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International Business BA(Hons)

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    Overview

    International business is a fulfilling and intellectually stimulating field for those interested in the dynamics of the global economy and international relations; even small businesses can now reach an international market.

    The global business industry is always expanding and seeking fresh talent from all corners of the world, which is why it’s the right time to pursue a degree in International Business. Plus, the advancement of technology means that we can now essentially work globally whilst staying locally.

    Our International Business BA(Hons) degree equips you with the critical thinking skills and industry knowledge for you to thrive in the international workplace. The modules in this course are designed to foster a deep understanding of various business issues, including Understanding Global Dynamics, Understanding Business Analytics, and Accounting for Managers.

    Our modules offer many benefits and opportunities, including:

    • Global perspective: you’ll develop a broad understanding of the global business environment. This knowledge is invaluable in today’s interconnected world, where businesses operate on a global scale.
    • Cultural awareness: you’ll develop a heightened cultural sensitivity, which is important when working in the increasingly diverse and multicultural workplace.
    • Problem-solving skills: this course involves dealing with complex challenges, such as navigating trade regulations, , and addressing cultural differences. These experiences will help you develop strong problem-solving skills.
    • Career opportunities: with a degree in International Business, you are well-equipped to pursue careers in multinational corporations, international organisations, government agencies, and more.

    Why study International Business BA(Hons)

    You can look forward to a high-quality education here, as your teachers rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates (HESA 2022). You’ll also be studying at an AACSB International-accredited Business School. Globally, fewer than six per cent of institutions offering business degrees achieve this accreditation.

    Aside from your core modules, you’ll also take ASPIRE modules, which are a series of uniquely designed skill development modules that allow you to work on a real business challenge while preparing you to transition from higher education to the workplace.

    Away from campus, you’ll gain relevant real-world experience. After the second year of the course, you’ll put your knowledge and skills to the test in an optional 48-week work placement in your area of interest, in the UK or abroad. This work placement could potentially enhance your employability and boost personal development.

    Employers often value candidates with international business education, as they have a better understanding of global markets, trade, and international environment. This course will prepare you for a variety of exciting careers in a range of fields in the industry. You’ll also be well equipped to consider careers in different regions and countries of the world. You could work as a global supply chain manager, global procurement specialist or operations manager. You’ll be able to work for other international organisations, or even pursue your passions by creating your own business.

    The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with International Business BA(Hons) are Project Managers, Human Resources Advisors, Marketing Executives, Data Analysts and Data Scientists.*

    *Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate.

    Entry requirements

    BBB-BBC at A Level

    120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications

    Merit in T Level

    DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at merit
    • 120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    ASPIRE 1 - Personal and Professional Skills

    The ASPIRE modules provide a coherent and progressive framework to support your academic, personal and professional potential. The emphasis in Year 1 is on developing the academic skills you need to engage in your course. In addition, the module will address a broader curriculum of personal and professional development. This will include resilience and wellbeing, professional skills, inclusion and intercultural awareness and enterprise and innovation. We will also encourage you to think about the relevance of your course for your future career options. The module is designed to align with the University of Huddersfield’s Graduate Attribute Framework. It will introduce you to theories, models and strategies relevant to skill development and success at university and in the workplace. Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to recognise your capabilities, take responsibility for your learning and work effectively with your peers.

    Global Business Management

    In this module, you will explore the pressing global issues, such as globalisation, climate change, digital age, and sustainability, that businesses are confronted in their operations. Adopting a cross-disciplinary approach, you will gain knowledge and develop a critical understanding of how these issues represent challenges as well as opportunities to business and related organisations. As you progress through the module, you will develop a habit to follow the developments of global events, give them a meaning and consider the causes and consequences of ongoing developments. This module is designed to raise you awareness of an increasingly dynamic business environment.

    Principles of Marketing

    This module will develop your understanding of the principles and practice of contemporary marketing management. You'll be introduced to the key concepts and tools of marketing including analysis, planning, implementation and control.

    Organisational Behaviour

    This module provides you with an introduction to key concepts, theories and research in the field of organisational behaviour. Starting with the important question what is an organisation, this module presents and evaluates up to date research on current knowledge about human and organisation behaviour from the perspective of three levels: individual level (personality, motivation, knowledge and learning), group level (organisational culture, team-working) and the organisational level (leadership, changing world of work, technology). An examination of these three levels will provide an insight into the world of work both for employees and future managers. Emphasis on the module is placed on introducing and applying management theory with a critical perspective adopted throughout. Overall, focus on the module is directed towards equipping you with sufficient knowledge to be able to understand the role of the manager in a contemporary organisation and to critically explore the role of influence a range of behaviours have on organisational outcomes.

    Accounting for Managers (Foundation)

    This module introduces you to how financial information for businesses is prepared, presented and interpreted by internal and external users. As well as delivering theory and technical information, practical application is presented through worked examples, group working and discussions. The objective is to enable you to use financial information for planning, decision making and control, calculate business costings by applying the theory of cost behaviour to different situations and analyse the performance of a business using ratio analysis.

