Name: BSc (Hons) International Business Studies
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BSc (Hons) International Business Studies

UCAS CODE: IBS3 (Full-Time) or IBS4 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-Time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

If you are interested in a career in business and dream of working overseas or in an international role, our BSc (Hons) International Business Studies programme is your next step.

Designed by our industry experienced academics, this course will give you the skills to manage diverse projects, teams and organisations across international borders.

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Why study International Business Studies at BNU?

Industry insights

Our BSc (Hons) International Business Studies degree has been specifically designed by our industry experienced lecturers to reflect the ins and outs of international business management and allow you to understand the function and operations knowledge needed to succeed in global business industries.

Supportive tutors and alumni community

Our lecturers are here to support you throughout the course and beyond. The Business School has a strong alumni community, and regular recruitment fairs frequently include alumni as employers. You'll have many opportunities to network during your time at BNU, with fellow students, staff, employers and graduates.

The School of Business and Law recently hosted a highly successful employability event, "BeyondBNU – Launching Your Career". The event provided students with a valuable platform to network with industry experts, recent alumni, and career advisors, offering invaluable insights into the professional world.

Wide variety of topics

This degree covers many disciplines to give you a solid understanding of business skills, including marketing, people management, international business finance, data analysis, international law, and more. You also have the opportunity during your course to select some modules which are particularly of interest to you.

Guest lecturers and industry visits

Modules are enhanced by guest speakers from industry bodies, live briefs from local businesses, and may include visits to nearby points of interest. In 2024, students enjoyed a tour of the London Stock Exchange. This connection between your classroom studies and the working world helps to build your confidence and understanding of topics studied, better preparing you for the time after you graduate.

Foundation year available

If you are interested in International Business Studies, but feel you want to develop your confidence in degree-level learning first, this course is also offered as a four-year programme including an initial Foundation Year, starting in September.

The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto the undergraduate programme. Once you pass your Foundation Year, you are guaranteed a place onto your chosen course and will enter the first year of the degree programme.

What will I study?

With our BSc (Hons) International Business Studies course, you will gain knowledge and expertise in project planning and management for local, national and international organisations and groups, as well as the tools to start your own business. And with consistently high student satisfaction ratings for our Business courses across a variety of university league tables and national surveys, you can be confident that the course will live up to your expectations.

You’ll cover diverse subject areas, including global strategies in digital business and managing people across cultures. During each year of the course, some of your modules will be taught alongside students on other undergraduate courses in the School of Business and Law, meaning you'll quickly get to know a wide group of your peers, not just those studying BSc (Hons) International Business Studies. You'll be taught by lecturers who are experts in their subject, including qualified accountants, lawyers, and marketers. First year topics include learning about financial decision making in business, strategies in digital business, and good practices in equality, diversity and inclusion.

During your second year you will study topics including international trade and leading and managing diverse teams. This will help you develop skills including working effectively in a team as well as an understanding of how external environments impact organisations across the globe. You'll also learn about data collection and analysis, and how to apply the data insights to making informed business decisions. You will be able to choose optional modules that you are most interested in, on areas such as business law and generational family businesses.

In your final year, you will focus on preparing for your future and career after graduation. In addition to learning about international finance, supply chain resilience and sustainable strategic agility and innovation, you will undertake an independent professional project. This allows you to examine a contemporary global business management issue, whilst using your time management, professionalism, and personal discipline skills.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Teaching is interactive and student-focused. We blend lectures, workshops, independent study, case studies, live briefs, and guest speakers to enhance your learning experience. We will give you a blend of knowledge, skills and abilities, allowing you to become a day-one-ready graduate. We’ll help you to seamlessly fit into any organisation you choose to join or start as an entrepreneur.

Our assessments are heavily real world centric. With live briefs and cases that challenge you to produce a result and not simply demonstrate knowledge of a subject. We ask for management reports, business plans, people management strategies as well as global marketing campaigns. These are assessed through a mixture of presentations, short films, management reports, memos and briefings.

In your final year you will undertake an independent professional project. You’ll carry out a major piece of independent research, focused on strategic global business issues chosen by you. During this project, you will be supported by an academic supervisor with regular meetings throughout the academic year.

We organise industry visits so you can see how theory is applied in the real world. Our active alumni network provides guest speakers, live briefs, careers talks and job application advice across all three years of your degree. Discuss with business professionals the challenges and solutions they use. Network and gain valuable contacts. Feel prepared for your future career.

Useful Documents

BSc (Hons) International Business Studies Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-Time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

If you don't meet the entry requirements but have relevant professional experience, you may be invited for an interview to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): Previous study or professional/vocational experiences may count towards your learning and allow you to skip certain modules.

Applicants with an HNC in a business-related subject will be eligible for advanced standing entry to Level 5.
Applicants with an HND in a business-related subject will be eligible for advanced standing entry to Level 6.

Applicants should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing (equivalent to CEFR B2 level for UKVI compliance). Find out more about our general entry requirements.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BA (Hons) degree, however may be offered the 4-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Students starting in September 2025 will have the flexibility to choose their modules in the second and third years, complemented by a subject-specific curriculum in your first year.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Credits

Developing Personal Effectiveness

This module hones your study and job skills, fostering leadership and resilience. You’ll learn BNU’s values and support systems, bridging academic skills with employability to thrive at university and beyond.

Business in Practice

In this module, you’ll explore key business areas like finance, marketing, and human resources, as well as understand the business environment. You’ll gain essential knowledge and skills for business success and learn the language needed for future Business and Management studies.

Research in Practice

In Research in Practice, you’ll master key research skills, from methodologies to efficient library use. You’ll practice summarizing and critical reading, tailored to your field, through interactive workshops, setting a strong foundation for your academic and professional growth.

