Global Business and Management (Top-up)

Course overview

Study in-person at Aston University London in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Developed to deliver interdisciplinary learning and flexibility, this course enables you to tailor your studies to suit your own requirements and interests.

We know university is a big investment so it’s important to know that it’s all going to be worth it. Here’s how we can help turn your passion into a career.

For the aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, our BSc (Hons) Global Business and Management (Top-up) degree is a popular choice.

You will develop a breadth and depth of business knowledge including the functions of management and science of decision-making and learn from our business experts from Aston Business School which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

The location of your learning offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and industry connections, thanks to its prime position in the heart of the capital.

"One of the things I particularly remember about Aston University is the lecturers. They're very passionate about the topics they teach. They have the real-world examples and that really gets you motivated and draws you into the course."

Lucy Baines

BSc (Hons) Business and Management

Senior Director of Communications & PR, Hiscox USA

Why Global Business and Management (Top-up) at Aston University London?

66th in the world

We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)

Earn more

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £33,200 three years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025)

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

6th in the UK

We have been ranked 6th in the UK (General Management; Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings, 2024)

One of the world's great cities

Vibrant, multicultural, welcoming. Spend your year studying in one the world’s most cosmopolitan and fashionable cities, where the word ‘boredom’ doesn’t exist

Top 100 in Europe

We've been ranked 17th in the UK and 97th in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking 2024)

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Course description

BSc (Hons) Global Business and Management (Top-up) (London)

Our BSc (Hons) Global Business and Management (Top-up) degree at Aston University will equip you with the skills, deep knowledge and practical understanding required by business managers of the 21st century. By being based in London you will be part of a vibrant cosmopolitan city and community, renowned for its diverse skills, cultures, beliefs, and wealth of knowledge.

What we will provide
First-class teaching, in the UK's capital city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. There are practical activities, including simulation exercises, reflective case studies, collaborative group work, thought-provoking class discussions as well as inspiring lectures and tutorials.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

Aston University London is a gateway to a multitude of industry connections and networking opportunities, set against the backdrop of a city known for its international diversity and cultural richness.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking, have a passion for business and be excited about what contributes to the economy and society.

What skills we teach
You will develop management and leadership skills that are applicable to real life situations. Our graduates are problem solvers who have developed the essential skills needed to keep up to date with the ever-changing world of business.

Career prospects
As an Aston University Global Business and Management graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options. Our recent graduates have gone on to work across the public, private and third sectors for organisations including: Amazon, Channel 4, Jaguar Land Rover and J.P. Morgan.

By studying in London you will have prime location to open up numerous employment and career opportunities, thanks to the city's extensive industry connections and vibrant professional network.

How you will learn

You will be taught by a combination of academic and industry experts. Our block teaching model means you will be able to plan your time around two days on campus each week, with the opportunity to spend more flexible time working on your individual and group projects.

What you will learn

The degree will provide you with an understanding of the various functions of management. We make extensive use of group working and presentations to prepare you for the reality of working life.

You will study key business and management theory and create strategies for both national and international enterprises. You will evaluate leadership, reflect on behaviour and competencies, apply innovative problem-solving, and communicate business plans effectively. The programme ensures in-depth knowledge and equips you with practical skills and work experience for a successful transition into the professional world.

You will also benefit greatly from the location of your studies, with around one-third of all international students in the UK residing in London, Aston University London provides a dynamic, multicultural learning environment that enhances both personal and professional growth.

Course objectives

Equips you with the ability to apply a breadth of business concepts.
Develops your analytical skills and reasoning, undertaking complex analysis, and making evidence-informed decisions.
Facilitates the acquisition of transferable intellectual and analytical skills within a management context.
Enables the development of responsible managers.

Modules

Module Title	Credits
Global Working The aim of this module is to develop your cultural awareness and intercultural business competence through gaining the knowledge, skills, and mind-set appropriate for operating in the global working environment. You will study key theories in cultural variation and cross-cultural working, and will apply these to the complex working styles and communication challenges faced by international organisations, their employees and those responsible for managing global workforces.	15
Strategic Management In this module you will develop a critical understanding of how organisations formulate and implement effective strategic decisions to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The module is structured to have a highly practical focus, however wherever relevant corporate connections have been established and continue to be developed.	15
Theories and Practice of Leadership This module aims to provide you with an evidence-based management lens to leadership. You will learn to use theory and research to consider what effective leadership means, and the wider issues surrounding leadership practice. The module will examine effective leadership from various perspectives. Efforts will also be made to ascertain what effective leader behaviours look like, in addition to understanding the ethical issues surrounding leadership. Both a historical and a contemporary approach to leadership will be adopted throughout the module.	15
Effective Management Consultancy 1 The module will introduce you to the management consultancy industry, its emergence and history. It will then go on to explore the industry and its structure, size and growth, the key areas, firms and activities. It will introduce you to the nature of management consultancy and what it means. The module will review the sources of disruption in the management consultancy industry and the main areas of activity in the industry including strategy, financial advisory, operations, information technology and technology and human resources.	15
Global Marketing This module is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the special requirements for successfully conducting international marketing activities, as many businesses today have expanded and are continuing to expand in the global arena. Their success largely depends on their ability to apply business concepts in foreign markets, but also have to respond and adapt to global challenges (e.g. pandemics). This module aims to develop your skills in holistically applying marketing principles to an international setting. During the module, it is hoped that you will develop a cultural sensitivity in addition to enhancing your analytical and creative skills.	15
Sustainable Operations Management The module aims to develop critical and analytical thinking to assess sustainable operations management alongside the provision of a range of robust theories, frameworks, and tools to enhance the sustainability performance of organisations.	15
Effective Management Consultancy 2 This module aims to give you an appreciation of different types of consulting approaches - both `hard' and `soft' - that are used by contemporary consulting firms. It will give you an understanding in more detail of one approach i.e. Soft Systems Methodology and develop useful consulting skills through application on a team based exercise.	15
Business Ethics Business ethics embodies a complex web of human relationships; in a world where many business ventures extend across geographical and cultural barriers, this module considers whether there is an ‘international common core’ in business ethics. It also addresses issues in relations to cultural values and cultural relativism. The primary focus of this module is ethics, social responsibility and sustainability. The overall aim of this module is to provide you with the critical knowledge and practical skills to identify and navigate, ethical issues across geographical and cultural borders.	15
Total	120

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Critically appraise theoretical approaches and business models.
Solve complex problems and generate effective solutions.
Communicate information and ideas effectively and purposefully.
Engage with current trends, opportunities and challenges in business management.
Articulate strategic thinking within a management context.
Appreciate ethical challenges to inform decision making.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

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