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BA (Hons) International Business

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Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees:
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UCAS code: N120
Institute code: H36
Study a language option
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Study abroad option
Work placement option
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Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC IB
112-120 BBC-BBB DMM-DDM 112-120

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6 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.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International 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.
Professional accreditations

European Foundation for Management Development

We are one of only 12 UK universities in the UK and one of 96 schools worldwide with accreditation from the globally recognised European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) for our International Business degree programme. European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) is a mark of high quality and integrity in business ethics and global sustainability and recognises programmes that demonstrate high standards of education and dedication to student service.

Learn more about the European Foundation for Management Development

Transatlantic Business School Alliance

The course is also part of The Transatlantic Business School Alliance (TABSA) program. This is a dual degree program designed for students who are looking to enhance language skills developed in year 1 by doing a dual degree with a partner in Europe or US (an additional language isn’t always needed for US).

Learn more about the Transatlantic Business School Alliance
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	IB
112-120	BBC-BBB	DMM-DDM	112-120

Why choose this course?

One of just 12 courses in the UK accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development.
A chance to study in up to 3 countries
Excellent preparation for an International Business career

Are you passionate about exploring new cultures, interested in working abroad and keen to travel? Our highly acclaimed degree offers you the chance to do just this, combining the best of study, work and travel in a flexible programme while spending one or two years in up to three different countries.

Global markets and international business are more accessible than ever for businesses of all sizes. No longer dominated by big multinational corporations and governments, agile smaller companies across the world are making their mark and growing. Our graduates, with an understanding of commerce and trade that crosses borders and cultures, are very much in demand with many working in tech and start-up organisations.

Employers know only too well that it’s one thing to learn about a culture, but a totally different thing to experience it. Our programme offers you the chance to immerse yourself in a truly enriching and life-changing adventure. Study at one of our worldwide partners is an essential part of the course and, depending on the route you choose, you can study in up to three countries. With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster. Our global partnerships give you access to even more opportunities with options to get multiple degrees via partner institutions.

Our versatile course prepares you for an international business career, either within a global organisation or even as your own boss bringing your own business idea to life. We will help you gain specialist insights through industry professionals from different backgrounds giving you access to a wide range of global learning experiences and introductions

Learn from people who have travelled the road you're hoping to take, and benefit from their valuable insight and guidance into the realities of doing business globally. We constantly build connections, with many of our high-flier alumni returning as guest speakers or to networking events to share their journeys and experiences. You'll become a part of a thriving international alumni network, ready to help you with your next steps.

Our vibrant and connected international community will be a big part of your student experience as you'll be spending less time with your peers than on other courses while you study abroad. We further support you with our buddy scheme between the lower and upper years as well as a mentoring scheme between alumni and latter-year students.

Our graduates have gone on to a wide variety of positions and organisations, from Asia to America, South America and right across Europe! They tend to be employed quickly as the mix of teaching and experience gives them the ability to think fast and be highly responsive.

Our Staff

Your teachers include doctorate staff and commercial experts who will teach you what they've learned and share their stories and experience. Your teachings are grounded in solid business principles that will serve you well throughout your career.

Alongside your teaching team, you will benefit from a dedicated academic support team, a well-being team and a personal tutor to help you adjust to the demands of university learning & living.

What's the course about?

You’ll learn about all aspects of business, such as finance, management and marketing, through an international lens. Discover how to manage people from different cultures and backgrounds as you develop cross-cultural organisation skills through real-life experience.

We offer a 3 or 4-year route for our BA (Hons) International Business course and are one of only a handful of universities that allows two years of study abroad. This opportunity offers a chance to broaden your horizons, learn about other people, and cultures and advance your professional and personal development.

You’ll also be able to study a language. We offer five languages: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

“The international business degree has been the most exciting adventure of my life! Not only has it provided an opportunity to study and work abroad for two years. I also gained fundamental skills to succeed in the business world.” surmises Heraldas Gaspariunas – winner of intellectual curiosity award in Deans awards 2020

Technology is a major part of any global business, and we embrace this by looking at experimental opportunities for students to engage with digitally at partner institutions. This may include a virtual exchange, working on assignments with students in partner universities, or the opportunity to compete in an international business simulation game!

The result of such an expansive course is that many alumni are now in senior positions, employed in organisations such as Michael Page, Google, H&M, Amazon FBA, Legal & General, Virgin Atlantic, Clifford Chance, Thomas Reuters, Novartis Biome, British Board of Film Classifications and Mondelez International. More recently, there has been a distinct trend for graduates to join tech companies such as OnePLM Ltd, Computacenter and Netgem.

Megan Curzon-Mann summarises her experience of the course: “International business provided me with the opportunity to not only study with like-minded individuals but travel abroad. I was able to work in several countries, expand my network and gain invaluable experience on an international level. This enhanced my chances of employment post-graduation and left me with a lifelong passion to continue travelling.”

Where you'll study

Your learning experience will happen on our modern de Havilland campus, with self-study materials to support you from our virtual learning platform, StudyNet.

Hertfordshire Business School is located within a large University campus, at our de Havilland site. You’ll be sharing this campus with others studying business, law, sports, education, and the humanities, as well as the Sports Village, which features a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop, and climbing wall and our Enterprise Hub.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. The Enterprise Hub is a vibrant destination where local firms and students can work and learn in comfort. In addition to open study spaces, our Learning Resources Centre also features private study rooms, and is open 24/7 allowing you to study around your schedule.

The student union bar and additional facilities are only a 20-minute walk or short bus ride away at our second campus. Student housing is available at both campuses.

What will I study?

Our BA (Hons) International Business degree will offer you an excellent foundation in business and management, with a strong global focus throughout. You have the opportunity to take a language in all years. In the final year, you can tailor your degree from a wide range of optional subjects, again all with a worldwide focus.

