BSc (Hons) Business Enterprise (BBE)

Entry requirements

The A-level (or equivalent) requirements for this course are shown in the silver box (above). Applicants must also have GCSE English and Maths at  Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent). If you do not meet our minimum requirements at A-level you may be considered for our Foundation Pathway, depending on grades.

Language minors

Applicants with no previous knowledge of the chosen language must begin in September for a fast-track induction programme.

Flexible entry

All of our undergraduate programmes operate a flexible entry process, and the Admissions Tutor is happy to consider entrants from all backgrounds with slightly lower qualifications, if they are able to demonstrate an alternative eligibility for the course. This may be in the form of relevant work experience, keen aptitude and a passion for the subject, or unlocked potential that you feel can be discovered through your studies at Buckingham. If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact the Admissions Team.

UCAS applications

You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system, or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form.

Mature students

Because of our two-year degree we find that the age range of our student body varies between those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor.

English levels

If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by skype, email or phone.

The Admissions Team for Business would be happy to answer any questions you may have:

Mrs Lyn Hartin

Business Admissions Administrator
business-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk

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Bethany Janes

Business School Marketing Manager
bethany.janes@buckingham.ac.uk

Read more →

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting any offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of the Business School faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Business Enterprise is unique in offering practical workshops, as well as an open-door policy with the course tutors, whom students can always approach to ask for help or advice. External entrepreneurs are invited to make presentations to BSc Business Enterprise students in the Winter and Summer Terms to help inspire, as well as inform, the students on the programme.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

Graduate employment

At the University of Buckingham, we pride ourselves in our high employment rates. Business Enterprise students are no different, with many going on to achieve great things. Here is what some of the BBE graduates have gone on to do and what you could do studying for a BBE:

• Creation and business management of start-ups:

A significant number of our graduates have followed their entrepreneurial spirit in starting up their own business or expanding on those created during the course of their degree. The innovation of these businesses ranges from events management in skydiving (Stefan Stockinger) to online computer gaming (Alex Lehmann) to environmentally friendly clothing (Esme Finch). Similarly, graduates have often utilised the skills learned on the course to improve their own family business, specialising in manufacturing (Sailendra Thulasidharan), brewing, microsurgery and graphics and media.

• Postgraduate study:

Some of our alumni feel they have more to learn and thus continue on to further study through master’s degrees, MBAs and ACCA. Often, our Business Enterprise graduates focus their study on an area which will benefit their businesses specifically. These studies include sports law, investment risk and finance (Sean Obedih), law, international business, management (Tong Guan) and medicine.

• Career in education at schools / universities:

Graduates of Business Enterprise also find they are able to pass on their valuable insights to students just as their lecturers did during their time here. Some have gone on to teach GCSE and A-level students in business related subjects (Davinia Obedih), whilst others have travelled to pass on their knowledge to international students (Joseph Finch).

• Finance, accounting and consultancy:

For those interested in the fiscal side of business, graduates are able to use their skills developed in financial accounting, business planning and business records modules to flourish in a career in finance. A handful of graduates have begun careers in investment banking, financial data (Pawel Zdobnowski) and accountancy (Joanna Major).

• Marketing and media:

Manjeave Singh Lotay, Hubert Stöhr, Alex Meazzani and Salem Said have all developed their entrepreneurial skills in the field of marketing and media. Using their creative skills, as well as the practical experience that the BBE course gave them, these graduates are employed by or partnered with successful digital marketing companies.

Of course, students are not merely limited to these options, and some have even gone on to become published authors (Euan Leckie) and even national service lieutenants. All our alumni have been successful in finding graduate level employment or prospering in their own individual goals.

What our students and alumni say

“Having graduated in February 2009, I decided that I wanted to follow a career in accountancy. Despite the difficult financial situation at the time, my first class honours degree, and experience running my own business at Buckingham, enabled me to get a job as a Trainee Accountant, working for Michael J Emery & Co. Ltd in Newport Pagnell.

I am also studying for my ACCA qualifications, which will take about three years. So far I have completed the knowledge-based aspect of the qualification. I am learning all aspects of accounting and have assisted on some company audits.

My experience on the BSc Business Enterprise course has given me valuable insights into business, which have helped greatly in my accountancy training and work. I am able to understand the problems encountered by the owners and managers of companies and can also see where our firm can help our business customers.”

Joanna Major
Business Enterprise, 2008

Read more about the experiences of our BSc Business Enterprise graduates

The following fee illustrations provide an insight into the cost savings which can be made by studying at the University of Buckingham.

• Fee illustration: International students
• Fee illustration: Home students

You may also find it useful to visit the following fee related information on our site:

• Estimated Living Costs
• Grants and Loans

Discounts

Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:

• 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
• 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham

Scholarships

The following automatic awards are available to undergraduate Home students:

• The Kingham Scholarship
  The University of Buckingham is offering one budding entrepreneur the chance to win a scholarship to study a unique two-year BSc Business Enterprise degree worth over £15,000. Find out more >
• High Achiever Scholarship
  We offer a reduction of £2,000 per annum if you achieve AAB or above in your A levels (or equivalent) excluding General Studies. This scholarship is dependent on your making Buckingham your firm choice. It will be reviewed after your preliminary and subsequent examinations and will continue if your average mark is in the upper second or first class.
• Five Counties Scholarship
  If you live in Buckinghamshire (including Milton Keynes), Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire or Oxfordshire, you will be entitled to a local scholarship of £2,000 per annum providing you meet the conditions of your offer. This scholarship is dependent on your making Buckingham your firm choice. You are not eligible for this award if you hold another scholarship from the University.
• Buckingham Bursaries
  If, when you join the University, you are in receipt of a Maintenance Loan of £5,000 or more from Student Finance, you will receive a further bursary of £1,100 towards your tuition fees. This bursary may not be held with any other scholarship from the University (please note that because of the significant increase in the Five Counties Scholarship, this bursary is no longer awarded in addition).

Details of other scholarships can be found on our main Bursaries and Scholarships page.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. Arrange a tour via your Admissions Officer.