Gain a BSc degree in only one-two years of online study, provided you meet the entry requirements
All the teaching and learning is online, so you can fit studying around your existing commitments
Receive an extra professional qualification in addition to the academic degree, for no extra work or cost
The curriculum has been updated so it covers the most recent trends, opportunities, and challenges in business management
Network with students from all over the world and from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds. This will widen your perspective on the most contemporary business matters
Take your career to the next level
This online Top-Up route to a BSc (Hons) Business and Management is ideal for both aspiring and experienced managers, who are ready to take their career to the next level. A BSc provides formal recognition of high-level knowledge and understanding, as well as intellectual, subject specific and transferable skills.
Strengthening your leadership and management capabilities
Developing your specialist knowledge and understanding through optional modules
Building transferable skills such as digital literacy, innovation and an awareness of multiple worldviews and business cultures
Enabling you to learn more about a business and management topic you are interested in, by conducting an in-depth independent research project
With a curriculum that has been recently refreshed, this future-focused Top-Up covers highly relevant topics such as:
Strategic management issues, strategic decision-making and leadership
The management of resources in an organisation, particularly during change
Different stakeholder needs within different situations
Moral, ethical, cultural, and sustainability issues in managing a business
Creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship
Blending theory and practice
Having recently refreshed our curriculum, we will provide you with cutting-edge content that introduces you to the most recent trends, opportunities, and challenges in business management. You will explore these through practical work and by looking at current research, new approaches, and management thinking. You will also hear the diverse professional experiences of other students on the programme.
In this way, we continuously encourage you to apply the theory you learn on this course to real business environments, including your own, if you are working.
Global insights for global careers
The course encourages an international outlook. We’ll explore contemporary international business issues, and consider cultural, ethical, and professional practice across a range of international contexts. In addition, listening to and learning from your fellow students - who come from all over the world and from a range of professional and cultural backgrounds - will help you see situations and issues from different perspectives.
All of this will enable you to work for businesses operating in a range of cultural and economic contexts, from small enterprises to large multinationals.
Two qualifications from one course
This online business and management Top-Up degree is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI): a professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership.
This accreditation provides a dual award, which means that alongside the BSc (Hons) Business and Management degree, you will also gain the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership or the CMI Level 5 Certificate when you graduate, as well as the BSc (Hons) Business and Management. This is subject to you passing the following modules*:
CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership
CMI Level 5 Certificate
Leadership and Management (6BM502) (core module)
Project Management (5BM503) or Strategic Marketing (6MK522) (optional modules)
Independent Research Project (6BM997) (core module)
Leadership and Management (6BM502) (core module)
Independent Research Project (6BM997) (core module)
This combination of academic and professional qualifications will give you the advantage when looking for your next career move. It also enables you to access a range of CMI membership benefits.
Apply for exemptions
Previous qualifications
You may be able to apply for exemptions from some of our modules if you have already completed a Level 6 diploma in one of the following courses:
ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management
ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management and Marketing
ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Business and Administrative Management
Have you already studied at another institution, completed a training course, or does your work experience appear equivalent to one or more modules of this course? If so, you may be able to translate this prior learning into credits towards your course modules, so you don’t have to study them again.
*Please note, only the modules studied on this course are counted towards the CMI accreditation. If you have been granted an exemption for any of the three modules listed as part of RPL (recognition of prior learning), you will not qualify for the CMI Diploma. Depending on the exemption, you may qualify for the CMI Level 5 Certificate.
If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered. In addition, where demand is high, some modules may be subject to a cap.
To achieve the top-up degree you will need to compete a total of 120 credits made up from the core modules and optional 20-credit modules.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Discovering Online Learning webinar: January 2025
Thursday, 9 January 2025 12.00 - 13.00
During this hour long webinar, we'll take you through how online learning works and what you can expect as an online student with the University of Derby.
This course is delivered entirely online, so you can study from anywhere in the world and fit your studies around your existing work or personal commitments. We use a Virtual Learning Environment to deliver this course, which offers you a highly interactive experience.
You will learn through:
Your own online study and research, which you can choose to do at times that suit you
Live, interactive sessions delivered by a module tutor, which are also recorded and available to watch later
Pre-recorded videos delivered by members of the academic team, which are available to watch at any time
Discussion boards, which enable you to work with other students on activities, or discuss a particular topic with fellow students and tutors
Guest lectures delivered by industry specialists, alumni, or CMI representatives, which will provide you with current insights
Support for your learning
You will get plenty of support, so if you are new to online learning or haven’t studied for a while, you don’t need to worry. You will be taught by our expert academics, who bring a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge to enrich your learning. There will also be a team of online learning advisors who will help you with any non-academic queries.
Pace of study
The academic year is made up of three, ten-week terms, known as trimesters. We recommend doing about 20 hours of study each week to complete one, 20-credit module over a trimester.