You'll also benefit from a complete programme of enrichment activities to further increase your knowledge and practical experience.

Study plan overview – Three-year programme

Year 1: University of Hertfordshire

Year 2: Study abroad in English (Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia or Australia). You are required to study abroad for one semester and ideally, you'll be away for the whole year.

Year 3: University of Hertfordshire

Study plan overview - Four-year programme

Year 1: University of Hertfordshire

Year 2: University of Hertfordshire or Study abroad in English (Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia) for one or two semesters.

Year 3: Study abroad with the option of a work placement (Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Australia) or a year-long placement if you have studied abroad in Year 2. The work placements can also be in the UK, in internationally facing roles and would need to be approved by the placements team.

Year 4: University of Hertfordshire

This degree ensures you are well prepared for an international career, with many graduates working overseas. It also suits those seeking a career in the UK, meeting the needs of employers after graduates with a global mindset and a language.

There are also opportunities to further your personal development through our GoHerts program, placements, internships, study abroad and Future Success team events.

Level 0

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Academic Skills	0 Credits	Compulsory
The aim is to provide the opportunity for students to develop and apply a range of academic skills, which typically include personal organisation and self-management, independent research, analysis, evaluation, writing and presentation. It is flexible learning so it can be taken in any semester. The intended outcome is to enhance students' skills so that they can improve their university study and related work, to meet organisational and academic needs, now and in the future.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Introduction to Marketing Communications	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to the various traditional and digital marketing communications tools and channels. The module provides a basic understanding of relevant integrated marketing communications, social influence and messaging theories. This module will cover the main areas of advertising, digital marketing tools, content and direct marketing and PR. Students will be introduced to differences between paid, earned and owned media.
People and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide students an introduction to the key concepts in human resource management and behaviour in contemporary organisations. It will consider the micro context of human resource management, performance and development, equality and diversity and international human resource management, predominantly taking an organisational perspective but drawing on other disciplinary approaches where applicable. Students will also explore theories and models related to learning, motivation, teamwork and individual behaviour.
Economics for International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the utility of economic approaches in studying the business environment. The basic tools and approaches which economists use; demand and supply and industry analysis, among others; will be introduced and applied to help understand the economic issues involved and the public policy which can be derived. Economics, of course, provides one of the key pillars of a solid education in business and this module represents some first steps in this direction as well as highlighting some of the major contemporary issues in our society and international business.
Marketing for International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will first gain insight into the role and importance of marketing within organisations before considering global political, economic, social/cultural, and technological factors that present both opportunities and threats to marketing decision making and outcomes. Students will then be taken through core marketing theories and concepts related to researching and developing a basic marketing plan for goods and services in local, regional and global markets. Included will be discussions of how to segment markets to identify the customer groups that the organisation can best serve in a sustainable and ethical manner. Students will also look at the principles of consumer and business buying behaviour, how these may differ across the world and factors that influence buyers pre, during and post purchasing. Positioning and branding will be discussed along with core elements of the marketing mix in a global context (product, price, promotion and place) and how to evaluate outcomes.
Accounting Aspects of Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint, providing an insight into the role of accounting as a decision-making tool for business and managerial decision-making.
Analysing and Managing Business Data	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the tools and techniques necessary to uncover information in data sets in order to be able to make suitable decisions based on this information.
The Global Business Environment	15 Credits	Compulsory
Advances in technology, communications and transport are key forces behind globalisation. Decreasing costs and increasing ease of access mean increasing numbers of businesses are operating internationally and globally. This has resulted in a substantial increase in intercultural contact. To succeed in this context managers must have sensitivity to, and a critical understanding of, issues arising out of cultural difference. This includes the ability to manage in the diverse and complex contexts including legal, political, ethical and sustainability issues. The module explores two interrelated areas. Firstly, debates surrounding globalisation are considered. Students will explore national similarities and differences, and their impact on business. This includes tensions between global standardisation and local differentiation and the extent to which the world is characterised by an increasing levelness and convergence or increasing disparity and divergence. Secondly, students will consider culture and cultural differences.
The Global Event Industry	15 Credits	Optional
The global Events Industry takes planned event examples from around the world to demonstrate similarities and differences, in management styles, sectors and cultures. Students learn about planning a range of events; and how different management functions work together to create successful event experiences.
Business Technology Trends	15 Credits	Optional
Today technology is critical to many business operations. Therefore, no matter the size of the business, technology brings both tangible and intangible benefits to businesses. It also helps businesses to increase efficiencies, and profits while developing new services. This module helps students to understand the importance of technologies for the growth of business and some of the issues associated with technology. The internet and development of mobile technologies and social media are changing the way in which businesses communicate with consumers and this will be explored along with other emerging technologies. The importance of data and the role it plays with decision making will be explored through practical exercises and issues associated with data and technology will also be covered as this goes hand in hand with the benefits that can be achieved.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Digital Marketing in Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will develop a digital marketing communications campaign and understand how to measure campaign performance. Students will explore digital marketing planning theories and concepts and examine current digital marketing practice, in order to develop a digital marketing communications plan. This module builds upon Level 4 studies in Introduction to Marketing Communications.
Managing People	15 Credits	Compulsory
Managing People aims at providing students with an introduction to the management of people in organisations. Content includes: - The development of HRM, theory and practice, contextual factors, strategic approaches. - Recruitment and selection - role of R&S, models of R&S and their application. - Equality and diversity - the case for equality and diversity. Approaches to implementing equality and diversity policies and tackling discrimination in organisations. - Flexibility - managing flexibility. - Performance and reward management - managing people for performance, motivation and the link with reward management. - Employee participation and involvement - definition of terms. Factors affecting the success of employee involvement (EI). Effective communication. - Learning and development - contribution it can make to people performance and business success from identifying needs to evaluation of the outcomes. Managing people activities will be introduced from both strategic and operational perspectives. The role of the HR function and the line manager will be introduced.
Cross-cultural Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to provide students an introduction to a contemporary, applied and critical approach to the study of cross-cultural management in an organisational context. It is particularly relevant to students of International Business and Human Resources, but should also be of interest to any student wishing to pursue a career in international business or involved in working within multi-cultural environments. It will consider a critical examination of cross-cultural management theories and models, cross-cultural aspects of leadership and motivation, cross-cultural communication and multi-cultural team working. Students will also explore theories and models related to expatriation, cross-cultural management and human resource practices and ethics.
