The BSc (Hons) Business Management programme provides students with a strong foundation in contemporary business principles, leadership, and strategic decision-making within digitally integrated and data-driven environments. In the first year, students develop an understanding of core business disciplines including management, marketing, finance, economics, and organisational behaviour, while building essential skills in data interpretation, digital tools, and business communication. Collaborative activities and practical projects encourage students to apply theory to real-world business scenarios.

In the second year, students expand their knowledge through more applied and analytical learning. They explore topics such as project management, people management, business law, operations, governance, and sustainability in global business contexts. The programme also strengthens students’ ability to evaluate complex business challenges, interpret evidence for decision-making, and lead effectively in dynamic and cross-cultural environments.

In the final year, students focus on strategic management, innovation, digital transformation, and business research. Through a major research project, students demonstrate their analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities while addressing contemporary organisational challenges. The programme prepares graduates with the professional competencies, leadership capabilities, and practical business insight required for careers in management, consultancy, marketing, operations, human resources, analytics, and entrepreneurship, as well as further postgraduate study.

Our BSc(Hons)Business Management is assessed and accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and aligned with the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF).

Credits needed to earn the degree:

ECTS Credits: 60 ECTS/year

UK Credits: 120 Credits/year

MQF Level 5 Year 1 Full Time

• Principles of Management and Organisational Behaviour
• Global Business Environment and Economic Trends
• Technology, Digitalisation and Industry 4.0
• Marketing and Communication in the Digital world
• Introduction to Data Analysis and Decision Making
• Financial Literacy for Managers

MQF Level 5 Year 2 Full Time

• Sustainability, Ethics and Corporate Governance
• Leading and Managing People Across Cultures
• Business Negotiations and Sales Strategies
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Agile Project and Change Management
• Innovation and Design Thinking

MQF Level 6 Year 3 Full Time

• Strategic Financial Management in a Global Environment
• Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage
• Business Intelligence for Strategic Insight
• Sustainable Business Models, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Capstone Project/Dissertation

A full set of assessment regulations together with terms of reference and constitution for the Assessment Board for the BSc (Hons) Business Management, Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Management, Undergraduate Diploma in Business Management and Undergraduate Certificate in Business Management will be produced before the start of the programme so that students, academic and professional services staff clearly understand requirements for passing modules, resubmission of assessed work and resits.

Assessment and Progression from MQF Level 5 to MQF level 6

Progression from MQF level 5 to MQF level 6 reflects increased assessment challenges as students move from knowledge, understanding and application with some critical analysis to higher expectations for critical analysis and discussion, independent thinking, autonomy and greater self-responsibility for learning. At MQF level 5 assessment reflects knowledge, understanding and some critical analysis and discussion. At MQF Level 6 students are expected to critically evaluate complex business environments, synthesise information from multiple academic and organisational sources. Assessments typically require greater independence, reflected in the 20 ECTS Capstone project/dissertation. Students are required to demonstrate high level academic writing, analytical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making. The increased assessment demands at MQF Level 6 are also reflected in the assessment briefs and associated marking schemes.

(a) Module Assessment and Reassessment

Students will have their summative assessed work marked on a percentage scale from 0% to 100%. A pass mark for a piece of assessed work will be set at 40%. Where a module has two assessment components each will be given a percentage mark with the two (or more) marks combined according to the weighting given for each component in the module descriptor. A combined mark of 40% or more will be deemed a pass mark for the module overall. Where the combined marks fall below 40% the module will be failed. If a student is given, for example, a mark of between 35% and 39% for one assessment component and the other component achieves a mark which gives an overall mark of 40% or above the module will be regarded as passed. An assessment component mark of 34% or below cannot be used to compensate the overall module mark in such a manner.

If an assessment component of a module is given a mark of 34% or below the student would be entitled to reassessment in that component by resubmitting the assessed work addressed shortcomings identified by the tutor. Where an assessment component mark is between 35% and 39% and the module is passed overall the student would not be required to make a resubmission of that assessed work. Should a student fail a resubmitted assessment the student would be given one final chance to pass but be given a new assessment task.

