Program Overview

Introduction to the Foundation Degree Business and Innovation (FdA)

The Foundation Degree Business and Innovation (FdA) is a two-year undergraduate program designed to equip students with the core knowledge and real-world skills needed to thrive in today's fast-moving business world. This Level 5 qualification builds a strong base in areas like finance, digital marketing, innovation, and people management, giving students the tools to make a real impact from day one.

Course Overview

The FdA Business and Innovation foundation degree is more than just a stepping stone—it's a launchpad for a wide range of business and management careers. This qualification covers essential business functions and gives students the confidence and practical skills to take on early management roles or specialist positions. Whether students want to move into a leadership position, start their own venture, progress in their current role, or top-up to a full BA degree, they will be in a strong position to succeed.

What You Will Learn

Students will study one core module per study block. Alongside this, they will also work on Learning for Life: Skills for Study and Work (Business) in their first year and the Workplace Impact Project - Applied Work-Based Learning for Innovation and Impact in their second year—both of which run across three blocks to support deeper learning and real-world application.

Modules

• Level 4 course modules (30 credits each)
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
  • Learning for Life: Skills for Study and Work (Business)
  • Principles of Business
  • Sustainable Business Practice
• Level 5 course modules (30 credits each)
  • Digital Marketing
  • Managing People and Organisations
  • Project and Supply Chain Management
  • Workplace Impact Project - Applied Work-Based Learning for Innovation and Impact

Study Options

This course is available to study through Arden's blended learning study mode. Daytime classes are available in London Ealing, London Stratford, London Holborn, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds. Evening classes are available in London Stratford, London Holborn, Manchester, and Birmingham. Weekend and evening classes are another option, with one class on a Friday evening and one class on Saturday each week, available in London Stratford.

Full-time Blended Learning

The blended learning model combines the structure of in-person teaching with the flexibility of online learning. If students are studying in the daytime, they will attend eight hours of timetabled classes in person one day per week at their chosen Arden campus. Alternatively, if they opt for evening or weekend study modes, they will attend four hours of in-person classes twice a week, giving them greater flexibility to fit learning around a busy schedule.

Entry Requirements

At Arden University, applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. If students have significant work experience, have qualifications gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree, the university is happy to discuss their application.

Standard Entry

• Minimum 60 credits from Level 2/3 qualification (e.g., GCSE, A-Levels, BTECs, Access to HE, or equivalent) with a minimum of 15 credits at level 3)
• Current professional C.V.

Non-standard Entry

• 2 years' work experience in a relevant role (industry-specific work experience or professional certificates) of which some must have been completed in the last 12 months.
• English proficiency - IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent

Course Fees and Funding

Course fees are not available yet. However, students can find more information on the university's fees and funding page.

Meet the Faculty

The faculty includes experienced professionals like Dr. Lucy Atkinson, PhD, MA, BSc, FHEA, AFBALEAP, who is the Director of the Centre of Academic Persistence at Arden University. Dr. Atkinson is qualified with Bachelors, Masters, and Doctor of Philosophy and is an avid conference presenter, guest speaker, and sharer of practice in the HE community.

Career Prospects

The FdA Business and Innovation is more than just a stepping stone—it's a launchpad for a wide range of business and management careers. This qualification covers essential business functions and gives students the confidence and practical skills to take on early management roles or specialist positions. By combining academic learning with real-world business applications, this course gives students the competitive edge needed to thrive in today's evolving job market.

Industry Skills

Students will have access to optional non-credit bearing micro-credentials designed to boost both their academic performance and career readiness. These micro-credentials will help students develop key professional skills, including digital literacy, communication, and career management, giving them the tools to build a confident and sustainable career path.