Financial Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces students to the main theory and practice of the financing of companies, the allocation and management of financial resources within a company and the rewarding of the providers of a company's financing. Specific topics covered include: the financial environment; sources of business finance; capital budgeting; cost of capital and capital structure; dividend policy; investment risk, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model; valuation of assets, shares and companies; mergers and acquisitions.
HRM for International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines the development of Human Resource Management (HRM) as a business function and an academic field of study. Exploring the convergence and divergence of employment systems, the module aims to promote an understanding of the complexities of IHRM and the forces that frame it. It considers the patterns, practices and theories of HRM within a global context. This module promotes an understanding of the gap between rhetoric and reality of the concept of HRM and challenges the notion that people management practices can be readily transferred across national and international boundaries The content includes an analysis of differences between national and international HRM, examines structures and the ethical issues impinging upon international business in the field of employment.
Global Supply Chain Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The objective of this module is to provide the students with knowledge on designing, implementing and operating efficient supply chains. Additionally it will introduce the challenges and issues of global supply chain management. The focus of the module concentrates on: introduction of supply chain management; development and strategies for global supply chain management; supply chain drivers; procurement, routing and scheduling; inventory management; green supply chain management; humanitarian supply chain management; measurement of supply chain management in global scale;.
Economics of the Global Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explore key features of and trends within the global economy. It examines how economic concepts, tools and techniques can be usefully applied to the analysis of key issues therein. The role and limits of the nation−state within a global environment will be considered along with the traditional economic policy issues which are typically encountered, as well as how these are addressed. The role of markets and organisations will be explored, as well as other institutions which operate at a supra−national level e.g., EU, VVTO, and the extent to which they drive and shape economic activity. The impact of international trade and financial flows in the world economy will also feature. In doing so, the module will consider selected sectors and industries within the economy, including energy, thus enabling a particular focus on the sustainability of the modern economy in the face of climate change, and environmental degradation and depletion. This module will explore what concepts the economist can apply to these and other important issues.
Global Consumer Markets: Issues and Trends	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides an overview of the development of international consumer markets from historical, geographical and social perspectives, while focusing on emerging trends and consumer insights impacting the marketing of products and services. It will explore the ways in which the marketing mix elements and market research are adapted to the various international markets. In the module, students will consider a wide range of cross-cultural marketing issues, including international business customs, negotiating styles, consumer brand loyalty, price sensitivity, consumer satisfaction (and dissatisfaction) and so on. The development and accelerated innovations in response to consumer insights will also be considered.
Geopolitics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with conceptual frameworks based on geopolitical perspectives that will enable them to identify the long-term factors behind day-to-day events and to explore and debate current geopolitical developments of relevance to international business and the everyday experience of students as embodied agents of geopolitics. The module involves students identifying and evaluating a range of geopolitical issues while exploring them from various geopolitical identities. It will foster geopolitical literacy, allowing students to become fully participating subjects in geopolitical discourse. Additionally, students will engage in activities that address phenomena intersecting geopolitics and business in an increasingly globalised environment.
Exploring Business Ethics	15 Credits	Optional
This module aims to examine and reflect on the ethical behaviour of organisations and employees. To apply ethical theories to real and current organisational cases and activities and reflect on what responsibilities organisations have to society. It discusses guidelines, laws and external pressures and the impact these have on the ethical behaviour of organisations. The behaviour of employees and the individual choices they make when faced with ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes: ethical theorists, child labour, bribery, price fixing, working conditions, corporate social responsibility and whistleblowing.
Geopolitics	15 Credits	Optional
This module provides students with conceptual frameworks based on geopolitical perspectives that will enable them to identify the long-term factors behind day-to-day events and to explore and debate current geopolitical developments of relevance to international business and the everyday experience of students as embodied agents of geopolitics. The module involves students identifying and evaluating a range of geopolitical issues while exploring them from various geopolitical identities. It will foster geopolitical literacy, allowing students to become fully participating subjects in geopolitical discourse. Additionally, students will engage in collaborative activities that address phenomena intersecting geopolitics and business in an increasingly globalised environment.
Business Finance	15 Credits	Optional
The module introduces students to the main theory and practice of the financing of companies, the allocation and management of financial resources within a company and the rewarding of the providers of a company's financing. Specific topics covered include: the financial environment; sources of business finance; capital budgeting; cost of capital and capital structure; dividend policy; investment risk, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model; valuation of assets, shares and companies; mergers and acquisitions.
Project Management in Business	15 Credits	Optional
This module introduces students to project management principles, tools and techniques that may be used in a business project to fulfil client needs. Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project planning process. The module content and assessment strategy allows students to apply generic techniques thus developing skills and knowledge transferable to business. Students will develop a project initiation document using techniques such as work breakdown structure, precedence tables and activity network diagrams. Stakeholder and risk analysis will also be considered as these are key considerations as part of project management. Students benefit from greater flexibility and support due to a blend of face-to-face lectures and workshop seminars as well as on-line discussions. The module provides a sound basis for further professional studies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management.
Placement Study Abroad Asia (AB)	120 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Asia (A)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Asia (B)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Africa (AB)	120 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Africa (A)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Africa (B)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Australia (AB)	120 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Australia (A)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Australia (B)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Europe (AB)	120 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Europe (A)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Europe (B)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad North America (AB)	120 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad North America (A)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad North America (B)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Latin America (AB)	120 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Latin America (A)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Latin America (B)	60 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad at an Overseas Academic Institution	15 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad at an Overseas Academic Institution	30 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad at an Overseas Academic Institution	45 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad at an Overseas Academic Institution	75 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad at an Overseas Academic Institution	90 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad at an Overseas Academic Institution	105 Credits	Optional

