Awarding Organisation
Study Method
Course Duration
Credit Value
University of Derby
Online
12 months
120 credits
BSc (Hons) Business Management Top-Up
Course Description
The BSc (Hons) Business and Management Top-Up from the University of Derby is designed for learners who already hold a recognised Level 5 business qualification and want to progress to a full British honours degree through flexible online study. It is well suited to working adults and aspiring managers who want to build stronger leadership ability, broaden their understanding of modern business practice, and gain a respected undergraduate qualification without interrupting their professional commitments.
The programme explores contemporary business issues and is structured to reflect the realities of today’s business environment, including leadership, strategy, innovation, digital change, and global business challenges. Alongside core study, learners can choose option modules that allow them to develop knowledge in areas such as marketing, entrepreneurship, business psychology, financial analysis, or emerging digital trends. The course also includes a substantial independent research project, helping students strengthen critical thinking, research, analysis, and professional communication skills.
This top-up degree is a strong progression route for learners who want formal recognition of their prior study while enhancing their credibility in the workplace. It offers a practical and academically robust pathway for students who want to move forward into graduate employment, career advancement, or further postgraduate study.
Career Prospects:
Graduates can use this qualification to strengthen their profile for roles in management, operations, business development, administration, team leadership, and related commercial functions across a wide range of industries. The programme is aimed at people who aspire to management roles in different sectors and helps develop stronger leadership capability, broader business understanding, and improved research and analytical skills. It may also support progression to postgraduate business and management study.
What You'll Study
Leadership and Management
This module develops your understanding of how leadership and management influence organisational performance and business success. It helps build decision-making, team management, and leadership skills that are valuable in a wide range of business settings.
Strategic Marketing
This module explores how organisations use marketing at a strategic level to build competitive advantage and respond effectively to changing customer and market demands. It develops understanding of planning, positioning, and long-term business growth.
Business Psychology
This module examines human behaviour in business environments and how psychological insight can improve leadership, teamwork, communication, and workplace effectiveness. It is useful for understanding the people side of business and management.
Emerging Digital Trends
This module looks at how digital developments are reshaping business practice, strategy, and organisational decision-making. It helps learners understand the impact of technology, innovation, and changing digital behaviour in modern organisations.
Independent Research Project
This major project allows students to investigate a business or management topic in depth and apply research to a practical or professional context. It develops critical thinking, academic writing, structured analysis, and the ability to present clear, evidence-based conclusions.
Learning Outcomes
Develop a broader understanding of leadership and management in modern organisations
Apply strategic thinking to business and marketing decisions
Understand how people, behaviour, and communication affect organisational performance
Recognise the impact of digital change on business practice
Carry out independent research on a business-related topic
Present clear analysis and well-supported conclusions in written work
Entry Requirements
Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Business Management
Or another recognised Level 5 business-related qualification
Applicants should be prepared for online distance learning study and independent academic work
Progression Pathway
Master of Business Administration