BA Business Management Top-Up

The BA (Hons) Business Management (Top-Up) at the University of Derby is designed for students who want to build on their existing knowledge and achieve a full honours degree. You can join at Stage 2 or 3 and tailor your studies to match your career goals.

From day one, you'll apply your learning to real-world business challenges through case studies, business simulations, and consultancy projects. You’ll explore global and strategic management, leadership, and marketing, with the flexibility to choose optional modules that align with your interests.

A key highlight of the course is the Business Consultancy Project, where you’ll work on a real business problem. This helps you gain practical experience and boost your confidence. Learning alongside students from different backgrounds and collaborating with international partners will also give you a global perspective on business.

Finally, this degree prepares you for a career in a fast-changing business world, and equips you with the agility, resilience, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed.

The University of Derby started as a Diocesan Institute for teacher training in 1851.  It achieved university status in 1992 and since then has been known for its special teaching and strong emphasis on practical experience. 

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive education tailored to their career aspirations. 

The University of Derby has received various accolades since its inception. In the Guardian University Guide 2023, the University of Derby climbed 11 places, now ranking 48th out of 121 UK universities, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. 

Additionally, the university's accommodation has been recognised as the best in the UK, winning the Best University Housing award in the 2024 Global Student Living Awards, highlighting its dedication to providing a supportive and comfortable environment for its students. The university's campuses are located in Derby, Chesterfield and Buxton. 

To study BA Business Management (Top-Up) at the University of Derby, the following are required:

Grade requirements

• An HND or Foundation Degree in a relevant subject. 
• At least five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language, typically through an IELTS score of at least 6.0. TOEFL or other equivalents are also allowed.

The tuition fee for international students to study BA Business Management (Top-Up) is £17,325 per year. For local students, the course is £9,535. This fee is, however, subject to change.

The University of Derby offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options for international students. One of the key scholarships is the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, which provides a £2,000 reduction on first-year tuition fees. Additionally, through a partnership with the British Council, the GREAT Scholarship awards £10,000 to eligible Indian students enrolling in a one-year postgraduate course starting in September 2025.

Postgraduate students can also apply for the Chevening Scholarship, which fully covers tuition fees, accommodation, and flights. International students may further benefit from Sports Scholarships and various tuition fee discounts, including full payment discounts and the international alumni discount, which can be combined with other scholarship opportunities.

For more information on what financial aid options are available to you, our experienced advisors at AHZ are happy to help.

With a BA Business Management (Top-Up) from the University of Derby, graduates emerge prepared for a career in a variety of areas, such as:

• Business Analyst
• Operations Manager 
• Business Development Manager
• HR Officer 
• Market Research Analyst
• Project Manager

To apply for this course, you’ll need to go through UCAS. To find out more about this process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.