Business Management and Media
BSc (Hons)

This programme brings together two important areas of theoretical and practical study: the analysis and understanding of contemporary organisations, operations, structures, processes and decision-making in business and management; and the exploration of the rapidly evolving media landscape, including digital journalism, media platforms, corporate branding, creative industries, and changing patterns of media production and consumption.

The programme critically situates business and management in relation to a social, economic, political, cultural world supersaturated by media. Skills modules will cover key functions undertaken by business managers, entrepreneurs, or their teams. In the programme, students will be exposed to a range of live case studies and authentic business issues.

Programme structure: We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Transformations: From Mass Media to Social Media

In this module, you will be introduced to foundational theories in journalism and legacy media production, alongside the key practices through which corporate and political actors leverage digital platforms for strategic communication. You will engage with core concepts in media representation—including identity, ideology, power, and discourse—within contemporary digital environments. Ultimately, you will explores the evolving landscape of legacy and digital media and their intersections with culture, examining how media and cultural processes interconnect across both historical and contemporary contexts.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of key theories, concepts, and debates in the study of media and culture
• Deploy critical and analytical skills in the discussion and examination of a variety of media and cultural texts, technologies, practices, and industries
• Demonstrate an awareness of the complexity and diversity of identities, experiences, viewpoints, and representations present in contemporary media, culture, and society
• Draw on and apply critical concepts in media and culture in the context of written academic work

Entrepreneurship: Innovating New Futures

In this module, you will develop an introductory understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation, exploring key concepts such as creativity and customer need, understanding value, accessing resources, new venture creation, scenario planning, and learning from failure.
You will gain hands-on experience of a range of entrepreneurial skills that are transferable across many contexts, whether you are establishing a startup, taking an entrepreneurial approach to your own career, or working within government or the social enterprise sector. You will also develop broader skills in communication, presentation, writing, and reflecting on your own practice.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Critically discuss the role of entrepreneurs in society and their importance to the economy
• Apply key techniques in venture creation, including creativity, opportunity recognition, and the presentation of business ideas
• Formulate a coherent and well-founded case to investors to back a new venture or project
• Identify and mobilise appropriate resources to launch new products or a new business

Principles of Marketing

In this module, you will examine the key elements of marketing theory and practice and how these connect with other aspects of business management. The module is organised around three themes. The first introduces the fundamentals of marketing, including the branding and pricing of products and services. The second explores the competitive marketplace, focusing on how organisations understand and engage with consumers, including recent developments in digital marketing. The third consolidates your learning by considering how marketers obtain and use information to inform innovation and the marketing planning process.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Appreciate the role of marketing both as the social process of exchange and as a management function within an organisation
• Critically evaluate and discuss marketing theories to construct coherent and evidence based arguments
• Critically evaluate and reflect upon marketing practices through the use of different contexts and examples
• Communicate ideas and persuasive recommendations to address marketing issues and challenges faced by organisations and society

Introduction to Management

In this module, you will be introduced to both traditional and contemporary ideas about management and leadership, exploring a range of theories and practices relevant to the organisation of work. You will examine and contrast major trends in management and leadership thinking, considering the relationship between theory and practice in key emerging areas, and engaging with current issues and debates in the field. The module also provides a supportive environment in which you can develop, test, and explore your own theories and managerial and leadership skills.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Explain the nature of management and leadership and distinguish between the two
• Compare and contrast major trends and theories in management and leadership thinking
• Explore the relationship between theory and practice in key emerging areas of management and leadership
• Engage critically with current issues and debates in management and leadership
• Reflect on and develop your own managerial and leadership skills

Introduction to Business Analytics

In this module, you will be introduced to the core ideas and practical tools of business analytics, exploring how data can support better decisions in organisations. You will examine what data is, how it is collected, and how sampling works, before learning how to visualise data using charts and graphs and describe patterns using measures of averages, variation, and relationships. As the module progresses, you will model links between variables through simple and multiple regression and apply basic forecasting techniques to support planning.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Visualise data effectively and describe patterns using appropriate measures of averages, variation, and relationships
• Build and interpret simple and multiple regression models to analyse links between variables
• Apply basic forecasting techniques to support organisational planning
• Use spreadsheet software to carry out analysis and present findings clearly to decision makers

Employability and Careers I

In this module, you will take the first steps in preparing for your future career as a Business Management graduate. Combining insights from visiting employers with structured employability preparation, the module focuses on two interconnected themes: Opportunity Awareness, exploring the career opportunities available to you as a Business Management graduate, and Self-Awareness, reflecting on your personal interests, motivations, values, and skills. You will also be introduced to the graduate labour market and the careers information, resources, and support available to you throughout your studies.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an awareness of your own skills, interests, values, and preferences, and begin to form clear career preferences through career exploration
• Begin to develop a career planning action plan for the remainder of your time at university
• Utilise careers information and resources effectively -Engage with the graduate labour market and the career management process
• Produce a graduate style CV and cover letter using appropriate language and format in preparation for internship applications

