BA (Hons) Business Administration (Online)

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
Institute code: H36

This course is up for review
To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to be ready for the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by December 2024.

Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:
- module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
- expected contact hours
- assessment methods
- staff teaching on the course

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
112–120	BBC–BBB	DMM–DDM	112–120 Please see additional requirements for accepted T Level subjects.	112–120	112–120 UCAS points

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

Accepted T Levels: Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, with a minimum IELTS of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band or equivalent.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Why choose this course?

Success in business administration requires a blend of strategic thinking, leadership, and practical skills. The online BA Business Administration degree is designed to help you master these essential areas, equipping you with the expertise needed to thrive in a global business environment. With the flexibility of online learning, you can advance your career while balancing other commitments. Through this online business administration degree, you will:

Gain practical knowledge and skills tailored to the demands of today’s business world
Study from anywhere, at a pace that suits your lifestyle and schedule
Learn from experienced academics with real-world business expertise
Gain a thorough understanding of business and management practices at local, national and international levels
Develop leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities to excel in your future career
Be equipped for an exciting career, with 93% of Herts graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22),

What's the course about?

The online business administration course at Herts is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. This comprehensive degree provides a strong foundation in key business disciplines, including marketing, finance, human resource management, and strategy, ensuring you develop a broad understanding of the business world.

What distinguishes this degree is the flexibility it offers. Delivered entirely online, it allows you to fit your studies around your personal and professional commitments, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace, wherever you are. Whether you're balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, this course empowers you to achieve your academic and career goals without compromising your other priorities.

You will be taught by industry-experienced academics and have access to a wide range of resources and support services, ensuring you receive the same high-quality education as our on-campus students.

During the course, you’ll learn principles of accounting, economics and marketing as well as other relevant business modules that prepare you for a career in business and management. You will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. All teaching and resources are online and you’ll have plenty of support from and interaction with your tutors.

Assessments that mimic real life such as business reports, presentations, speed pitches, online quizzes, and case study analysis really benefit you. These provide hands-on learning for different styles.

If you are interested in studying this course, take a look at our video to find out more from the course tutor.

Find more information about how to apply, funding and how online study works.

What will I study?

Online distance learning gives you the flexibility of when and where to study. However, interacting with other students and tutors is still important, so this flexibility is combined with online discussion, podcasts and online synchronised, where possible. To keep you on track, assessments are also scheduled at specific times.

