Business with Supply Chain and Project Management with Foundation Year
Full-time
With placement
Four year
Five year
September 2025
In a nutshell
This course is also available with a professional placement year option.
To apply for this programme with industry placement or study abroad year, please speak to our enquiries team for more information.
How do Amazon, Deliveroo and major supermarkets make sure their customers get the products they want? And in the post-COVID era, how will businesses and governments manage global connectivity? Guided by our expert academic team, you’ll study the key challenges for business management with a particular focus on supply chain, logistics, distribution and project management. You’ll look at examples from the gaming industry, food and sports supply chains and healthcare.
You’ll look at how global climate change and the scarcity of resources affect the management decisions supply chain professionals make. We will also explore the latest developments in supply chain and risk management, such as cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence (AI) and how drones are used in different industries.
- Study the fundamental principles that underpin a career in business management
- Examine key topics of distribution including the gig economy, cyber security and self-healing supply chains
- Consider ethical concerns for the logistics sector such as climate change, migration, trade and transparency
The Foundation Year of the four-year programme aims to provide understanding of the key subjects in business to meet the prerequisites for entry to Business Management with Supply Chain and Project Management.
You’ll look ahead to the technologies that will affect the work of business professionals in the future and gain essential digitals skills that will help you go further in the industry, such as:
- iDea Bronze Award
- Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Word and 365
- Power BI
- Xero Accounting Software
- Body swap technology
Your journey starts here
Ready to take the next step? Discover more by attending an Open Day, or speak to our dedicated course enquiries team for further information.
options available
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
You have an interest in how the latest technologies support business decision-making
You want to build your experience and confidence on a practical course
You care about an ethical approach to managing resources and distributing goods
All about the course
Right from the start, Business with Supply Chain and Project Management is all about supporting you to develop the practical skills that employers look for. By working on live projects and business simulations, you will learn the fundamental basis of business management as well as core skills such as problem-solving, leadership, communication and data analysis.
In your Foundation year, you will start to look at fundamental areas of business as well as the key skills you need to study at University level.
In your first year, you will start to develop an understanding of how organisations work, looking at key business concepts and the core skills you need for any management career. You will be learning by doing through working on exciting and innovative business simulations or real-world projects. You will also have the opportunity to try out subjects you haven’t studied before and perhaps find out that you want to specialise in them.
The second year is about starting to specialise, looking more deeply at supply chain and project management theories and studying areas of operations, logistics and distribution management. With core and optional modules, you can start to shape your own learning. The Professional Development module is designed for you to practise the skills you need – CV writing, being interviewed, assessment centres - to apply for and get a placement year and, ultimately, your dream job on graduation.
By your final year, you are becoming a professional, developing the skills needed for responsible leadership and understanding how to think strategically. You'll look at future developments in the field, learning the skills for the future as well as the knowledge to innovate. Core modules increase your in depth knowledge and continue your career development while the optional modules allow you to specialise in your areas of interest.
Foundations of Business
This module will introduce you to key concepts of business and management, looking at what business is (and isn’t). You will be encouraged to draw on real-life examples found in the businesses you use in your every day life. You will develop an understanding of the key functions used within contemporary businesses and learn about the tools and techniques used in business for analysis and planning.
Sustainable Business Development
This module looks at what’s involved in starting up a sustainable business. You will discover what is needed for long term business success. We’ll look at financing and funding, business formation, planning, business ethics and sustainability along with other core aspects of start-ups. You will work closely with industry partners to gain insight into the world of start-ups. If you are interested in starting a business, this module will really help you to discover what is involved. You also gain key knowledge which your degree will build upon.
Digital Business
This module will explain the importance and key elements of digital business. You will explore how digital business ideas drive technology choices and how those technologies support the development of the business.
Academic and Personal Skills
Academic and Personal Skills is delivered with your future in mind. This module takes you through how to get to grips with the technology you need to succeed, as well as using the library, how to reference and how to produce the different styles of academic writing.
It also helps you to develop yourself; you will create a CV, learn how to write a cover letter and find out what your learning style is. The module has guest speakers who share their expert knowledge and experience with you. All the skills covered in this module will help you to succeed in your chosen degree.
Business Project
This module is studied in term 2 of the foundation year and brings together everything that you have learnt so far on the foundation year. This is your opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. You will work as part of a team to develop a business idea; you will work through the process of setting up the business. As a team you will pitch your idea to a panel to gain investment in your start-up. You will then start the business and create an event with the profits being donated to a local charity of your choice. Whatever your chosen business discipline this module will give you the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills.
