- Business Management and French
BSc (Hons) — 2025 entry Business Management and French
Our BSc Business Management and French course focuses on training you to be a world-class language expert with an understanding of how organisations of all sizes start, run and thrive.
Why choose
this course?
- You will have the opportunity to experience and benefit from being taught by experts in two different schools.
- Our BSc (Hons) Business Management and French course will develop your language and intercultural communication skills and your understanding of core business principles, giving you the linguistic competence and business confidence to excel in the professional and academic world.
- You’ll have the option to take one of our award-winning Professional Training placements that will prepare you for work in industry.
Statistics
3rd in the UK
French is ranked 3rd for overall student satisfaction* in the National Student Survey 2024
4th in the UK
For Languages and Linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2025
11th in UK and 90th in the world
For Business and Economics in The Times Higher Education World Subject Rankings 2024
*Measured by % positivity across all questions for all providers listed in the Guardian University Guide league tables.
Accreditation
What you will study
Our BSc (Hons) Business Management and French will introduce you to core business principles and practice and give you the opportunity to continuously improve and practise your language skills in a variety of settings. If you don’t have an A-level or equivalent in French, you’ll have the opportunity to take French as a beginner as long as you can demonstrate language learning aptitude.
Your first year of study will provide you with a strong base of knowledge in the essentials of business management and will introduce you to using French in a variety of academic and professional contexts. From the second year, you will be given the opportunity to select from a widening selection of modules, including marketing, HR, sociolinguistics and translation.
The course includes a Professional Training placement abroad which will give you real insight into business practice in the relevant country, plus the opportunity to use and develop your language skills in a professional setting.
Facilities
Our language teaching facilities include digital language labs, a multimedia lab, our own virtual learning environment and an e-portfolio system.
Between classes, you can use our Language Study Area, in the University’s purpose-built Learning Centre.
We have a computer suite of PCs offering the latest in language-learning technology and interactive programs in 18 different languages to develop your language skills.
You can read the international press and choose from a range of books and audio materials.
If you prefer film or video as a means of learning, you can access our media store of programmes and films. You can watch online, view live satellite TV from five countries, or even choose a foreign-language film from our world cinema collection.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
Course options
Year 3 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1 & 2
Core
This module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.
View full module detailsThis module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written skills.
View full module detailsThis module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning and is a process that involves self-reflection. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written skills.
View full module detailsYear 1 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module, delivered in English to students following French,Spanish and German degree programmes, is taught during semester 1 of FHEQ Level 4. The module gives a broad introduction to linguistics including history and development of language, 1st language acquisition and 2nd language learning, types of teaching and learning, learning strategies and motivation. Students apply knowledge gained to write a reflective portfolio analysing their past and present language learning and future language learning plans.
View full module detailsOperations management relates to the scoping, planning, directing and controlling of the facilities, processes and people required to transform resources into products and services. The principles of operations management are used in every industry and every environment. All organisations perform the functions of strategic planning, process design, supply chain management, forecasting and scheduling, work management, innovation and quality management. The same skills are required whether operations managers are working in private manufacturing organisations, the public sector, service organisations or not for profit businesses.
View full module detailsThis is an intensive introduction to a modern foreign language, covering the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Students follow a coursebook covering a wide range of everyday topics, such as home life, education, hobbies, food, culture, and tourism. Tutors guide students through the course material, employing interactive tasks encompassing all four skills, pair, and group work, and providing extensive supplementary activities for independent study. The module is designed to enable students to attain a pre-intermediate/intermediate level in the target language by the end of the first semester.
View full module detailsThis module is taught in French in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 4. Student journey: this is a semester 1, L4 module, which is compulsory for post A level students of French. It aims to support students at the start of their transition to HE, both pastorally and academically, and to impart working habits and emerging skills which will be developed throughout their degree. The module is the first of four language-focused modules taken by French students, including at L6.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to the main principles of accounting and cost management and demonstrates the importance of these to management decision making.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The module provides students with an introduction to the human dimensions of work organizations. It will encourage them to think critically and creatively about the ways in which people shape organizations and are, in turn, shaped by organizations. It will introduce them to individual, group and structural levels of analysis. This module builds the foundations for the subsequent, more advanced study of people and organizations on the HRM Pathway.
