Business and Management with Foundation

Business and management is one of the most widely studied disciplines in UK higher education, and the University of Reading's School of Management has a strong reputation for teaching and research that sets the programme apart from the field. The discipline encompasses strategy, finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and organisational behaviour, and it draws on economics, psychology, sociology, and quantitative methods to develop graduates who can think analytically about organisations and the environments in which they operate.

At Reading, this four-year, full-time programme includes a foundation year, which provides the academic and business literacy needed before entering the main degree. The foundation year is designed for students who need additional preparation, including some international students and those entering higher education from non-traditional routes. From the first year of the main degree, the curriculum builds a rigorous and broad foundation in management, covering financial management, strategic analysis, marketing, leadership, operations, and the ethical and sustainability dimensions of business decision-making.

The programme develops both analytical and practical skills, with an emphasis on applying theoretical frameworks to real business problems through case studies, projects, and applied assessments.

Reading's location near London gives the programme excellent access to employers in financial services, technology, and professional services, and the university's career support is well developed. The four-year structure gives you a full foundation year plus three years of degree-level study, producing graduates with both depth and preparation.

Graduates from Reading business and management programmes work in management consulting, financial services, marketing, human resources, operations, and general management across all sectors. Many enter graduate management schemes with large employers. Postgraduate study in business administration, specialist management disciplines, or related fields is an option for those seeking senior or specialist careers.