Study Rate

The BA Business Administration (online) degree is studied part-time over 5-6 years, and you will need 360 credits to complete the qualification. A typical part-time study rate is 60 credits per year, students will be studying two modules per semester. All modules on the online course are worth 15 credit points. A 15-credit module indicates between 100 and 150 hours’ of work on the part of the student over a semester which includes reading, engaging with exercises and practical work, taking part in discussions online and completing assessments. For this reason it is essential that you prepare a study plan during the programme induction to set aside sufficient time for work, studies and assessments.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Economics for Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the utility of economic approaches in studying the business environment. The basic tools and approaches which economists use, e.g. demand and supply / industry analysis (among others), will be introduced and applied to help understand the economic issues involved and the public policy which can be derived. Economics, of course, provides one of the key pillars of a solid education in business, and this module represents some first steps in this direction as well as highlighting some of the major contemporary issues in our society, such as the credit crunch and recession.
Principles of Marketing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This initial marketing module, which assumes no prior knowledge of marketing, aims to introduce students to some of the key ideas of marketing and is suitable for both marketing and non-marketing students. It examines the environment within which organisations operate and the role of marketing within the organisation so that students can understand the context within which marketing personnel work, as well as the different activities which are carried out under the umbrella term of 'marketing'. Concepts central to an understanding of marketing are considered - segmentation; targeting and positioning; the product life cycle; the 4Ps; buyer behaviour, etc.
Quantitative Methods for Business and Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to a number of essential mathematical and statistical techniques that are extensively used in business and management. Particular attention will be paid to the circumstances in which the methods considered should be employed. Appropriate software (e.g. Excel) will be used to support learning.
The Business Professional (Part 1)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces students to key business and management theory and practice. Students are provided with a series of academic skills and study strategies to help engage in the academic studies for this module; these skills and strategies will also support their subsequent studies in the programme. The module is composed of several themes which will include communication, thinking and methods of enquiry, IT-literacy, numeracy and the nature of knowledge. These will allow students to effectively match problem-solving techniques to different scenarios. To do so, students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement. These essential skills are developed and examined through a range of issues pertinent to the professional manager within a business environment.
The Business Professional (Part 2)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces students to key business and management theory and practice. Students are provided with a series of academic skills and study strategies to help engage in the academic studies for this module; these skills and strategies will also support subsequent studies in the programme. The module is composed of several themes which include communication, thinking and methods of enquiry, IT-literacy, numeracy and the nature of knowledge. These will allow students to effectively match problem-solving techniques to different scenarios. To do so, students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement. These essential skills are developed and examined through a range of issues pertinent to the professional manager within a business environment.
People and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with an introduction to the key concepts in human resource management and behaviour in contemporary organisations. It will consider the micro context of human resource management, performance and development, equality and diversity and international human resource management, predominantly taking an organisational perspective but drawing on other disciplinary approaches where applicable. Students will also explore theories and models related to learning, motivation, teamwork and individual behaviour.
Global Business Environment	15 Credits	Compulsory
Advances in technology, communications and transport are key forces behind globalisation. Decreasing costs and increasing ease of access mean increasing numbers of businesses are operating globally. This has resulted in a substantial increase in intercultural contact. To succeed in this context, managers must have sensitivity to and a critical understanding of issues arising out of cultural difference. This includes the ability to manage in the diverse and complex contexts. The module explores two interrelated areas. Firstly, debates surrounding globalisation are considered. Students will explore national similarities and differences and their impact on business. This includes tensions between global standardisation and local differentiation, as well as the extent to which the world is characterised by an increasing levelness and convergence or increasing disparity and divergence. Secondly, students will consider culture and cultural differences. It will look at cross-cultural differences in communication and negotiation style and considers the practical consequences of cultural difference for corporations and globally-mobile staff/individuals.
Accounting for Managers	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint. Areas covered include the collection and reporting of accounting information to both internal and external users, as well as the use and interpretation of publicly available accounting information. The role of accounting in supporting the management functions of planning, control and decision-making is also covered. Indicative topics include preparation and presentation of a simple income statement and balance sheet, including the need for adjustments such as depreciation, accruals, prepayments and bad debts; the difference between profit and cash; interpretation of an income statement and a balance sheet using ratio analysis; costing: cost behaviour; marginal costing - methods and uses; absorption costing- methods and uses; budgeting: nature and purpose of budgeting; its contribution to planning; control and motivation in an organisation; and preparation of simple budgets.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Marketing Planning	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the role and application of marketing planning. It includes detailed work on the marketing audit which examines the macro and micro factors which impact on organisations, segmentation, market research, and strategic application of the marketing mix. At the end of the module, students should be able to identify the usefulness of marketing planning in a range of situations, outline a basic marketing plan and understand the application of the planning process in a variety of existing organisations.
Principles of Operations Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to provide a solid understanding of operations management methods. Students will gain experience and knowledge of techniques and tools to support decisions made within the context of operations. There will be an opportunity to gain a clear understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to operations management. The schedule will include introduction to OM, OM strategy, product planning, quality management and control, forecasting demand, process planning, measuring and improving performance, managing capacity, resource planning, managing the supply chain, and facilities location.
Cross Cultural Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides a contemporary, applied and critical approach to the study of cross-cultural management in an organisational context. It is particularly relevant to students of International Business and Human Resources but should also be of interest to any student wishing to pursue a career in international business or involved in working within multi-cultural environments. Content includes the examination of cross-cultural management theorists (including Hofstede and Trompenaars); cross-cultural aspects of leadership and motivation and the concept of ethnocentrism in management theory; aspects of cross-cultural communication including the effect of language and cultural factors on negotiating and communication styles; the impact on multi-cultural team-working; collaboration and cooperation across national/cultural boundaries; and cross-cultural management and human resource management practices e.g. managing international assignments and the expatriate manager.
Project Planning and Control	15 Credits	Compulsory
Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project process. Typical content includes an introduction to project management, stages of project initiation, planning, monitoring, evaluation and control while working in project teams in order to manage changes in project while evaluating its effectiveness e.g. time, cost and quality/performance. This will involve understanding risk identification, analysis and planning and how to assess quality in projects. The importance of stakeholder analysis will also be explored. The module has a lot of practical content aimed at developing skills in the project management techniques such as work breakdown structure, network diagrams, project organisation and resource planning.
Exploring Business Ethics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to examine and reflect on the ethical behaviour of organisations and employees. Students will apply ethical theories to real and current organisational cases and activities and reflect on what responsibilities organisations have to society. The module discusses guidelines, laws and external pressures and the impact these have on the ethical behaviour of organisations. The behaviour of employees and the individual choices that they may take when facing ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes ethical theorists, child labour, bribery, price fixing, working conditions, corporate social responsibility and whistleblowing.
Analysing Financial Statements	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module focuses on the skills needed to extract useful information to understand and analyse the three key financial statements in the context of company specific factors, industry specific factors and the wider economy. Students will look at the context of financial statements in order to develop an understanding of the conceptual framework as well as consider the importance and role of the financial statements in meeting the needs of users. From information available in the public domain, the three financial statements will be considered in turn and students will be able to calculate accounting extracts and adjustments to develop an understanding of the influence of accounting policies on the preparation and presentation of the financials. Finally, students will be able to calculate ratios, evaluate the organisation s performance and discuss the benefit of these as an analytical tool.
Enterprise	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students study the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing enterprise skills provides. Students will also work in a team to identify a new business opportunity and take this idea through the full business planning cycle.
Enhancing Employability	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will provide students with an understanding of the (graduate) employment market and offer opportunities for students to optimise their employment prospects through continuous career planning and development. It will enable students to understand the needs of employers, identify sources of information and skills development and use a range of techniques to enhance their employability. The module will centre on identifying and marketing student skills, knowledge and achievements as well as conveying them to potential employers in their chosen career or sector. By reflecting on their skills and attributes, students will identify a potential career area and produce a personal development plan and career portfolio. Module content will typically include the changing nature of the workplace, employer recruitment strategies based on relevant sectors/industries and the development of a student approach to marketing for employment.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of public, private and third sector organisations in a turbulent global environment. It will focus on the many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implementing them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts, both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module includes a comprehensive review of current strategic issues, identifying the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning.
Contemporary Issues in Business and Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will bring together a range of current research on contemporary strategic issues in business and management and enable students to consolidate their understanding of these issues, whilst giving them the skills and opportunity to examine and evaluate alternative valid views. Students will be asked to use their research skills to develop an in-depth understanding of these contemporary issues while being encouraged to examine and question the legitimacy of alternative approaches to management and to evaluate the impact, if any, of these issues on a business' strategic development. Students are expected to draw on the whole range of knowledge and skills developed during their studies when reviewing research literature and evaluating business and management responses to contemporary issues.
International Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
Concepts and issues in International HRM are both introduced and further developed in the module. Students are encouraged to work together in international student teams, incorporating life experiences of peers as a vital resource. Typical content includes: the analysis of differences between national and international HRM; aspects of cultural and institutional explanations for international variations in HRM contexts and practices; and the examination of the structures and strategies of MNCs exploring the political/economic environments, ethical issues and major features of HR/employment practice in the Americas, Europe, East Asia and developing countries. An introduction to the theories of expatriate adjustment, equal opportunities in international staffing as well as managing the expatriation cycle-recruitment, training, pay, performance management and repatriation may also be discussed.
Leadership and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores leadership and management within the context of the business organisation. It examines the development of leadership and management theory as well as discussing contemporary applications of theoretical approaches. Leadership styles and models are analysed, including their impact on follower performance. Key concepts of organisational behaviour, including motivation, structure, group dynamics, culture power and conflict are explored and their impact on leadership and management examined. The content of the module may include: early management theory and its relevance today; the main approaches to leadership theory; the changing role of the leader - alternative approaches; motivation theories and their relationship to leadership and developing individuals; work/life balance; leadership and group behaviour; organisational structures and culture; main bases of power and organisational power relationships; resistance and conflict in organisations; and management and leadership in differing organisational contexts.
Business and Commercial Awareness	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is essentially workshop-based, where students will role play members of an organisational management team as they develop, plan and implement a new product or service for their organisation. The module will consolidate functional business knowledge and provide students with an opportunity to integrate theories and gain experience in a simulated business environment. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon that experience in preparation for their future business careers.
Global Marketing, Ethics and Culture	15 Credits	Compulsory
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, knowledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies, and to build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments and to suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms. The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control.
Issues in the Global Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the fundamental economic changes in the global economy and their implications for the core and transition economies (i.e. previously planned communist economies), as well as the developing countries. Broadly speaking, the module will cover the issues related to the changes in international production networks, technology, global financial structures, trade patterns, income distribution and poverty.
Digital Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Suggested module content will include the definition and development of digital economy as part of an organisation s strategy; consideration of different approaches to digital economy which involves the internal and external effects of digital economy; and international methods of digital economy and strategic advantage through digital economy.