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Industrial Placement Sem B only	0 Credits	Compulsory

Dissertation - Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
The dissertation offers the opportunity to undertake an individual piece of work that is designed to develop research skills relevant to a specific area of study. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor who will meet with students on a regular basis. On completion of the research, students will be required to produce a dissertation of between 7,000 to 10,000 words. The dissertation will be assessed using the Business School dissertation criteria that the management of the dissertation, the methodology used, the intellectual quality and originality, and the structure and coherence of the report.
International Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides contemporary, applied and critical insights into the management of people across borders and in multinational corporations (MNCs). The HR implications of managing international assignments are investigated, and in-depth exposition provided of HR contexts and features in major global regions. The module appears to students specialising in HRM and international business, and is also relevant to those working/planning to work in an international environment. The content includes an analysis of differences between national and international HRM, examines structures and strategies of MNC's and the ethical issues impinging upon international business in the field of employment. The module also considers the management of the expatriation cycle-recruitment, training, pay, performance management and repatriation. An analysis of industrial relations structures/systems for employee participation in north America, Europe and Australasia and an exploration of political/economic environments and major features of HR/employment practice in these continents and developing countries.
Research Methods	0 Credits	Compulsory
This non-credit bearing module of study is designed to provide students with sufficient research skills in order to successfully undertake a dissertation and/or research project. Key themes covered by the module, include: Primary and secondary research Formulating the research objectives/questions Quantitative and qualitative research methods (inc. sampling) Writing the methodology chapter The need for a theoretical underpinning, and writing the literature review Ethics considerations and the approval process Presenting research findings.
Leadership and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores leadership and management within the context of the business organisation, complementing the knowledge and understanding of strategic issues developed through studies on the companion module 6BUS1143 Business Strategy. It examines the development of leadership and management theory as well as discussing contemporary applications of theoretical approaches. Leadership styles and models are analysed, including their impact on follower performance. Students will be constantly reminded that the leaders of organisations often experience strategy in action/implementation as a messy, unstructured process. Up-to-date real world examples will be used, together with textbook cases, to appraise the effectiveness of particular organisational leadership styles and to show how strategic leaders and their followers interact in practice.
Financial Aspects of International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The international financial system Foreign exchange rate theories Foreign exchange risk – definitions Managing foreign exchange risk - techniques Devising a hedging strategy Direct foreign investment – risk management
Taxation	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides an opportunity for students to obtain a broad awareness of the theoretical and practical influences on UK taxation and the opportunity to calculate basic UK tax liabilities. The module starts by examining the UK taxation environment: framework of UK taxation, principles of tax system design and the impacts of the UK tax system before considering individual taxes: income tax, capital taxes, corporation tax, VAT and other indirect taxes.
Contemporary Issues in Ethics, Business and Sustainability	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables students to identify and evaluate a range of national and global approaches to sustainability, exploring the various meanings attached to the word 'sustainability' and alternative strategies and drivers. Students will discuss the technology which businesses, and government agencies are using to develop and evaluate their practice in this area. Issues of ethics and social responsibility, stakeholders, political legitimacy and economic longevity will be considered together with the ecological issues which are the main focus of current media debates. Students will gain the ability to identify and explain the major developments in national and global sustainability practice in the twenty-first century and to compare and contrast alternative approaches, supporting an informed choice of a personal ethical and practical stance to guide their future handling of sustainability issues.
HBS Placement	0 Credits	Compulsory
This activity is self-directed by the student and carries no credits. Students will be supported by the Professional Experience Module Leader, Professional Experience Visit Co-ordinator, an Academic Mentor and the Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE). Successful completion of the Professional Experience Module leads to the appropriate suffix on students' degree title stated on the programme specifications.
International Strategic Leadership	15 Credits	Compulsory
International strategic leadership explores the complexities facing leaders operating within internationalised business contexts. The module explores strategic decision making in the context of international business, including patterns of internationalisation, national environment and development and international organisation. Students are encouraged to consider the significant role of social and cultural similarities and differences, and the implication for working effectively in diverse organisations, national contexts and markets. The leadership focus encourages students to think critically about their own cultural assumptions, and to develop the skills required to engage with diversity to achieve common goals. This includes recognising the additional challenges facing leaders as they work across extended geographies and a turbulent geopolitical landscape.
Digital Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Topics will include - Definition of digital economy. Development of digital economy. Digital economy as part of the total company profile. Approaches to digital economy. Internal and external effects of digital economy. International methods of digital economy. Strategic advantage and barriers/ challenges faced through the adoption of digital economy. This will include the impact on the environment as well as the threats to a company's digital operation and assets and ways to avoid and mitigate against these.UK and EU legislation specific to a company's digital world will also be explored.
Industrial Placement Year	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (South East Asia)	0 Credits	Optional
The student will complete a period of study abroad at a partner institution following an appropriate programme of study, set out in a learning agreement, agreed by the student, the programme tutor at Hertfordshire and the international office at the partner institution. The programme of study in a placement year is less prescribed and can both reflect the interests of the student in their discipline area or to broaden their education.
Placement Study Abroad (North America)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (Australia)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad A (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad B (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Industrial Placement (Semester A)	0 Credits	Optional