View full module detailsIn this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on the use of French in professional contexts. This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 4.
View full module detailsThis module complements the language modules in Level 4 by introducing students to the cultures and societies of countries where French is spoken. It provides insight into the history, traditions and topical issues of countries where they may be spending time during PTY and will provide opportunities to develop linguistic competence and intercultural awareness.
View full module detailsThis module builds on the language skills acquired in semester 1 across all four skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), and enables students to attain a level of advanced competency roughly equivalent to B2 on the CEFR. A course book is used in class, and additional activities focus on developing language skills for the professional world, e.g. writing a CV and cover letter, and practising interviews. This enables students to start preparing for the PTY abroad and feeds into their Level 5 language module, where they are integrated with the rest of the cohort.
View full module detailsThis module examines the role of Marketing in organisations with an emphasis on the importance and development of marketing strategies. The core objective of many businesses is to attract and retain customers in a competitive environment, with the role of marketing focussing on customers. This module introduces students to the core principles of the discipline and provides and underpinning to later elective modules.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Students without A level or equivalent in a language will take two ab initio modules in the first year, in place of Language for academic study and Language for the professional world. For all other modules they will join post-A level students.
Year 2 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
In this module, students develop their fluency and accuracy in the target language, through language-learning tasks across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with a focus on using French to carry out, present, and write up research projects on a theme connected to the French-speaking world. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 5.
View full module detailsThe prime motivator in business activity is sustainable profitability for shareholders' wealth maximization. It follows that all managers are likely to perform better towards that goal if they understand the mechanisms for achieving sustainable profit by acting in the interest of stakeholders. This module is designed to give students the necessary basic background in finance to enable them to be effective business managers. It covers the fundamental principles of corporate finance and investment in bonds, stocks, and projects, along with day-to-day working capital management.
View full module detailsOptional
This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals of information technology and covers the uses of information systems in business scenarios and business organizations. The module equips students with skills of database management and an in-depth understanding of the role of information systems in this ‘information age’.
View full module detailsThis module focuses on key and latest topics in International Business in the context of the global economy. It first introduces students to the apparent globalization phenomenon and the 'hidden' role of international businesses. It then highlights the national differences across countries. It also looks at how these differences impact on industry and firm competitiveness in the international marketplace. The module also emphasizes the importance of firm internationalization in terms of three areas: Motivations, Decisions, and Processes, in light of the national and industry conditions. Finally, the module introduces students to the managerial strategies and organizational structures that international firms typically adopt to compete effectively in the global marketplace, as well as the future directions that these firms are likely to take. It is expected that students will bring the knowledge gained from this module with them to other subsequent modules whereby International Business plays an important and relevant part.
View full module detailsThis module builds on knowledge gained from the level 4 People Practices module and aims to equip students with an overview of the theoretical HRM concepts, frameworks, and contemporary HR trends in a range of organizations. There is specific focus on how HRM may add value to organizations and the business case for ensuring organizations workforces are diverse. This module focuses on but is not limited to HRM through a UK lens, this module prepares students for the final year module Global HRM.
View full module detailsThis is a module for Level 5 students in the School of Literature and Languages. It is taught over one semester, with three contact hours per teaching week.The module considers a range of approaches to teaching English as a Foreign Language, approaches which can be applied to the teaching of other languages. It provides practice and assessment in lesson planning and in teaching through peer teaching tasks. The skills developed on the module such as speaking in front of groups and decision making are transferable to a number of other careers. The module is capped at 14 students in each semester.
View full module detailsThis is a practical introduction to translation from French to English. Students will be introduced to some basic concepts and terminology in translation and will learn through translating short texts from French to English and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in translating from French to English and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems as well as to introduce aspects of Francophone cultures.