'I absolutely enjoyed studying on the Business Administration online degree. It's been challenging and interesting and I've enjoyed all the modules for the course, the lecturers and administrators have equally been supportive too.'

Akosua Amponsah

BA (Hons) Business Administration (online) alumni

What's next for my career?
Get noticed in the global postgraduate job market with a diverse range of abilities supported by practical hands-on knowledge. Understand how to analyse and evaluate the management issues facing modern businesses.

Possible roles of employment for business administration graduates include:
- Office administrator
- Human resources coordinator
- Business consultant
- Franchise manager
- Business development manager
- Sales executive
Graduates from the course (and its predecessor) have landed successful roles in BMW, OPPO, MultiVision Consulting, Ford, GlaxoSmithKline, The Doctors Laboratory, KPMG, Ocado and Tesco as well as gone on to run their own successful businesses.
Key staff

Ping He (Grace)
Programme Leader
Find out more about Ping He (Grace)

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business Administration (Online)	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Business Administration (Online)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Online - Part Time, 6 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

How to apply?

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
26/09/2025 30/09/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
26/09/2026 30/09/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Part time
- £865 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Part time
- £865 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Part time
- £865 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
Fees 2025
UK Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
For more details of fees and funding please visit UH Online's fees page

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

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BA (Hons) Business Administration (Online)

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

Institute code: H36

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

What will I study?

Study Rate

'I absolutely enjoyed studying on the Business Administration online degree. It's been challenging and interesting and I've enjoyed all the modules for the course, the lecturers and administrators have equally been supportive too.'

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Part time

EU Students

Part time

International Students

Part time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Part time

EU Students

Part time

International Students

Part time

Other financial support