Business Courses in the UK
Comprehensive guide to business courses at UK universities and their diverse degree options
Business courses at university are probably the most popular degrees in terms of both student demand and provision.
All but the very specialist universities will have a programme that falls under the general heading of 'business', although the titles of the programmes vary considerably across different institutions.
Featured Business Schools
Undergraduate business degrees are available at top institutions including Aston Business School and other leading UK universities.
Understanding Business Course Variety
Course Title Variations
If you look in a prospectus or course guide, you may have to look under different headings before you find the course available:
General Business
- • Business Management
- • Business Studies
- • Commerce
- • Administration
Specialist Focus
- • Finance
- • Marketing
- • Retail Management
- • Tourism Management
International
- • International Business
- • Global Management
- • International Commerce
Important Note
This variety can be very confusing and you need to be very careful how you interpret the title or you may find that the programme is not quite what you expected!
Hybrid Business Programmes
In addition to single-subject business degrees, you may also find that business courses form part of a hybrid programme where business combines with another subject to form what is in effect a joint degree.
Popular Combinations
- Business & Law
- Business & Engineering
- Business & International Studies
- Business & Computing
Benefits of Joint Degrees
Such degrees enable you to gain knowledge in differing disciplines so that you can develop yourself in a way that suits your interests and aspirations.
Core Business Functions
A business degree tends to have certain common features. Business, by its very nature, is a multidisciplinary affair, and so most courses will have at least an element of key business functions.
Essential Functions
-
Finance
Financial management, accounting, and business analysis
-
Marketing
Market research, consumer behavior, and promotional strategies
-
Human Resource Management
People management, recruitment, and organizational behavior
Additional Functions
-
Operations Management
Process optimization and efficiency
-
Supply Chain Management
Logistics and procurement strategies
-
Production Management
Manufacturing and quality control
Essential Skills for Business Graduates
Quantitative Skills
Business graduates must be numerate so most degrees will have courses in quantitative methods and statistics.
Information Technology
A business course should develop the ability to harness technology for business benefit. Most employers expect graduate employees to be proficient in using computers.
Strategic Thinking
Business policy or strategy courses develop the ability to take a multidisciplinary approach to managing business and resolving problems.
Supporting Disciplines
Law
Most universities will have a Law School and so law will often feature in business courses. Modern business needs to be aware of legal rights and duties and how these might affect business decisions.
Economics
Economics is a valuable discipline in its own right. While business degrees need some economics input, you have to strike the right balance. If you want a programme with significant economics content, consider courses like business economics.
Key Takeaways
- Business courses are among the most popular degree options with extensive variety
- Course titles vary significantly - research carefully to find the right fit
- Core functions include finance, marketing, and human resource management
- Joint degrees offer opportunities to combine business with other disciplines
- Essential skills include quantitative analysis, IT proficiency, and strategic thinking
Related Articles
Explore more undergraduate subject guides
Accountancy Courses - How to Choose
The AAT and ACCA explain the myths around accountancy courses and career prospects.
Read More →Engineering Courses in the UK
Explore engineering disciplines and find the right degree program for your career goals.
Read More →Browse All Subject Guides
Explore our complete collection of undergraduate subject guides and career information.
Browse All →