Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Business and Management
with a Year in Industry
At Medway, you’ll gain the skills to aspire, grow and lead.
At Medway, you’ll gain the skills to aspire, grow and lead.
If your ambitions include leading a business or building your own, choose this course. As a graduate made at Kent Business School, you’ll have the skills and confidence to lead and inspire others, be innovative, and manage sustainably.
Kent Business School is a supportive community, where you’ll work closely with your academic adviser and other academic staff. They are experts in all areas of business who will expose you to the right mix of detailed theory and hands-on experience.
You’ll gain important leadership skills across a variety of business areas and learn how businesses operate. Topics covered include management principles, marketing, accounting and the international business environment. As you progress, you’ll be introduced to the advanced concepts of many business and management disciplines with the flexibility to tailor your course to suit your interests.
You take a year in industry following your second year of study, enabling you to apply your expertise in a work setting and earn a salary, too.
Love the sound of this course, but want a traditional self-contained campus? Our course at Canterbury might be for you.
Gain work experience with a paid year in industry.
Study at a ‘Triple Crown’ business school accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
Take a ‘selfie year’ and bring your business ideas to life at our aspire centre.
in the UK for Business and Management (The Guardian University Guide 2024).
Providing an excellent student experience at Medway.
ABB
DDM
128 Tariff points from your IB Diploma, Typically H5, H6, H6 or equivalent
Mathematics grade 4 / C and English grade 4 / C.
Pass the University of Kent International Foundation Programme.
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
Access to HE Diploma with 45 Credits at level 3 with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit
We consider all applications on an individual basis during Clearing and you're encouraged to get in touch to discuss your grades. You're most likely to be offered a place in Clearing for this course if you hold the following subjects:
GCSE / IB - Mathematics
Your first year is a compulsory introductory year, designed to provide you with a solid foundation in the understanding of business practices and their related functions, such as marketing, human resource management, and accounting. The analysis of the fast-changing business environment and the development of software and employability skills complement the business-related content.
In today's interconnected world, businesses operate across borders, facing challenges and opportunities in a dynamic global environment. You’ll develop expertise in the complexities of international business and acquire the skills to analyse the impact of globalisation, trade, investment, political systems, and ethics on business operations. You’ll understand the global business world and develop analytical skills to turn data into valuable information for business decisions and position yourself for success in international business.
Excel is a highly demanded skill by employers, in both starting your career and making rapid progress throughout it. You’ll master the fundamentals of this powerful tool and also be introduced to some more advanced technologies that will give you an even greater edge in the workplace. Learn to think creatively through the application of analytics and Excel techniques to real world business problems.
What are the best ways to manage people in organisations? How are decisions made about the design of work, the structure of an organisation, and who is accountable or responsible for different activities? What are the best ways to manage people in organisations? How are decisions made about the design of work, the structure of an organisation, and who is accountable or responsible for different activities? You’ll understand the practices of contemporary organisations by looking at a wide range of different theories of management, starting with classical management perspectives like scientific management or human relations theory and then considering more contemporary issues like culture management and leadership styles. Using case studies, you'll develop key skills like critical thinking and be able to reflect on the ethics and fairness of contemporary forms of work.
Data analytics are a fundamental tool for any organisation that plans to make strategic use of their data assets and enable data-driven decision-making. You cover the core concepts of data analytics (descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive) including: data management; descriptive statistics; inferential statistics; exploratory data analysis; regression modelling; machine learning; programming data-driven solutions; and developing data-driven recommendations.
Our workshops give you experience in using an industry standard programming language, as well as Graphical User Interface - based tools. This gives you the opportunity to choose the most appropriate method for you own future employability needs. You'll learn and develop employability skills in selecting and using appropriate statistical tools to analyse data, effective use of data visualisation techniques and the formulation of data management strategies for business data analytics. You’ll be able to critically analyse a problem domain and apply the data analytics approach to support data-driven decision making and facilitate strategy implementation and position your business for growth.
What are the major challenges that businesses face today? How are ways of managing, organizing, and conducting business changing because of the rise of artificial intelligence and prevalence of large data systems, or because the challenges that we currently face around the ageing population of our society? How are we innovating and creating new sustainable systems to respond to global ecological crisis with "clean growth"? How are we developing our infrastructure or adapting our systems of production and consumption in order to respond to the challenges of mobility and transport?