International Production and Governance	15 Credits	Optional
This module explores key changes in the global economy by examining recent trends in international trade, production, investment and labour. Theories of international production are examined alongside the competitive strategies of large transnational firms. There is focus on the changing patterns of governance with regards to different varieties of capitalism and the relationship between different levels of governance; the global, the national and the local. The module emphasises the way in which both academic and business literature offer competing interpretations on the nature of these changing trends, their outcomes and their implications for policy. The module explores a wide range of current issues, moving beyond some of the standard economic concerns, to consider the sustainability and ethics of some economic approaches. Wider societal impacts are also considered by highlighting socioeconomic imbalances, the impact of migration and exploring health outcomes under different political economy models. The informal economy is addressed, particularly within an economic treatment of sex working and the sex industry.
Issues in Global Economy	15 Credits	Optional
This module explores the fundamental economic changes in the global economy and their implications for both developed and developing economies. It addresses a range of issues related to changes in international production, global financial structures, trade patterns, global governance and economic development. The aim of trade and development is to deliver increases in wealth and economic well-being but the extent to which poverty and average income are improved are considered by exploring these aspects and income distribution in selected countries and cases. For example, the clothing industry and the extent to which working conditions and incomes are being positively impacted, as well as the extent to which such globalised supply chains conform to ethical practice. Other significant factors in driving global economic change are also explored, such as migration and the environmental impact of development, through considering selected cases e.g., the car industry and the development of cleaner, electric vehicles.
Global Marketing Ethics and Culture	15 Credits	Optional
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, knowledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies and build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments, suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms. The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control.
Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence	15 Credits	Optional
This module recognises the importance of information and knowledge in the management decision-making process by exploring how organisations utilise knowledge management and business intelligence in their endeavours to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. It covers a wide and diverse range of current thinking in terms of theoretical and practical aspects of knowledge management and business intelligence systems. Fundamental tools and techniques are investigated and applied to a wide range of critical case studies.
Islamic Banking and Finance	15 Credits	Optional
The module intends to provide students with knowledge and understanding of Islamic banking and finance. The module will provide background and foundations of Sharia framework (Islamic code of life) in which the Islamic banking system claims to operate. The ideals of IBF with an emphasis on prohibition of Riba (interest) will be discussed. Students will gain understanding of various Islamic modes of financing and various financial instruments. The module will also provide knowledge and understanding of Islamic contract and Islamic commercial law. Students will learn and evaluate the latest developments and trends in this field with special emphasis upon the UK.
Creative Problem Solving for Managers	15 Credits	Optional
This module is very practically orientated and hands-on. It is aimed at anyone intending to become an effective manager, consultant or business analyst. The really important problems and crucial decisions faced by professionals in their work are often complex and ill-defined. They are known as "wicked" problems or "messes". Problem structuring (or soft systems) methods have been developed to help us cope in these challenging, unstructured situations. Often much of the difficulty is due to people's differing perspectives, the worrying uncertainties or the multiple interacting and dynamic factors. Imaginative approaches are needed to rigorously analyse messy, qualitative issues. Problem structuring methods take a holistic view and are highly effective. The three methodologies selected are: SODA Soft Systems Methodology System Dynamics With the right expertise and a suitable toolkit of methods, the manager or consultant can choose appropriate techniques, and creatively combine and tailor them to tackle any problem with confidence.
Social Networking and Enterprise	15 Credits	Optional
Social networking is a rapidly growing phenomenon and it is one of the most influential media in web technology today. Hundreds of companies globally use social media to gain credibility, foster employee relationships, build a forum for communication with customers and, often, to boost sales. Businesses receive inquiries directly from consumers and other businesses without advertising, which results in lower costs and higher conversion rates. Therefore, this module explores insights of the social networking sites and opportunities they present for organisations.
Small Business Management	15 Credits	Optional
The small business is now a major part of the economy and it is recognised for its contribution to employment creation. The module will examine how small business works in practice, focusing on its creation, development, growth and key functions. There is scope for the student to bring in their own experiences of small business and they will be encouraged to pursue their own particular interests within the overall framework of the syllabus, partly through exercises and case-based activities throughout the programme of planned tutorial sessions
Corporate Financial Strategy	15 Credits	Optional
This single semester module is designed to provide an insight into the area of financial strategy. The module begins by examining the life cycle and the various sources of funding available at each stage and moves on an analysis of major business changes, eg restructuring, mergers/acquisitions. The module will enable students to build on their business analysis and reporting writing skills, and the knowledge gained about business should significantly enhance their employability.
Diversity and Equality at Work	15 Credits	Optional
The module aims to develop an understanding of inequalities and diversity at work. Its approach is to explain and critically analyse concepts such as job segregation on the basis of race and gender, different patterns of work and time, and pay inequality. It will consider these questions from a historical perspective, centred on the UK but developing comparative perspectives with other European countries. The module will consider and critically evaluate the various theories concerning gender and other questions of equality. In addition it will examine the relationships of women to the labour market in different periods, and the relationship between this and their domestic roles. The module will consider the role of the state, employers and trade unions in relation to equality and diversity at work, and will examine the legal framework underpinning these issues.
International Business Dissertation	30 Credits	Optional
The dissertation offers the opportunity to undertake an individual piece of work that is designed to develop research skills relevant to a specific area of study. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor who will meet with students on a regular basis. On completion of the research, students will be required to produce a dissertation of between 7,000 to 10,000 words. The dissertation will be assessed using the Business School dissertation criteria.
Databases for Strategic Decision Making	15 Credits	Optional
The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate the data requirements of a business problem and establish, through the use of data modelling tools, the structure of the database. A complete database design and development process will be undertaken and documented to include entity relationship diagrams, data dictionary, development using SQL, testing and evidence of SQL code being used to create queries. A very practical module which develops students' business analysis skills as they develop a logical database design model based on a set of requirements. The acquisition of skills in database design concepts and SQL exposes students in a very practical way to the means by which information is extracted from databases and manipulated for presentation to the user, underpinning a more theoretical understanding of information requirements at different levels of management decision-making.
Integrated Marketing Communications	15 Credits	Optional
This marketing module assumes that students are non-cognate but have completed at least one prior marketing foundations or planning module. It is designed for Business students to gain an understanding of marketing communications and to have an opportunity to apply their learning to a live client project. Students will first evaluate market research methods before conducting a research investigation to collect data for the client project. Students will understand the importance of marketing communications planning based on an understanding of the market, competitors, key stakeholders and the target audience. They will evaluate different marketing communications and media options in order to produce a marketing communications proposal for a live client.
Global Marketing	15 Credits	Optional
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, know ledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies and build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners and also consider the ethical implications of a range of global marketing strategies. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments, suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms. The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control.
Work Placement (AB)	0 Credits	Optional

