Empowering Minds for a Better Future

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INTAKES

October, January, June

Awarding

institustion Oxford Brookes University

DURATION

4 Year

AWARDED DEGREE

BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year

Location

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds

DELIVERY

Weekdays and/or evenings Classes are subject to availability

Foundation Year
During the Foundation Year, you will develop the essential academic, communication, and research skills needed for success in higher education. You will explore key business areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, and the global environment, while building confidence in writing, critical thinking, and presenting ideas. The year also introduces real-world case studies and challenges, helping you gain a broad understanding of business and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Year One
In your first year, you will establish a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and business strategy. You will learn how to identify opportunities, create value, and understand how entrepreneurial organisations operate. Modules like project management and change leadership will provide practical skills to manage innovation and risk in dynamic business environments.

Year Two
This year focuses on advancing your skills through real-world business applications. You will study areas such as intrapreneurship, digital marketing, and venture finance, while developing and presenting a business plan to a panel. You will also explore how social entrepreneurship can address societal challenges, combining innovation with meaningful impact. Both teamwork and independent thinking are emphasised.

Year Three
In your final year, you will apply your knowledge and strategic thinking to real-world business scenarios. You will complete an Entrepreneurship Project, where you will develop, test, and refine your own business idea while engaging critically with existing research. By working with real data and academic insights, you will strengthen your ability to make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and build a solid foundation for launching and growing a successful business.

This course adopts an authentic assessment approach, designed to place you in realistic, real-world business scenarios. This method supports a progressive learning journey, helping you meet the learning outcomes of individual modules as well as the wider programme. In many modules, you will have the opportunity to apply your own business ideas, allowing you to receive detailed feedback and refine your proposals over time.

Assessments are structured to enable you to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skills, and competencies that are essential in today’s business environment. A variety of assessment methods are used, including essays, reports, practical simulations, presentations, projects, and group discussions.

You will also be expected to complete independent study outside of class time, including research, assignments, and group work. Self-directed learning is a key factor in your success, and lecturers will support you with guidance on effective study approaches throughout the course.

At GBS, assessment methods are reviewed annually and may be updated in response to student feedback, course content changes, or recommendations from an External Examiner. The External Examiner is an independent academic from another higher education institution who helps ensure that academic standards are maintained and fairly applied.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and:

  • Hold a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points)
  • Have GCSE English at grade 4/C or an equivalent qualification such as CEFR B1
    • If you do not hold this qualification, you may complete an English test at a Beesmarter campus

Applicants aged 21+

Standard Entry Requirements (Under 21):

  • 80 UCAS tariff points (or above), or
  • A Level 3 Ofqual qualification worth 60 credits

All applicants are assessed through an interview evaluating listening and speaking skills, along with a written personal reflection statement.

Non-Standard Entry Requirements (21 and above):
If applicants do not meet the standard academic requirements, we will also consider those with relevant life or work experience that demonstrates suitability for undergraduate study on the Foundation programme.

All applicants must complete an interview for listening and speaking skills and submit a written personal reflection statement.

Documents required:

  • Application form
  • Supervised personal reflection statement
  • Personal interview

Next Steps:

  1. Complete the application form by clicking the “Apply Now” button on this page
  2. Submit supporting documents when requested by Beesmarter
  3. Attend a panel interview to assess listening and speaking skills and complete a written personal reflection statement
  4. Receive a final decision from Beesmarter on your application

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Our Students​ says

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John

Bee Smarter made the whole process simple and stress-free. From choosing the right course to completing my application, their support was clear, professional, and very helpful.

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Lyla

Bee Smarter made everything feel easy and well organised. From exploring the right course to completing the application, their guidance was professional, supportive, and reassuring.

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Ron

Bee Smarter provided excellent support throughout my journey. They made course selection easier and guided me through the application process in a clear, friendly, and professional way.

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Rob

From the first enquiry to the final application stage, Bee Smarter was helpful and supportive throughout. Their advice was clear, professional, and made the whole process much less stressful.

FAQs

1. Is this course right for me?

The BA (Hons) Global Business and Entrepreneurship with Foundation Year is designed to build your core knowledge and develop your entrepreneurial potential. It helps you transform business ideas into reality, from identifying opportunities to developing the skills needed to launch and grow successful ventures.

This course strengthens your understanding of key business concepts while developing an entrepreneurial mindset through a practical, hands-on approach. It provides an alternative pathway to achieving your academic and career ambitions.

Graduates can use their entrepreneurial skills to start their own businesses or pursue a range of career paths, including:

  • Business Consultant
  • Business Strategy Analyst
  • Entrepreneur or Startup Founder
  • Innovation Manager
  • International Sales Representative
  • Retail Management Specialist
  • Supply Chain Manager

This programme is available at our campuses in Birmingham, London, Leeds, and Manchester. Each location offers modern learning facilities along with access to a vibrant student life and recreational opportunities.

We understand the importance of balancing study with personal commitments. That’s why this course offers flexible timetables, with classes available during weekdays and evenings, allowing you to manage your studies alongside your lifestyle.

Yes. The course is designed to accommodate different lifestyles and commitments, including work and family responsibilities. Depending on your campus, classes are available on weekdays and in the evenings, offering flexible study options.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and meet the following criteria:

  • A Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points)
  • GCSE English at grade 4/C or CEFR B1
    • If you do not have this qualification, you may take an English test at a Beesmarter campus

Applicants aged 21 and over:
We also welcome applications from individuals aged 21+ who do not meet the standard requirements but can demonstrate motivation and relevant academic, professional, or vocational experience in a related field.

  • English proficiency (GCSE 4/C or CEFR B1) is still required, or an English test may be taken at a Beesmarter campus

Next Steps:

  • Complete the application form by clicking “Apply Now” on this page
  • Submit supporting documents when requested by Beesmarter
  • Attend a panel interview assessing listening and speaking skills and complete a written personal reflection
  • Receive a final decision from Beesmarter

The Foundation Year provides essential academic skills and knowledge to prepare you for degree-level study. As you progress, you will focus more deeply on entrepreneurship and new venture creation. In later stages, you will apply your learning to real-world business scenarios, developing strong business planning and decision-making skills.

The course also explores entrepreneurship theory and practice across different contexts, highlighting the importance of strategy, innovation, and tactical thinking in various business models.

This course uses an authentic assessment approach, placing you in real-world business scenarios that reflect professional practice. In many modules, you will be able to apply your own business ideas, allowing you to receive feedback and refine your work over time.

Assessment methods are designed to evaluate your full range of knowledge, skills, and competencies. These may include essays, reports, simulations, presentations, projects, and group discussions.

Independent study is an essential part of the course, including research, assignments, and group work. Lecturers will support you throughout with guidance on effective study strategies.

At GBS, assessment methods are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, course requirements, or recommendations from an External Examiner—an independent academic who ensures academic standards are maintained.