On this module we seek to explore answers to these kinds of questions by drawing on the latest research in management and organization studies. We will take a case study-based approach to evaluating the grand challenges, looking at different case study examples every week in order to understand how different organizations are mobilizing people and resources to innovate and respond to these big-picture challenges in impactful ways.
This module also explores the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and how they contribute to a global perspective on addressing the challenges.
Who do you want to be when you graduate? What are you career ambitions? This module seeks to help new KBS students to start thinking about their emerging professional identity and future career goals. It helps students to begin to take a reflective approach to their career development and supports them to see the relevance of their learning to the graduate labour market. It encourages students to see the importance of gaining relevant work experience prior to graduating and what they need to do to secure this. It also introduces them to the employability enhancing opportunities and the support available to them from across the University, professional bodies, and external organizations.
The module is designed to teach students how to prepare, read and interpret financial information with a view to their being future business managers rather than accountants.
The module will begin with a brief demonstration of bookkeeping using an easy understandable approach. Students will be shown how to prepare financial statements from a trial balance and make adjustments to the figures given by acting on information given in a short scenario.
The regulatory framework of financial reporting will be considered with annual reports and accounts of a variety of organisations. The module will end with an analysis of financial statements with students shown how to interpret data and make sensible recommendations.
Every lecturer we had was an expert in their field – we had some of the best people teaching us.Zaid Mahmood
Your second year allows you to tailor the programme to your aspirations and interests. There are a variety of module choices available, ranging from marketing analytics to retail and entrepreneurship. In the second year you will develop your understanding on key concepts and theories to enhance your intellectual agility and provide an opportunity to apply theory to practice.
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify, analyse, and evaluate ethical issues in business. Through critical reflection and analytical argumentation, you’ll develop the ability to articulate your views and critique opposing perspectives on ethical matters.
The focus of this module is on gaining an in-depth understanding of business ethics and cultivating critical thinking skills, enabling you to emerge as a conscientious leader in your field. Corporate social responsibility and sustainability are central themes due to the growing interest and expectations from stakeholders on environmental and social performance.
The module covers essential theories such as utilitarianism, deontological theories, corporate social responsibility, and the triple bottom line, applying these concepts to real-life business situations through case studies.
Operations management is the highly important activity of managing the resources devoted to production and delivery of products and services.
We'll explore conceptual, analytical, and practical aspects of how to effectively manage operations in manufacturing and service companies. We’ll look at various types of businesses including in the private, public, and third sector as well as start-up organisations.
You’ll develop highly sought after knowledge, understanding, skills and abilities in analysing, judging and decision-making in these areas. All of these will be very valuable when starting out in your career.
What are the key policies and practices that shape how we manage people in organisations? You'll learn about all areas of human resource management theory and practice — from planning and recruiting for your human resource requirements through to effective performance and reward management, employee relations and the ethical treatment of staff.
By the end of the module, you will have increased your awareness and developed your knowledge and skills in effective management by looking at practices currently applied within organisations. This skill set is crucial as you progress in your career in HR management through this module, you should have everything you need to thrive in your career.
Project management has rapidly emerged as an essential discipline for businesses seeking to achieve strategic and sustainable goals. It can be applied across industries, offering indispensable tools for organisational development. Whatever field you are working in, project managers are in the driving seat of progress.
This module provides in-depth insights into project management concepts, principles, and applications, giving you essential approaches, tools, and techniques which you can apply to various contexts.
You’ll enhance your analytical, critical and reflective thinking skills. By integrating project management expertise with discipline-specific knowledge, you’ll have a competitive edge when you finish the module, enabling you to succeed in both project and non-project-oriented careers.
Are you interested in starting your own business? What are the tools and skills you need to do so? Why are startups becoming more popular? We’ll delve into the social and economic changes that have raised the status of enterprises, small businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures in the global economy.
We’ll consider entrepreneurs, their characteristics and motivations, and the barriers and issues that they face when planning and establishing a new startup venture. You'll learn what makes new ventures grow and succeed, and evaluate the practical decisions that entrepreneurs need to make to maximise the chances of their business succeeding.
What is the impact of a changing world on cross-border management? How can culture, organisation, communication, leadership, and ethics be managed effectively in different locations? The current era offers unprecedented excitement and opportunities for learning.
You'll gain a comprehensive introduction to the latest research on cross-cultural management. Based on critical analysis of the assumptions underlying various approaches to studying national cultures, you’ll apply frameworks to understand cross-cultural issues managers in international organisations may face. Some of the topics you’ll study include different approaches to cross-cultural management, cultural frameworks and how to apply them, the role of the global manager, and global management challenges.
