Course Overview
Arden University’s FdA Business and Innovation foundation degree equips you with the core knowledge and real-world skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-moving business world. This two-year Level 5 qualification builds a strong base in areas like finance, digital marketing, innovation, and people management—giving you the tools to make a real impact from day one.
Whether you want to move up in your current role, start your own business, or continue on to a full undergraduate degree, this course is designed to help you plan, achieve, and accelerate your next step.
You’ll also benefit from modules designed to boost your academic confidence and career development—ensuring you’re ready to succeed at university and in your career.
You’ll attend eight hours of timetabled classes in person one day per week at your chosen Arden campus—designed to free up the rest of your week for work or other responsibilities.
FdA Business and Innovation at Arden University is eligible for Student Finance England funding: a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 per year paid directly to the university, plus a maintenance loan of up to £13,762 per year for your living costs. There is no upper age limit — mature students apply through exactly the same process. Repayments only start once you earn over £25,000 a year.
Explore more funded Business courses or other universities in London .
FdA Business and Innovation is offered by Arden University in partnership with ARDEN . Students can choose flexible class schedules such as Weekend, allowing them to balance education with other commitments. The programme is offered in Full time study mode. It supports academic pathways at FdA level, and is available across key study locations including London. Direct Google Maps links are provided for each location.
Available Campuses for FdA Business and Innovation
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Stratford
3 Westfield Ave, Stratford Cross, London, E20 1HZ
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Dec 2026Application deadline 3 Nov 2026 40 days remaining
Campus locations on the map
Entry Requirements for Arden University (Undergraduate Level 4)
These entry requirements apply to Arden University undergraduate degrees starting at Level 4 (not Foundation Year and not Top-up). All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol.
Standard entry
- Two subjects at GCE A level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent
Non-standard entry
- If you don’t meet these requirements, your application may be considered based on a minimum of 2+ years of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.
English Language Requirements for Arden University
Arden University needs evidence that your English is at the right level for the course. You can meet this through recent study in English or an accepted English test.
Qualifications studied in English
- 45 credits at Level 2 or 3, or
- 90 credits at Level 4, 5 or 6, or
- 60 credits at Level 7 or 8, or
- GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above
These normally need to have been completed within the last 5 years.
Accepted English tests (usually valid for 2 years)
Duolingo
- Undergraduate: overall 105 (Literacy 95, Conversation 85, Comprehension 105, Production 75)
- Postgraduate: overall 120 (Literacy 105, Conversation 95, Comprehension 115, Production 85)
IELTS
- Undergraduate: overall 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each element)
- Postgraduate: overall 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each element)
Other accepted options include TOEFL, Pearson PTE, and Arden University’s Password English Proficiency online invigilated test. Confirm which option fits your situation with your AF Education adviser before you book a test.
Interview Process
Arden University interviews are held online on Microsoft Teams. They are a short conversation about your course choice and how you meet the entry route — not a formal exam.
Before the interview
- Install Microsoft Teams on the laptop, desktop or phone you will use.
- Join 5 minutes early using the link in your calendar invite. Arriving more than 5 minutes late usually means the interview is cancelled and needs rebooking.
- Check camera and microphone work before you join.
- Re-read your personal statement — you may be asked about what you wrote.
- Know your entry route: academic qualifications or work-experience (non-standard) entry.
- Know your course: the exact course title, why you want it, and whether you are applying for blended learning or distance learning.
- Prepare a couple of questions about the course, timetable or support before you enrol.
During the interview
- Take a moment to listen to each question before you answer.
- Answer clearly and honestly — the interviewer is checking fit and readiness, not trying to catch you out.
- Ask anything you are unsure about. It is better to clarify now than after you enrol.
After the interview
- AF Education will contact you with the outcome.
- If your documents are complete, your application can move to Arden admissions.
- If anything is still missing, send it to your AF Education adviser as soon as you can so the application can progress.
Who it's for
FdA Business and Innovation at Arden University is a practical option for mature students, career changers, and anyone returning to education who wants a clear, funded route into university study.
There is no upper age limit for Student Finance England-supported study in England. If you are exploring a return to learning, our advisors can help you check fit before you apply.
Study location & mode
This course is listed with Arden University and can be studied in London .
- Study mode: Full time
- Class schedule: Weekend
Exact campus availability can vary by intake — use the campus list above and speak to an advisor if you need a specific location or timetable.
How this course is funded
Eligible students in England may be able to fund tuition and living costs through Student Finance England. As general guidance, that can include a tuition fee loan paid to the university and a maintenance loan for living costs. Repayments normally start only once you earn over the published repayment threshold.
This is general information, not a personal funding decision. Final eligibility, amounts, and repayment terms are confirmed when you apply for student finance — AF Education does not guarantee funding approval.
How AF Education helps
AF Education support is 100% free for students. We help you check eligibility, choose a suitable course and campus, prepare documents, and submit your application — with clear next steps for Student Finance England where relevant.
Register your interest
Register your interest in under 2 minutes. 100% free — we never charge you anything. A dedicated advisor will contact you to check eligibility and guide you through enrolment for FdA Business and Innovation.
Ready to Start Your Funded Degree?
Register your interest in under 2 minutes. A dedicated student advisor will contact you to check eligibility, explain tuition and maintenance funding, and guide you through every step to enrolment.
- 100% Free Guidance
- Tuition & Maintenance Support
- Dedicated Advisor
- 01 Register your interest
- 02 Advisor calls you back
- 03 Apply & enrol with support
Prefer to talk? Call us Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM — 020 7377 8844
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