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Foundation Year


The Foundation Year is a preparatory programme designed for students who are ready to study at university level but need additional support to meet the academic entry requirements for a UK degree. Completed in one year, it provides the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress successfully into Year 1 of your chosen Business degree at Rome Business School.

Formula 1 Year | Four 30 CFU Modules
Method Online / On Campus
Language English
Start Date September 26 / May 27
Scholarship valid until Sept 4th
3.000€ SAVE UP TO

Foundation Year Overview

The Foundation Year is a one-year preparatory programme that enables the transition to university study, equipping students with the academic requirements needed to progress and succeed in their chosen Business degree. An additional year of study at Level 3, it is designed for students who are ready for university-level study but need support in meeting the academic entry requirements. The programme is fully standardised for Business School degrees and consists of four 30-credit modules delivered over one academic year.

Who is it for?

Students who do not yet meet standard entry requirements

Applicants who do not yet hold the academic qualifications required for direct entry to Year 1 — for example, those with lower grades than required — will find in the Foundation Year the right pathway to meet those standards and progress with confidence.

International students with foreign qualifications

Applicants whose school qualifications do not fully align with UK A-level standards can use the Foundation Year to bridge that gap and access their chosen degree on equal footing.

Faculty 

Foundation Year students at Rome Business School learn from professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Our faculty combines senior executives, international managers and entrepreneurial minds with decades of experience across industries including pharmaceuticals, luxury, HR and digital innovation. Their diverse backgrounds ensure a learning experience that is both academically rigorous and firmly grounded in professional practice.

+237 Lecturers and professors
56% of the faculty holds an MBA or PhD
74% International Career: Professors working in Multinationals or have experience abroad

costas
Costas Piliounis ​ Program Director of the Master in Pharma and Health Managemenrt

Managing Director of PNValue and an expert with over 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Formerly Corporate Vice President for Southern Europe and Head of Middle East & Africa at Novo Nordisk, he is a leader in e-Health innovation. Since 2024, he has served as Program Director for the Master in Pharma Management at Rome Business School, leveraging his extensive expertise in regulatory affairs and global strategic leadership.

benni
Ilaria Benni WW Talent & Organization Development Director at Fendi

Ilaria Benni is WW Talent & Organization Development Director at Fendi, with over 30 years of international experience across the luxury and FMCG sectors, including leadership roles at Loro Piana and Colgate-Palmolive. She specializes in organizational design, leadership development, and change management—core areas impacting digital marketing transformation and talent strategy in global brands. Benni graduated from Stanford University School of Business and is a certified coach through Hogan Assessments and ICF.

Mannella_professor
Raffaele Mannella Program Director of Master in Entrepreneurship/ Professor of the Bachelor's degree in Business Economics

An entrepreneur and PMP® certified Project Manager with over 26 years of experience in the IT and professional services sectors. Founder and CEO of Comtaste S.r.l., he has led strategic projects for multinationals such as Google, Adobe, and HP. In 2019, he launched TS Mood, an innovative startup in the online booking industry. Since 2021, he has served as Program Director for the Master in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Rome Business School.

VALENTINO
Valentino Megale Program Director of the On Campus Master in AI

A tech entrepreneur and biologist with a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology, Valentino Megale is the CEO and co-founder of Softcare Studios, a startup leading the use of extended reality (XR) and AI for mental health. With over 7 years of experience in Digital Health and international accolades like the Startup Europe Awards, he is a top expert in immersive technologies. Since 2024, he has served as Program Director of the Master in Artificial Intelligence at Rome Business School.

FEDERICO
Federico Coccia Professor of the Master in Digital Marketing and Business Transformation

Federico Coccia is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and lecturer with 12+ years of experience in brand strategy and digital marketing. He is the Founder and Marketing Manager of Edit Studio, a multidisciplinary agency for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, where he has led over 150 international projects. He lectures at IED and ESSEC Business School, holds a degree from IED, and previously held fashion marketing leadership roles at David Naman and Paul Taylor.

GUERRA
Leandro Guerra Professor of the Executive Master in AI

Leandro Guerra is a data science and quantitative finance expert with over 14 years of international experience in machine learning, financial innovation, and blockchain. He is the founder of Outspoken Market, focused on AI-driven algorithmic trading strategies, and Head of Data Science and Analytical Platforms for EMEA/APAC at Experian. He holds an MSc in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Salford and has completed executive programmes at LUISS Business School and Politecnico di Torino.

