Turn your qualification into a career to be proud of with a Business Management top-up degree
Our Business Management (Top-Up) BSc at St Mary's University London is designed for people who've already built strong foundations and are ready to go further. In one focused year, you'll convert your existing qualification into a full honours degree.
You'll explore the topics shaping business today: strategy, digital transformation, and the key ethical questions leaders must grapple with. The course is taught by industry professionals who've worked in the real environments you're preparing for, so what you learn maps directly to what you'll do next.
We also believe a degree should stand for something. The best managers aren't just effective: they're trusted, fair, and clear about what they stand for. That's why ethics and responsibility run through everything we teach – not as a tick-box module, but as a way of thinking that shapes the kind of leader you become.
Our top-up programme is built for students with a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma, or equivalent qualification – and for the careers you're ready to step into next.
It's shaped around what employers actually look for:
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The ability to turn ideas into practical action
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The judgment to lead with professionalism and integrity
Why St Mary's?
Study business management in the capital
Our Business Management top-up degree is based at our Twickenham campus in the beautiful London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, close enough to tap into one of the world’s biggest business hubs. You’re also on the doorstep of some of the largest companies and smaller local businesses that need fresh strategic thinking, something you can bring them.
Hands-on learning
You can attend business talks led by guest speakers to enhance your employability and understanding of the industry.
Join a supportive community
Our campus feels like a community. Your lecturers learn your name and are here to support your needs. Find out more about how our Student Success Team ensures you reach your goals while prioritising your wellbeing.
The staff here are really helpful and are always on hand when help is needed, both in lectures and tutorials.
Gain dual accreditation
During your Business Management (Top-Up) course, you can complete specific modules to achieve a Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership awarded by The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) (subject to CMI moderation).
Work placements: build professional experience
You can also undertake a work placement to:
- develop practical skills
- apply theory to real-world scenarios
- understand a globalised business environment
- build your network.
Career opportunities
Our top-up Business Management degree will help you develop essential transferable skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, and time management.
When you start your course at St Mary's, you'll have access to our Career Services, which provides students and graduates with impartial advice on their career progression and development.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Business Management (Top-Up) BA (Hons) include:
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Course content
Modules on our top-up degree
You'll learn what makes business tick, including the financial and economic aspects of business, how to manage people, and how to organise for success.
You'll learn how to manage the long-term future of a business by studying changes taking place in the business world, in societies, markets, finances, economies, technology, political intervention and legal or ethical requirements.
You'll also discover how to develop and implement strategy to meet requirements and the processes behind completing in-depth research projects, investigating the different choices your business needs to make.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
Our Business Management top-up degree is based at on our beautiful and historic campus in Twickenham, London.
As well as highly interactive lectures, you’ll receive presentations from leading researchers and top management professionals and practitioners. Seminars will deepen your understanding of the skills you’ll need to be an effective manager. Individual tutorials offer further support in learning the subject matter on a one-to-one basis.
These approaches are supplemented by an online virtual learning environment where you can find additional learning materials.
Class sizes in year one lectures can be up to 190 students. In year two and three, lectures will be around 70 students as optional modules are chosen. Seminar groups are typically around 30-35 students.
- Contact time
- 22%
- Independent study
- 61%
- Guided learning
- 17%
Assessment methods
You will be assessed in a variety of ways that test knowledge, understanding and skills development throughout your degree.
The programme uses a broad range of assessments including business reports, essays, practical exercises, presentations, case studies, examinations, assessed blogs, seminar and simulation exercises as well as traditional exam-based assessments and coursework. Wherever possible, you’ll be assessed using digital methods and online feedback.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Who teaches this course?
Entry requirements
N/A
240 UK credits from a Higher National Diploma (HND), a foundation degree (FdA/ FdSc), or equivalent international qualification in Business Management or a related subject, or
240 UK credits from years one and two of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in Business Management or a related subject at a different institution.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£9,790
International
£17,445
Funding Information
January 2026 entry
If you are applying to study the programme starting in January 2026, your tuition fees will be as follows:
- Home: £9,535
- International: £17,100
*Please note: Tuition fee increases for undergraduate Home students are subject to regulatory control by the UK Government. The above Home fees for September 2026 are confirmed by the UK Government subject to Parliamentary procedure in early 2026. These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
Apply now
If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply directly through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information. You will also need to apply directly if you want to study any course part-time.
If you're an international student and you would like to apply for Foundation and Placement Year courses, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
September 2026
January 2027
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions. Please note: we do not currently accept transfers into our LLB courses.
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