If you want to complete the course faster, you can choose to take our accelerated study plan. For this, you will need to study two modules in one trimester, which would mean about 40 hours of study each week. Think carefully before you choose the accelerated rate - it’s important that you have enough time to fully engage with your studies and produce the best work that you can. We often advise that you start by studying one module at the standard rate, before deciding whether to then increase to the accelerated rate of study.
Assessments
All your assessments will be coursework. Assignments vary so that you can develop a range of skills, but they may include essays, reports, projects, answering questions or various combinations of these submitted as a portfolio of work. Wherever appropriate, we try to ensure assignments bring in real-life business case studies or your own professional experiences.
Assignments may involve discussions with fellow students, but you will always be assessed individually.
All the resources you need to complete these assessments will be available electronically via our library, such as ebooks and journal articles.
Don't just take our word for it...
Graduate Tyra Johl talks about her time as a student with University of Derby Online Learning.
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
Who will teach you
Dr Valentina Gorchakova
Programme Leader
Dr Valentina Gorchakova
Senior Lecturer in Business and Management, Dr Valentina Gorchakova, returned to academia after a number of years working in business, including running a start-up company in marketing and events, and for the UN Development Progra...
Our Business and Management (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) course taster will give you an idea of how online learning works. It includes a selection of content from a course module so you can see what some of our learning material looks like.
You will need to complete a short form to access the course taster.
This online BSc (Hons) Business and Management Top-Up is designed for people who aspire to be managers in any industry and in any country.
You will graduate with:
strengthened leadership and management capabilities
an in-depth understanding of how major functions and processes in business management relate to each other
specialist knowledge related to the optional modules you take, and
improved research, data management, critical analysis and writing skills
As a result, you will become a more confident and competent business manager, with both an academic and professional (CMI) qualification to your name.
If you gain the extra CMI qualification, it will enable you to take a fast-track route to Chartered Manager status: the highest status that can be achieved in the management and leadership profession in the UK.
We will also help you to develop a wide range of important transferable skills, including:
information literacy and digital literacy skills
learning, team working, and innovation skills
awareness of multiple worldviews and business cultures
Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story.
We're here to help prepare you for life after university.
96% of UK graduates are in employment or further study.
Top 5 for employability. Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.
87% of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story. We're here to help prepare you for life after university. We'll tailor your talents and help you build the tools that will set you apart when you are ready to look for your first graduate role.
Our staff have valuable and varied experiences in the workplace and beyond. And we have great links to industry. This means you'll have opportunities to apply your learning. You'll find work experience that's directly relevant to your studies, including placements and real projects set by businesses.
Our promise
We promise to provide an inclusive approach; supporting, advising and guiding you on your employability journey to success. We will listen to your needs and signpost opportunities for you to engage with up to three years after graduation.
You will need to have a HND, foundation degree or equivalent qualification in a business-related field or 240 credits from a business-related qualification. Other professional business qualifications that equate to a HND level may be considered eg BTEC level 5, CMI level 5, Edexcel level 5, CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).
Exemptions
If you have already completed a relevant ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management, an ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management and Marketing, ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Business and Administrative Management or the ATHE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Management, you will be eligible for module exemptions on this Business and Management BSc (Hons) course.
ABE qualification exemptions
Qualification
Module Exemptions
ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management
Strategy in the Global Marketplace (6BM505)
ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management and Marketing
Strategy in the Global Marketplace (6BM505) and Strategic Marketing (6MK522)*
*Note: Students with this module exemption will not be eligible for the CMI Level 5 Diploma but will be eligible for the CMI Level 5 Certificate.
ATHE qualification exemptions
Qualification
Module Exemptions
ATHE Level 6 Diploma in Business and Administrative Management
Strategic Marketing (6MK522)*
ATHE Level 6 Extended Diploma in Management
Leadership and Management (6BM502)*
*Note: Students with this module exemption will not be eligible for the CMI Level 5 Diploma but will be eligible for the CMI Level 5 Certificate.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, origins, countries of residence and walks of life, as long as you can be considered adequately prepared to complete the course. This can be proved either by relevant academic and/or professional qualifications and/or business experience.
If you have experience of working in a business environment, we can take this into account. For example, you may be eligible for the direct entry at Stage 3 (Level 6) if you have significant proven managerial experience; this enables you to complete the course in one year on the accelerated route, or in two years following a standard route. Our Admissions Tutor would consider the supporting documents (e.g., CV, personal statement, recommendation letters, etc) to determine how relevant your work experience is and suggest an appropriate entry level.
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0
This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.
If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.
Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying
Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases
Undergraduate funding options
Depending on where you are from in the UK or EU, and on your pace of study, you may be eligible for an undergraduate student loan. Accessible through Student Finance, this is a non-income based loan to meet the cost of tuition fees.
If you are considering applying for a student loan, please also see our additional guidance on Loans for Online Students.
If you already hold an honours degree, and you are looking to re-skill or up-skill, you may still be eligible for a loan to study this course.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
Current CV
Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
The date of the translation
The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
Application deadlines
All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.
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