Employability for Life
The module aims to acquire and develop an understanding of the employability skills required to succeed in your chosen industry. This is a practical module which will help you create and develop a professional CV and will develop your understanding of the recruitment and selection process. You will learn essential life-long skills to help you succeed in job applications whether they are for part-time work whilst you are a student or for your future graduate career.
Digital and Business Skills
The Digital and Business Skills module introduces a range of digital tools for academia and the workplace. Important business skills such as management, collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to the module. Regular engagement with online platforms provides tasks to improve digital competency. Also, co creation work presents self-reflection and confidence building opportunities. Gaining the inspiring digital enterprise award (iDEA), completing LinkedIn learning assessments for Microsoft software applications, and completing collaborative video creation tasks will increase your digital and business skills as you progress towards the completion of this module. Digital Business is here to stay, so it is vital to improve these 21st century skills.
Understanding Organisations
This module provides you with an introduction to the key functions of business and is an opportunity to see how they work. You will get an understanding of functions including people management, accounting, marketing and operations, and how they underpin business success. This is illustrated through the lens of some of the successful businesses from across the Greater Manchester region that Salford Business School work with: we will look at a range of businesses including startups, family businesses and large scale enterprises and multinationals from different industry sectors. It is a first opportunity to see what makes businesses tick and will help you think about your future learning and employment journeys.
Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making
How do we get inside the problems that businesses face, and reach the decisions that will solve them and support the future development of the organisation? This module will introduce you to systems thinking, providing an approach that helps you examine complex problems and develop holistic solutions. You will be encouraged to think creatively, developing the skills you need for creating innovative solutions that will help you with your studies and future career.
Data Analysis for Business
In this module you will be introduced to a variety of data analysis methods, which will be practiced on real world data sets. Regular formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.
You will have an opportunity to formulate your own research questions before analysing data to draw reasonable conclusions. The module will predominantly utilise real data and include a mixture of computer-based questions, calculations, interpretation and drawing conclusions.
The Future of Business
What are the opportunities for business in the future? Starting with a grounding in the business context you will gain an understanding of economics and the digital environment, including the role of the digital economy. We will explore some of the key challenges that are on the horizon such as the impact of massive digitisation and industry 4.0, inclusive growth, food security and the climate emergency, and look at the opportunities for business to provide responsible and sustainable solutions
Business Finance in Practice
This module is designed to provide you with practical experience of key aspects of business finance. Using a business simulation tool, you will have the opportunity to apply these concepts in a practical context. The module embeds group working skills and the experiential approach provides the opportunity to gain experience of defining, planning and delivering a project.
Professional Development
This module will enable you to plan and carry out appropriate professional development activities to increase your employability and performance. These include self-presentation, professional networking, project planning and implementation, team working, influencing and multimedia communication. You will gain all the necessary experience required to take advantage of global employment opportunities.
Operations Management
This module will enrich your knowledge, appreciation and detailed awareness of the means required to operationalize and manage the resources of a business.
It will establish and focus on the key operational processes using an underpinning of theoretical frameworks, supported by a range of examples from service, manufacturing or a combination of these from industry. This course also benefits from guest lectures and, where possible, field trips for you to gain ‘live’ experience and support learning.
This module will provide systematic understanding of operations management and the skills relevant to the development and sustainability of regional, national and international business.
Analysis for Management Decision Making
You will be introduced to a variety of methods of analysis for management decision making, which will be practiced utilising real world data sets relevant to your chosen pathway structure. Formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.
The decision making techniques introduced in the module can be applied to a wide range of settings, such as interpreting market performance, forecasting growth, make or buy decisions, optimisation of scarce resources etc.
Project Management
During this module we take a detailed look at various aspects of Project Management through a variety of means such as lectures and practical seminars informed by research and industrial collaborations. We will focus on theoretical approaches, tools and techniques of planning and controlling projects.
We will discuss project management as an important and integral part of a business whether this is product or service based.
International Logistics and Distribution Management
International logistics and distribution management is not all about transportation management and the selection of the appropriate mode; you will also look at managing multiple functions such as demand, procurement and warehousing, as well as inventory management, materials handling and order fulfilment.
You will have the opportunity to analyse the theory, concepts and models behind this subject area and demonstrate a sound understanding of the importance of logistics in minimising costs and maximising profits in the strategic development of international supply chains.
Live Project for Business
Optional modules
You will choose one of the following 10 credit module options.
The Digital Workplace
The digital workplace is here to stay. This module helps you gain an understanding of the application of digital technologies in organisations. You will develop a critical awareness of the relationship between people and the workplaces of the future. You will also explore the issues around implementing a digital strategy.
Internship
A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This module allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 4 and the start of level 5, but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.
