If you want a good understanding of the various core components that make up a business organisation, a course in Business Administration may be the answer.

Also called Business Studies, Business Management or Commerce, a course in Business Administration introduces students to a myriad of subjects related to the management of commercial organisations.

Subjects on the Course

Course content varies by institution, but all good courses offer a strong foundation in the structure and systems of a business. Students are expected to consider the political, cultural and historical influences on business, and are trained to handle and manage the issues and problems that can prevent a business, and its employees, from operating efficiently.

The business environment is a dynamic one and courses seek to replicate this by covering a range of subjects and training students in a range of skills including presentation and communication skills, report writing, time management and open learning style methods. The ability to communicate well in English is particularly important if you are interested in working with people, for example in areas like sales and marketing, so make sure you develop good English language ability before you graduate.

Generally, the course covers a set of modules that include Organisational Behaviour, Accounting and Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Marketing and Strategy, Business Law, Computing for Business or Information Systems, Statistics, Operations Management and Logistics or Supply Chain Management. After a period of general study, students often choose to focus on one area and undertake individual projects to demonstrate their newly acquired skills.

As you progress in your course, you will learn to identify, understand, and analyse various business environments, tools, models, and their applications. The business world is becoming increasingly complex and competitive; hence business administration courses typically maximise the student's exposure to the working world through case studies. Ultimately, you will be groomed to understand all facets of a business, from charting strategic directions, to solving
complex situations that arise.

In this course, you will study subjects that are relevant to many different industries, and will equip you with the skills and knowledge that provide clarity on how the business world works, no matter the industry. 

Entry Requirements and Choosing a School

To gain admission to an undergraduate business administration course, you could do a pre-university course such as a foundation in arts programme or a diploma in business. An undergraduate business administration course usually takes three years to complete.

Students can study on a general Business Administration course or pick one of the more specialist pathways to prepare for a career in a certain area of the industry. There are now degree courses in Business Administration with specialisations in Accouting, Banking, Finance, Entrepreneurship among others.

Specialist business schools can be more competitive but often have strong links in the industry, with industry professionals taking modules and hosting seminars. These institutions can also attract a lot of graduate recruiters looking for business professionals of the future. 

Do consider courses with a placement or period of work experience. Lasting any duration from eight weeks to a whole year, placements are useful ways to gain 'real life' experience, enhance the CV, and better understand the reality of life in business before you embark on your career.

Career Opportunities

Due to the wide range of subjects you will study in this course, career opprtunities in the working world are vast. Those with the necessary skills and qualifications can find employment in any type of business across all industries, often finding roles within business information systems, marketing, human resources, sales and business development, recruitment consulting, banking or accounting and finance. You may even decide to start your own business.