Why study this course
Benefit from the opportunity to work towards a Chartered Management Institute qualification alongside your degree.
Build future fit skills that will enable you to take informed sustainable decisions and entrepreneurial action to create a better world.
With the support of dedicated staff you will learn to extract insights from data, opening doors to careers in a wide variety of industries such as business, finance and the technology sector.
Optional modules will be offered that support particular strands of interest and graduate employment.
Course summary
If you don’t have, or don’t think you will attain, the normal tariff points for studying at BGU, this course will enable you to study for a degree without any UCAS points. The course is delivered over four years and includes a Foundation Year, which gives you a perfect introduction to what it means to be a university student and prepares you for effective undergraduate study. In your Foundation Year, you will study eight modules, all of which are designed to equip you with the necessary academic skills and knowledge to progress successfully in your chosen subject. You will also engage in a series of bespoke subject sessions delivered by experts, designed to introduce you to your chosen subject area.
Find out more about our Foundation Year programme.
The BA (Hons) Business with Data Science with Foundation Year combines Business and Data modules to provide you with a solid foundation from which to build a career in a variety of sectors such as business, finance and technology.
Please note - the intended start date for this course is September 2025.
This course is Subject to Validation. Learn more.
Key facts
Award |
BA (Hons) |
---|---|
Duration |
4 years |
Mode of study |
Full-time |
Awarding institution |
Bishop Grosseteste University |
Institution code |
B38 |
About this course
You will study a broad range of modules including Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources. You will develop programming skills for data science and master key techniques in data analytics and data visualisation to improve decision making processes. This programme equips you for both employment and self-employment in Business with Data Science related environments and gives you the foundations on which to build at postgraduate level. Modules are contemporary in nature and tackle key issues facing organisations and society head on.
Modules are taught and assessed using a variety of active learning techniques where you are encouraged to take charge of your own learning through engaging with academic knowledge and research, tutors, external organisations, and your peers. You will have the chance to work with a wide variety of organisations through our links with industry and the opportunity to develop projects and expertise in areas of Business with Data Science that you are interested in. Furthermore, you will also have the opportunity to achieve a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification alongside your degree.
Business graduates with data science skills are in high demand. On completion of this degree, there will be a wide range of employment opportunities available to you.
This course is subject to validation.
What you will study
Students on this course currently study some or all of the following modules:
In this module you will explore and consider what it means to be a successful learner at university. You’ll explore the principles of effective learning and engage with a range of tools and techniques to practise and develop strategies for your own learning. These include for example, understanding your needs as a learner, effective time management and organisational skills.
You will learn about a range of resources and practise locating and using these resources to support effective learning. These resources will include, for example, textbooks, websites, academic journals, and popular press. In addition to these key techniques, the module covers academic conventions including referencing, citation and the risks of plagiarism.
This module will allow you to learn to utilise sources in a considered and critical way. You will begin to engage effectively with literature and other sources in a meaningful manner that promotes deep learning and enables knowledge and understanding of a topic. You will also begin to differentiate qualitative and quantitative data and consider their appropriate interpretation and use.
Critical thinking is an integral part of university study. While studying this module you will define critical thinking, its importance and how it can help you in your learning. A range of critical thinking models will be utilised to demonstrate how this works in action, allowing you to recognise critical thinking and identify barriers and challenges.
The skilled use of digital technologies is an important element in university study and is used to support both the obtaining and demonstration of knowledge. This module will develop your digital capabilities and confidence, encouraging you to develop techniques for the purposeful use of a range of digital tools to support learning. These include specific tools such as the Virtual Learning Environment and appropriate and effective uses of wider applications such as social media, email and the internet.
This module explores, compares and evaluates a range of communication types, giving you opportunities to combine written and spoken communication in a range of contexts and for a range of audiences. From a theoretical, sociological perspective you will explore different communication media and styles of discourse, for example, discussion, debate, enquiry and reporting.
Reflection is a powerful learning tool that enables you to consider your existing knowledge and also to plan for your future learning and professional development. The module content includes the principles of reflective learning and collaborative planning with reference to structured models.
Academic writing is an essential element of successful university study, so this module explores a range of techniques to help develop your own academic writing style. It will enable you to draw together your learning throughout the Foundation Year and reflect on the feedback you have received. You will structure a clear and effective piece of academic writing on a subject-linked topic in which you will apply standard academic conventions.
