University of Essex
16 Months
January / October
On-Campus
Gain a competitive edge in the business world while developing key management skills with the 100% online BA (Hons) Business and Management (Top-up).
If you’ve previously completed a Foundation degree or equivalent, this course offers the opportunity to gain a full Bachelors degree in just 16 months. You’ll sharpen your interpersonal skills as a future business leader and build your understanding of the global business environment, useful for roles within multinational companies.
Explore a range of exciting topics, including:
You can also tailor your studies to specific interests with optional modules: Business Law, Business Finance and eBusiness Marketing.
And towards the end of your studies you’ll plan, research and present a project on a topic of interest within business and management. You’ll also provide thoughtful commentary on projects produced by fellow students.
Global Business Environment – (15 Credits)
Immerse yourself in the key elements of the global business environment with this comprehensive module. You’ll review international trade theories, the global financial marketplace and discover the organisations which support it. You’ll also learn to critically analyse the motives for and barriers to internationalism.
Strategic Human Resource Management – (15 Credits)
Develop your understanding of the role strategic human resource management plays in organisational effectiveness. In this insightful module, you’ll explore processes that include workforce planning; performance management; employment relations and reward; and learn how these processes contribute to the overall operational success of the business.
International Marketing Strategy – (15 Credits)
Examine the development of international marketing strategy as a planned response to the global business environment. In this defining module, you’ll develop a solid understanding and appreciation of the underlying theories of international marketing, and critically assess the various steps taken by an organisation when looking to internationalise.
Business Strategy – (15 Credits)
Hone your strategic management skills with this exciting module. You’ll benefit from an engaging introduction to the key theories, approaches and concepts which form business strategy. Not only that, you’ll learn to critically evaluate the limitations of emerging schools of thoughts and how to they best work in practice.
Advanced Business Project – (30 Credits)
Immerse yourself in the research process by generating research ideas with clear objectives. Understand the differences between key data collection techniques and analysis procedures and explore why these are not mutually exclusive.
Business Law – (15 Credits)
In this engaging module, you’ll identify the core foundations of law that regulate businesses and evaluate the changing legal environment and how this affects businesses on an operational level. Dive into the fundamental issues that face all businesses, contract, employment, tort and business operations.
Business Finance – (15 Credits)
Develop an understanding of business finance and its applications to the decision-making process in organisations. In this valuable module, you’ll work through the theoretical concepts and approaches to finance management within a domestic context – before critically analysing opportunities for expansion and divestment.
e-Business Marketing – (15 Credits)
Identify the key concepts of e-commerce and e-business marketing in this exciting module. You’ll learn how to attract customers through digital media channels; develop a solid understanding of search engine marketing, campaign performance and metrics; and discover how each of these channels interacts with the overall customer journey.
Teaching methods
Online learning offers flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and convenience, whether at home or on the go, as long as you have internet access.Our courses are delivered via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), ensuring you have 24/7 access to study materials. These include:
Assessments
Assessment methods vary depending on the course, but most modules are evaluated through an assignment at the end of the module. These assignments may include written reports, reflective journals, live presentations, or other types of submissions depending on the course requirements.
We are committed to providing clear and timely feedback. You will always be aware of your current provisional grade through our transparent grading system, accessible at any time via the learning platform. Additionally, we offer a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback. Regular support from both academic staff and the Student Support team is also available to help address any concerns throughout the assessment process.
Online learning experience
Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality materials and resources, all delivered through our advanced Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You’ll engage in a combination of directed and self-directed learning, as well as assessments, to build your knowledge and skills.
Directed learning includes tutor-led discussions, live seminars, interactive exercises, and multimedia content such as videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also have the opportunity to book appointments with tutors during their office hours.
Self-directed learning involves independent research, wider reading, and further exploration of the subject area to enhance your understanding.
In addition, you’ll spend time preparing and completing assignments that contribute to your overall assessment. Typically, you should dedicate 15-20 hours per module, per week to stay on track.
Entry to BA (Hons) Business and Management Top-up course
Founded in 1964, the University of Essex is committed to two things: excellence in teaching and excellence in research. They put student success at the heart of our mission, supporting every student from every background to achieve outstanding outcomes; preparing the students to thrive in their future lives.
Earn your degree online from a university recognised globally for its commitment to international education:
This top-up is open to graduates of the LIBT Undergraduate Diploma in Business Management (Level 4 and 5). Your diploma provides direct entry to the final year of the BA (Hons). You must also meet the English language requirement of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, and pass your first assignment within the first three weeks of the course in order to continue your studies.
The top-up comprises four compulsory modules, one core module in Business Strategy, and one core Advanced Business Project module. You also choose two optional modules from three available: Business Law, Business Finance, and eBusiness Marketing. All modules are delivered online and the full top-up totals 120 credits, typically completed within 16 months.
On successful completion, you are awarded the BA (Hons) in Business and Management by the University of Essex, a top 20 UK university ranked 12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026. The degree is AACSB accredited. You will also be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus at the University of Essex in Colchester.
Submit your application online today through our secure student portal. It only takes a few minutes to complete your profile and upload your documents.
