So you're thinking about studying business
If you’ve been looking at business degrees for a while, you’ve probably noticed they all sound a bit similar at first. Business Management, Business Studies, International Business, Entrepreneurship. Same theme, different focus.
So rather than throw loads of buzzwords at you, this guide is here to do one thing: help you work out which course actually fits you.
At its core, business is about understanding how organisations work and why they make the decisions they do. It’s the people side, the money side, the strategy side, and the reality of what happens when plans meet competition, customer behaviour, and the wider economy. If you like the idea of learning how that whole world works (and having the skills to step into it confidently), then a business degree makes a lot of sense.
At Greenwich, we offer several Business & Management courses. The variety is great, but it can also make the decision harder. Let me walk you through what's actually on offer so you can figure out which one makes sense for you.
What every Business & Management student gets
Regardless of which course you choose, you'll have access to:
- Careers and employability support. You’ll also have access to careers support through the university, including advice, mentoring and opportunities to develop your CV, interview skills and confidence.
- The Generator Team. If you’ve ever thought about launching something of your own, the Generator is there to help students and graduates develop business ideas and turn them into something real.
- Optional placement year (for eligible modes)
Many of our full-time undergraduate Business and Management courses have an optional placement year, typically 9 to 12 months. It’s a chance to step into the workplace, build experience, and come back into final year with a much clearer sense of what you’re good at and what you want next.
Quick note: the placement year is linked to specific “sandwich” modes, and it is not available if you’re joining through a direct entry route (so coming into Year 2 or Year 3).
Our Business & Management courses explained
BA (Hons) Business Management
This is the flagship. It's been one of our most popular degrees for years, and for good reason.
You'll cover the core business functions like finance, marketing, and HR. You'll also get into the broader stuff: business law, ethics, economics. And throughout, you're building practical skills. Leadership. Communication. Data analysis. Negotiation. The things that actually matter when you're trying to get things done in an organisation.
It's comprehensive. It keeps your options open. If you're not 100% sure what specific area of business you want to go into, this gives you a strong foundation.
BA (Hons) Business Studies
This shares some DNA with Business Management, but the focus shifts.
Business Studies puts less emphasis on the people side of things (managing teams, HR, organisational behaviour) and more emphasis on business development and strategy. How do you grow a company? How do you compete? How do you make strategic decisions that actually work?
If you're more interested in the nuts and bolts of building businesses than in managing people, this is worth considering.
BA (Hons) International Business
The clue's in the name. This degree is built for people who want careers that cross borders.
You'll study international marketing, emerging markets, how to manage across different cultures, corporate social responsibility, and global economics. It's designed for people who see themselves working internationally or for companies with a global footprint.
There's also a "With Language" version where you can study French, Italian, Mandarin, or Spanish alongside your business modules. If you're serious about working in international markets, speaking the language makes a real difference.
BA (Hons) Entrepreneurship & Innovation
This one's for the people who want to build something of their own.
But here's what makes it different from a generic "start a business" course: there's a real focus on doing it ethically. Building something that contributes positively. Leading with integrity. Making money, sure, but also making a difference.
If you've got ideas and you want to learn how to actually execute them (without selling your soul in the process), take a look at this one.
Where do these degrees actually lead?
Honestly, all over the place. That's the nature of business degrees. The skills transfer across industries, company sizes, and roles.
Some graduates go corporate. Some join startups. Some go into consulting. Some end up in non-profits. The specific direction depends on what you're interested in and what you do with your time at Greenwich.
Maybe Business & Management isn't quite right?
That's fine too. The Greenwich Business School offers other programmes:
- Accounting & Finance
- Economics
- Human Resources
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Marketing & Advertising
- Tourism, Events & Hospitality
One of these might be a better fit for what you actually want to do with your career.
Picking a degree is a big deal. Nobody else can tell you what's right for you. But hopefully this clears up what's available and helps you narrow things down.
Take your time. Look around. Ask questions.