(b) Award of BSc (Hons) Business Management

To be awarded the BSc (Hons) Business Management a student would normally have to pass all seventeen modules of the programme. The Assessment Board may compensate failure in one module where performance in other modules has been to at least a pass level, however, the final year 20 ECTS project/dissertation module cannot be compensated when failed.

Students will be awarded a classified degree as follows:

• First class: Overall averaged mark across second year and final year modules of at least 70% with Level 6 modules weighted 60% and Level 5 modules 40%
• Upper Second Class: Overall averaged mark across the second year and third year modules of between 50% and 59% with Level 6 modules weighted 60% and Level 5 modules 40%
• Lower Second Class: Overall averaged mark across the second year and third year modules of between 50% and 59% with Level 6 modules weighted 60% and Level 5 modules 40%
• Third Class: Overall averaged mark across the second year and third year modules of between 40% and 49% with Level 6 modules weighted 60% and Level 5 modules 40%.

(c) Award of Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Management

To be awarded the Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Management a student would normally have to pass nine Level 5 modules. The Assessment Board may compensate failure in one module where performance in other modules has been to at least a pass level.

(d) Award of Undergraduate Diploma in Business Management

To be awarded the Undergraduate Diploma in Business Management a student would normally have to pass six Level 5 modules. The Assessment Board may compensate failure in one module where performance in other modules has been to at least a pass level.

(e) Award of Undergraduate Certificate in Business Management

To be awarded the Undergraduate Certificate in Business Management a student would normally have to pass three Level 5 modules. The three modules would normally be those studied in the first year of the full-time course of study. 

(f) Students who successfully complete modules and pass required module assessment but do not qualify for one of the four awards listed above would be provided with a GBS Malta certificate showing a transcript of the modules achieved, their level and the overall mark/grade achieved for each module.

(a) General Approach

Assessment for the BSc (Hons) Business Management course will be through a range of different types of coursework. The range of coursework will include essays, case studies, portfolios, group presentations, posters, project proposals and project reports.

Formative and summative approaches to assessment will be employed. Formative assessment tasks will be used in all modules and will be aimed at supporting students to understand and prepare for the module summative assessment requirements. In this way, students with different learning styles and abilities will be able to gain a good understanding of the summative assessment requirements and on their journey to submitting their summative assessments. 

Assignment briefs will be produced for each of the summative assessments required by each of the modules on this BSc (Hons) Business Management programme. Assignment briefs will set out the learning outcomes being assessed, appropriate material, context, etc. for the assignment. Suggested reading will include book chapters, published articles and published research, weblinks and case studies, as appropriate, to the assignment brief. Each assignment brief will include marking criteria so that students have a clear understanding of what is required to pass the assessment and what is required to achieve higher marks. Marking of a student summative assessment will be made using a 0% to 100% scale, with a pass set at 40%.

Feedback will be provided to each student on their assessed work identifying both areas of strength and areas that could be improved. Where a fail mark is awarded, the student will receive detailed feedback on the reasons for awarding such a mark and the areas that would need to be addressed for improvement. 

All summative assessed work will be first marked by the academic member of staff teaching the module. Moderation will be conducted by another tutor on first marked summatively assessed student work. GBS Malta will also appoint external examiners with expertise and experience of teaching and assessment in the broad areas of business management and/or related areas to at least masters (Level 7) level with industrial experience where possible.

Assessment Boards will be held to consider student summative assessed marks, consider tutor module reports and feedback from external examiners. Individual assessment components and overall module marks will be released formally to students only after a meeting of the Assessment Board has approved marks for summative module assessments. Assessment Boards will also be responsible for making the overall award of the BSc (Hons) Business Management degree as well as the Undergraduate Higher Diploma, Undergraduate Diploma and Undergraduate Certificate.

