Business and Management (FdA)

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Business and Management (FdA)

This two-year Foundation Degree is ideal for individuals without formal qualifications beyond school—especially those already working in business. It covers the first two years of an Honours degree and allows progression to a full BA (Hons) in Business and Management with a third ‘top-up’ year. The curriculum focuses on building your understanding of contemporary business challenges and management practices, fusing practical experience with academic theory. The course uses blended teaching methods—face-to-face classes combined with self-study—and encourages students to leverage their own work experience to connect real-world scenarios with business theory. You’ll engage in problem-based learning, group work, and hands-on industry connections, ensuring that what you learn can be directly applied in workplace environments.

Academic Journey

Duration: 2 years (Full-time)
Progression: Eligible to progress to BA (Hons) Business and Management in Year 3

Inside the Learning Segments


Year 1
Academic Development Skills (30 credits): Strengthens your skills as a university-level learner. Leading and Managing Business Organisations (30 credits): Applies organisational behaviour concepts through workplace scenarios. Legal Issues in Business Organisations (30 credits): Covers fundamentals of contract, tort law, and legal regulations affecting businesses. The Role of Marketing in Business Organisations (30 credits): Provides insight into marketing principles and marketing environment for businesses.

Year 2
Global Business Environment (30 credits): Explores globalisation and contemporary challenges shaping international business. Managing Financial Resources (30 credits): Focuses on financial planning, working capital, and internal decision-support accounting. Managing Human Resources (30 credits): Covers HR strategies including recruitment, performance management, and development practices. Work-Based Learning (30 credits): Bridges classroom learning and the workplace—apply theory in real business settings.
UCAS Tariff: Minimum of 56 points from Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels, BTEC, NVQ, apprenticeships) GCSEs: Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics, or Level 2 equivalents Work Experience: Accepted in lieu of formal qualifications for those with significant relevant experience English Language (International Students): IELTS overall 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component

Discover Your Career Direction


You will gain a comprehensive understanding of core business functions—such as management, finance, HR, and global business operations—through practical, real-world learning. The programme is tailored to improve employability by aligning with industry needs and applying business concepts directly through workplace scenarios and projects. Sunderland Business School emphasises employability through connections with businesses and active learning strategies. Graduates are prepared for managerial and leadership roles across various industries and equipped to pursue further education or professional development pathways.
Career routes Graduates often pursue roles such as:

Business Manager or Operations Coordinator
HR Assistant or People Management Support
Marketing Executive or Assistant
Finance or Accounting Assistant
International Business Development Support
You also have a smooth progression path to a BA (Hons) in Business and Management, enhancing career potential and academic credentials.

Business and Management (FdA)

This two-year Foundation Degree is ideal for individuals without formal qualifications beyond school—especially those already working in business. It covers the first two years of an Honours degree and allows progression to a full BA (Hons) in Business and Management with a third ‘top-up’ year. The curriculum focuses on building your understanding of contemporary business challenges and management practices, fusing practical experience with academic theory. The course uses blended teaching methods—face-to-face classes combined with self-study—and encourages students to leverage their own work experience to connect real-world scenarios with business theory. You’ll engage in problem-based learning, group work, and hands-on industry connections, ensuring that what you learn can be directly applied in workplace environments.

Academic Journey

Duration: 2 years (Full-time)
Progression: Eligible to progress to BA (Hons) Business and Management in Year 3

Inside the Learning Segments


Year 1
Academic Development Skills (30 credits): Strengthens your skills as a university-level learner. Leading and Managing Business Organisations (30 credits): Applies organisational behaviour concepts through workplace scenarios. Legal Issues in Business Organisations (30 credits): Covers fundamentals of contract, tort law, and legal regulations affecting businesses. The Role of Marketing in Business Organisations (30 credits): Provides insight into marketing principles and marketing environment for businesses.

Year 2
Global Business Environment (30 credits): Explores globalisation and contemporary challenges shaping international business. Managing Financial Resources (30 credits): Focuses on financial planning, working capital, and internal decision-support accounting. Managing Human Resources (30 credits): Covers HR strategies including recruitment, performance management, and development practices. Work-Based Learning (30 credits): Bridges classroom learning and the workplace—apply theory in real business settings.