Work Placement (A)	0 Credits	Optional

Work Placement (B)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Asia (AB)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Asia (A)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Asia (B)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Africa (AB)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Africa (A)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Africa (B)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Australia (AB)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Australia (A)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Australia (B)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Europe (AB)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Europe (A)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Europe (B)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad North America (AB)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad North America (A)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad North America (B)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Latin America (AB)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Latin America (A)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad Latin America (B)	0 Credits	Optional

French Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students' competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken French. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
French Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced French. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
Spanish Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students' competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Spanish. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Spanish Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced Spanish. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
French Route B - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of French. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex French. The module will be based on selected, more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural issues, tourism and the world of work.
French Route B - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of French. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex French. The course will be based on selected, complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied.
Spanish Route B - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Spanish. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Spanish. The module will be based on selected, more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural issues, tourism and the world of work
German Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students' competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken German. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced German. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route B - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of German. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex German. The course will be based on selected, complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied.
German Route B - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of German. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex German. The module will be based on selected, more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural issues, tourism and the world of work
Mandarin Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students' competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Mandarin Chinese. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be delivered via on-line materials including video clips and Chinese websites.
Mandarin Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced Mandarin Chinese. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be delivered via on-line materials including video clips and Chinese websites.
French Route C - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student's linguistic ability primarily through the study of selected themes taken from online newspapers,magazines,websites. Students will acquire a better understanding of contemporary France through the study of selected events of great importance to French society in the first part of the 20th century. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of texts.
French Route C - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student's linguistic ability primarily through the study of selected themes taken from online newspapers, magazines, websites. Students will continue to develop an understanding of the relationship between key aspects of contemporary France and historical facts which occurred in the second part of the 20th century. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of texts.
Spanish Route C - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student's linguistic ability primarily through the study of selected themes taken from online newspapers,magazines,websites chosen specifically to illustrate contemporary issues in the Spanish-speaking world. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of texts
Spanish Route C - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student's linguistic ability primarily through the study of selected themes taken from online newspapers, magazines, websites chosen specifically to illustrate contemporary issues in the Spanish-speaking world. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of texts.
Spanish Route B - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Spanish. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Spanish. The course will be based on selected, complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied.
Japanese Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students' competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Japanese. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Japanese Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced Japanese. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route C - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis w ill continue to be placed on improving the student's linguistic ability primarily through the study of selected themes taken from online news papers, magazines, websites chosen specifically to illustrate contemporary issues in the German-speaking world. Students w ill be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points w ill be analysed through the study of texts.
German Route C - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student's linguistic ability primarily through the study of selected themes taken from online newspapers, magazines, websites chosen specifically to illustrate contemporary issues in the German speaking world. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of texts.
Japanese Route B 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Japanese. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, complemented by grammatical instruction, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Japanese. The course will be based on a textbook and supplemented by selected, carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on issues encountered in the workplace and in everyday life in Japan. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. Students will be exposed to varied teaching formats, including lectures, small group work and independent study in the digital language laboratory.
Japanese Route B 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Japanese. A thematic approach to language learning will be used complemented by grammatical instruction, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Japanese. The course will be based on a textbook and supplemented by selected, carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on issues students would encounter while working or studying in Japan. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. Students will be exposed to varied teaching formats, including lectures, small group work and independent study in the digital language laboratory.

Study abroad

Due to the array of opportunities available to you on this course you will be supported with a series of workshops to support your decision-making process.

You are expected to study abroad for at least one year. Studying abroad provides many advantages both professionally and personally. It enables you to get first-hand experience of another country, boosting your career prospects internationally as well as with many UK employers. You can benefit from more confidence, building global networks, learning a new language and experiencing new cultures, all while having fun!

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster!  Our international partnerships give you access to even more opportunities. There are several options and our dedicated study abroad office advises students on this process. There are plenty of exciting destinations to choose from, fitting your specific interests and needs. Travel to the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America or closer to home in Europe. Most students who have studied abroad describe it as the best decision they have made!

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities 

Hear from our students:

“My decision to pursue International Business at UH has been one of the most game-changing choices for my career. I have developed a well-rounded skillset that many peers from different universities couldn't have. During the four-year degree, I was able to obtain a complete international perspective by studying abroad in the United States and Singapore, as well as completing a year of industry work placement in the consulting sector. This pathway helped me stand out from the crowd both in my master's degree and job applications.”