This module will explore the environments in which organisations operate and will equip you with the ability to understand and analyse the interrelatedness of organisations and their environments. You will explore the dynamics of the modern business environment and links will be made to business planning and achieving competitive advantage. Factors impacting on an organisation’s internal environment including the impact of legal status on the governance of an organisation, the purpose of mission and vision statements and the impact of organisational values and ethics on decision-making will be explored. This module will further explore the determinants of supply and demand in the marketplace and an understanding of market structures. You will be challenged to explore how internal and external organisational environment(s) can influence stakeholders to act and behave. You will also be introduced to the concept of stakeholder management and will develop knowledge regarding the management of stakeholder relationships. This will provide the foundation to build and develop a wider understanding of the business environment as you progress through the programme.
During this module you'll learn the Fundamentals of Computer Science. You'll be introduced to foundational Computational Theory and Computational Thinking concepts using the logic, and abstraction, of Finite State Machines. You'll discover the importance of sequencing, data representation and the production of useful outputs to inform decision making.
You'll build on this knowledge, drawing a thread from understanding data and information structures to hardware and software architecture, networks and communication.
You'll also evaluate the Moral, Ethical, Legal and Cultural impacts of technological developments as they learn to produce a multi-faceted solution to a problem individually and in groups.
Teaching and learning will proceed through a combination of interactive lectures, tutorials and workshops, where the mode of delivery can be flexible according to group or individual needs.
On this module, you'll learn the fundamentals of writing structured computer programs using high-level programming language. The module enforces the importance of good programming practise and will review traditional computing algorithm analysis, design and implementation. No prior programming experience is required.
The module will cover a range of the most commonly used techniques and algorithms including data manipulation, graphics, file handling, and the use of package extensions.
Exercises are used to put theory into practice, which will enable you to build up your own library of algorithms for use in other modules.
This module equips you with the basic financial management skills to enable the development of sound financial acumen needed to ensure decision-making in financial management. These basic financial management skills are essential for success in business regardless of whether an organisation has a dedicated finance department. The module will explore the role of the finance function, the benefits and drawback of various sources of finance, current regulatory compliance and key financial documents including budgets, cashflows, balance sheets and profit and loss accounts. The role of financial information for business decision-making purposes will be analysed.
This module is designed to introduce you to digital marketing. This module is applied in its nature and challenges you to develop a digital marketing plan that will aid an organisation to achieve specific digital goals through careful consideration of selected marketing channels such as paid, earned, and owned media. This module brings you to the forefront of modern practices: bridging the gap between theory and its practical application. You will thus explore a variety of current and emerging online and offline digital marketing tools and platforms in order to make recommendations to a client regarding your digital marketing strategy. This module enhances your understanding of Business 4.0 organisations such as Amazon, Google, Netflix and Uber and will encourage you to analyse how these organisations have optimised the digital advantage to create customer value. You will consider how Industry 4.0 has revolutionised marketing and led to marketing innovations including Artificial Intelligence, Conversational marketing in real time using chatbots, personal brand influencers, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), omnipresence, internet marketing, relationship and mobile marketing.
You'll examine how various forms of quantitative enquiry can be brought to the investigation of historical and contemporary global issues. Exploring a range of quantitative methods and selected applied study contexts, you'll actively engage with a number of different disciplines.
In lectures, you'll be introduced to how quantitative enquiry can lead or inform interdisciplinary thinking and practice. In seminars, you will explore interdisciplinarity through different quantitative approaches, both theoretical and methodological, in relation to particular topics and in greater detail. You'll also have the chance to learn about different aspects of quantitative enquiry, including, for example: the meaning of statistical data, raw data extraction and manipulation, correlation and deviation, inference and interpretation and graphic representation.
You'll consider the design, relevance, application and value of particular quantitative and statistical methods in relation to applied, global issue study contexts.
The module provides you with a thorough introduction to economics with a specific emphasis on macroeconomics. The module builds on the knowledge gained in the Organisational Environments and Behaviour module at Level 4. You are introduced to key economic concepts, theories and economic policies and will gain an understanding of how such factors influence the world of business. The module explores how the health of the macroeconomic environment and the decisions taken within it (by countries and governments) influences the subsequent actions taken within the microenvironment. You will develop an understanding of how to measure and define the health of an economy and will understand how monetary and fiscal policy can be used to influence and pursue economic health (stable/ rising GDP). The module will encourage you to critique and explore the notion that countries, organisations and individuals make decisions in your own interests and subject to constraints.
This module provides you with a foundation in the theory and practice of Human Resource Management (HRM). You will develop a broad understanding of HRM and how its practices are applied in a business context. You will be challenged to engage with research and insight from the Chartered Institute of People and Development; the professional body for experts in people at work, and to develop an understanding of how HRM has evolved over time. You will come to appreciate that through the people professionals who work within it, the HR function helps an organisation deliver its corporate strategy and objectives by effectively recruiting and developing people and managing your performance. You will explore employment legislation and will develop an understanding of the factors that impact recruitment and selection. Furthermore, you will understand the rationale for workforce planning.
