BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year

Prepare for employment, research business venture options across different sectors of the economy or explore further study pathways. Drawing from a variety of specialised modules and multidimensional perspectives, GBS's global business and entrepreneurship degree focuses on evidence-based knowledge of entrepreneurship, new venture management and real-world application.

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Intakes

October, January, June

Awarding Institution

Oxford Brookes University

Awarded Degree

BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year

Duration

4 years

Location

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds

Delivery

Weekdays and/or evenings *Classes are subject to availability

Fees

Foundation Year: £5,760.
Years 1 to 3: £9,790 per year

Foundation Year
During your Foundation Year, you will gain the academic, communication and research skills you need to excel in higher education. You will explore key areas of business, including entrepreneurship, finance and the global environment while developing confidence in writing, critical thinking and presenting ideas. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the business world and entrepreneurial mindset. In addition, you will be introduced to real-world case studies and challenges that will shape future opportunities.

Year One
At Level 4 of study, you will begin to build core knowledge of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and business strategy. You will learn how to identify and evaluate opportunities, create value and understand the dynamics of entrepreneurial organisations. Modules such as project management and change leadership will equip you with practical tools for navigating and managing innovation and risk in fast-moving environments. You will also engage in work-based learning, problem-solving activities and group projects.

Year Two
At Level 5 you will continue to deepen your skills by working on real-world business challenges. The course will explore intrapreneurship, digital marketing and venture finance while developing a business plan and pitching it to a panel. You will also learn how social entrepreneurship can address complex societal challenges, blending innovation and impact. This level emphasises both collaboration and independent thinking.

Year Three
At Level 6, you will focus on advanced business and strategic management principles. You will consolidate your learning by applying research and strategic thinking to real-world business challenges. You will undertake a 20-credit proposal in Applied Research Methods and a 40-credit Entrepreneurship Project, allowing you to develop, test and refine your own business or idea and to engage critically with existing literature. When engaging with existing research and real-world data, you gain valuable insights that help you to avoid common pitfalls, make informed decisions and use resources more effectively, giving you a stronger foundation to build and grow a successful business.

This course currently includes the following modules:

Year 0 (Foundation Year)

Academic Writing and Research Skills (20 credits)
Business Environment (20 credits)
Entrepreneurial People and Processes (20 credits)
Fundamentals of Finance (20 credits)
Introduction to Business (20 credits)
IT Essentials (20 credits)

Year One (Level 4)

Entrepreneurial Organisations (20 credits)
Entrepreneurial Recognition, Ideas and Opportunities (20 credits)
Introduction to Marketing (20 credits)
Introduction to Strategic Management (20 credits)
Managerial Finance (20 credits)
Project Management (20 credits)

Year Two (Level 5)

Business Ideas and Opportunities Generation (20 credits)
Business Planning and Pitching (20 credits)
Digital Marketing and Social Media in Business (20 credits)
Financing a Business Venture and Legal Aspects (20 credits)
Intrapreneurial Development (20 credits)
Social Entrepreneurship (20 credits)

Year Three (Level 6)

Research Methods (20 credits)
Global Strategies (20 credits)
Applied Research Methods (20 credits)
Entrepreneurship Project (40 credits)

Please note: The modules listed are those currently offered and may be subject to change during our ongoing review processes. However, the core learning outcomes and themes will remain largely consistent.

Assessment on the course is designed to provide suitable opportunities for all students to demonstrate a full range of knowledge, skills and competences that are key in the business and entrepreneurial environment. Assessment methods include essays, case study reports, individual and group presentations, business plans, financial reports, technical reports, syndicate competitions, small group projects and individual capstone projects. Where possible, real-life business simulations are used so that students can develop reliable and structured arguments through reflection and evaluation.

You will be required to work in your own time to complete research, homework tasks or group work. Self-study is vital to your success in this course and lecturers will give you guidance on how best to approach this throughout the study period.

Assessment methods at GBS are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, in line with developments in the subject area or based upon feedback from an External Examiner. An External Examiner is an independent academic expert from an external Higher Education Institution that acts as a safeguard to academic assessment standards.

Applicants Must be Aged 18+ and:

Have a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to either 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points).
Have the following English qualification: GCSE grade 4/C or CEFR B1. If you do not have this qualification, you can carry out an English test provided at a GBS campus.

Applicants Aged 21+:

Standard Entry Requirements (Under 21 years old)

80 UCAS tariff points (or above) or 60 Credit Ofqual qualification at level 3.

The admission team assesses all applicants via interview for listening and speaking and for writing via a personal reflection statement.

Non-Standard Entry Requirements (21 years old and above)

If applicants do not meet the standard entry requirements, we will also consider those with life/work skills that would make them suitable for undergraduate study with the Foundation programme.

The admission team must assess all applicants via interview for listening and speaking and for writing via a personal reflection statement.

Documents required

Application form
Supervised Personal reflection statement
Personal interview

Next Steps:

1) Please fill out an application form by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page.
2) Send your supporting documents when requested by GBS.
3) A panel interview takes place to assess listening and speaking skills. You’ll also be tested on your writing via a personal reflection statement.
4) GBS make a final decision on your application.

Fees

Course Name

Fees for New and Existing Students from August 2026

BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year

Foundation Year: £5,760

Years 1 – 3: £9,790 (per year)

Following the Government’s announcement that Undergraduate tuition fees for UK Undergraduate students will change for students enrolling or re-enrolling after 1 August 2026, GBS has updated the Fees information, as shown above.

Tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the government.