Lukas Dragon class of 2022 – Rising star

“I met amazing students from all over the world, and many significant individuals from various international places. The places I visited, people I met and the things I experienced were all out of this world. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”

Josh Abbott Graduate

A few words on Finance

It may all sound daunting and costly but perhaps not as much as you think, and this will all depend on where you go. Whether you go abroad in the second or third year you will pay no tuition fees to the partner university. In the second year, UK students pay only 15% of the tuition fee to the University of Hertfordshire while in the third placement year, all students pay no tuition fees to the University of Hertfordshire. You will still be eligible for any regular student finance and often at an enhanced level to reflect studying abroad. In addition, there are a number of funding options available such as scholarships, and Turing funding for student mobility.

“The past 4 years have given me the opportunity to develop not only my business knowledge and French speaking through two exchanges in Canada and France but also allowed me to have fun, discover new places and become more independent.”

Charlotte Williams, International Business with French and Extended Study Abroad

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

At Hertfordshire Business School, you have the option to experience a year of working life which is not only a huge CV boost, but an amazing professional development opportunity.

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future graduate employability. Why? An industrial placement year, or shorter internship, offers an opportunity to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates. Along with preparing you for joining the workforce after graduation, you'll establish some great connections.

A work placement is not a compulsory part of the International Business course; however, you can choose to take a work placement overseas during your third year, further enhancing your employment prospects, learning new skills and understanding different cultures and working practices. The duration of your placement can be 12 weeks to 1 year, and you can choose anywhere in the world to do it. Some students even decide to return and build a career at their work placement companies upon graduation.

If you choose an industrial placement sandwich year, our dedicated HBS Future Success Team help you make the most of the experience, hand holding you through the whole experience, from start to finish, with CV assistance and preparing for interview 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, Camino Barcelona Spanish Language School, Greensill Capital, Envie de Fraise, TomTom, Oman Airways, Appetite Creative, Disney, Hype Energy, Oryx Gaming, Minor Hotels and Porsche Central Eastern Europe.

We also help you find other opportunities along the way to enhance your CV such as employer competitions, insight days, digital programmes, internships of all sizes and shapes, volunteering, student leadership roles, and awards to recognise your success and contribution.
What if I need support?

You will always find a friendly and supportive welcome in the Hertfordshire Business School (HBS). Our course and module tutors are here to guide you on your academic journey. To enhance your learning, we have a dedicated Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE), which provides both online and face to face academic skills guidance to all HBS students, enabling you to get the best grades possible. If you need further support and things don’t go according to plan, our pastoral team are also here for you to help you get back on track. On top of that, both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions too. And the best thing is, it’s all free.
Whether you stay in our ultramodern Halls of Residence or commute to the University, you will be a valued member of an active student community and the wider HBS family.

“The international business course gives students the opportunity to study a range of business aspects on a global scale whilst giving them the opportunity to work abroad and further develop a range of skills. During my time on this course I gained a full overview of the different aspects of businesses giving me the confidence to work in various business areas. This will allow me to explore multiple careers paths with confidence in the future without limitations which is a great asset to have.”

Ryanna Prang class of 2022

Prize winner

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Heraldas Gaspariunas

Meet Heraldas Gaspariunas, an entrepreneur who is passionate about growing his biotech start-up and is committed to embracing new experiences and lifelong learning.

Read more stories BA (Hons)(SW/YAB) International Business

Current job role	CEO of biotech start-up ACellZ
Year of graduation	2020
Course of study	BA (Hons) International Business

Entrepreneurial ambition

International Business graduate Heraldas is co-founder and CEO of an early-stage biotech start-up, ACellZ. His company is based on research developed by University of Hertfordshire PhD students and is focused on chemical safety in the eye. He says, ‘My goal is to grow a successful start-up, where I can continue to learn and improve myself, both personally and professionally. I love working with people to find innovative solutions to problems. I look forward to one day becoming a mentor for others like me within this field.’

Heraldas has been very successful in securing large grants to grow his business, these include £50K from Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe), and £300K from Innovate UK.

In 2021 Heraldas represented the University of Hertfordshire at the Santander X 2021 Entrepreneurship Awards, which is one of the UK's largest student and graduate business pitching competitions. Heraldas says, ‘The Santander X programme really helped my professional development. It was an amazing opportunity to support and learn from like-minded entrepreneurs. The weekly workshops allowed me to learn new skills and supported my growth as an entrepreneur, CEO, and a leader. During Santander X, I was also selected to participate in the 'Founders Up!' project, which documents my journey during and after the Santander X programme via podcasts for future entrepreneurs to see.’

A global student experience

Heraldas applied to the University of Hertfordshire to benefit from expert lecturers and the opportunity of studying abroad. He says, ‘The option of studying abroad for two years during my four-year degree was a huge selling point for me, and after visiting the Hertfordshire Business School facilities and meeting some of the lecturers, I knew Herts was the right place.’ ‘In every country I visited during my study abroad, I met so many amazing people and made long-lasting friendships. I explored new cultures and broadened my understanding of global business, which has had a positive impact on shaping my life aspirations. I studied in Australia for one year, six-months in Norway, and completed an internship with FlixBus in Germany for seven months. If I had to choose one memorable moment it would be jumping out of a plane and swimming with turtles in Australia.’

Embracing opportunities at Herts

Heraldas has continued to receive support from Herts since embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. ‘I have benefited a lot from the support given to me by the University of Hertfordshire. My first graduate job was as a Business Associate through a Santander internship with a company called ImmuONE, which I applied for through the University’s Careers and Employment Service. Meeting talented researchers at ImmuONE kick-started the opportunity for me to establish my own company ACellZ.’ ‘It was also the Careers and Enterprise Team who put me forward for the Santander X awards and they supported me with preparations for my ICURe pitch. In July 2021, I joined the University’s Business Incubator to further learn from like-minded entrepreneurs.’