Business in Society

In this module, you’ll dive into social enterprise, discovering its role in business and society. You’ll learn what sets it apart, explore its drivers like social innovation and environmental care. Through case studies, you’ll grasp how these enterprises blend social, environmental, and economic goals for a better world.

Communications in Practice

This module provides you with vital workplace communication skills and professional growth. You’ll engage in group work to explore industry communications through PESTEL analysis and develop a live industry demo. You’ll gain insights via practical seminars, real-life examples, and case studies, preparing you for effective communication.

Live Learning Project

In this module, you’ll lead a mini-project. You will be taught and then use project management techniques as well as applying skills from other modules. You’ll tackle real-world problems, enhance your expertise, and gain confidence through regular tutorials and case study discussions.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Sustainable Globalisation: Innovations for a Shared Future

20

Credits: 20

This module will introduce you to concepts of sustainability within a range of business contexts and across a range of different countries.

Finance for International Business

20

Credits: 20

This module is to provide an introduction of a range of internationally recognised financial and accounting skills, to help develop your understanding and managerial decision-making skills.

Principles of Marketing

20

Credits: 20

This module will cover fundamental concepts and functions of marketing within a commercial business activity. You’ll explore the marketing planning process: segmentation, targeting and positioning of a brand offering with respect to the competition. You’ll also cover topics including, context, market research and decisions.

Managing People Across Cultures

20

Credits: 20

You will investigate literature and case studies on the benefits of diversity of culture in teams, as well as some of the challenges they may encounter. Cultural intelligence self and peer-assessment will form part of the formative assessment element of the module, while tools and techniques for conflict resolution will be applied in simulations du...

Global Strategies in Digital Business

20

Credits: 20

This module will introduce the importance of big data and business intelligence, Before examining how today’s digital business can apply business intelligence to develop new products and services along with improvements in efficiency and its business processes.

EDI and Global Citizenship: Promoting Inclusivity Worldwide

20

Credits: 20

The module will encourage you to think about and apply skills and knowledge in equity, diversity management and inclusivity in current and future roles. You will examine good practice in inclusivity; barriers to inclusivity and; how to lead and support organisation-wide adoption of inclusive practice across a range of contexts and countries.

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

International Trade

20

Credits: 20

This module will introduce you to the concept of international trade, with the use of case studies to enable you to practice skills in assessing international trade issues, managing international trade projects and evaluating the key processes involved in trading internationally.

Data Analytics for Business Decisions

20

Credits: 20

The module will examine how data analytics can be used across functional areas within the business such as marketing, e-commerce and partnerships, operations and logistics, business strategy, HRM and finance.

Leading and Managing Diverse Teams

20

Credits: 20

The module will enable you to discuss and analyse multiple facets of diversity in the workplace and society, investigating the root causes of under-representation of some groups in the workplace.

The Responsible Business

20

Credits: 20

This module will introduce responsible business practices with an emphasis on professional, moral and personal responsibility. To improve your knowledge of the diversity of approaches taken in different parts of the globe and how to maintain high standards for employees, contractors and others in the supply chain.

Optional Modules

Credits

The Business Communicator

20

Credits: 20

The ability to effectively communicate with all internal and external stakeholders is key for business leaders and becomes even more crucial when doing business across borders. This module will explore key communication and human resources theories.

Intergenerational Business: Family Business Growth Strategies

20

Credits: 20

This module delves into the unique dynamics and challenges of family-owned businesses across generations. With a focus on sustainable growth, you will explore the intricacies of managing and expanding family enterprises while balancing the interests and values of multiple generations.

The Entrepreneurial Mind

20

Credits: 20

This module will introduce the key definitions relating to entrepreneurialism and the differences between this and the concept of acting as an intrapreneur in organisations.

Business Law and Practice

20

Credits: 20

This module will examine the legal relationship, and legal obligations, of businesses to their stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and their employees.

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

International Finance

20

Credits: 20

This module covers major topics in International Finance: the role of finance and the fundamental concepts of the time value of money and valuations; the major decision areas facing financial managers in the world of uncertainty: cash-flow analysis, capital budgeting, financing (corporate capital structure or leverage decisions), and dividend polic...

Sustainable Strategic Agility and Innovation

20

Credits: 20

Evaluate the role innovation plays in both shaping and creating strategic options for both incumbent and new businesses. This module will equip you with the necessary skills for understanding, designing and assess strategies from an orthodox and agile perspective in a fast-moving business environment.

Supply Chain Resilience

20

Credits: 20

In an era marked by unprecedented disruptions, ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical tensions and global pandemics, the ability of organisations to build and maintain resilient supply chains is paramount. This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain resilience, a critical aspect of modern business operati...

Independent Professional Project

40

Credits: 40

You’ll complete a major piece of independent research that will enhance your employability. This module will enable students to identify their own research question, set research objectives, gather and analyse appropriate literature, secondary and primary research to meet those objectives. Students must analyse and evaluate the theories and concept...

Optional Modules

Credits

International Marketing

20

Credits: 20

You will build on knowledge gained from levels 4 and 5 marketing modules to develop a deeper understanding of key concepts, theories and contemporary debates in international marketing. This module will enable you to recognise the opportunities, issues and complexities surrounding the international markets and marketing decisions.

International Law

20

Credits: 20

This module will provide you with substantive knowledge and understanding of the basic legal rules and principles underpinning Public International Law.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 *
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

What are my career prospects?

We see your journey with us as much more than a degree, we are committed to supporting you to carve out the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills in managing global businesses, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation.

You will have gained a wide range of knowledge and skills, so that you can pursue a career in any profession or business role around the globe.

This programme offers the opportunity to go on to postgraduate study, either on a full-time basis or part-time whilst working. You may choose to study for the MSc (Hons) International Business Management course offered by the University.