The ability to manage projects and work as a wider project team member is a vital skill for all managers. This module focuses on developing your knowledge and skills to manage projects successfully. Throughout this module you'll be encouraged to reflect on how you approached previous projects and to identify opportunities for further skills development.
During this module, you'll identify, evaluate and utilise methods and tools for planning tasks and activities, as well as extending your knowledge of how to implement and manage project activities, build stakeholder relationships, manage resources and risk, monitor progress and report on outcomes.
This module is intended to introduce you to data visualisation. We use industry-based data visualisation software’s library of resources and examples from the real world to demonstrate best practices for data visualisation and data storytelling. Software is used to create high-impact visualisations of common data analyses to help understand and make sense of data.
You'll learn to generate reports and dashboards to help with decision making derived from data and apply predicative analytics to improve decision making. Sample data is used to create visualisations and data models.
The module includes a work-based placement to help students get an insight into the role and importance of data visualisation skills in professional environments.
The module provides insight into different kinds of cyberthreats and cyberattacks as well as an introduction to techniques and mechanisms used to secure IT services, technical infrastructure and data to defend against them.
The areas considered include IT operating systems, applications, embedded services and users’ safety. You'll learn about techniques and mechanisms such as cryptography, authentication & authorisation, and user access control. Social and ethical implications of cyber security will be investigated to address concerns about data security, privacy, and the social impact of cyber security.
This module will allow you to continue to develop your knowledge and skills in programming. You'll learn to use algorithms and data structures to solve real-life problems based on datasets and databases.
You'll be taught about the abstract and applied notions of data structures and algorithms and their efficient implementation including in an object oriented framework. Fundamental concepts of data structures & algorithms are covered including linear data structures such as Arrays, Lists, Queues, & Stacks and associative data structures such as Sets, Dictionaries, Hash Tables, Graphs, & Trees. The data structures are presented and analysed with particular focus on efficiency of the operations they support and their application to solve real life problems.
This module provides you with an opportunity to explore the meaning of equality, diversity and inclusion. Equality, diversity and inclusion are important drivers of organisational performance, benefiting staff and stakeholders. For you to be effective as future fit employees and aspiring managers and leaders it is key that your everyday sense of ‘normal’ and the lenses that impact on how you see and interpret the world around you are explored. These individual lenses through which a person sees, frame the attitude and response to a changing world brought ever closer by globalisation. Thus, through undertaking this module, you will come to understand that promoting and supporting diversity in the workplace is an important aspect of good people management and that it is about valuing everyone in the organisation as an individual. Furthermore, you will come to understand that in order to reap the benefits of a diverse workforce it is vital to have an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged and enabled to participate and achieve their potential. You will develop an understanding of UK legislation – covering age, disability, race, religion, gender and sexual orientation among others. You will come to appreciate that this sets the minimum standards, and that an effective diversity and inclusion strategy goes beyond legal compliance seeking to add value to an organisation, contributing to employee well-being and engagement. Through undertaking this module, you will be empowered to champion equality, diversity and inclusion and to challenge others to do the same if / where needed.
Through undertaking the module, you will begin to develop the
knowledge and skills required to develop practices for managing and leading Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability in an organisational setting. The critical exploration of case studies will help support students to develop a fuller understanding of CSR / sustainability in a variety of contexts.
You'll take positive action within this module by working together as
part of BGU's Enactus team to actively tackle global challenges in line with The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This approach provides you with the opportunity to engage with the world’s largest experiential learning platform.
This module explores the ethics in the use of data science and considers how to address ethical challenges that arise. It explores ethics in data science and ethical implications of its applications. Drawing on work by data scientists, social scientists, philosophers, you'll investigate real-world case studies and explore topics related to data science ethics, developing your debate techniques.
This module will enhance your understanding of organisational strategy and the resulting strategic management challenges in an ever-changing world. It will introduce a range of contemporary models and concepts for building a firm's competitive strategy and corporate strategy and will develop your ability to evaluate and select strategies appropriate to case organisations including strategies where profit is of secondary, or no importance. In today’s risk-filled business environment, it can be hard for organisations and managers to have confidence that their plans and strategies will play out as expected. Strategic risks can strike more swiftly than ever before, hastened along by rapidly emerging and changing business trends and technological innovations such as social media, mobile and big data. Thus; managing strategic risk has become a high priority for organisations and developing these skills is therefore essential for the next generation of leaders. In real terms; this module will help you make sense of the strategies and strategic management of organisations around you and will challenge you to develop your analytical and decision-making skills in order to evaluate and make strategic choices and options that balance risk with opportunity.