Advice for other graduates

‘A love for learning and personal development does not necessarily come from knowing what you want but believing it will benefit you in reaching your dreams someday. Getting to this point has required hard work, persistence, and a willingness to go outside my comfort zone'.

At the University of Hertfordshire, I’ve not only earned a degree but gained knowledge and skills to run a business, developed my professional and personal life, and received support and direction for my entrepreneurial journey.

Alumni Stories

Grace Tucker

Meet Grace Tucker whose career has taken her from China to Kent and now to Guernsey in a very short time

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Graduate Analyst
Year of graduation	2018
Course of study	BA(Hons) International Business with Study Abroad Year

Grace wanted to study a flexible business course with a language, and was able to do both at Herts.

'I studied BA (Hons) International Business with Mandarin and I was also able to do an extended study abroad and work placement. I did one year in Singapore, a summer studying in China at ESSCA, six months in Barcelona and six months working in Shanghai as a Business Developer, a truly global experience.

Studying with Herts also allowed me to do two years abroad which has really benefitted me on a personal level, becoming a more well-rounded individual. It also helped further my career as it has demonstrated I am adaptable and motivated.'

Memories made at Herts

When thinking about her favourite memories of her time at Herts, Grace says it’s difficult to narrow it down to a few.

'I have so many amazing memories. However, although I had some of the most fun in my life in first year living on campus with the most amazing friends I made, my favourite memory has to be being able to spend New Year’s in Sydney when I was studying in Singapore.

I had met up with other course mates from Herts and they let me stay with them at their study abroad campus. We all met up and spent midnight at the Royal Opera House followed by getting the train to Bondi beach where we all ran into the sea and made it onto Australian TV!'

Life after Herts

Upon graduating Grace lived for a short while in China focusing on her language skills and doing a Marketing Internship. She also taught English to save some money but returned home from China to spend 6 months as a full-time carer for her father.

After this she was offered a job in the Guernsey Financial Services Commission where she now works as a Graduate Analyst in Financial Crime Division and feels very fortunate and happy for the opportunity.

Living on Guernsey amidst the coronavirus pandemic

Moving to the Channel Island of Guernsey has been quite an experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and very different to mainland UK. Grace says,

'I had three months of lockdown at my home in Kent with my mum, I spent a lot of time attending 1-1 Mandarin classes online and helped decorate her house whilst I waited to be able to get a flight to start my job in Guernsey. Flying in the middle of a pandemic was really interesting and I have never seen an airport so empty!

Guernsey’s lockdown measures were very strict. On arrival there were lots of rules, I had to remain indoors for two weeks, not even allowed outside for a walk unless it was in my private garden. The border agency made random visits to make sure you were staying in.

However, because of this my life wasn't greatly affected by Covid-19. There were only a handful of cases here which were all contained. Life was very much completely normal... no masks, no hand sanitisers and everything operated as though Covid-19 never hit.

This was the case from May 2020 but changed recently due to a rise in cases on the island in January, which in turn has led to a second lockdown that we all hope will be over soon.'

The future

On her hopes for the future Grace is unequivocal in her reply, 'I am extremely grateful and lucky to be in this position despite missing my friends and family in the UK. I hope to remain in the Financial Crime Team with the GFCS and continue to work towards protecting Guernsey.'.

What's next for my career?

This EPAS-accredited international business degree gives you exceptional employability and 92% of our graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduating. They go into a wide range of roles in both internationally oriented UK businesses and in organisations all over the world.

Some of our graduates are offered jobs by the companies they took placements with, while others join graduate training schemes with globally focused companies. Some work as international experts within smaller businesses, and others secure professional roles in multi-national companies. Each year a number of our students also stay on to study at postgraduate level.

With a business degree, language skills and international exposure, you’ll be an attractive prospect for employers worldwide, as well as for UK-based multinationals. Many of our graduates work across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, in the financial, automotive, publishing and retail sectors. They work in fields including HR, marketing, sales, procurement and travel management. Our graduates earn an average salary of £23,000 six months after finishing the course.
View our Alumni profiles

Heraldas Gaspariunas Grace Tucker
Key staff

Dr Maciej Bancarzewski
A lecturer in Economics and an Early Career Researcher as well as being a lecturer. His recent research interest concerns the labour process in transforming economies and foreign direct investment.
Program Leader Natasha Khilji
An experienced higher education professional who is highly focused, and results orientated, focused on proactive learning. Natasha also has considerable information technology industry.
Xini Hu
An enthusiastic lecturer in marketing as well as a researcher interested in internal marketing, consumer behaviour and psychology, employee well-being, and work-life balance. She is also a member on an ethics panel.

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) International Business	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) International Business	Download
Languages Programme Specification	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Mandatory
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2023/2024 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
*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.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

BA (Hons) International Business

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees:

UCAS code: N120

Institute code: H36

Study a language option

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Our Staff

What's the course about?

Where you'll study

What will I study?

A few words on Finance

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Heraldas Gaspariunas, an entrepreneur who is passionate about growing his biotech start-up and is committed to embracing new experiences and lifelong learning.

Entrepreneurial ambition

A global student experience

Embracing opportunities at Herts

Advice for other graduates

Alumni Stories

Meet Grace Tucker whose career has taken her from China to Kent and now to Guernsey in a very short time

Memories made at Herts

Life after Herts

Living on Guernsey amidst the coronavirus pandemic

The future

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2023

2024

Fees 2023

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation