BA (Hons) International Business (2026 entry)
Prepare for a global career with EFMD-accredited international business skills, cultural insight, and real-world experience. Study abroad, learn a new language, and graduate ready to lead in today’s fast-moving, globally connected economy.
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Typical offer: 112
Entry requirements -
Fees: TBC
Full details -
UCAS code: N126
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Course length: Various
Find out more -
Location:
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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Institute code: H36
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Work placement option
Find out more -
Study abroad option
Find out more -
Study a language
One of just 12 EFMD-accredited international business degrees in the UK
Guaranteed study abroad with partners across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa
Tailor your degree with language options and dual degree opportunities through TABSA
Course overview
The BA (Hons) International Business degree blends academic insight with practical application. You’ll explore global business ecosystems, digital innovation, cultural leadership, international finance, and ethical decision-making. This EFMD-accredited course is designed for future global business leaders who want to develop strong commercial awareness, cross-cultural intelligence, and the ability to work confidently across borders. Whether you're interested in international marketing, supply chains, sustainability, or global strategy, this degree prepares you to thrive in an interconnected world.
You’ll also gain valuable skills in problem-solving, project management, and data analysis, giving you the tools to navigate complex international markets. A defining feature of the course is its compulsory study abroad experience, where you'll spend time at one of our partner institutions around the world, from Europe and Asia to North America, Africa and Latin America. If you choose to study a language such as French, Spanish, Japanese, or Mandarin, you can graduate with a degree with modern languages.
The course is informed by industry needs, with a strong focus on employability. You’ll complete enterprise challenges, applied projects, and a final-year International Challenge Project that allows you to demonstrate your expertise in a real-world context. Graduates go on to careers in multinational corporations, international marketing agencies, consultancy firms, NGOs, or entrepreneurial ventures; equipped with the global mindset, digital agility and leadership skills needed to succeed anywhere in the world.
Why choose this course?
This course is one of just 12 in the UK accredited by EFMD Global: A prestigious mark of international business education excellence that signals to employers that your degree meets rigorous global standards.
Take part in compulsory study abroad: Opportunities span Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Australia, offering an immersive experience that develops cross-cultural awareness and gives you a competitive edge in the global job market.
Learn a new language or enhance an existing one with our modern languages route: You can also earn a dual degree through our TABSA partners in countries such as France, Germany, Spain, and the USA.
Through modules like Innovative Project Strategies and the final-year International Challenge Project: You’ll tackle live global business challenges using applied tools and industry insight, supported by expert staff with backgrounds in consultancy, policy, and international business strategy.
Located just 25 minutes from central London: You’ll have easy access to the UK’s economic and commercial hub, ideal for networking events, industry talks, and global employer opportunities.
Build your portfolio: You’ll build a graduate success portfolio throughout your degree. It will showcase your international experience, digital agility, problem-solving ability, and ethical awareness. 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study within 15 months: they’re ready to thrive in multinational businesses, NGOs, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Professional accreditations
EFMD Global
This course is accredited by EFMD Global, one of the world’s most respected quality assurance bodies for business education. We are proud to be one of just 12 universities in the UK to hold the prestigious EFMD Accredited badge for international business. This accreditation recognises our commitment to academic excellence, global outlook, and strong employer engagement; giving your degree international credibility and making you stand out to global recruiters.
TransAtlantic Business School Alliance (TABSA)
Students also benefit from our membership in the TransAtlantic Business School Alliance (TABSA), a network of leading universities in the USA and Europe. Through TABSA, eligible students can earn a dual degree by studying abroad for two years at partner institutions in countries such as France, Germany, Spain, or the USA. This pathway significantly enhances your global employability and cross-cultural skillset.
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
The programme includes the opportunity to work toward a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Certificate in Management and Leadership. This nationally recognised professional qualification supports your development as a future manager or leader, equipping you with the practical skills and strategic thinking required in international business.
Together, these endorsements ensure you graduate with a degree that is respected, relevant, and ready for the global stage.
Your future career
Differentiate yourself in the global job market with a comprehensive skill set and firsthand experience of international living and studying. Graduates have secured roles at IBM, KPMG, and NGOs. 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).
Possible roles for employment for international business graduates include:
- international marketing manager
- global supply chain analyst
- business development manager
- international trade consultant
- cross-cultural project coordinator
- foreign market entry strategist.
Employability is central to this degree! From global study opportunities and industry-recognised accreditation to real-world projects and leadership training. You’ll graduate with the confidence, experience, and skills to stand out and succeed in international business environments across industries and borders.
See what recent graduates are up to
Jorja Holmes
Marketing Coordinator at Walker Corporation
Meet Jorja. Jorja made the most out of her time at Herts. She spent nearly two years studying in the United States, joined the University’s cheerleading team, and is now a Marketing Coordinator in Australia.
