding of these different concepts in a real-life business project.

    Personal and Professional Skills for Contemporary Organisations

    Learn about organisational behaviour and HRM concepts. Areas of focus include individual difference, personal development, people management and leadership.

    Business Environments

    Examine the environments - economic, political, social, legal, cultural - that businesses operate in and explore the impact of their work on these environments.

    Operations, Supply Chain and Business Practices

    Explore how businesses develop their operations management and supply chain practice. You'll learn the techniques to understand, analyse and evaluate the complexities in today's organisations.

    World Economy

    Study the changing world economy, developing insights into issues related to international trade, international finance, regional groupings and climate change.

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Responsible Business in Society

    Explore concepts like responsible business, corporate social responsibility, business ethics and sustainable development, and learn to understand them in a global context.

    Organisational Management

    Explore approaches to organisational management and integrate theory and practice. You'll consider various practices and the assumptions behind them.

    Sustainable Business and Innovation

    Develop insights into the major trends, challenges and innovative concepts relating to business sustainability and corporate responsibility.

    Management Systems and Standards for Sustainability

    Take a deep dive into the field of sustainable operations and management systems, standards and certifications for business and product sustainability.

  • Optional

    European Business

    Enhance your understanding of the EU, both in terms of internal policy and its commercial relations with the rest of the world, including the US and emerging nations.

    Information Management and Principles of Data Science

    Examine the role of data science in consulting and explore its management dimensions. Learn how to establish a better connection between data and international standards.

    Internet, e-Commerce and Emerging Technologies

    Discover the emerging digital technologies that are affecting the dynamics of e-commerce. You'll learn how to develop a website or mobile app with any coding skills.

    The Organisational and Environmental Context of HRM

    Develop an understanding of how organisational and environmental context informs human resource management in terms of its design, organisation, leadership, ethics and practice.

    Learning and Development

    Critically evaluate the theories, different practices, and role that learning and development plays in delivering, influencing and achieving organisational success.

    Understanding Entrepreneurship

    Develop an understanding of the factors which contribute to successful entrepreneurship, how entrepreneurship differs around the world, and how governments encourage it.

    Engaging with Entrepreneurial Organisations

    Work with a local small or medium-sized enterprise to solve a problem or produce a plan for the organisation. This hands-on module allows you to apply what you've learned to a real business problem or opportunity.

    Procurement and Supply Management

    Learn how procurement ensures the effective supply of the materials that businesses need. Concepts include managing business relationships, planning operations and problem solving.

    Supply Chain Information Management and Big Data

    Discover the role of information management and big data in supply chains. Learn methods for big data, text mining and social media mining analysis.

    Consumer and Business Buyer Behaviour

    Build a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour and learn how to use this information to develop effective marketing plans and communications.

    Ethical and Socially Responsible Procurement

    Brands are damaged by association with issues like sweatshop labour conditions, counterfeit goods and pollution. Learn how businesses ensure that they source goods responsibly. 

    Integrated Marketing Communications and Branding

    Develop your critical understanding of the role integrated marketing and communications plays in building and sustaining brand identity and equity.

    Research Methods

    Prepare and complete a small action research project to develop skills that will help you across your studies. It's hands-on learning about research methodology, ethical approval, data analysis and formulating research questions.

    Summer School

    Broaden your experience in an international setting and study in one of our partner institutions for up to three weeks over the summer. This module can count towards your degree.

    Passport Languages

    Learn a new foreign language or improve your existing language. Options include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian.

Year abroad modules

You spend a year studying at one of our partner institutions in Europe, Asia, North America or Australia. It's an outstanding opportunity to broaden your horizons in a different culture and environment, learn new skills and develop valuable international contacts while continuing your studies.

Placement year modules

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt.

Just like in the real world, you’ll be responsible for finding and applying for opportunities, with the added benefit of help and support from university services.

The Centre for Professional Success is a dedicated team within the faculty who provide tailored support to students who are seeking a placement or internship.   You'll also benefit from the University's Careers and Employability service based in Student Central.   

