DEGREE GUIDE

Business Administration

What do Business Administration degrees involve?

Business Administration degrees teach you how organisations operate and how to manage people, resources, and strategies effectively. You will explore key areas such as marketing, finance, leadership, operations management, and entrepreneurship. These courses develop your problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills while giving you an understanding of global business environments. You will also learn how to analyse data, develop business strategies, and adapt to changing markets. Many degrees offer opportunities for work placements, international study, or industry projects, helping you build practical experience for careers in management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Example
Modules

Principles of Management: Learn how organisations are structured and led, exploring leadership styles, planning, coordination, and how managers motivate teams.

Marketing Fundamentals: Discover how businesses attract and retain customers through market research, branding and campaigns that respond to consumer behaviour.

Accounting and Financial Analysis: Study the basics of financial reporting, budgeting and using accounts to support smart business decisions.

Common Degree Names

💼 A placement year is widely available and encouraged in many business schools.
🌍 Study abroad is commonly offered.

BA (Hons) Business Administration
BSc (Hons) Business Administration
BBA (Hons) Business Administration
BA (Hons) Business Administration and Marketing
BA (Hons) Business Administration and Human Resource Management

Most courses cover similar core business functions; however, BSc courses are likely to have slightly more of a focus on quantitative studies.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Business Administration prepares you to understand and manage organisations. There are no required subjects – universities look for analytical thinking, communication skills, and interest in how organisations work.

Subjects that can strengthen your application:

Business Studies or Economics – helpful background but not essential (competitive institutions may prefer you don't take both)
Maths – valued for data handling and problem-solving
English or Psychology – good for communication and analytical skills
Sociology or Geography – show awareness of people and systems

✨ A combination showing analytical or essay-based skills (Maths, Business, Economics, or English) will serve you well. You don't need Business Studies to apply.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Business, Enterprise, or Finance—widely accepted, often for direct entry
T-levels in Management and Administration or Accounting or Marketing

✨ Some universities have more specific subject preferences than others—always check their website course page for the latest guidance.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses require:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 These are important for communication and numeracy—two key areas in any business-related degree.

Subjects like Business, ICT, or Economics at GCSE (or equivalent) can be helpful but aren’t required.

💬 Interviews
Most Business Administration courses don’t include interviews. However, some universities may invite you to an applicant day or informal chat—especially for courses with a placement year or international element.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard tests for Business Administration courses in the UK.

🔍 Work Experience
Not required—but any experience in retail, customer service, marketing, or running a small business project (like Young Enterprise) can show genuine interest and initiative.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Business or Management
If you don’t have the required subjects or grades, many universities offer a Business foundation year. After successful completion, you can move directly onto the degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Business or Social Sciences)
Access courses in Business, Finance, or related subjects are widely accepted—especially for mature students. Aim for a strong performance in essay-based and numeracy units.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
A Business Administrator or Team Leader apprenticeship can lead to further study or be used to apply to university—particularly with relevant GCSEs (or equivalent) and/or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Business Administration degree

Business & Commercial Awareness: Understand how organisations operate, make decisions, and grow.
Leadership & Management: Learn how to lead teams, manage projects, and make strategic business decisions.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Assess information and data to make informed business choices.
Problem-Solving: Find practical solutions to organisational and operational challenges.
Decision-Making: Gain confidence in making clear, effective decisions in a business environment.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Develop strong skills in presenting ideas and working with others.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work effectively with others on group projects and business initiatives.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use digital tools and software for planning, presentations, and data analysis.
Organisation & Time Management: Manage workloads, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
Adaptability & Resilience: Build flexibility to work in fast-moving and changing business environments.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Business Administration degree a good match for you

Careers a Business Administration degree could lead you to