View full module detailsThis module aims to provide students with both theoretical and practical understanding of how marketing research is designed, conducted and evaluated. More specifically, this module gives students a deep understanding of various decisions involved in capturing market insights through the research process and their implications for business strategies and value delivery to different stakeholders.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
Student journey integration: this module builds in particular on other L4 modules which have a higher degree of specialism in terms of knowledge and methodology. For students enrolled in a joint degree combining two languages, it is closely connected with ‘parallel’ modules in German or Spanish. It also makes references to and builds on skills developed in other L5 modules, in particular data analysis. By extending the students’ knowledge of contemporary French-speaking societies and in particular their ability to discuss them in specialised French, the module contributes to their readiness to undertake the level P year abroad, especially when they are going on placement This module is taught in the target language in semester 2 of FHEQ Level 5.
View full module detailsOptional
Sociolinguistics explores language as a social phenomenon, examining both how social factors affect language, and what language can tell us about society. This module introduces students to the interaction between language and society. We start by considering the linguist variables that reflect our social identity, before examining how speaker’s responses to external social factors influences the way in which languages are used, lost and standardized. This module is taught in English at FHEQ Level 5. Introduction to Sociolinguistics builds on themes in linguistics introduced at throughout modules taught at Level 4 and provides in-depth preparation for Level 6 modules that focus in detail on the sociolinguistics of specific languages including French and Spanish.
View full module detailsIt is essential that students reading for a Management/Business degree acquire an understanding of the essential legal principles regulating commerce and industry, with particular emphasis on the general awareness of the law necessary for those holding management positions.
View full module detailsThe aim of this module is to introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of Consumer Behaviour. This module, by delving beneath the behaviour of consumers, provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that affect and form consumer behaviour and of the contribution of consumer insights into marketing. The module builds on the core principles of marketing and focuses on how firms can utilize consumer behaviour knowledge in order to create successful and viable marketing strategies. As such, it constitutes an essential part of programmes relating to Marketing and Business Management. The Consumer Behaviour and Insights module brings together ideas and theories from diverse areas such as marketing strategy, sociology, psychology and marketing research in order to understand the behaviour of consumers. Appropriate research techniques and leading-edge research findings will be discussed to enhance understanding of the consumer behaviour in the contemporary marketplace as well as how consumer insights are generated and applied.
View full module detailsThis module builds upon the basic introduction provided in MAN1073 OBA (HEQ4) to the complexity of organizations studied from an organizational psychology perspective. Business and Organizational Psychology is the study of people and their behaviour at work. Organizational psychologists develop psychological theory and apply the rigour and methods of scientific inquiry to issues that are important to organizations. The key goals of the field are to advance understanding of individual, group and organizational effectiveness at work, and the well-being and satisfaction of people working in or served by organizations. In this module, some of the key topics of Work and Organizational Psychology are covered, emphasizing theory and research on which the discipline is built, major areas of practical application of the discipline, and how these contribute to management of performance and organizational effectiveness. By the end of the module students will have gained an understanding of how organizational psychology research and practice influence different levels at work including the individual, group, organization, and society. A central feature of the module will focus upon developing critical thinking skills by engaging in desk research and analysis of scientific knowledge and organizational problems.
View full module detailsThis module takes students off campus and into local schools. They work closely with MFL or English Literature teachers, shadowing them or taking small groups of school students, and gaining an insight into the teaching profession. This module complements ELA2012 Introduction to TEFL, by allowing students to see teaching strategies and techniques in the real world. The Module has the backing of the "Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme" (www.uas.ac.uk).
View full module detailsThis is a practical introduction to translation from English to French. Students will learn to express some basic concepts and terminology in translation in French and will learn through translating short texts from English to French and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will gain an understanding of the processes involved in translating from English to French and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems and enhance cultural awareness.
