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Course type: Degree

Degree

Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.

Internationally respected, universally understood.

An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.

Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.

Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits: 360

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

BA (Honours) Business Management and Languages

: Course code: R55

This degree allows you to combine business management with French, German or Spanish. You’ll divide your study equally between both subjects. You’ll explore how businesses develop strategies, handle risk and take decisions. You’ll see what’s involved in functions such as marketing, accounting and finance. Combining this with the study of a modern language opens doors to other cultures and communities and can provide a key to the global workplace. The name of your degree will reflect your chosen language (e.g. BA (Honours) Business Management and German).

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Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

Develops your understanding of business organisations and their key elements.
Explores wider considerations such as environments, markets and processes, and how they work together.
Develops you into a proficient user of your chosen language, reaching level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Develops advanced knowledge of the cultures that use your chosen language.
Improves competence in intercultural communication.

Course type

Degree

Credits

360

How long it takes

Part-time study – 6 years

Full-time study – 3 years

Time limit – 16 years

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits:

In Stage 1, you’ll study a 60-credit introductory business management module. You’ll choose your language and study two 30-credit language modules.
Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study your second 60-credit business management module and a 60-credit module in your chosen language.
Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study your last 60-credit business management module and another 60-credit module in your chosen language.

You’ll choose which language to combine with business management – French, German or Spanish.

For modern language modules, your choice at Stage 1 will depend on your current level of language proficiency. If you are unsure about your current level, you can use our languages self-assessment quiz or see Entry requirements for more advice.

French

French
Modules	Credits
You'll choose one from:
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)	30
Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102)	30
You'll study both of the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)	30

German

German
Modules	Credits
You'll choose one from:
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)	30
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)	30
You'll study both of the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)	30

Spanish

Spanish
Modules	Credits
You'll choose one from:
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)	30
Introduction to Spanish studies (beginners) (L106)	30
You'll study both of the following:
An introduction to business and management (B100)	60
Spanish studies 1 (intermediate) (L116)	30

In the second and third stages, you’ll divide your study equally between business management and your chosen language.

French

French
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
You'll study both of the following:
Shaping business opportunities (B207)	60
French studies 2: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L222)	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
You'll study both of the following:
Strategic management (B302)	60
French studies 3: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L332)	60

German

German
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
You'll study both of the following:
Shaping business opportunities (B207)	60
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
You'll study both of the following:
Strategic management (B302)	60
German studies 3: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L333)	60

Spanish

Spanish
Modules	Credits
Stage 2 (120 credits)
You'll study both of the following:
Shaping business opportunities (B207)	60
Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L226)	60
Stage 3 (120 credits)
You'll study both of the following:
Strategic management (B302)	60
Spanish studies 3: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L336)	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 19 March 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Business Management and Languages uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Online tutorials
Group-work
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Practical work
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
Embedded online school (OU level 2 languages)

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.

Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.

For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On completing this course, we’ll award you a BA (Honours). Your degree title will show your language choice:

BA (Honours) Business Management and French.
BA (Honours) Business Management and German.
BA (Honours) Business Management and Spanish.

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BA (Honours) Business Management and Languages

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

However, there’s a choice of starting points in the modern language element – your choice will depend on your current level of confidence and proficiency.

Beginners’ or intermediate languages module?

How to choose the right level

Unless you have prior knowledge of your chosen language equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A2, we recommend you start Stage 1 with a beginners’ module.

Beginners’ and intermediate language modules are both 30-credit modules, and both start in October and end in June. Intermediate modules follow on from the learning in beginners’ modules, so you should not study them in the same language at the same time unless you already have significant knowledge of the language.

Our self-assessment quiz can help you decide between starting with beginners’ or intermediate French, German and Spanish and provide guidance on choosing the right modern language level for you.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
The 30-credit beginners’ and intermediate modules in French, German and Spanish, however, are not designed to be studied at the same time.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the arts, humanities and languages. It's perfect preparation for your study with The Open University as you'll develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. From the perspective of its central theme, ‘popular protest’, it explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, and popular music, all through its central theme of ‘popular protest’. The module also offers an opportunity to explore other subjects, such as modern languages, classical studies, religious studies and creative writing.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

Y031

Business and law Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University as you'll use printed and online materials to cover a wide range of topics in law and business.

View full details of Business and law Access module

Y035

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£21,816	£5,934 (21%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£14,544	£3,956 (21%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£7,272	£1,978 (21%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £21,816

Saving with The Open University £5,934 (21%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £14,544

Saving with The Open University £3,956 (21%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £7,272

Saving with The Open University £1,978 (21%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 24/25 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

You’ll develop a broad set of employability skills, including the ability to:

Understand key business functions such as marketing, human resources, information management, accounting and finance, and operations in their wider organisational and social context.
Put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions.
Draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information and data, using a range of research methods.
Understand the nature of leadership skills and behaviours within organisations.
Communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others.
Use information and communication technology (ICT) effectively.
Manage time and work independently and as part of a team.
Take responsibility for your own personal development, set realistic objectives and meet your own goals.
Manage and motivate yourself.
Plan, organise and prioritise your work, evaluate and reflect on it.

Career relevance

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop will equip you to follow a number of career paths, and are recognised by employers as having great value for work in management and business. Your understanding of another language and the cultures that use it, enhances that value – widening your opportunities in the international market. A qualification in business management with a language can lead to opportunities in a wide range of areas such as:

Middle and senior management positions across all sectors.
Advertising and marketing.
Accountancy.
Human resources.
Banking, including investment banking.
Sales and retail.
Management consultancy.
Business journalism.
Transport and logistics.
Translation and interpreting.
Editing and publishing.

Other careers

Employers are keen to utilise the commercial awareness that business graduates offer, as increasing globalisation and continual changes in technology, communications, financial services, and distribution of goods and services open up new business opportunities. They value applicants who can communicate well, analyse, evaluate and present ideas and arguments effectively. This awareness can also lead to opportunities in specialist areas concerned with offering guidance to managers, such as management consultancy or business journalism. If you want to work as a translator in your chosen language, this degree will allow you to develop a business specialism.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice, including: online forums, website, interview simulation and vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

Business development officer
Recruitment consultant
Marketing executive
Publicity officer
Risk analyst
Advertising account manager

Management consultant
Business journalist
Accountant
Human resources manager
Sales and retail manager

Business analyst
Translator or interpreter
Logistics manager
Travel agency manager
Editor

Register for this course

Start dates

Feb 2025 - Registration closes 09/01/2025

Credit transfer: apply by 05/12/2024

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Prepare for OU study with an Access module

Stage 1 (120 credits)

French

German

Spanish

Stages 2–3 (240 credits)

French

German

Spanish

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

Classification of your degree

International recognition

Regulations

Compare this course

Beginners’ or intermediate languages module?

How to choose the right level

How much time do I need?

Preparing for study with an Access module

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

Business and law Access module

What you will study

Fees and funding in England

Tuition fee