Contemporary Issues in International Marketing
On this short module, you'll look at the issues affecting current marketing in a global setting and the impact this has on the wider business environment. You'll look at different marketing niches from a social, economic and environmental perspective, considering the importance of minority group affiliations associated with Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+, social inclusion, ethics, sustainability and the marketing-savvy green consumer. You'll also gain an understanding of the ethical, moral and legal requirements that managers must appreciate when engaging in international marketing activities.
Applied Econometrics
This module aims to equip you with the analytical skills required to handle and analyse business, financial and economic data using basic econometric methods, including simple and multiple linear regression models, inference and hypothesis testing. As part of this module, you will get hands-on experience with the Data Analysis Toolkit within Excel and the Econometric/Statistical software package Stata. You will also undertake an applied empirical project where you are expected to demonstrate your understanding of data analysis and econometric methods.
Young Enterprise
Students will be introduced to a variety of methods of analysis to inform decision making which will be practised on real data sets to support a new business venture as part of the Young Enterprise programme. Formative assessment will be set, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.
The decision making techniques introduced in the module can be applied to a wide range of settings, such as interpreting market performance, forecasting growth, make or buy decisions, optimisations of scarce resources, marketing planning etc.
Business Accounting
You will be introduced to some fundamentals of basic financial and management accounting, learning to understand the content of financial statements and the accountancy practices required to prepare these statements. You will learn to analyse and interpret financial statements and use the data to make informed management decisions. With cost (and its impact on profit) a key factor in an organisation’s success, you will learn to communicate financial information both in writing and speaking.
Legal Aspects of Business
On this module, you will learn about some of the key aspects of law and how these impact upon business. You will be introduced to the outline of the English Legal System, Contract Law, Employment Law and Company Law. You will develop a critical understanding of legal issues that may arise in business situations and be able to use your knowledge of the law in relevant business practices.
Marketing Communications
Being able to communicate effectively with your key markets and target audiences is an important part of business success. This module gives you an effective introduction to the key aspects of marketing communications theory and practice.
You will design and develop an efficient integrated marketing communications plan and strategy, and study key topics including: advertising, public relations, direct marketing, sales promotion, personal selling, point-of-purchase and e-communications.
Professional Placement
You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees.
This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and we will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.
For more information, please visit the placement and internships page.
You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees. For more information, please visit the placement and internships page.
Business Ethics and Sustainability
This module equips you with an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the implications of Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability within national and international organisations. This module will also develop your knowledge with respect to the importance of the balance between shareholders, stakeholders and the purpose and values of the organisation. It will explore the roles of social and technological innovation in global ethical organisations in order to prepare you for future employability.
Supply Chain Management and Digital Transformation
How do you make sure your products reach your customers where and when they want them? What systems make it easy for customers to buy? How will you deliver to multiple customers around the country through rain and snow?
The main aims of the module are to evaluate the concepts of supply chain management, to consider how those strategically connect to company objectives and to provide a critical awareness of digital transformation within the context of procurement and supply chain management.
You will systematically interpret and apply theories, skills and research aiming to make defendable judgements about complex issues in supply chain management, taking into account organisational settings and cognitive biases in contexts of uncertainty, disruption and volatility.
You will learn to critically evaluate and advise on supply chain management issues at a strategic level of organisations and analyse the impact of digital transformation on different interconnected supply chain elements eg, forecasting, planning, facilities, inventory, transportation, sourcing and information exchange.
Leadership and Management in Business
This module offers a unique in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key practical and theoretical aspects of leadership and management in contemporary organisations. There is a focus on specific individual leaders, leadership styles and traits and offers an insight into how leaders operate in an organisational context. The module also explores personal leadership, the development of leadership and how leadership occurs at all levels. Practically the module will invite you to develop your own leadership style and experience, enhancing employability.
This module enables you to explore your own leadership styles and traits and evaluate how these impact on the management of people.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Employers tell us that they are looking for employees with an entrepreneurial mindset. Or perhaps you're thinking of setting up your own business.
In this module you have the opportunity to undertake an enterprise project for an internal or external sponsor on a topic of common interest. Alternatively, you can use this opportunity to undertake in-depth research for your own project, for example, a business plan if you are wanting to start up a company after you graduate. The nature of the project will be negotiated by yourself, the module leader and the sponsoring company.
Advancements in Project, Operations and Logistics Optimisation (APOLO)
This module introduces cutting-edge principles and best practices of project management, logistics and operations. The module focuses on practical examples, approaches and methodologies that are increasingly popular and aim to optimise organisation's processes and cost effectiveness. During the lectures and seminars, you will acquire practical skills to enhance employability dexterities and prepare you for future challenges. The module assessment is designed in collaboration with our industry partners integrating Project, Logistics and Operation Management best practices and paradigms.
