Business and Management BA (Hons) Top Up - Frequently Asked Questions

For this course, you should hold a Level 5 qualification in a business and management related field. This may include a:

• Higher National Diploma (HND) 
• Foundation Degree
• Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE)
• Level 5 award such as Certificate, Diploma or NVQ with sufficient credits.

International equivalents such as an Associate Degree, or a Higher, Polytechnic or Advanced Diploma may also be accepted. For more information, contact our Enrolment Team on 0191 278 4874 or at dlstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk.

If you are an international applicant, you may also need to provide evidence of your English language ability, for example holding a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component or an approved equivalent.

Over the duration of this top-up degree, you’ll explore a combination of modules that have been handpicked to ensure your development, touching on everything from Project Management to Entrepreneurial Leadership. During each one, you’ll hone your practical business and transferable skills, while also exploring the cultural and ethical contexts in which international business operates. 

On successful graduation, you’ll have Bachelors degree, which will supercharge your CV. However, you'll also have a deeper understanding of the impact that commercial leaders, and their decisions, have on the wider world and you’ll be well-equipped to take your career further - whether in the UK or internationally. This is a chance to gain the educational qualification and the academic knowledge you need to stand out to employers, apply to a Graduate Scheme or start your own business. You’ll also have the option to extend your studies to achieve a Business and Management MSc - a Masters qualification that will push your personal development even further.

You’ll be able to gain your Business and Management BA (Hons) in around 18 months or you can take a little longer. However, the course is designed to be as flexible as possible and you’ll have the freedom to pause your studies if you really need to.  No matter what, you’ll be able to study whenever and wherever it suits you, while still having access to our great teaching and online facilities.

The course is designed to be studied completely online - there will be no need to come to campus.  

As a distance learning student, you will have access to quality teaching and research facilities, just as you would on campus, while being free to study whenever and wherever you want. Study your Business and Management course, your way.

There is no difference between the qualification you receive on our distance learning course and any equivalent qualification which you might study on campus. You’ll be taught by tutors with years of experience in business and management, who also teach our on campus courses. They’ll help you to gain the skills needed to lead in an ever-changing world.

For each module, you’ll have regular virtual assessments to help you keep on track. The format of these will vary but they will all be submitted through Blackboard Ultra, our eLearning portal. 

Throughout,  you will be encouraged to tailor your assessments to your current role, helping you to apply theory to practice and benefit from your new knowledge, even before graduation.

The recommended study time for this course is 15 hours a week, so it's ideal for busy working professionals. Plus, our distance learning delivery and flexible learning model means you’ll be able to balance your studies alongside any existing commitments – no need for a career break or to disrupt your personal life.

It is vital that you have regular internet access throughout your course to access Blackboard Ultra, our e-learning portal. This platform contains your online learning materials, in-course communication tools, advice and support services. 

The recommended computer operating systems are:

• Windows 7 or newer
• Mac OSX 10.6 or newer
• Linux – chromeOS
• Mobile – iOS 7 or newer/Android 4.2 or newer

You’ll be part of a supportive, engaging community, and during each module, you’ll participate in interactive webinars with tutors, group discussions with other students and more. Throughout, your course leader will be available to assist you with your studies and any academic questions.

You’ll also be assigned a Student Success Advisor who will be there to support you from day one to graduation. Whether you need pastoral guidance, help meeting deadlines or advice about fees, they’ll be on hand at every step. 

Applying for our Business and Management BA (Hons) Top Up is easy and quick, and you can apply online on our course page for our intakes in January, April, July or October. A personal Enrolment Advisor will be with you at every step of the way, in case you have any questions about your application.

• A copy of your qualification certificate or transcript (if this was awarded in a language other than English, you’ll need an official translation too)
• A photocopy of your driving licence, passport or other proof of identity
• A 500 word personal statement (this could cover why you wish to do the course, what you think you could bring to it and why you would like to study with Northumbria University)
• Proof of your English Language proficiency if English is your second language 

After receiving your application, our Admissions Team will aim to respond to you as soon as possible.

The full course fees for UK and International students for the academic year 2023/2024 is £5,220* (April 2024 and July 2024 intakes).

For more information about this, plus any financial support you may be entitled to, please contact our Enrolment Team on (+44) 191 276 4874 or at dlstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk.

*Please note, fees are reviewed regularly and may be subject to change. After the point of enquiry, you will be notified of any changes by our Enrolment Team