Experiential learning and teamwork are integral to the module and the teaching is highly participative. You’ll participate in various group exercises including an assignment in partnership with Kelley School of Business in the USA. This active experience working with peers and with another international institution helps you make rapid progress in your understanding of cross-cultural management, giving you an edge in the job market.
Making decisions is crucial for managers and businesses, as they shape our lives and impact outcomes at work. However, making smart decisions in the face of complexity and uncertainty can be challenging. How can data support our decisions in such uncertain contexts?
Together we’ll explore various quantitative and graphical methods that help identify, represent, and evaluate different options. These can help us make optimal decisions. We’ll guide you through the decision-making process in organisations, using an evidence-based approach drawn from research in behavioural psychology, economics, error management, and intuitive judgment. These tools will help you to make sound decisions in uncertain situations, enabling you to influence and lead effectively.
By the end of the module, you’ll have a deep understanding of informed decision-making methodologies. You’ll learn how to analyse problems, identify potential solutions, and evaluate outcomes in uncertain conditions. You'll be able to make decisive decisions supported by data and evidence in order to drive growth and deliver results for businesses.
Gain an in-depth and critical understanding of the complex and volatile work environments they may experience in the workplace. The development of relevant knowledge and skills to thrive and lead in today’s dynamic workplace in an ethical and sustainable way is a vital toolkit for today’s graduate. In doing so, you will understand the importance of values-driven and inclusive leadership, collaborative working, employee well-being, valuing difference and championing diversity, creativity, innovation, managing change and the role of AI. This will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills-base needed by business professionals.
International Marketing offers companies the opportunity to expand their business and reach new customers on a global scale. You’ll learn how to identify and evaluate new market opportunities, assess different ways to enter potential markets and appreciate the range of influences that exist in the international marketing environment that might require adaptations to marketing strategy and programmes. By taking a problem solving approach to the opportunities and challenges international marketers face, you’ll learn how to apply key international marketing theories and frameworks to help you demonstrate and develop the essential critical thinking and analytical skills needed in today’s workplace to justify your decision-making.
All students spend a year in industry in the UK or internationally, supported by a dedicated Employability and Placement teams. The programme is designed to ensure that students gain experience in the functional areas and industries of their choice. For students taking one of the specialist pathways, our strategic partnerships provide opportunities for placements in specific areas.
Unique to KBS, students can take a Self-Employed Placement year during which they develop their initial business idea into a feasible business plan. The ‘Selfie’ programme students are supported by an in-house entrepreneur who acts as their specialist mentor.
The placement allows you to experience, first hand, many of the issues addressed in the taught programme and to use the tools, techniques and applications in a real business setting. It will become a vital component of your CV and will give you a distinct advantage over other business graduates.
Your final year has a greater focus on developing your strategic thinking. In modules such as leadership and corporate strategy, strategic marketing and critical approaches to human resource management and organisational behaviour you will develop your critical and analytical thinking. The research project gives you the opportunity to develop your research skills and deepen your knowledge on a specific business aspect.
In the rapidly evolving world of business, developing and implementing effective strategies is vital for success. This module equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of strategic management.
You’ll engage in rigorous analysis and critical thinking to explore a range of strategic concepts. These include the fundamentals of strategic planning, advanced topics in supply chain dynamics, and issues such as quality management, technology-driven innovation, and project/event management.
Throughout the module, you’ll engage in interactive discussions, group projects, case studies, and hands-on exercises to enhance your problem-solving and decision-making skills. By the end, you’ll have the ability to analyse and apply critical thinking to evaluate strategic alternatives and make informed recommendations.
In a world characterised by perpetual transformation, how can emerging business leaders navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that shape corporate strategy? Through engaging and interactive sessions, you’ll explore the complexities inherent in leadership principles and strategic decision-making.
This module emphasises hands-on learning, ensuring that you gain the knowledge and essential practical skills needed for effective leadership in contemporary business environments. After finishing the module, you’ll understand the vital corporate strategy tools organisations use to navigate the complex landscape of strategic planning and decision making. This understanding of these processes and tools makes you an asset to employers and help you stand out in the job market after graduation.
In today's business environment, a wealth of data is available but many businesses find it difficult to transform that data into usable information that can shape meaningful decisions. In this module, you’ll learn to extract insights from historical data through interactive visual analytics, communicate complex information effectively, and gain hands-on experience using data to drive positive change in business, environment and society.