Studying abroad
Herts was Jorja’s first choice of university, as the BA (Hons) International Business course gave her the opportunity to study abroad in the United States for nearly two years. She says, ‘Being able to study abroad is a rarity at university, so I leapt at the opportunity. The course also offered a fantastic range of modules, plus the campus was close to home in London, which was a bonus.’
Making the most out of every opportunity
As a mature student, Jorja was apprehensive about starting university. She was concerned about what opportunities would be available and whether she would feel welcomed by her peers, but it was quite the opposite.
She says, ‘I took every opportunity I could at Herts. I took part in Active Students and joined the Hertfordshire Sirens Cheerleading team, which helped me stay active and encouraged me to work on my time management skills. I also went to as many events as I could with all the friends I made. I’m still close friends with many from my course and recently went on holiday with some of them. We often meet up for social events and we have travelled across England together. I’m very lucky to have them.’
Despite studying through the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jorja achieved a first-class degree and found a job as a Group Marketing Executive. She says, ‘I found the job opportunity on LinkedIn and applied online. I got the role because of what I learnt on my course and the transferable skills from previous roles.’
I’ve also been making use of the two years free access I have to LinkedIn Learning as a Herts graduate to brush up on my marketing skills.'
Jorja is now a Marketing Coordinator at the Walker Corporation in Australia, working within their asset management and customer experience team.
Tom de Prez
Senior Paid Search Manager at Jellyfish
Meet Tom. Tom credits his successful career, which has seen him work with global brands including Google and Salesforce, with his time at Herts.
Studying in Canada and France
What drew Tom to Herts was the chance to study abroad during the BA (Hons) International Business programme, an experience which took him to Canada and France. Tom says, ‘I spent my third year at a digital media agency in Lille. It was here where I learnt my trade. I got experience creating content for search engine optimisation (SEO) and managing organic and paid social media campaigns.’
‘I’m often asked about my time abroad by employers, colleagues, and clients. I believe the experience improved my employability in a highly competitive job market.’
The foundations for success
Tom believes his passion for marketing was driven by the enthusiasm and expertise of his lecturers at Herts. He says, ‘I always found lectures and seminars engaging, which made learning easy. I felt like I was given the foundations to succeed early.’
Tom credits his time at Herts with his career success. After graduating in 2019, he joined the global digital marketing agency Jellyfish where he has worked with some of the world’s largest brands, including Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Impressively, Tom has received three promotions in the short time he has been working there.
Alongside his professional life, Tom is a semi-professional football referee in the 8th tier of English football.
Sarmila Varatharaj
Deputy Mayor at London Borough of Wandsworth
Meet Sarmila, the Deputy Mayor for the London Borough of Wandsworth and the youngest councillor in the borough, representing Wandle ward. Sarmila also works for Residently, a start-up company in the property technology industry.
Life at Herts
Sarmila has fond memories of studying at Herts and has remained in close contact with some of the staff that influenced her and shaped her career path. She says, ‘The quality of teaching at Herts prepared me for day-to-day life as a councillor. Modules always included coursework, exams, and presentations, and I fell in love with public speaking during class activities. I can now read local government committee papers with ease, and research and write my own strategies for local government. These are all skills I developed whilst studying at Herts and partner institutions.
‘I have so many amazing memories at Hertfordshire. I absolutely loved living on campus, and the people I met on my first day in halls are now my lifelong friends. The campus itself is the perfect place to study, get fit at the gym and for a night out! The teaching staff at Hertfordshire are extremely supportive and encourage you to pursue your dreams from the get-go. The confidence they had in me was encouraging and always motivated me to go on to achieve my next goal.
‘My proudest moments at uni will always be receiving my two Hertfordshire Business School Dean's Awards and giving the student speech at my graduation ceremony. I achieved this with the support of my programme leader, professors, and the study abroad team, who were there every step of the way to guide me.’
Future plans
Sarmila says, ‘My future plans are to continue working on my political and business careers. My future goal is to become a Member of Parliament, and my passion for business and entrepreneurialism runs alongside politics. I would like to use my time as a councillor to help local businesses and charities to grow in my Borough.’
What you'll study
Differentiate yourself in the global job market with a comprehensive skill set and first-hand experience of international living and studying. Graduates have secured roles at IBM, KPMG, and NGOs. 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).
Three-year programme
In your first year, you’ll develop a strong foundation in international business through modules in global ecosystems, digital marketing, and intercultural leadership. Enrichment activities and optional language study help build global awareness from day one.
In your second year, you’ll spend one or two semesters studying abroad in English at one of our partner universities across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia or Australia. This replaces your UH-based study and allows you to experience global business education first-hand. Students on the with Modern Languages pathway must continue their chosen language at the partner institution to qualify for the degree suffix.
In your third year of study, you'll be back on campus, you’ll tailor your learning with optional modules in areas like global finance, cross-cultural marketing, and ethical leadership. You’ll also complete the International Challenge Project and finalise your Graduate Success Portfolio.
Four-year programme
Your first and second year will be as above, with language study and a study abroad opportunity in Year 2 for one or two semesters.