Programme Modules

Professional Skills for Business

Depending on the career sector and profession students choose to work in, there could be very specific skills, abilities and knowledge needed to do the job. Professional skills are key to being successful in any job and this module introduces students to the key elements of operating professionally in any organisation.

Research in Business

Organisations rely on a variety of data sources to enable them to operate effectively and to develop their products or services. Gathering and analysing information allows businesses to promote organisational growth. This module introduces students to the fundamentals of data collection and analysis, drawing on academic literature and practical examples to help develop an understanding of the importance of ethical research.

Digital Skills for Business

Digital transformation is a development that businesses have been aware of for many years. The speed, interactivity, accessibility, convenience and versatility of digital technology has the power to transform organisations. This module introduces students to the variety of digital sources and their use within organisations to drive forward operational development.

Enterprise and Creativity

Creativity combined with an enterprising outlook enables students to develop an innovative approach to solving business challenges. Having a creative and innovative mindset can help organisations progress through the implementation of new ideas and practices. This module provides an opportunity for students to develop a creative mindset, with experienced entrepreneurs invited to give guest lectures to inspire and ignite an innovative and creative mindset and develop an understanding of enterprise in the context of business organisations.

Course Aims

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Foster Autonomous Growth, Leadership & Critical Self-Reliance

Develop the enthusiasm, self-discipline, and intellectual autonomy required to master independent learning within global business contexts. This module empowers you to take full ownership of your academic and professional development, equipping you with the critical research skills, time management strategies, and analytical confidence needed to navigate complex business scenarios and succeed in higher-level university study without constant supervision.

Build a Comprehensive Toolkit of High-Impact Business Skills

Acquire a broad, versatile foundation of essential business and management competencies designed specifically for immediate real-world application. Through practical exercises and real-world case studies, you will learn how modern organizations operate across key functional areas—from strategic decision-making and operational management to team leadership—ensuring you can contribute meaningfully to any corporate environment.

Bridge Academic Rigor with Real-World Corporate Application

Combine robust theoretical frameworks with practical, hands-on business methodologies to gain a complete understanding of the commercial sector. This balanced academic approach sharpens your intellectual capabilities while giving you the practical tools needed to apply cutting-edge business theories directly to real-life management challenges, organizational strategy, and everyday workplace scenarios.

Master Global Market Dynamics & Operational Ecosystems

Gain a 360-degree understanding of how commercial organizations function within their broader economic, social, and technological environments. You will learn to evaluate both internal operational capabilities and external market forces—analyzing local, national, and international conditions to identify key drivers of sustainable business growth and long-term organizational success.

Harness Emerging Technologies for Strategic Business Advantage

Explore the transformative impact of information systems, communication technologies, and digital tools on modern corporate decision-making. You will gain a clear insight into how digital transformation drives operational efficiency and innovation, equipping yourself with the technological literacy needed to leverage data and digital platforms in a fast-evolving global marketplace.

Cultivate an Analytical, Data-Driven & Problem-Solving Mindset

Develop a rigorous, enquiring approach to business challenges that merges structured data analytics with creative strategic thinking. You will be trained to critically evaluate information, question assumptions, and synthesize diverse perspectives, enabling you to formulate well-reasoned, actionable, and innovative solutions to complex commercial problems.

Establish the Groundwork for Continuous Professional & Personal Growth

Lay a solid foundation for continuous intellectual curiosity, personal development, and lifelong career adaptation. The program instills habits of self-reflection, adaptability, and proactive skill-building, ensuring that you remain agile and highly competitive in an ever-changing economic landscape throughout your professional journey.

Ignite Your Enterprising Potential & Intrapreneurial Mindset

Discover the fundamental principles of venture creation, risk management, and commercial innovation. You will cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that allows you to spot market opportunities, design viable business models, and foster innovation—whether you aim to launch your own startup or drive new corporate initiatives within established global organizations.

Develop a Well-Rounded, Cross-Functional Management Foundation

Acquire fundamental knowledge across all primary business disciplines, including finance, marketing, human resources, and business research. This comprehensive cross-disciplinary perspective ensures that you hold no gaps in your core commercial knowledge, preparing you to transition seamlessly and confidently into specialized Bachelor’s degree pathways.

Drive Commercial Innovation Through Applied Creative Strategy

Unlock your innovative potential by learning to apply creative reflection and lateral thinking to traditional business problems. Through collaborative projects and direct interactions with guest entrepreneurs, you will discover how to turn creative concepts into practical business solutions that drive growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

Career Services

During your Bachelor, you will have the support of our dedicated Career Centre team at your disposal. With more than 10 years of experience in the education sector, we are committed to guiding talented young people and managers in building their professional future by offering a pathway tailored to their skills, aspirations and goals.