Competences

Upon completion of the programme the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Apply key areas of contemporary business management to real-life business organisations and critical analysis of case studies.
2. Know how to apply a range of digital innovations and developments that have become and will further be of importance to business management.
3. Demonstrate competence in in data-informed decision-making and digital tools related to business management
4. Demonstrate competence in financial literacy and financial analysis to inform business strategic development and strategy-led organisational change.
5. Demonstrate critical appreciation of the importance of ethical awareness, sustainability and social responsibility in contemporary business management. 
6. Apply sustainability, ethics and corporate governance business management in support of strategic development and change.
7. Understand, evaluate and apply data literacy, business analytics, and technology-enabled management practices.
8. Undertake a major project/dissertation demonstrating a high level of autonomy and independent learning conducted to business professional standards.

Knowledge

Upon completion of the programme the learner will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate business management practices in a data-driven and digitally integrated world.
2. Discuss and evaluate traditional foundations of business management, for example, efficiency, structure, roles and productivity.
3. Critically discuss advanced data literacy, analytical reasoning, and technological fluency as related to business management.
4. Critically discuss evolving needs of contemporary business organisations, where decisions must be evidence-based, solutions agile, and leadership ethically grounded.
5. Discuss key disciplines in business management, such as management, economics, finance, marketing, and organisational behaviour. 
6. Critically discuss the complexities of managing people and projects in cross-cultural environments, legal and regulatory frameworks, and the operational implications of ethical, governance, and sustainability challenges.
7. Critically appreciate innovation, digital transformation, and competitive positioning related to business management.
8. Critically appreciate requirements of developing, implementing, reporting and presenting a major capstone project dissertation synthesising analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Skills

Upon completion of the programme the learner will be able to:

1. Professional competence in verbal, written and interpersonal communication which fulfil professional business management requirements.
2. Problem solving, critical reflection and use of information technology in relation to a range of areas related to business management.
3. Ability to undertake an independent project/dissertation related to a specific contemporary area and/or topic in business management.
4. Ability to critically analyse complex business management issues and situations, identify issues and develop creative solutions to address challenges and problems in business management.
5. Show proficiency in the use of digital technology and information systems relevant to a range of areas in business management.
6. Use self-reflection and feedback from tutors and peers to take proactive steps to enhance knowledge, skills and competencies through continuing education and understanding of business management professional practice and codes of conduct.
7. Ability to work in small groups as part of a team to achieve shared goals and objectives.

To be offered a place to study on the BSc (Hons) Business Management programme prospective students would normally be required to meet the following admissions criteria:

(a) Possession of certificated qualification(s) at or equivalent to MFHEA MQF Level 4 with at least one qualification in business management or related area.

(b) Applicants with an MQF Level 4 qualification or equivalent not in business management or related area would be accepted if have relevant related work experience or having undertaken a short bridging course in business management or related area.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Prospective students who have worked in some capacity in an area of business management or related area (for example, marketing, finance, human resources, etc.) and who do not possess formal certificate qualifications at or equivalent to MFHEA MQF Level 4 may have their experiential learning, where appropriate, assessed through GBS Malta’s MFHEA accredited Policy and Procedure for the Recognition of Prior Learning: Accreditation of Experiential Learning.

English Language requirements

To be offered a place on this Bsc(Hons) Business Management, prospective participants would be required to meet English language requirements. Prospective participants who do not initially meet these English language standards can take an English language course offered by GBS HE Malta to support participants to meet this English language standard, generally within three months.

An honours degree in Business Management opens up a wide range of career opportunities across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Graduates are equipped with a strong blend of business knowledge, analytical capability, digital literacy, and leadership skills, enabling them to adapt to a variety of dynamic organisational roles.

Some of the career pathways this programme prepares graduates for include:

• Business Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Operations Manager
• Project Coordinator / Project Manager
• Marketing Coordinator
• Human Resources Officer / People & Culture Associate
• Financial Analyst
• Business Development Manager
• Supply Chain Coordinator
• Entrepreneur / Startup Founder
• Data and Insights Analyst (Business-focused)
• Sustainability / ESG Coordinator
• Junior Product Manager
• Client Relationship Manager