Funding Your Study

You may be able to borrow money from the UK Government to help pay your tuition fees and to help with your living costs while studying.

This could take the form of a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees and/or a Maintenance Loan to support you with living costs whilst studying.

Please visit our Fees & Funding page for more information

Leading businesses all rely on the incisiveness of their people — benefiting from their enterprise, vision and innovation for ideas that take them forward. The combination of industry insights, real-world learning and stimulating course modules on this course ensures that you are prepared for success in your future career — having gained a degree from one of the UK's most innovative universities.

After completing the degree, you will be prepared for a wide spectrum of professional roles or for launching a new venture. The course addresses critical skills and fosters an entrepreneurial mindset valued across multiple industries. You could consider diverse career paths in areas such as:

Venture creation and leadership: Entrepreneur, startup founder, intrapreneur and small business owner.

Business strategy and consultancy: Business consultant, business strategy analyst and business systems specialist.

Innovation and management: Innovation manager, operations manager and change leadership specialist.

Sales and global markets: International sales representative, business development manager and supply chain specialist.

Our Partners

What Our Students Say

Alexandra Popica

This course is relevant for the industry and every module feels like a blueprint for the future. I have learned to think like a manager, and not just a student.

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Hajnalka Miklos

After a long time out of education as a stay-at-home mum, I returned to study at GBS to gain a qualification and improve my life.

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Lana Lanina

If you have an idea to open a business or grow your existing business then GBS is definitely the right place for you.

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Mouna Ayare

My daughters are really proud of me for returning to study, and I am also proud of myself. I’m really thankful for GBS for giving me this pathway back to education.

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Richard Hevesi

The supportive study schedule at GBS allows me to attend classes alongside working my job. This course has already improved my personal and professional skills.

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Syed Kazmi

This course not only allows me to pursue my passion but provides job security for the future. I feel like my future is really bright thanks to GBS.

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Vasile Carnavaschi

I’m studying at GBS to change my career path. I’m learning practical, real-world skills and not just theory.

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FAQ

1. Is the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course for me?

Our BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course aims to equip you with the necessary basics to enhance your entrepreneurial capabilities. This course is structured to help you bring your business concepts to life, starting from recognising promising opportunities to developing the skills required to turn them into successful ventures.

2. What will I get from the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course?

The course aims to enhance your understanding of business concepts while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset through its practical approach. It offers an alternative route to fulfilling your academic and career goals.

3. What careers can I aim for after completing the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course?

You will have the capacity to channel your entrepreneurial spirit effectively with what you have learnt and invest your new skills into building a new business. Aside from that pathway, you could also consider a future career in:

Business Consultant
Business Strategy Analyst
Entrepreneur or Startup Founder
Innovation Manager
International Sales Representative
Retail Management Specialist
Supply Chain Manager

4. Is the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course near me?

The BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course is available across ten campuses in Birmingham, London, Leeds and Manchester. Each of the four locations offers excellent classroom facilities along with a wide range of recreational activities to enjoy during your free time.

5. Does the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course fit my schedule?

Choosing the right course is about finding one that fits your lifestyle and personal commitments. That’s why our BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year offers flexible study options, with classes available on weekdays and in the evenings, helping you maintain a healthy balance between your studies and everyday life.

6. Do I have what I need to be able to join the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course?

Here are the entry requirements for this course:

Applicants must be aged 18+ and:

Have a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to either 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points).
Have the following English qualification: GCSE grade 4/C or CEFR B1. If you do not have this qualification, you can carry out an English test provided at a GBS campus.

Applicants aged 21+:

We welcome applications from students 21+ who do not match the standard entry requirements but who can demonstrate willingness and commitment to studying this subject and who can evidence academic, professional or vocational experience in a related field.
Have the following English qualification: GCSE grade 4/C or CEFR B1. If you do not have this qualification, you can carry out an English test provided at a GBS campus.

Next steps:

Please fill out an application form by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page.
Send your supporting documents when requested by GBS.
A panel interview takes place to assess listening and speaking skills. You’ll also be tested on your writing via a personal reflection statement.
GBS makes the final decision on your application.

7. What will I learn during the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year?

During the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year, you will start by gaining foundational knowledge and skills essential for success in the subsequent three years.

As you progress, the intensity of your learning increases, focusing on entrepreneurship and new venture management. The final year offers unique learning pathways to explore.

You will have opportunities to apply your learning and ideas to real-world entrepreneurship scenarios, honing your business planning skills crucial for success.

The course also delves into the theory and practice of entrepreneurship across various contexts, providing insight into the importance of strategy, tactics and innovation in different business models.

8. How will I be assessed on the BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year course?

This course uses an authentic assessment strategy to ensure that each module takes you into realistic real-life situations, providing a formative pathway for assessing the learning goals of both specific modules and the overall course. The assessments in the majority of the modules allow you to use your own business ideas, therefore allowing you to receive detailed feedback and time to reflect and develop your proposals further.

The assessment of the course is designed to provide suitable opportunities for you to demonstrate a full range of knowledge, skills and competencies that are key in the business environment. Assessment methods include essays, reports, real-life simulations, presentations, projects and group debates.

You will be required to work on your own time to complete research, homework tasks or group work. Self-study is vital to your success in this course and lecturers will give you guidance on how best to approach this throughout the study period.

Assessment methods at GBS are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based upon feedback from an external examiner. An external examiner is an independent academic expert from an external higher education institution that acts as a safeguard to academic assessment standards.

All our courses/classes are subject to availability.