Strategic Management
This module will provide a detailed understanding of business strategy, so that you acquire an organisation-wide perspective through exploring strategy techniques and processes within the global environment. You will draw together your knowledge from across the programme, and apply this to real world organisational problems, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry, some of which are at the forefront of strategic research and practice. The module prepares you for a career in business and management, developing the next generation of managers, and you will work on industry problems drawn from your pathway specialism.
Optional modules
Choose between the Business Entrepreneurial Simulation Project or Business Dissertation.
Business Entrepreneurial Simulation Project
In this module, you will work as part of a team in an online business simulation. Acting as the management team in a competitive business environment, you will solve business problems and learn about the relationships between different areas of business. This modules gives you a chance to test your entrepreneurship, business planning and your ability to manage change in an uncertain environment.
You can choose between this and the dissertation option
Business Dissertation
If you choose the dissertation, you will identify and focus on a specialist area of research related to an aspect of your degree programme. Through this module, you will carry out a substantial piece of independent research and produce a scholarly and critical dissertation as a result. As well as being a great way to prepare you for postgraduate study, your dissertation can also support your CV and be presented to potential employers as evidence of your analytical and research skills.
You can choose between this and the Business Entrepreneurial Simulation Project option.
There is a further opportunity for you to choose a short (10 credit) module in an area you might be interested in or that you've never tried before. Alternatively, you can secure a short work placement and get credit for it in your results. Choose one from the options below.
Internship
A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This modules allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 5 and the start of level 6 but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.
Technology Innovation
Technology innovation is concerned with developing your awareness and understanding of the use of digital technologies and their role in digital transformation. We will examine contemporary issues in this area and explore the impact that digital technology had had on business and will have in the future. On completion, you will have a critical awareness of the digital industry and have considered the application of technology to business problems. This module links with and is supported by Launch@ Salford, the University’s incubation centre.
Big Data Analytics
Modern businesses derive significant insight from applying advanced analytical techniques to massive volumes of data. In the module, you will learn a range of established Big Data and analytics techniques and the value they provide to organisations. On successful completion of the module, you will not only be able to collect and analyse data to underpin business decisions but also be able to apply them within the business context, looking at strategy, business goals and organisational competitive advantage.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Frequently asked questions
Is supply chain related to project management?
Supply chain management is closely related to project management. Both disciplines involve planning, executing, and overseeing processes to achieve specific goals. In supply chain management, this includes the coordination of production, shipment, and distribution of products. Effective project management techniques are essential for ensuring that supply chain activities are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Can you start your own business with a supply chain management degree?
You can start your own business with a supply chain management degree. Our Business with Supply Chain and Project Management degree provides you with valuable skills in logistics, business management, operations, procurement and overall supply chain strategy, which are crucial for running a business efficiently.
Is supply chain a stable career?
Supply chain management is considered a stable career. It is a critical function in businesses across various industries, ensuring that products are produced and delivered efficiently. The demand for supply chain professionals tends to remain strong due to the constant need for effective logistics and operations management.
What about after uni?
FURTHER STUDY
A postgraduate degree is a great option if you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a significant fees discount.
EMPLOYMENT
The pandemic and the current global supply challenges show just how important supply chain and project management skills are in making sure consumers and businesses can get hold of the goods and services they need. Our innovative and forward-looking course will open up excellent job opportunities to join a variety of organisations in managing global connectivity.
There are exciting careers in operations, supply chain and distribution management, while project management is one of the most useful skills that employers are looking for. As graduates and future business leaders, you will develop the skills to rapidly adopt, adapt and influence the changing global economic environments and organisational structures in supply chain and project management.
Career Links
As a CMI accredited Business School, we teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.
Mercedes-Benz Cars UK Limited, CEVA Logistics, Tata and JCB all had input on the content delivered on BSc Business with Supply Chain and Project Management during its development.
The curriculum across our undergraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience, allowing you to apply theory in practice in a way that has been proven to produce highly employable, articulate business professionals who have forged the contacts that will help develop their future careers.
What you need to know
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
APPLICANT PROFILE
This degree offers excellent scope for any student wanting to start a career in management, project management, supply chain, logistics, procurement and a variety of other different business areas.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English, with an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5).
GCSE
Maths and English at grade C / grade 4 or above. Applicants who do not have the equivalent of grade C or above in these areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS Tariff points
64 UCAS Tariff points
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2025/26 | £5,760.00 for Foundation Year and £9,535.00 for subsequent years. |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Undergraduate Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545
Enrolment dates
UCAS information
Course ID N622
Institution S03