    Business Analytics

    In this module you will investigate and explore various analytical concepts and the value they provide to organisations. To support this you will explore the value of analytical data and how this supports the creation of Business Intelligence for decision making. You will investigate different analytical methods and apply them within the business context, looking at strategy, business goals and organisational competitive advantage.

    Core modules:

    ASPIRE 2 – Live Business Project

    The ASPIRE modules provide a coherent and progressive framework to support your academic, personal and professional potential. The emphasis in Year 2 is on developing your knowledge, skills and experience to develop your professional profile. A centrepiece of the of the module is a live project or real business challenge, relevant to your award. Working with your peers, you will build on knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 to respond to a project-brief that will complement your year 2 modules. In line with the ethos of ASPIRE, we will continue to provide an inclusive environment that emphasises the importance of individual resilience and wellbeing at this mid-point of your studies and prepares you for your placement year or final year.

    Data Analysis for Business

    Discover the world of data analysis for business in this core second year module. Learn about the purpose of data, ethical considerations related to the creation and use of data, and the importance of effective communication with stakeholders when interpreting datasets. Gain skills to identify fake data and understand the role technology plays in both hindering and facilitating strategic decision-making. Practice using statistical software to handle datasets in order to gain a level of proficiency which will help you in the workplace. This module provides a practical and critical understanding of data's role in business, focusing on ethics, analysis, and communication for success in today's business environment.

    Business and Societal Impact

    Businesses are increasingly recognising the necessity of adopting an flexible/agile mindset to establish and maintain a competitive advantage. Throughout this module, you will delve into the theories and practices associated with various business models, with a specific focus on exploring their integration into society. The module, through the examples and case studies used on the module, spans a diverse array of business structures, encompassing Social Enterprises, Hybrids, Non-Governmental Organisations, Micro and Family Businesses. The module will explore the concept of social impact and how businesses may aspire to have an impact beyond their initial communities, examining impact-driven organisations and in turn expanding your comprehension of social value creation whilst retaining an appreciation of the challenges/barriers faced in this area across the different business models examined.

    International Business

    Globalisation means that nowadays all business to some degree are international. It is almost impossible to find a product or service that does not have an international aspect to its customer base and its supply chain. In this module, you'll investigate the business transactions taking place across national borders. You'll develop an understanding of all the external environment parts and the major issues that businesses are confronted with when operating in international markets. The module covers an introduction to international business principles, including environment, strategy, international trade, international marketing and people in multinational enterprises.

    Creating a New Business

    In undertaking this module, you will explore the theory and practices that inform and enable business start-up and small enterprise development. We will follow the entrepreneurial journey in four phases; creativity and conceptualising the business; understanding context; opportunity spotting and scoping; and business model development. We will use case studies to explore entrepreneurial practices in a variety of contexts. You will appreciate the personal and contextual drivers and challenges faced by those motivated set up enterprises. You will also experiment with opportunity spotting and the formulation of a business model, thus understanding the practice and theory of new venture creation, from ideation to creating a business enterprise.

    People Management

    In undertaking this module you will explore the theory and practices that inform and enable management of people within organisations. ‘People are our greatest asset’ is often said in organisations, but how do you get the best out of your best asset? In undertaking this module, you will explore that creating an environment where people want to work and feel rewarded by their work is one of the biggest differences a manager can make to their organisation. Moreover, in a time when new tech-based advances can be accessed (and downloaded) almost instantaneously across the world, people are increasingly the one differentiator that companies can have that makes them unique and puts them ahead of their competition. But they are also often a business’s largest cost. So, effective people management is important in any type of organisation. Therefore this module will help you look at the importance and benefits of good people management. It will also help you consider the challenges of delivering value creating HR practices both in a conventional business, and now in the increasingly diverse organisation with many forms of contract relationship, locations, and remote working.

    The course offers a recommended one-year (48 weeks) work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad. By doing a work placement you will be able to apply the theory to practice, identify and develop your transferable skills, improve your confidence and sense of responsibility, explore different career areas and of course enhance your CV with good, practical and relevant experience.

    Core modules:

    ASPIRE 3 – Professional Portfolio

    The ASPIRE modules provide a coherent and progressive framework to support your academic, personal and professional potential. The emphasis in Year 3 will be on your transition from higher education to the workplace. You will have an opportunity to build on your knowledge, skills and experience that you have developed during your time at university and clearly express your career aspirations. Using recruitment and selection simulations, you will prepare tailored CVs and learn how to perform well within different selection situations. In preparation for your move into the changing world of work, we will explore what it means to be globally and socially aware and you will learn about intercultural effectiveness through case studies and group tasks. There will also be an emphasis on strengthening your leadership capabilities and decision-making within complex and unpredictable contexts. In line with the ethos of ASPIRE, we will continue to reinforce the value of an inclusive environment that sustains you during your final year of study and prepares you for your post-degree choices.

    Strategic Management

    In this module you will learn about the foundational principles of strategic management, as well as emergent strategic ideas such as business models, open strategy and ecosystems that have been developed to cope with the rapid changes facing the 21st-century international business environment. You will engage with future shaping strategy and gain confidence in your own appraisal of strategic choices.

