International Business, BA (Hons)

This course develops outstanding graduates well equipped to influence and make significant contributions to international business and management. If you choose the placement option you will spend a year at an overseas company or at an international organisation in the UK. Why choose this course?

91% of graduates who studied the BA (Hons) International Business sandwich course are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving (DLHE survey 2011/2012)

90% of our students said that they were satisfied with the BA (Hons) International Business sandwich course (National Student Survey, 2013)

Demands are high for international management know-how and for graduates with a broad-based international business education. This is due to the growing economic independence between nations and the efforts of many companies to build a global presence.

The purpose of this course is to prepare you for a career with an organisation undertaking business across national borders. You will combine studies in:

• management
• international business administration
• languages and cross-cultural communication.

Over four years, you will gain:

• proficiency in a second language (or additional languages)
• technical competence in international business administration
• detailed knowledge of the evolving global business environment
• experience of work and/or study abroad.

Language training and cultural studies are at the heart of the course and reinforce its international dimension. The course offers language tuition at a range of ability levels and in a variety of languages. Advanced level courses are available for those with A-level pass grades in French, German and Spanish. Dutch, Japanese, Mandarin, French, German, Spanish and Italian are available at beginners' level or for those with limited knowledge.

English classes are available at a series of levels for those whose first language is not English.

Want to find out more?

Find out more information about BA (Hons) International Business by requesting a course brochure. We also recommend you attend an open day to find out more about our courses and experience NTU for yourself. Can't make the open day? Take a virtual tour instead.

Any questions?
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
Visit the Nottingham Business School website
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

UCAS codes

• N120 BA/IntB full-time
• N125 BA/IB placement

When does the course start?

This course starts in September. For more information take a look at our academic calendar for details of term start and end dates.

You will spend three full years at Nottingham Business School and a further optional year abroad at a partner-university and/or as supervised work experience. Placements will be tailored to suit individual interests and language abilities. Non-UK students may opt for UK-based placements.

What will I study?

90% of our students said they were satisfied with the BA (Hons) International Business sandwich course (National Student Survey, 2013).

Year One
Core modules include:

• Foundations of Managing and Organising
• Accounting and Finance for International Managers
• Foreign Language
• Marketing and Operations Management
• Quantitative Methods for International Business
• Culture, Communication and Learning.

Year Two

First half of year
Core modules include:

• Economics for International Business
• International Business Environment
• Intercultural Effectiveness and Language.

Second half of year
Opportunities for full-time students (three years) include:

• study abroad
• an international internship
• international community project
• taught modules (see below).

Taught modules for sandwich students (four years) include:

• Intercultural Effectiveness and Language
• Exploring Strategy and Innovation.

Plus one optional module from:

• Managing Global Supply Chain
• Marketing Management.

Year Three
This is the placement year for those on the four-year course.

Final Year
Core modules include:

• Research Project
• International Strategic Management
• International Tourism and Development
• Exploring Global Markets
• Leadership and Employability (International Business).

Plus one optional module from:

• Global Supply Chain Strategy
• International Marketing and Communications
• Jean Monnet Europe and the World Economy
• Language.

How will I learn?

We use a mixture of teaching methods including:

• traditional lectures and seminars
• IT workshops
• guest lectures
• problem-based learning
• group discussions.

In addition to this you will also be involved in a variety of practical work such as:

• individual and group presentations
• student-led seminars
• role play
• industry-sponsored competitions
• project work.

You will have the exciting opportunity to take part in an annual exhibition on studying and working around the world, as well as getting involved in a buddy scheme with international students.

This is a high-achieving course, as highlighted by our students regularly winning Vice-Chancellor prizes.

Contact time

On average you will receive 12 - 15 hours of teaching per week from a combination of lectures and seminars. You'll then be expected to increase your understanding of the subject area through independent study for each module.

Additional to this, you will also have further timetabled contact time for your induction, at the beginning of the year and sessions on employability and opportunities that you can get involved with whilst at university.

Personal tutor sessions

You will also have a number of one on one tutor sessions during each year, which will allow you to:

• Discuss and gain feedback about your work.
• Ask questions about the projects you're working on.
• Raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your university experience.

During your first year, these sessions will be scheduled approximately once a fortnight. During your second and final year, this will be approximately once a month.

Virtual learning environment

You'll also use our virtual learning environment, NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Learning from industry experts

Our tutors have industry experience in their specialist field, which means you will gain practical insight into these fields and how companies are run.

How will I be assessed?

As well as attending lectures, seminars and workshops, you will also carry out:

• hands-on computing
• personal research and essay / report writing
• case studies
• group work
• individual projects
• role play
• case studies
• presentations.

You will typically be assessed through a combination of coursework, projects and examinations.

In response to student feedback the University has introduced a policy that ensures you are given feedback on assessment within three weeks of submission.

Welcoming students from across the world

Nottingham Trent University has a diverse student community, with a significant number of international students choosing to study here from across the world. We provide specialist staff, services and facilities to help you through all stages of being a student. Find out more about our International support services.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

We are continually investing in our facilities and transforming our learning and teaching environment to create an inspiring and innovative atmosphere.

The School is based in the impressive Newton building on NTU's City site. In 2009 the building was involved in a £90 million regeneration project on the site. Whilst maintaining its historic beauty, the Grade II* listed building was transformed into an ultra-modern complex.

Fantastic facilities

• You can take advantage of the NBS Link Lounge, a new space dedicated to Business School students, located on floor seven of the Newton building.
• Explore your career prospects with the help of the University's Career and Placements Centre (new for September 2012).
• You will benefit from spacious teaching rooms and lecture theatres.
• We provide students with a variety of social spaces.
• Your studies will benefit from the £13 million pound Boots Library.
• Students take advantage of our 24-hour IT facilities.
• Our Student Services Centre will also be on-hand should you need support.

The location of the City site also means that you have easy access to:

• sports facilities
• shops
• student accommodation
• music venues
• cafés.