Final year modules

  • Compulsory

    Sustainability Reporting and Communication

    More than ever, society expects companies to report on their impacts and detail how they are addressing them. Explore the questions of what companies should report on, as well as why and how.

    Supply Chain Sustainability and the Environment

    Explore sustainability practices in various manufacturing and service organisations, covering issues like responsible procurement and fair trade, humanitarian logistics and disaster relief.

    Business Strategies

    Consider business strategy and strategic decision making in diverse contexts. You'll learn to use strategic analysis to make choices that create stakeholder value and strategic advantage.

    International Business

    Focus on the core concepts and practical applications of cross-border business activities. You'll explore the controversies and complexities surrounding international business issues.

  • Choose one

    Dissertation or Research Project

    You can choose to complete a dissertation worth 40 credits (across two modules) or a shorter research project at 20 credits (for one module) on a subject relevant to your degree.

    SMART: Problem-Solving for Complex Systems

    Learn to evaluate complex problems – taking into account multiple dimensions and stakeholder perspectives – to anticipate consequences and make appropriate decisions.

  • Optional

    Employee Relations and Engagement

    Explore the strategies adopted by employers to manage their employees. You'll study how potential commonalities and conflicts are understood and managed in the workplace.

    Organisation in the Digital Economy

    The internet and emerging digital technologies present business with all kinds of opportunities and challenges. Here you can explore the new management mindsets needed to address them.

    Global Logistics and Port Management

    Learn about the structure of global supply chains, international procurement and transport, supply chain security, and the complexity of decision making.

    Services Marketing

    Look at how a focus on delivering exceptional customer experience, and ensuring the organisation is service-centric, can lead to improved results through customer satisfaction and loyalty.

    Business Project Management

    Whatever its size, all organisations run projects - study the skills, concepts, tools and techniques to manage them effectively, and learn about the factors affecting project success and failure.

    Managing Your Money – Personal Financial Planning

    Prepare for the financial challenges and opportunities of life after university. You'll cover topics including tax, student loans, credit, debt, pensions, insurance, savings and investments.

    Comparative International Human Resource Management

    Consider complex workplace dynamics and cross-cultural and multinational factors. You’ll learn the strategies and practice of human resource management in international contexts.

    Passport Languages

    Learn a new foreign language or improve your existing language. Options include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

240 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

960 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

22%
78%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

192 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

1,008 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

8%
92%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

1,200 hours

Placement Placement hours typically include time spent on a work placement, studying abroad, or field trips.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

1,200 hours

Placement Placement hours typically include time spent on a work placement, studying abroad, or field trips.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

144 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

1,056 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Maria Goodley Business and Management

"I wanted to study at Hull because of the business school's great reputation for having some of the best lecturers and offering excellent support."

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Study abroad

Broaden your horizons, learn new skills and make invaluable international contacts by choosing to study abroad for a year.

business HR

Work in industry

Gain real world skills by opting to spend a year on placement in industry - with support from our award-winning careers team.

Explore our Placement Years

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBC

  • BTEC grades DMM

  • Points required 112

Work out your estimated points

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with minimum of 15 credit at distinction and 15 credits at merit.

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

Click and drag

Take a tour of the facilities

Take a 360-degree look around our management learning laboratory where you'll discover the skills to run an ethical business.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International

£14,800 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

The fees shown are for 2021 entry. The fees for 2022 have not yet been confirmed and may increase.

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan of up to £9,488 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of our website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Administration manager
  • Bank manager
  • Property manager
  • Quality assurance manager
  • Business development executive
  • Management consultant

A range of possibilities are open to our graduates from exciting employment opportunities - particularly in the field of sustainability - to starting your own business.

Our graduates have gone on to work with companies including Deloitte, the Prince’s Trust, Npower, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Asda and Santander.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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This. Is. Hull.

A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

*Percentage of students from this subject area in work or further study within 15 months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2017/18, published by HESA 2020.