    Managing Across Cultures

    In this module, you'll explore how culture affects business and management. You'll learn the essential knowledge and theories in cross-cultural management, which will enable you to compare cultures systematically. You'll also investigate the latest developments in cross cultural research, which will develop your capability in understanding and analysing cross cultural scenarios. You are encouraged to develop an open-minded approach to cultural differences and an understanding of culture’s influence on business and management.

    Option modules:

    Choose three from a list which may include:

    International Marketing

    The aim of this module is to help develop your understanding of the marketing theory and principles within the international or global business arena. It involves the consideration of the international marketing environment and the application of marketing principles for companies operating in foreign and world markets.

    Responsible Business

    The module examines the inter-relationship between business ethics, corporate social responsibility, business sustainability and sustainable development. You'll engage in constructive debates related to theories of business ethics and ethical decision-making by business managers and examine how companies could fulfil their social responsibilities. By focusing on global sustainability issues, you'll appreciate how businesses can develop sustainable solutions to resolve grand challenges.

    International Law

    International law, also known as the law of nations, is the body of principles which tell us about how international relations between different countries in the world are managed. It covers such things as diplomacy, war, international human rights, international economic and trade relations and resolving disputes between states with a view to maintaining international peace and security. This module deals with some of the most controversial issues taking place in the world today and by identifying, examining and reflecting on the sources, subjects and key principles of public international law, you'll understand how law works and influences individuals, people groups and states, at a global level.

    Global Financial Management

    This module introduces you to different finance, accounting and economic dimensions of multinational financial management. Themes will include the international monetary system , historical and the development of the International Monetary System (IMS), exchange rate system; and risk management within global finance context.

    The Future of Work

    This module adopts a perspective to examine the dynamics, complexities, and uncertainties of a modern world of work. Topics on the future of work will be studied in a national and global context. You'll explore the impact at an individual, organisational, and societal level of the need for efficiency and effectiveness in managing a diverse workforce, the impact of technological change, and the changing relationship between employers and employees. Through the module you'll develop a critical understanding of the workplace as employees and managers of the future.

    Or you may choose to do one option module and a Business and Management Dissertation:

    Undergraduate Dissertation

    This module is an opportunity for you to conduct a research project in an area of business and management that relates to your personal and professional interests. You'll work one-to-one with an experienced supervisor who will help you develop and implement your research ideas. This module will not only deepen your knowledge of a particular business and management topic, but also help you build your practical research and report-writing skills.

    This course has modules making up 180 credits over the 3 years, with each credit being 10 hours of study (3600hours in total). An average approximately* 15% (450 hours) of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors face to face or online in lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals and workshops. The remainder of the time will be spent on independent study. Assessments takes place through a variety of exams and coursework.

    Subject to mode of study. *Based on current core modules.

    Calculated using data from the academic year 2024/25, as of November 2024.

    Teaching

    The teaching year for most courses normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Teaching on other courses including professional courses, postgraduate taught, research, distance learning and apprenticeship may have other start dates including January and May. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available. Students on a full-time course may have to attend every day of the week. Students who choose to study a full-time course on a part-time basis will generally attend modules at the same time as our full-time students. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.

    Our courses are taught at our University campus and you can expect that your lectures and seminars will be held face to face, except in cases of emergency or if specifically stated otherwise in the module description.

    Feedback

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Progression

    You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    As part of your degree, you’ll study the ASPIRE modules. ASPIRE is a series of modules that are designed to equip you with the valuable qualities that we know employers are looking for. Embedded within your degree programme, ASPIRE will enable you to develop and demonstrate subject specific skills and knowledge, which can help to set you apart from other graduates. These modules will contribute towards your course level 5 CMI accreditation.

    Placements

    The course offers an optional one-year (48 weeks) work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad.

    Our Placement Office works with national and international employers to ensure excellent work experience opportunities are available to you on placement courses as well as giving advice in areas such as interview skills and preparing CVs and covering letters.

    Previous placement providers have included Asda, CLS Limited, Covea Insurance, Daataa Ltd, Foodies Express Limited, Daniel Global Education Services Ltd, Huddersfield Town Football Club, KFC, Tata Consultancy Services, Thornton and Ross and University of Huddersfield Student Union.

    The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

    You can find more information on placements here.

    Completing a placement has strengthened my organisational, written and communication skills and It has helped me understand what it's like to work for a large international organisation. I believe it has also helped my chances of getting a graduate job.

    Photo of Austin McEwen

    Austin McEwen, International pharmaceutical sales and marketing assistant, placement with Thornton & Ross Ltd

    What our students have to say

    The University of Huddersfield offers a diverse and vibrant student environment, located on one central town centre campus site. Huddersfield Business School provides you with a modern, professional environment to learn and develop, located right next to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal it's in a leafy and picturesque location at the heart of the campus.

    Watch our profile video to hear Sana describe why she chose the University of Huddersfield.

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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