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Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Sustainable Business Management with Foundation Year

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Three year

Four year

Next enrolment

September 2026

Introduction

In a nutshell

This foundation year programme will prepare you for your future business studies. You will gain the confidence and abilities needed to continue your education and have a successful career within the business industry, whether that be working for an established organisation or building your own enterprise.

  • Study the fundamental principles of Sustainable Business Management
  • Study at a top 10 People & Planet university committed to sustainability
  • Develop your academic and personal skills, preparing you for future studies

This course is also available with a placement option. To apply for this programme with industry placement or study abroad year, please search 'Sustainable Business Management with Placement' on UCAS, or speak to our enquiries team for more information

Become industry ready

Our teaching is practical and career-focused, with input from our industry partners, so you'll build the expertise that employers look for. You'll develop personal skills, such as communication and confidence, alongside the practical, including business concepts and the tools and techniques used in the industry.

You’ll look ahead to the technologies that will affect the work of business leaders and finance professionals in the future. You'll also gain essential digitals skills that will help you go further in the industry.

Please note that the content of this course is currently being reviewed, to ensure we offer the most up to date module content for all of our students. We do expect that some of the content will change from that which you will see on this page. As soon as we know the full details of this, all applicants will be informed about the new content.

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.

International

students accepted

This is for you if

1.

You want to build a foundation of knowledge ahead of your future studies

2.

You are looking for a business education that prepares you for a future career

3.

You’re new to higher education, want a career change or need support with academic skills

Course details

All about the course

Your foundation year will give you a grounding in business, preparing you for your future studies. As you progress into your first, second and third years of study, you will further develop your understanding in the field of sustainable business, developing the skills needed for responsible leadership and strategic thinking.

You will also have access to placement, study abroad year and additional opportunities

Please note that the content of this course is currently being reviewed, to ensure we offer the most up to date module content for all of our students. As soon as we know the full details of this, all applicants will be informed and the content will be updated below.

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our undergraduate courses are normally made up of 20 credit modules which are equal to 200 hours of learning time. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises a total of 360 credits (120 credits per year).

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.

Assessment goes beyond essays and exams, using creative formats that reflect how business works in the real world. We use different assessment techniques in different modules and try to ensure all assessments reflect the types of work you will do after graduating. This may include portfolio work, presentations, reflective writing and evaluations

Lectures are short and focused, designed to deliver essential concepts and frameworks clearly and efficiently · Workshops are smaller and more interactive, encouraging detailed exploration, challenges and debate around key ideas · Asynchronous learning allows you to study at your own pace, supported by curated content, tasks and bonus material tailored to your cohort’s needs · Live projects give you the chance to apply your learning to real sustainability challenges with external organisations, building your network alongside your capabilities · Independent study helps you deepen your understanding, complete assignments and reflect on your progress

For further information about teaching and assessment, please speak to our dedicated course enquiries team.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers in sustainable and ethical business. You could work in roles such as ESG consultant, sustainability analyst, corporate responsibility advisor, innovation lead or sustainable supply chain manager. 

Many businesses are now seeking in-house sustainability experts, meaning your skills will be valued across industries including retail, finance, manufacturing, technology and the public sector. You might choose to work freelance, offering consultancy or project support to organisations looking to improve their sustainability practices. Alternatively, you could start your own purpose-led business, developing new products, services or solutions that respond to global challenges

Whether you want to influence strategy, lead change or build something of your own, this course gives you the tools to shape a career with meaning.

A taste of what you could become

corporate responsibility manager

ESG consultant

innovation lead

entrepreneur

sustainable supply manager

sustainability analyst

Requirements

What you need to know

Applicant profile

You might be a school leaver looking to better prepare for academic life or perhaps you didn’t get the grades you needed. You might also be a returning student, having taken a break from studies and looking to regain your confidence in academic processes. Whatever your situation, our foundation year programmes help learners gain the skills, understanding and confidence needed to progress to further studies. 

Standard entry requirements

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.

A Levels

64 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or equivalent 

BTEC National Diploma

MPP or MM in any subject

T Levels

Pass (D or E in the core subject)

Access to HE

64 UCAS points from 45 level 3 credits

Scottish Highers

64 UCAS points from minimum of 2 Advanced Highers

Irish Leaving Certificate

64 points from 2 higher level subjects

International Baccalaureate

24 points.

European Baccalaureate

Pass Diploma with 60% or above.

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?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2026/27 £5,760 for Foundation Year and £9,535 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.

Apply now

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

Additional UCAS Information

Sustainable Business Management UCAS Course ID - N272

Sustainable Business Management with Placement UCAS Course ID - N2732

Enrolment dates

September 2026

Student information

Terms and conditions