In your third year, you’ll take an Intercalated Year abroad, which may include:
- A full year of study at a second international partner;
- One semester of study combined with a work placement (12 weeks minimum);
- A full-year work placement (if you studied abroad in Year 2).
Work placements can be international or UK-based if the role is internationally focused. Students on the with Modern Languages route continue language study into Year 4.
In your forth year: You’ll return to campus for advanced global modules and your final International Challenge Project. Optional subjects let you specialise in areas aligned with your career goals.
What if I need support?
At Herts, studying international business means you’ll never navigate your global journey alone. From the moment you join, you’ll be supported by a dedicated Personal Tutor, your advisor, coach, and mentor; who will guide you through your academic, personal, and professional development.
Throughout your modules, you’ll benefit from tailored support from your Programme Leader, expert module leaders, and Teaching Assistants, who will help you grasp complex global business topics, manage your assessments, and build confidence; whether you're learning at Herts or studying abroad.
You’ll also have access to our Future Success team, offering one-to-one career coaching, help with CVs and LinkedIn profiles, mock interviews, and guidance on finding international placements and graduate roles. Whether your ambitions lie in global consulting, international trade, NGOs, or entrepreneurship, they’ll help you take your next step.
For academic development, our Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) offers personalised workshops on writing, data handling, referencing, and study skills; designed to help you thrive, including during your international study experience.
You’ll also be part of the business school student voice community, where student reps work closely with staff to ensure your learning remains inclusive, globally relevant, and future-focused.
Wherever your degree takes you; from studying in Europe or Asia to working for a global brand, our support is designed to help you succeed every step of the way.
Optional sandwich year
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge boost to your CV.
Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Students have enhanced their careers in companies as diverse as Mobile Phone Center, American Language Services, Cerise Media (Mirabelle), Clearstream Banking S.A., Dennis Eagle, Secret Barcelona, Greensill Capital, Envie de Fraise, TomTom, Oman Airways, Appetite Creative, Disney, Hype Energy, Oryx Gaming, Minor Hotels and Porsche Central Eastern Europe.
You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.
More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.
With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.
At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge boost to your CV.
Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.
We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.
Students have enhanced their careers in companies as diverse as Mobile Phone Center, American Language Services, Cerise Media (Mirabelle), Clearstream Banking S.A., Dennis Eagle, Secret Barcelona, Greensill Capital, Envie de Fraise, TomTom, Oman Airways, Appetite Creative, Disney, Hype Energy, Oryx Gaming, Minor Hotels and Porsche Central Eastern Europe.
Find out more about work placementsYou can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.
More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.
With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.
Find out more about study abroad optionsWhere you'll study
You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.
There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.
Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in an inspiring space.
The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.
A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.
Who you'll learn from
The international business teaching team at Herts brings a wealth of global insight and professional experience into the classroom. Our lecturers and academic staff are internationally diverse, with many having lived, studied, and worked across multiple continents. Their expertise spans global marketing, cross-cultural leadership, sustainability, entrepreneurship, international trade, and geopolitics, ensuring your learning reflects the realities of operating in complex international environments.
Many of our staff remain actively engaged with the world of business through consultancy, applied research, and partnerships with multinational organisations, NGOs, and trade networks. Recent collaborations include projects with UN-affiliated agencies, export advisory bodies, and international SMEs, helping to shape policy and improve global business practices. These real-world insights are integrated directly into your learning through case studies, simulations, and industry-informed modules.
You’ll also be supported by technical staff who provide guidance on using professional tools and digital platforms central to international business decision-making. Whether you're preparing for a global challenge project, developing cross-border strategies, or managing international data, their support ensures you gain practical, career-ready skills.
This blend of academic excellence and global business insight means your education is shaped by people who truly understand international business, not just in theory, but in practice.
How we support our students
At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.
We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.
Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
| Typical offer (UCAS points) | (enter tariff range) |
|---|---|
| Typical A Level offer | (enter range) |
| Typical IB offer | (enter range) |
| Typical BTEC offer | (enter range) |
| Typical T Level offer | (enter range) |
| GCSE | EG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics |
| Access courses | EG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3. |
| Additional information | Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements. |
| English language | All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level. |
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| Additional information | Find out more about International Entry Requirements. |
Ready to apply?
UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
| Start date | Study type | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Full time | Apply via UCAS |
| Full time with placement year | Apply via UCAS |
International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK
Apply through Clearing
Our Clearing hotline is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00-16.45, Tuesday 11.00-16.45 and Friday 10.00-15.45. When the phone line is closed, please apply online.
Fees and funding
At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.
| Fees for 2026 entry will be published soon |
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Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
| Scholarships, grants and bursaries | Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies. |
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| Disabled Students' Allowance | The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. |
| Student loans | Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments. |
| Accommodation costs | We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget. |
| Additional course fees | Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet. |
More about the course
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
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Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |
Course length |
Full Time, 3 YearsSandwich, 4 Years |
