Sustainable Business FdA

at Burton and South Derbyshire College

UCAS code N260

Duration

2 Years

Location

Burton and South Derbyshire College

Through focusing on business and sustainability, this award will teach you the practical skills needed to become a responsible and successful business leader within the industry.

The course prepares students to enter a range of employment roles related to the wider area of business, covering a balance of practical skills and academic elements throughout. Students completing the foundation degree will be able to progress on to level 6 BA Top up course.

Sustainable business - It’s much more than just looking after the environment; it’s about making sure that your business model and operations are resilient enough to thrive in the long-term. It’s about taking responsibility for all of your business’ impacts and doing your best to mitigate the negative ones. Being a sustainable business can also improve your reputation and marketing, as well as increase sales, profit, productivity and staff retention. Consumers are becoming increasingly influenced by the impact of their purchasing power on society, their health and the planet. They are more likely to buy from a company that aligns with their personal values and is able to help build the kind of world they want to live in.

Business and industry are ever-changing and staying ahead of the game is critical to success. You will explore the importance of innovation in addressing climate change and other societal challenges and how the rise of digital technologies will change the future of work practices and various business sectors.

To be sustainable, you must challenge the current perceptions of business. You will explore ways in which businesses and organisations can work together in responding to consumer preferences for ethically produced goods and services, changes in global supply chains and the growing use of digital technologies in everyday life.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: FdA Sustainable Business

Course content

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Balance Of Power 20 credits
Data And Decision Making 20 credits
Global Challenges And Opportunities 20 credits
Risk And Reward 20 credits
Social Enterprise 20 credits
The Future Of Work 20 credits

Location

You will study at Burton and South Derbyshire College but receive a qualification from Staffordshire University.

Burton and South Derbyshire College is a great place to learn. There’s a real buzz here; inspiring teachers, engaged learners, fantastic state of the art facilities and career-boosting links with leading businesses.

Burton and South Derbyshire College website
Burton and South Derbyshire College logo

Entry requirements

Applicants will be expected to have a minimum of 80 UCAS points from relevant A Level/s, level 3 Extended Diploma, NVQ, or equivalent qualification. (or) Several years' occupational experience within a relevant discipline will also be considered upon application. 

 

Careers

BA (Hons) Top up, Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers, Human resources and industrial relations officers, Financial Managers and Directors, Human Resource Managers and Directors, Marketing and Sales, Business sales, supervisors, office managers, Management consultants and business Analysts, Sales related occupations.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment

Students at each level are required to complete a variety of context-specific coursework and vocational assignments, alongside written exams. These include essays, oral presentations, portfolio completion, project work, practical observations and report writing.

Year 1

18% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
82% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

18% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
82% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 1

12% practical assessments
48% coursework
40% written exams

Year 2

12% practical assessments
83% coursework
6% written exams

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for FdA-Full-time
Study option
Full-time

£6350.00

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Burton and South Derbyshire College FdA Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Information from discover uni

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021