If you have previously studied business at an international institution or further education college and meet our entry requirements, our Business and Management Top-up degree recognises that existing expertise and allows you to ‘top-up’ that knowledge. The programme provides you with the opportunity to complete the necessary 120 credits, which when added to your previously completed qualifications amounts to the equivalent of an undergraduate degree.

You will study final year undergraduate degree level modules to enhance your range of business and management insight and practical experience. Plus, you will benefit from opportunities to engage with different business challenges to develop your confidence.  

The programme curriculum focuses on several subject-specific core areas, alongside the option to adapt your studies to specific business themes and interests.  

Firstly, you will analyse what makes an effective business strategy, developing your strategic thinking abilities and learning to improve your decision-making skills through reflective practice and the examination of different theories and case studies. Our exciting virtual business simulation game also provides scope to work within groups and put into practice the theory you’re learning, whilst enjoying some healthy competition!

Gain an invaluable perspective on the diversity of international business cultures and use that global view to inform your understanding of management in a global context. You will examine how international projects are managed and the potential challenges and risks involved. You’ll discover what issues contemporary management currently faces and how the theory you’re learning can be applied within organisations.  

A choice of independent study projects enables you to focus on specific themes such as managing diversity in organisations and developing a new business venture, or you could choose to undertake a consultancy project, which will see you working on a ‘real’ project set by a local organisation.  

Broaden your knowledge further through a choice of optional modules. You could study the modern retail environment and topical themes within the sector such as green retailing, store design, e-retailing and m-retailing.

Another option involves exploring marketing and globalisation to understand what shapes global marketing activities and you'll cover important questions around issues such as the power of multinational companies, fair trade and the impact of political and ideological change on consumer patterns.

Alternatively, you could study business ethics to investigate how the business actions of managers can have ethical consequences or analyse theories around business integrity and which stakeholders could be affected by ethical and unethical corporate decisions. 

Student support

We have a robust support system in place for our students. You will be allocated an academic mentor at the start of the programme who will review your progress, meet regularly with you, and is contactable by Teams and email. Academics can also provide guidance about specific course modules and all members of the teaching team on this programme are available to see you during office hours, if available, and by appointment.

Student Voice Representatives provide a focus for issues at module and year level.

If English is not your first language you will be offered language classes, facilities and services by our Language Centre. There are credit bearing modules on English for academic study and you will also have access to one-to-one tutorials for individual help and advice, and to a wealth of resources for self-study and practice.

You can access advice, guidance and one-to-one support from our School's Student Experience and Support Officer who is part of our Faculty's Student Experience and Support Team.

You will also have access to a mixture of advice and support services at Keele including:

• Learning Support and Academic Guidance
• Disability Support and Inclusion
• English Language Unit
• Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
• Student Support Services
• Occupational Health Department

Keele Students' Union also offers support through their sabbatical officers.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to business is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles. It is also a great way to make friends and share interests with fellow students.