BSc (Hons) Business Foundation Year

BSc (Hons) Business with Foundation Year

Start your university journey with confidence. Our Foundation Year provides a supportive pathway to undergraduate business study, designed for students without traditional entry qualifications.

Level

Foundation Year
FHEQ Level 3

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years part-time

Assessment

100% Coursework
No exams

Progression

BSc (Hons) Business
Level 4 entry

Programme Overview

The Foundation Year in Business is designed to prepare students for successful progression into undergraduate business study. It provides a structured introduction to academic study, business concepts, data awareness, and professional skills, ensuring students develop the confidence, capability, and independence required for higher-level learning.

The Foundation Programme (Level 3) forms the first year of the BSc (Hons) Business with Foundation Year, supporting students who may not meet traditional entry requirements or who are returning to education after a break.

Awarded by Plymouth Marjon University

This programme is delivered in partnership with Plymouth Marjon University, ensuring you receive a high-quality, nationally recognised qualification as you progress through your degree.

A Supportive Pathway to Success

Our Foundation Year offers extensive academic support, small class sizes, and dedicated tutoring to help you build the skills and confidence needed for undergraduate study. You'll be part of a welcoming learning community designed to ensure your success.

Programme Aims

  • Develop confidence in academic study
  • Gain understanding of core business concepts
  • Build communication and digital skills
  • Understand business in global contexts
  • Prepare for Level 4 undergraduate study

Who Is This Programme For?

Non-Traditional Entry

Students without traditional entry qualifications who want to study at university level

Mature Learners

Returning to education after time away and seeking a supportive start

Alternative Pathway

Learners seeking a guided route into undergraduate business study

Learning Outcomes

By completing the Foundation Year, you will develop essential knowledge and skills to succeed in undergraduate business study.

Knowledge and Understanding

  • Demonstrate awareness of key business and management theories and their practical application
  • Identify different types of organisations and explain their roles in society
  • Recognise fundamental business research concepts and basic data collection methods
  • Understand the essential components required to start and operate small-scale business activities

Intellectual Skills

  • Review, summarise and interpret basic business materials
  • Identify and describe simple business data and draw supported conclusions
  • Recognise straightforward business problems and suggest basic solutions
  • Demonstrate initial understanding of business theories through relevant examples

Practical Skills

  • Formulate simple business ideas and outline steps for initial implementation
  • Communicate effectively in classroom and introductory professional contexts
  • Perform basic calculations and apply simple data evaluation techniques
  • Demonstrate awareness of global social responsibility and ethical values
  • Apply learning in guided activities and practical business tasks

Transferable and Key Skills

  • Present basic business information using appropriate verbal and non-verbal formats
  • Work effectively in small groups with structured guidance
  • Begin independent learning and decision-making within defined frameworks
  • Reflect on their skills, knowledge and development needs

Programme Structure

The Foundation Year consists of 120 credits across five core modules designed to build your academic and business foundations.

Module Code Module Title Credits Assessment Semester
BSNF51 Academic Skills 40 Coursework Semester A
BSNF52 Introduction to Organisations 20 Coursework Semester A
BSNF53 Business Information and Data 20 Coursework Semester B
BSNF54 Principles of Business 20 Coursework Semester B
BSNF55 Foundation Year Project 20 Coursework Semester B

Total Credits: 120 (Level 3)

Module Descriptions

Academic Skills

40 Credits - Your Foundation for Success
Develops academic writing, research, referencing, digital literacy and reflective learning skills required for higher education. This key module ensures you have the essential skills to succeed in university study.

Introduction to Organisations

Introduces organisational structures, functions and the role of businesses in society.

Business Information and Data

Builds foundational data awareness, numeracy and basic analytical skills relevant to business contexts.

Principles of Business

Explores core business functions including marketing, finance, people and operations.

Foundation Year Project

An independent, guided project allowing students to apply learning to a practical business-related topic.

Learning and Teaching

The Foundation Programme uses a supportive, structured and inclusive teaching model designed to help you build confidence and succeed.

  • Interactive lectures and seminars
  • Guided workshops and group activities
  • One-to-one tutorials and formative feedback
  • Independent study supported by digital learning resources
  • Reflective and practice-based learning tasks

Assessment Methods

All Foundation Year modules are assessed through 100% coursework, reducing exam pressure and supporting skill development.

  • Short reports and reflective writing
  • Presentations and group work
  • Data interpretation tasks
  • Applied projects and case studies

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion of the Foundation Programme, you'll be well-prepared to progress to undergraduate business study and develop your career.

Academic Progression

Progress directly to Level 4 of the BSc (Hons) Business degree programme, continuing your journey to a full honours degree qualification.

Career Foundation

Gain transferable skills relevant for entry-level roles in business, administration and customer-focused environments while you continue your studies.

Why Choose Our Foundation Year?

Supportive Environment

Small class sizes, dedicated tutors and comprehensive academic support

No Entry Barriers

Designed for students without traditional qualifications to access higher education

Build Confidence

Develop the academic skills and confidence needed for university success

Clear Progression

Direct pathway to BSc (Hons) Business with guaranteed progression on completion

No Exams

100% coursework assessment reduces stress and supports diverse learning styles

Community Focus

Join a welcoming learning community with peers at the same starting point