Professional processes are not one-sizefits-all. For this reason, we have designed several routes for different professional moments. Through a detailed analysis of your background and your future prospects, we will help you choose the route that best suits you and you will have a team of specialized professionals to advise you throughout the whole process. the journey. Our advisors will give you the tools you need to reach your full potential and achieve the professional
advancement you are looking for. Each route can be personalized to design a unique learning path, like your fingerprint. Because your future is yours alone and you are the one who sets the destination.

Career Starter

This route is for students that are looking for:
→ Entry into the labor market
→ New job opportunities
→ Development of specific competences
→ Improving key skills
→ Networking

The path is designed for young professionals who, despite having achieved their first objectives and degree, look ahead and face new challenges, searching heir first job position and with which to test their talents and knowledge. Throughout this pathway students will delve into subjects and skills development that may be useful and necessary both in their current pathway and in the future. Students will be guided and reach their objectives thanks their personal effort, the advice of our team of professionals and the other students themselves who are competing to reach the same goal. Together they will be able to create a networking bubble that will help them get there.

Especially for our young talents we’ve built multiple touchpoints with companies and the labour market, which maximum expression is the yearly Career Fair.
Rome Business School is committed to maximizing the career impact of its students, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with top employers. The Career Fair, the largest recruitment event organized by a business school in Italy, brings together world-renowned companies such as Balenciaga, Toyota, IBM, L’Oréal, and Microsoft.

2400 Interviews daily
+600 Job vacancies available
+100 Companies
71% of Students received a job offer right after the event

Progression to Bachelor

Successfully complete your modules, meet attendance criteria, and achieve the required grades to seamlessly progress in your program.

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Foundation Year
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Bachelor's Year 1
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Bachelor's Year 2
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Bachelor's Year 3
Graduation

Our Foundation Year is designed to prepare you for direct admission into a range of specialized Bachelor’s degree programs. Upon completion, students can progress directly into:

  • BSc in Business Economics
  • BA in Business and Marketing

Payment and Fee

Payment of the participation fee of

€ 8,500 – September 2026

can be made in the following ways:

  • Installments from moments of enrollment (earlier enrollment for more installments)
  • Full Payment with an additional discount of -10%

Tuition Reduction Options

Rome Business School seeks driven and proactive students to join our programs. While we do not offer traditional scholarships, we provide several opportunities to reduce your tuition fees. Our goal is to maintain competitive and fair tuition rates, offering accessible options that allow you to join the program under the best possible conditions.

  • Administrative discount: 10% for those who choose the Full Payment method
  • Early Decider Reduction: 30% for those who take advantage of their first deadline of acceptance

For more information in how to take advantage of those opportunities, ask about it during your informative session. Availability might vary depending on the application date.

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Student Testimonials

Brandon Chapman Quintana Tourism & Hospitality
The thing I find most valuable is the opportunity of learning from amazing professionals and the networking that can be done within the community of RBS. Apart from all this, I enjoy the opportunities that can be open and present for the future of my professional development, and the double certification holds a huge value on my CV.
Izabela Dimitrova HR and Organization
To all the students just starting this journey: dive in wholeheartedly, keep an open mind, and trust that every experience - especially the challenges - will guide you. The most significant growth comes from stepping into the unknown and believing in your potential. Embrace each moment, each connection, and each idea, and watch how they shape a future that’s even bigger than you envisioned.
Carla Gaspar HR & Organization
Studying at RBS was transformative. I made invaluable connections, including a mentor who greatly influenced my growth and a close friendship with a fellow student. RBS not only equipped me with essential skills but also fostered a supportive and inspiring community.

Frequently asked questions about the Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal for students who do not yet meet standard university entry requirements or international applicants whose high school qualifications do not align with UK A-level standards. It bridges the academic gap, providing you with the essential skills, grades, and confidence needed to enter Year 1 of your chosen Bachelor’s degree.

Successfully passing your Foundation Year guarantees direct progression into one of our specialized undergraduate programs:

  • BSc in Business Economics
  • BA in Business and Marketing

Note: Progression is guaranteed upon meeting all attendance requirements, passing module criteria, and achieving the required minimum grades.

Admission to your Bachelor’s degree is direct and guaranteed upon successful completion of the Foundation Year. Once you fulfill all attendance requirements, pass your four modules, and achieve the minimum required grades, you will progress directly into Year 1 of your chosen program without having to reapply.