View full module detailsOne of the most important decisions in the life of a firm is the financing decision. This module builds on the concepts introduced in Financial Planning and Modelling module (FHEQ Level 5) and focuses on the cost of capital and long-term financial policy of a firm.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students choose 5 from the listed optional modules, maintaining a balance between the two subjects and semesters (3 Management options and 2 Language options)
Year 3 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
The module provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of how business strategy can be formulated in the light of environmental and internal conditions with a particular emphasis on the international context of strategy making. The module equips students with a framework for understanding international business strategy as an interdisciplinary activity within the context of international and competitive markets, leading to corporate decision-making. The module is built on 3 key issues – who is strategy done for, how is strategy formulated and implemented, is strategy driven by organisations or environments.
View full module detailsStudent journey: although this module is not compulsory, all final-year students are expected to take at least one iteration of the final-year 'Advanced language skills modules', which means that students enrolled in the Business Management and French course will take this module. Depending on their degree combination, students may also opt to do two versions of this module. The module builds on and develops language and language-related skills acquired at Levels 4 and 5 and on PTY. It extends the Language-focused modules at L4 and L5. It is similarly intended to advance language proficiency in all key skills, while equipping students with a wide range of methodological skills: summary writing (first learnt at L4, and central to L6 modules in a more complex format), formulating research questions and structuring essays, delivering convincing oral presentations. For those completing a third-year placement, the module aims explicitly to channel newly-acquired language skills in order to enhance academic performance and employability. The module is also intended to provide extensive and targeted support for the preparation and writing of the final-year dissertation, in both its short and long modes. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 6.
View full module detailsOptional
This course provides an opportunity for students following a Business Management HRM pathway, to acquire an understanding of the essential legal principles of Employment Law which regulate and underpin commerce and industry, with particular emphasis on the general awareness of the law necessary for those holding management positions.
View full module detailsThis module builds on the knowledge and skills students gained as part of the previous HRM pathway modules (e.g. OBA, HRM) to explore a range of cutting-edge issues in human resource management and human resource development. The content reflects contemporary themes and priorities. It is likely to include contributions from staff and/or invited speakers that are based on relevant special interests informed by research and/or professional engagement. There is a cohering theme of managing and enhancing employee performance, including both prescribed job performance and other desirable work behaviours such as organisational citizenship and innovative contributions. The module includes an international perspective and emphasises critical consideration of the practical implications of recent studies.
View full module detailsThis module is intended to introduce students to the study of banking and money. The material of the course covers two broader areas. The first encompasses the microeconomic and managerial aspects of banking, such as, the structure of incentives, bank risk management, competition, and performance. The second area covers the macroeconomic elements of banking instability, the role of banks in the monetary transmission mechanism, the interplay between banks, regulators and policy makers and the role of banks in setting interest rates as well as regulatory developments in banking.
View full module detailsThis is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It can be taken in either Autumn or Spring semester, with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a 4000-word research project in one of their target languages.
View full module detailsThis is a practical module on translation from English to French which builds on what students have learnt at L5 and on PTY. Students will learn through translating texts from English to French and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will deepen their understanding of the processes involved in translating from English to French and will hone their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems and enhance cultural awareness.
View full module detailsThis research-led module will introduce different approaches to Leadership to students through which many leadership theories will be discussed and taught throughout the module. The module will provide students an insight of a wide range of leadership practices in the extant literature. The module will cover from the fundamental notions of leadership frameworks/concepts to contemporary views of leadership practices. The module offers a good number of theories and practices (including adopted real case studies in organisations) to allow students understand how importance the leadership style can make an impact to individual wellbeing as well as organisational performance. The module will consist of lectures and some seminars, in which students will be given opportunities to present their work and get actively involved in some in-class exercises.