You’ll also explore advanced pattern recognition and forecasting techniques, enabling you to foresee future outcomes and trends. You’ll explore real-world case studies from diverse industries, giving you a deep insight into how data analytics is integral to the supply chain management, marketing, healthcare, and finance sectors.
By the end of this module, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to transform data into actionable insights and predictions, positively impacting any organisation you work for and driving growth.
An introduction to the concept of behavioural science and how its insights can be applied to the workplace. Behavioural Science is drawing from multiple scientific disciplines (e.g. psychology, behavioural economics). It aims to give new insights into how our minds operate in the modern business world. Applied to the workplace it can help us to shed new light onto a wide range of issues relating to HR. You'll gain a first insight as to how the developing cross-disciplinary field of behavioural science and provide you with novel tools to overcome organisational challenges. For example, you'll cover how behavioual sciences can help us to understand how our decision making can be inherently biased and affect selection and assessment processes or equality and inclusivity within the workplace, how humans are motivated, how the workplace environment can be affected by workplace interactions both between individuals and teams, or how stress or wellbeing are influenced by a number of workplace factors.
The law expects businesses to be governed responsibly and individuals within them to be mindful as to how they fulfil their legal obligations to their customers, the environment, their workforce and the public. You'll study negligence, company, employment and discrimination law, emphasizing responsible business governance and individual accountability. By analysing current legal issues and applying them to real-world scenarios, you'll enhance problem-solving skills, understanding of diverse impacts and ethical decision-making in business. Navigating complexities and ambiguities fosters critical thinking and integrity, preparing you for future studies and careers.
Study the different ways in which people operate within organisations. You're introduced to the strategic use of data in people operations to tackle workplace challenges effectively. You'll learn various methodologies for analysing and interpreting data to improve organisational performance and employee well-being. Explore diverse data collection, processing and utilisation techniques. Through practical exercises and case studies, you'll learn to extract valuable insights, recognise patterns and make informed decisions to optimise human capital management. Ethical considerations such as privacy and confidentiality are emphasised, ensuring responsible data usage. You'll leave with a thorough understanding of how data-driven approaches can positively impact organisational culture and productivity.
How do you think creatively for business and startup planning? You'll address opportunity recognition, product development, business proposal creation and entrepreneurial finance. Through teamwork, you'll develop leadership, problem-solving, communication and analytical skills. Analogies from diverse cultures aid personal connections, while the curriculum emphasises sustainability, lifelong learning and systems thinking. You'll gain entrepreneurial confidence, adaptability, opportunity recognition, risk management, and innovative mindset for diverse career paths.
Many developed economies are dominated by services, so it’s increasingly important to understand the customer decision making process involved with service encounters, as well as what’s involved in delivering quality service experiences and understanding how to positively influence customer perceptions at key touchpoints in the service delivery process. You’ll learn how the distinct characteristics of services create challenges for service marketers and explore how theoretical concepts and models of services marketing can be applied to address these challenges by examining the strategies and practices of service based companies. This will give you the skills and knowledge to formulate marketing strategies and programmes that are customer centric and enhance the service experience for target customers, enabling service organisations to compete more effectively.
Our enthusiastic team of international teaching staff are all experts in their field of study and are regularly published in leading journals worldwide. They guide and support your learning, bringing their subject to life and drawing you into the conversation through lectures, seminars, presentations and computer-based simulations.
Your progress is assessed through a mix of coursework – including reports, essays and presentations - and exams. Undergraduate students can expect around 8 contact hours per week, depending on year of study and optional module choices made. The remainder of the working week consists of self-guided study.
As part of your studies it is also possible to take a foreign language module in stage 1 and for students going on a Year Abroad in year 1 and 2 subject to programme requirements. Alternatively, our university also offers language courses as part of extra-curricular activities.
Undergraduate students can expect around 8 contact hours per week, depending on year of study and optional module choices made. The remainder of the working week consists of self-guided study based on degree programme content and requirements of specific modules. For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours, which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course structure.
For programme aims and learning outcomes please see the programme specification.
Our graduates look to make their mark on the organisations they join, whether they are large multinational companies or small local firms in Kent.
Kent Business School students make their ambitions known, working at companies like:
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,850.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,385.
Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
If you are from the UK or Ireland, you must apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can apply through UCAS or directly on our website if you have never used UCAS and you do not intend to use UCAS in the future.
We welcome applications from students all around the world with a wide range of international qualifications.
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