Programme structure: We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Key Perspectives on Media and Culture

In this module, you will further develop your critical understanding and analytical skills in relation to key topics in media, culture, and society. You will explore intercultural communication, engaging with concepts such as verbal and non-verbal cues in mediated contexts, culture shock, cultural values, and cross-cultural processes. You will also examine media and power in relation to gender, elites, politics, and globalisation.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theories, concepts, and debates in the study of media and culture, particularly in relation to post-colonialism, cultural imperialism, postmodernism, and popular culture
• Deploy enhanced critical and analytical skills in the discussion and examination of a variety of media and cultural texts, technologies, practices, and industries
• Apply practical media skills and make meaningful connections between media and cultural theories and practices
• Demonstrate an awareness of the complexity and diversity of identities, experiences, viewpoints, and representations present in contemporary media, culture, and society

Media Research Lab

In this module, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of empirical inquiry within media studies and the social sciences. You will learn to formulate research questions, navigate ethical considerations, and select appropriate methodologies. The curriculum covers established methods—such as interviews, surveys, content analysis, and experiment—developing a foundational understanding of how projects are planned, structured, and conducted. In seminars, you will apply these methods in practice and design your own independent project proposal.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Develop and articulate a feasible research question
• Apply appropriate research methods, including interviews, survey data analysis, observation, and visual or textual analysis, to the investigation of a substantive problem or question
• Articulate options for data analysis that would contribute to understandings of media and culture

Introduction to Economics for Managers

In this module, you will be introduced to the analysis of economic issues from a business perspective. You will explore the relevance of economic concepts and principles to business through the application of introductory microeconomic theory to a range of issues affecting the business environment. Particular emphasis is given to interpreting the economic behaviour of individuals and firms, using theory to interpret events, and evaluating policies.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Use appropriate theoretical and analytical tools to facilitate a broad understanding of microeconomics
• Interpret the economic behaviour of individuals and firms using core microeconomic concepts and principles
• Apply microeconomic theory to evaluate real-world business and policy issues

Introduction to Financial Accounting for Managers

In this module, you will be introduced to the analysis and use of published financial statements and the concepts that underlie financial reporting by companies.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Use simple T accounts and a trial balance and understand their role in preparing financial statements
• Interpret simple financial reports, including statements of financial position, income statements, statements of changes in equity, and cash flow statements
• Understand the role of judgement in measuring and reporting financial position and performance
• Appreciate the relationships between financial reporting, its regulation, the management of companies, and the commercial pressures that managers face
• Formulate and present arguments, verbally and in writing, based on accounting concepts to justify financial accounting choices

Employability and Careers II

In this module, you will build on the foundational employability knowledge and skills developed in your first year, progressing your preparation for the graduate job market. You will deepen your career research skills, develop your professional network, and refine the practical tools and techniques needed to compete effectively for graduate roles.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Research different career paths and identify the education and experience required for each profession
• Build and develop professional relationships and utilise networking opportunities, including through social media platforms
• Prepare effectively for job interviews through practice, feedback, and an understanding of the questions and formats you are likely to encounter
• Search for job opportunities, tailor your CV and cover letter for specific roles, and make effective use of online job search resources
• Establish a professional online presence through personal branding, social media channels, and portfolio development

Viral Media

In this module, you will combine theoretical and practical approaches to viral media in today’s digital platform environment. You will critically examine why certain media objects spread, mutate, and gain cultural, political, or commercial significance, exploring topics including viral content, internet memes, remix culture, spreadable media, platform logics, and algorithmic amplification. You will also analyse how emotions, identity, participation, creators, fandoms, and communities shape what people share, imitate, and transform online, and consider the practical, ethical, and cultural implications of viral media, including branded virality, online outrage, misinformation, and the challenges of control once content enters public circulation.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of key theories, concepts, and debates in the study of viral media and viral phenomena
• Deploy critical and analytical skills in the discussion and examination of specific examples of viral media and viral practices
• Reflect critically on the relationship between viral theories and concepts and a range of other frameworks used in the study of media and culture, including participatory culture, free labour, remix culture, internet memes, and spreadable media

Optional Modules (to choose 2 from)

• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Social Media Marketing
• The Changing Role of Management
• Global Classroom (Media)

Programme structure: We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Independent Dissertation Project