This module will provide you with an understanding of the environment in which international business takes place and an appreciation of the opportunities and challenges globalisation and international business presents. This module seeks to develop your awareness of the importance of a range of contemporary issues and developments in international business and to enable you to confidently evaluate the impact of such issues and developments on the conduct and performance of international business. The module will examine the international political, technological, social, economic, legal and cultural environments that impact on organisations and will further explore international competitiveness, regulatory regimes and international governance. Factors such as environmentalism, ethics and corporate social responsibility will also be explored, as will approaches to international recruitment and the implications for effective international management.
This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to business plan for start-up. This module is practical in nature and provides you with the opportunity to create a business plan for a commercially viable product or service through a workshop approach. You will create a plan that will guide you in defining your unique selling proposition (USP) and give you clarity of the marketplace in which you choose to operate. You will be supported to seek out relevant enterprise guidance and support from outside agencies such as the local chamber of commerce and The FSB and will be encouraged to test start-up ideas in a safe environment using the facilities and expertise of the on-site business incubation centre BG Futures.
This module introduces you to the principles of managing and leading individuals, teams and organisations and provides an opportunity for you to evaluate and understand approaches for supporting, motivating and inspiring others to meet and exceed expectations. You will use case study examples to extend your knowledge and understanding and to review best practice in the workplace. An in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical approaches to leading and managing effectively will thus prevail. Furthermore, you will analyse and evaluate the merits of various methods that can be used to monitor organisational, individual and team performance. Managing and leading in both physical and remote environments as well as in hybrid settings whereby individuals typically have more freedom to work when and where they choose will also be explored.
This module provides you with the opportunity to explore social innovation and entrepreneurship. You will review and analyse; the characteristics of social entrepreneurship, innovative, up-to-date research on the ecosystems of social entrepreneurship, the behaviour of social entrepreneurs, their ability to produce social innovation, social capital and social inclusion, and the role of stakeholders in fostering socially oriented businesses. You will be encouraged and supported to network with social entrepreneurs in order to explore first-hand the diversity of the social enterprise sector. In networking with social entrepreneurs you will consider the motivations and role of social entrepreneurs and social enterprises in the modern world.
Entry requirements
Application for this course is via UCAS, although there is no formal requirement for UCAS points to access the course. As part of your application you will have the opportunity to speak with a member of BGU Admissions staff to resolve any questions or queries you may have.
You will also need GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (previously C) or above (or equivalent).
Further information
In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).
How you will be taught
There is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching at BGU – we shape our methods to suit each subject and each group, combining the best aspects of traditional university teaching with innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.
You will be taught in a variety of ways, from lectures, tutorials and seminars, to practical workshops, coursework and work-based placements. Small group seminars and workshops will provide you with an opportunity to review issues raised in lectures, and you will be expected to carry out independent study.
Placements are a key part of degree study within many courses at BGU. They provide an enriching learning experience for you to apply the skills and knowledge you will gain from your course and, in doing so, give valuable real-world experience to boost your career.
Assessment
During the Foundation Year, you will have opportunities to experience a range of formative and summative assessments. These include short-form writing, annotated bibliographies, presentations, digital technologies, reflective journals, and academic essays. All modules involve early, small, and frequent informal and formal assessments so as to be supportive and build confidence, while ensuring development of the core academic skills required for successful study throughout your degree. Assessment strategies are balanced, diverse, and inclusive, ensuring that you will experience a range of assessments to support comprehensive preparation for undergraduate study. You will also have the opportunity for self-evaluation and personal reflection on your own learning progress and development of skills.
Formal exams are not used on this programme. Instead, a range of assessments are used which are relevant to the individual demands of the subject matter and enable students to participate in a varied and engaging educational experience.
Careers & Further study
BGU has a strong reputation for developing highly skilled, sought-after, employable graduates. The Business and Enterprise team are committed to developing employable graduates and the curriculum has been designed to enhance employability at all levels of study. Employability is seen as an intrinsic aspect of all degree programmes offered by BGU and Graduate Attributes are embedded within each undergraduate programme. The Business and Enterprise team, pride themselves on being able to assist students acquire the skills they need to foster their initiative and creativity as responsible global citizens.
Career paths directly related to this programme include:
- Actuarial analyst
- Arbitrator
- Business adviser
- Business analyst
- Business development manager
- Chartered management accountant
- Corporate investment banker
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Forensic accountant
- Insurance underwriter
- Management consultant
- Project manager
- Risk manager
- Stockbroker
- Supply chain manager
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Support
Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.
We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.

Fees & Finance
A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.
Undergraduate course applicants must apply via UCAS using the relevant UCAS code. For 2023 entry, the application fee is £27, and you can make a maximum of 6 choices. For 2024 entry the application fee is £27.50.
For all applicants, there are full instructions at UCAS to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate.
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