View full module detailsThis module, which assumes no prior knowledge of languages other than English, is intended to give students an insight into the diversity of human communication systems found throughout the world. In order to understand how language works, we need to examine the variety of systems to be found, some of which differ drastically from what we know and what we might expect. This module builds on the skills students have developed in constructing arguments and finding evidence in support of their reasoning through their modules at Levels 4 and 5, by demonstrating how complimentary skills are applied in scientific research related to language. Students are introduced to alternative ways of thinking about the world around us to further develop their ability to scrutinise and assess evidence.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Optional
Projects provide an efficient and effective means of delivering corporate strategy for both public and private sector organisations. Fundamental to this is robust project sponsorship and management. This module is focused at FHEQ Level 6 students that wish to develop, plan, manage and control projects successfully in a business environment. This requires an awareness of general project management principles, methodologies and the tools and techniques as applied within multi-disciplined projects. Within this module students will receive a robust grounding in the theory and practice of project management delivered by lectures and by using project management software (MS Project) in a computer laboratory setting
View full module detailsThis research-led module will introduce students to the classic and contemporary theories of decision-making. The core aims of the module are to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of the processes that influence choice and behaviour, and to better understand how judgements and decisions can shape organisational life and managerial decisions. This module will draw upon material from a wide range of disciplines that include social psychology, cognitive psychology, organisational behaviour and behavioural economics, and will cover topics such as intuitive decision making, expert judgement, and risk-taking behaviour. Students will be encouraged to examine how the characteristics of the decision-maker, the environment and social world can help or hinder judgements and decisions, and to develop an informed understanding of the ability of individuals, including themselves, to make good decisions. A key feature of this module will be the emphasis placed upon helping students to recognise and discuss the relationship between theoretical perspectives and organisational practices.
View full module detailsThis is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It can be taken in either Autumn or Spring semester, with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a 4000-word research project in one of their target languages.
View full module detailsThis module examines how the arts have shaped French and Francophone culture and the ways in which the state and its institutions (museums, academies etc.) have responded to and politicised certain movements and forms. Some of the most exciting artistic developments have occurred during the most turbulent periods of French history. Students explore the significance of the arts in times of social upheaval and change, and develop an understanding of the global influence of French art. The module is designed to offer breadth and depth. Students will gain an understanding of the development of the arts in the French-speaking world from the medieval period to the present day, while the assessment structure gives students the opportunity to study in depth one or more aspects of a topic of interest. This module is taught in the target language in semester 1 of FHEQ Level 6.
View full module detailsThis is a practical module on translation from French to English which builds on what students have learnt at L5 and on PTY. Students will learn through translating texts from French to English and writing reflective commentaries on translation issues. Students will deepen their understanding of the processes involved in translating from French to English and will develop their ability to analyse and interpret texts and to recognise and resolve translation issues, using appropriate translation resources. Texts will be contemporary and will cover a range of text types, chosen to illustrate a wide variety of translation problems as well as to deepen and broaden knowledge and understanding of Francophone cultures and societies.
View full module detailsThis module provides students with both a theoretical and practical understanding of global trade and international markets, considered from an international business, political economy (IPE) and management perspectives. This is done through the analysis and assessment of global trade and international markets from different angles, predominantly from the state's perspective, the international trade regime perspective (the GATT and WTO) as well as from the perspectives of regional cooperation and of business and industry.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Optional
This is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It is taken over Autumn and Spring semesters, with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a long research project in one of their target languages.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students choose 4 from the listed optional modules (3 from Management and 1 from Languages).
Students must take a dissertation module. If the short dissertation is chosen, students will have one additional language option.
Teaching and learning
Each 15-credit module involves 150 hours of student work. This time will be spent in lectures, seminars and tutorials, and includes your own study time.
You will conduct research and complete projects and assignments individually and in groups that will draw on and strengthen your understanding of a particular area. Assessments are designed to develop your subject-specific and transferable skills.
In languages, you are taught mostly in small, interactive seminars, and almost always in the target language. You’ll improve your transferable skills a history and politics of the countries where the language is spoken.
In business management, you’ll learn through engaging learning sessions that bring together theory and practice for your intellectual and professional development. In all our sessions, tutors encourage you to actively participate in discussions.
Individual module tutors happily discuss academic concerns and personal tutors are always ready to advise and assist you with personal or academic issues.
