Undergraduate Course
York Business School Foundation Year
Take your first step towards a fulfilling and responsible career in business with a foundation year.
Completing a foundation year will prepare you for university level study. This course will provide you with broad ranging knowledge, along with the vital skills and experience you need to excel in your chosen course. This is an opportunity to build confidence and skills as you prepare for your degree.
York campus
- Duration – 1 year full time, then a 3 year full time or 6 year part time degree
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – York Business School
Minimum entry requirements
48 UCAS Tariff points
1 GCSE at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
Discover why York St John is The One
Course overview
We offer a foundation year with all of our business degrees. This course is a great opportunity to spend an extra year at university, building essential knowledge and valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your degree. This is an ideal option if you do not yet meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, you have been out of education for a while, or you do not feel ready to start studying at degree level.
The modules that make up this year long course give you a broad understanding of areas of business which are essential to the degree you will eventually study. This includes marketing, finance, human resource management, entrepreneurship, and much more. Through this you will come to appreciate the interconnections between different areas of business. You will also focus on developing the skills you need to succeed in any subject at university, such as:
- Academic writing
- Research skills
- Working independently and collaboratively
- Written and verbal communication
At York Business School all of our degrees are focused on your long term career goals. Whether you are thinking of setting up your own business, working in a large corporation or the public sector, we will give you the skills and understanding you need to succeed.
As a Business School we are passionate about social responsibility and sustainability. These values and this commitment will be embedded throughout this course. We are a Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatory for the United Nations. Our mission is to develop your potential so that you can make a difference in society.
Business courses available with Foundation Year
Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N4N4
Business Management with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: NN22
Digital Marketing and Data Analytics with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N117
Events and Experience Management with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N802
Fashion Marketing with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N119
Economics with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: L2N8
Financial and Investment Management with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N123
Human Resource Management with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N110
International Business with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N126
International Tourism and Hospitality Management with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N836
Marketing with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N107
Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: L2N9
Sports Business Management with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: N888
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. You will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional module in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module will help you to make the transition into degree level study. It will ensure you have all the skills you need in academic research, writing and presenting to succeed on your chosen course. You will also become familiar with the different disciplines which make up business at York St John. The skills you will develop include:
- Note making
- Academic reading and evaluating resources
- Analysing data
- Presenting research
- Referencing and academic writing
- Developing a professional persona
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the relationship between business and society. This will involve discussing various ethical and moral dilemmas which businesses may face, and consider these from an international perspective. You will also learn about the impact on business of societal changes including technological advances, the political climate and demographic shifts. We will challenge you to think about the different roles and purposes of business organisations and evaluate their impact upon society.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module we will introduce you to the key principles of running a business. These include:
- Finance
- Human resource planning
- Operations and business processes
- Marketing and planning
Within the module you will make use of business simulation software to experiment with these processes. You will also develop your own comprehensive business plan.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will work as a group to run a community event which will directly benefit people in need. This reflects the University’s commitment to social justice, responsible management education, and sustainable business practice. You will work with a third sector or social enterprise organisation, allowing you to engage with the wider business community in the city. Through this work you will build both your event management skills and your understanding of the role business plays in wider social issues.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will investigate how businesses are responding and adapting to our constantly evolving society. The wants, needs and behaviour of consumers are changing, and businesses must adapt and restrategise to avoid being left behind. You will learn about the global business environment, and consider how the challenges and responsibilities of business are evolving along with wider societal change.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will develop an understanding of economics and finance, and how to apply them in the business world. It will provide you with a theoretical framework which allows you to use economic and financial information to analyse organisations. You will learn about:
- Economic systems and market structures
- Opportunity cost
- Demand and supply
- Pricing strategies
- Financial statements
- Basic ratio analysis
- Methods of summarising and presenting data
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will consider the challenges businesses face in developing their services for customers. Changing needs and expectations can make the development of these services difficult. You will consider customer experience from a user experience design perspective, discovering how focusing on consumer journeys can help businesses to stand out in their market. You will study consumer behaviour, the customer story, and the innovative technology behind new developments in this area.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will introduce you to the management of people, as you learn to lead and work within teams. You will examine and apply appropriate theories and principles to potential contemporary situations in people management. We will also consider the challenges of planning operations across national boundaries and within different cultures. You will learn about:
- The history of management approaches
- Individual differences
- Motivation
- Leadership
- Operations
- Performance management
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
Your teaching will be made up of lectures, which include the whole year group together, and smaller workshops and seminars. Your learning will be supported by your Personal Academic Tutor, who will hold regular meetings with you to make sure you are on track to succeed.
We expect you to engage in independent study outside of your contact hours. This includes reading preparatory materials and completing activities on Moodle (our online learning environment).
Our teaching draws on both research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
The assessments we use are designed to develop your skills. They are also intended to reflect the tasks and problems you will encounter when working in jobs related to these subjects. These may include:
- Essays
- Reports
- Portfolios
- Oral presentations
- Research projects
Within each module you will be given an opportunity to practice for your assessment, and receive feedback on practice work. This ensures that you are fully prepared and confident for final assessments.
Progression onto Degree course
Passing all of the modules on this foundation year guarantees your progression onto any of our Business degrees. Your grades from this year will not be carried forward and will not count towards your final degree results.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
48 UCAS Tariff points
1 GCSE at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study a Foundation Year with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this Foundation Year course is:
- £9,250 for your Foundation Year
- Then £9,250 per year of your undergraduate degree
This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
You can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for the full duration of your course, including the Foundation Year and then your undergraduate degree.
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
International 2024 entry
For full time study the tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is:
- £11,500 for your Foundation Year
- Then £11,500 per year of your undergraduate degree
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree.
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Keep your options open
This foundation year can lead onto any of our Business degrees. You will choose which one when you apply, but you can move to another subject if you change your mind.
Add more to your degree
Spend an extra year experiencing university life and refining the skills which will help you succeed.
Go beyond your subject
Learn beyond your own specialism, gaining a broad understanding of different business functions.
More to explore
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