In this module, you will develop and deliver an independent research project or media project dissertation, working through several stages from initial research proposal to final presentation of results. You will apply the theoretical, methodological, and analytical skills developed throughout your studies to a topic of your own choice.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of key theories, concepts, and debates in the study of media and culture in the context of your chosen topic
• Deploy critical and analytical skills in the examination of your chosen topic, developing a sustained argument across a longer form piece of work
• Design and conduct your own academic research informed by relevant theoretical and methodological issues and debates, including the selection of a research topic, the formulation of a research question, and a coherent presentation of key findings
• Demonstrate awareness of the complexity and diversity of media, culture, and society and apply this awareness to investigate your chosen topic in a nuanced and critical manner
• Present your findings in the form of a research dissertation or media project dissertation, which may include work in areas such as journalism, photography, video production, fine art, or web and app design

Social Media and Activism

In this module, you will investigate both theoretically and practically the ways in which social media platforms are used by and in the context of activist campaigns and social movements. You will explore how to use different online platforms collaboratively to communicate a key message and integrate different forms of media into a single campaign.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of key theories, concepts, and debates in the study of activism, social movements, and social media
• Deploy critical and analytical skills in the discussion and examination of recent and historical cases of online activism and social movements
• Apply practical media skills to produce a social media campaign and make meaningful connections between media and cultural theories and practices
• Identify and analyse the complex power relations that surround, and are challenged by, social movements and activism
• Discuss the democratic potential of online platforms and the political and affective dimensions of activism in social media

Games, Play and Media

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put critical theories and concepts into practice through co-designing a video game pitch and engaging in the gamification of classroom activities.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of key theories, concepts, and debates in relation to games, play, gamification, and social media platforms
• Deploy critical and analytical skills in the discussion and examination of a variety of examples of games, play, and gamification in the contemporary media landscape
• Apply practical media skills to produce an audiovisual industry pitch and make meaningful connections between media and cultural theories and practices
• Understand the role of interactive and digital media, and particularly video games, in reshaping contemporary media landscapes
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in digital design practice, including the specific challenges of interactive design
• Critically consider the wider social and cultural contexts of video game culture

Journalism Play and Media

In this module, you will learn the basics of journalism, exploring reporting and storytelling using digital technologies. From audio recording and video production to writing, photography, and innovations using data and interviews, you will be introduced to the journalism of today and tomorrow.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Engage with key theories, concepts, and debates in the study of media and culture, particularly in relation to journalism as a professional practice and cultural form
• Apply critical and analytical skills in the discussion and examination of journalistic texts, cases, and examples
• Deploy practical media skills to produce a piece of journalistic work in written form with additional multimedia components, making meaningful connections between media and cultural theories and practices
• Understand the complexity and diversity of identities, experiences, viewpoints, and representations as they appear in journalistic practices, texts, and products

Optional Modules (to choose 3 from)

• Principles of Strategic Management
• Sustainability, Values and Ethics
• Rethinking Leadership
• Business and Management in the 21st Century
• Digital Business and Organisational Transformation
• Microeconomic Analysis

Programme structure: We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future. The University will make every reasonable effort to offer programmes and modules as advertised. In some cases, changes may be necessary and may result in new modules or some modules and combinations being unavailable. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Teaching is delivered via a combination of small group lectures and group-based tutorial coursework (oral and written presentation), and assessment is via individual coursework (oral and written presentation) and examinations.

You will be encouraged throughout to undertake independent study to supplement what is being taught/learnt and to broaden your personal knowledge.

BSc (Hons) Business Management and Media graduates will receive their degrees from Lancaster University in the UK.

With an BSc in Business Management and Media, you will have the skills to navigate theoretical and practical business management in your chosen career. Our programme provides students with the theoretical insights, analytical skills, and wide-ranging knowledge needed to explore the meaning of media in today’s economy and society.

Our location offers unique opportunities an addition to your newly developed skill set:

1. Leipzig has a long-standing tradition as a hub for media and publishing. The city hosts the Leipzig Book Fair, one of the largest and most important book fairs in Germany. The fair attracts publishers, authors, and media professionals from around the world – an epicentre for the literary and publishing scene.
2. The city’s favourable business environment, coupled with its vibrant creative community, has fostered the growth of innovative digital media companies.
3. Leipzig has a notable presence in the film and television industry and hosts the annual DOK Leipzig International Documentary and Animated Film Festival. It attracts filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals from around the world.
4. The city has a thriving arts scene, with many galleries, theatres, and music venues. Additionally, the city hosts many festivals, including the Wave-Gotik-Treffen music festival, which provide platforms for media exposure, networking, and collaboration.

Overall, Leipzig’s media industry offers diverse opportunities for individuals with a desire to study business management. Whether you aspire to work in traditional businesses, management, media, or creative industries, this programme can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this dynamic sector.