- Group work
- Independent study
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Project work
- Research work
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Our graduates do exceptionally well in the employment market as a result of their academic excellence and their experience abroad.
Our students’ proficiency in languages, combined with their significant understanding of intercultural processes and socio-political contexts, gives them a distinct advantage in an increasingly competitive international employment market.
Our emphasis on transferable skills such as presentation and research techniques, and communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries, ensures that our graduate profile fits the expectations of prospective employers.
Surrey Business School has an excellent track record of graduate employment: in the survey, Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA, results show that 90 per cent of our undergraduate Surrey Business School students go on to employment or further study. In addition, 90 per cent of our Literature and Languages undergraduate students go on to employment or further study.
Some examples of companies in which our recent graduates have found employment include:
- Electricité de France
- Amazon
- Kingfisher plc
- Santander
- JP Morgan
- Lloyds Banking Group
- UBS
- BAE Systems
- Mercedes
- Capgemini
- Macmillan Publishing
- EY.
Many students go on to further study in the UK and across Europe. Examples include:
- MA Intercultural Communication with International Business, University of Surrey
- MSc Business Analytics, University of Surrey
- MBA, University of Surrey
- MBA International Marketing, Paris-Sorbonne University.
Amelia Lunnon
Graduate - Business Management BSc (Hons)
"I was really impressed by the flexibility of my degree, as I was able to do both a study abroad semester and a placement year."
Rhyne Chambers
Student - Modern Languages, French and Spanish BA (Hons)
"I like the fact the Surrey allows you to have a 50/50 split between your two languages choices, as that was something other universities didn’t offer. I also like that students are given a choice of subject for written assignments."
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
Overall: BBB.
Required subjects: French.
If you do not have French at the required level but you have achieved GCSE grade 7 (A) in a modern language OR you expect to achieve at least A-level grade B in a modern language, we can consider offering you a place in the French ab initio group. Ab initio study will involve additional contact hours and intensive study of the language during the first year of the programme. Please be aware: English language would not be treated as a modern language.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are Expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
Overall: DDM.
Required subjects: Please contact us to discuss suitability.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
Overall: 32.
Required subjects: French HL5/SL6.
If you are not taking this subject please contact us to discuss suitability.
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6 and Maths (either course) HL4/SL4.
Overall: 75%.
Required subjects: French with at least a 7.5.
If you are not taking this subject please contact us to discuss suitability.
GCSE or equivalent: Maths 6 and either English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language (3)7.
Overall: QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit.
Required subjects: Please contact us to discuss suitability.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C).
Overall: ABBBB.
Required subjects: French.
Please contact us if you do not have French at the required level but are interested in studying French ab initio. This will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language - Scottish National 5 - C Maths - Scottish National 5 - C.
Overall: BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Required subjects: French.
If you do not have French at the required level but you have achieved GCSE grade A* in a modern language OR you expect to achieve at least A-level grade B in a modern language, we can consider offering you a place in the French ab initio group. Ab initio study will involve additional contact hours and intensive study of the language during the first year of the programme. Please be aware: English language would not be treated as a modern language.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are Expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics – Numeracy as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Please check the A-level dropdown for the required GCSE levels.
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
Our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme gives you the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Business management and French placements
We believe that academic knowledge should be coupled with strong professional training experience, allowing you to graduate with a wider range of skills that will make you more employable.
The Professional Training placement programme is one of the reasons for our very high employment rates in Literature and Languages and Surrey Business School. Professional Training is an integral part of this course, be it in the form of a work placement or a period studying abroad.
We have a wide range of links with internationally renowned companies such as:
- EDF
- Ernst and Young (EY)
- Hilton Hotels
- Volkswagen.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Find out more about the application process.
Surrey Business School placements
Our students share insights into their professional training year at Microsoft and Commodity Appointments.
Surrey Business School placements
Our students share insights into their professional training year at Microsoft and Commodity Appointments.
"The Business Management degree at the University of Surrey has allowed me to explore different avenues of business and even tailor the experience to meet my interests."
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.