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BA (Hons) International Business

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You’ll be supported in your studies and preparing for your future

Study for an internationally recognised EFMD accredited degree

Travel to one, two or even three different countries

This course includes the options of:

Work placement*

Study abroad*

Study a language

*No fees are charged for this year


UCAS code	N120
Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Business School
Course length	Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC
112 BBC DMM

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.

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

Our BA International Business is EFMD Accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). EFMD Accredited is an internationally recognised badge of programme quality with its strong focus on internationalisation, ethics and sustainability. We’re one of ten UK business schools with an EFMD Accredited course and one of only 92 schools worldwide (October 2020).
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
112	BBC	DMM

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

Why choose this course?

If you want a career in international business and love to travel, this degree is ideal. The degree has 2 routes you can take, a three year route and a four year route and provides you with a number of study plans.

On the three year route, you will need to spend a minimum of one semester in year 2 at a partner institution in Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia, Africa, Middle East or Asia. Ideally, you will spend all of year two abroad on this route to really immerse yourself in a different culture. UK nationals who spend the year abroad pay a reduced tuition fee.

On the four year route, you will have the opportunity to spend one or two years studying, and working, in Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia, Africa, Middle East or Asia. Most of our courses offer the opportunity to study abroad for a year, but if this isn’t enough for you, don’t worry. Everyone on this course will study abroad in Year 3 (with no tuition fees to pay). However, as a bonus, you can also choose to spend Year 2 abroad (with reduced tuition fees for UK nationals). There’ll be opportunities for work placements too with an option to do a 12 month placement on the four year route if you have studied abroad in year 2. We have partnerships with over 100 universities and business schools around the world, so there are lots of choices.

This course reflects the growing need for managers of tomorrow to have the business and leadership skills, language competency and cultural awareness for success in today’s global business environment.

We’re one of eleven UK business schools with an EFMD Accredited course and one of only 96 schools worldwide (October 2021). The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) is an internationally recognised badge of programme quality, with its strong focus on internationalisation, ethics and sustainability. You’ll also be joining a university that is recognised for a high standard of teaching and support.

You’ll also be able to study a language alongside. We offer five languages: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. You can start a new language or continue your study of a language. If you select to take a language through the whole of the degree, it will be reflected in your degree title.

Find out more about studying a language with this course.

What's the course about?

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). Minimum study abroad of one semester required and ideally you will 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

In your first year, you’ll start your studies at the University of Hertfordshire.  Your core modules will be Marketing, Economics, Accounting and Human Resources. You’ll learn regional consumer patterns that influence how companies decide to advertise and digitally communicate to their audience. Explore how politics and levels of infrastructure, such as transport, can affect global economic development. If you decide to, you can pick up a language during this year.  

In your second year, you can stay at the University of Hertfordshire or study at one of our partner universities in English taking similar subjects. In the four-year route you have a choice to study at a partner university, whilst in the three-year route you must study at a partner university for at least one semester. The programme team at Hertfordshire will support you in your choice of modules at the partner university.

Here there’s a stronger international focus of the business disciplines. You’ll explore geographic influences on international relations in geopolitics and gain an international insight on global employment laws, performance and people management in HR and finance. You’ll also explore economics at an international level and get a better understanding of our own and the European market.  

You’ll start taking your learning into your own hands. You can choose to continue with your language if you want and you have a choice of optional modules. You can dip into Exploring Business Ethics, learn about project management or learn about Cross Cultural Management.

Students on the four-year route will all be abroad in your third year. You can shape your learning through study or practice too. This means you can study for one semester at one of our partner universities, then do a placement. Or you can spend the entire year studying abroad. This can be at one university, or you can experience two. Wherever you go, they’ll teach you in English. However, you can challenge your language skills and study some of your modules in their native language. The great part about this year is that you don’t pay tuition fees to us or the university that you go to.  You’ll be learning about different cultures. You’ll build your international networks and get the contacts you need, should you decide to start your career abroad. If you have studied abroad in your second year, you will be able to undertake a year-long placement in your third year.

On both the three-year and four-year programmes your final year will be at the University of Hertfordshire. Your core modules will be Contemporary Issues in Ethics, Business and Sustainability, International Strategic Leadership, Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation. You’ll choose the other half of your programme from a wide variety of business modules offering a strong global focus, including in marketing, HR, finance, management systems and economics. You can also continue to study a language and can choose to do a dissertation You’re able to tailor your final year to match your own interests and career aspirations.  

Please keep in mind, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will need to consider government guidelines regarding travel at the time you reach your second and third year.  

Your main campus is de Havilland   

You’ll share this campus with students from business, law, sport, education, and humanities subjects. The student housing is close to our Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our on-campus restaurant or bar (in the newly built Enterprise Hub) on days you don’t feel like cooking. You can also use the common room to play pool, video games or just to hang out with friends.  Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.  

What will I study?

You'll normally study four 15 credit modules in each semester and your contact time varies between modules, but usually you’ll have two sessions per week for each module, a one-hour lecture following by a one-hour seminar/tutorial. Typically, a new topic or theory will be introduced in each lecture and will be followed up with class discussion and feedback in the subsequent seminar. In addition, as part of your study time, you will be collaborating with your peers on tasks and group assignments. Module leaders also offer weekly drop in and feedback sessions, usually 2 x 1 hours per module as well as revision sessions.

The University’s online learning environment means you can access all your course resources, literature and timetables from anywhere in the world.

Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examinations. The style of coursework can vary from presentations to business reports or essays depending on the taught topics.

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6.  These correspond to your first, second and fourth which is your final year. In addition, you will have access to a 0-credit module, which focusses on developing your academic skills.

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.
Quantitative Methods for International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to a number of essential mathematical and statistical techniques that are extensively used in business and management. Particular attention will be paid to the circumstances in which the methods considered should be employed. The following quantitative methods are likely to be included in this module: equations and graphs; measures of location and dispersion; weighted averages and indices; probability and normal distribution; basic optimisation; critical path analysis; correlation and simple linear regression; time series forecasting; investment; simulation. Appropriate software (eg Excel) will be used to support learning.
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.
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.
Business Technology Trends	15 Credits	Compulsory
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
Project Planning and Control	15 Credits	Compulsory
Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project process. The module content and assessment strategy allow students to study project planning and control in the context of their chosen discipline and from a general project management perspective, thus developing skills and knowledge transferable to other business and management fields and practice. Students benefit from greater flexibility and support due to a blend of face-to-face lectures and seminars, on-line discussions, a simulated project environment, and use of business software tools such as MS project. The module provides a sound basis for further professional studies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management.
European Consumer Markets: Issues and Trends	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will analyse what Europe means as a geographical, economic, legal and socio-cultural entity in the 21st century and how all aspects of life in Europe affect consumer behaviour and the marketing of goods and services within it. Segmentation in terms of European life styles will be explored, together with the ways in which the marketing mix elements and market research are adapted to the various markets. The latest trends in the marketing of goods and services in contemporary Europe will be discussed in the process.
Geopolitics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The world has been changing more rapidly since the turn of the century than at any time since the Second World War. Political risk is increasingly recognized as a key factor facing international business. This module seeks to provide students with a conceptual framework based on the geopolitical perspective (and related concepts in political science) 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. The module involves students in analysing the strategic position and prospects of major power centres within the global political system. The focus on particular parts of the world will provide a framework for exploring thematic issues such as the rise of new industrial powers like China and India and reasons for underdevelopment in other parts of the world.
Finance for Global Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine the key investment and financing decisions made in business in relation value maximisation. The approach will focus mainly on practical aspects but will discuss theory where necessary. Topics would normally include: business objectives, investment appraisal techniques, risk, sources of finance, cost of capital – issues and limitations, dividend policy – impacts of liquidity crisis, measurement and management of forex risk.
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, WTO, 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. This module will explore what concepts the economist can apply to these and other important issues.
Digital Marketing in Practice	15 Credits	Optional
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.
Organisational Psychology	15 Credits	Optional
This module will explore factors influencing people's behaviour and the ways they experience work within organisations. The content includes looking at recruitment and selection, job design and motivation, and occupational stress. We reflect on how groups function in organisations and decision making.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
International Strategic Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module investigates the strategic challenges facing international managers, identifying the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning. Students use current examples and case studies to examine relationships between, and influences on managers in the context of dynamic and complex environments. The module will explore differing perspectives on management and consider the role culture and perception may play in the strategic development of multinational enterprises. In exploring a range of current issues influencing and affecting MNEs, students will be encouraged to consider their moral and ethical implications.
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.
Industrial Placement Sem B only	0 Credits	Optional

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.
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 issues related to changes in international production, global financial structures, trade patterns, migration, global governance, environment, economic development, income distribution and poverty.
International Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Optional
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.
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.
Research Methods	0 Credits	Optional
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.
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.
Financial Aspects of International Business	15 Credits	Optional
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
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.
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

Every aspect of this degree is internationally focused, from the modules you’ll study here with us at Hertfordshire to the exciting year – or two – you’ll spend studying abroad.

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

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

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements
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.

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Elizaveta Zaskalko

Meet Elizaveta Zaskalko who has explored the tourism industry and shared her passion for travel. She currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager.

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Associate Market Manager
Year of graduation	2016
Course of study	BA (Hons) Tourism Management with French

Elizaveta Zaskalko headshot

A passion for travel

Elizaveta always had a passion for tourism and knew her career would be within the industry. She currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager in the Join Expedia Team (JET) and is responsible for the acquisition of new hotels in Kent.

She started at Expedia straight after graduating from the University in 2016, in the role of Market Associate in the Account Management team. After a year in post she decided to step out of her comfort zone and apply for a promotion in the expanding JET team.

Studying at the University gave her a vast knowledge of the tourism industry which she previously lacked and prepared her for entering the sector. Tourism is a diverse and global industry with many career opportunities for new graduates.

She says, 'When I started my studies, I knew that I wanted to work in the tourism industry but had no idea which part of it. As I progressed, I learned about so many different branches of the industry and it really helped me to narrow it down to the one I actually really enjoyed.'

Strong employment links

'The best thing about my course is that it prepared us for the working world. The programme had a huge focus on employability, which I think was incredibly useful. Coming out of university I knew where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do and how to achieve it.'

The employment focus and links to industry embedded into Elizaveta's degree are what persuaded her to study at Herts. Our courses are designed to give students great opportunities, prepare them for professional life and provide them with direct access to their chosen profession through expert teaching and tangible industry connections.

Elizaveta says, 'An important factor for me choosing to study at the University was being able to do an industry placement year, as it's very hard to get a job without work experience nowadays. My placement year was very challenging but it was one of the most useful experiences I have had so far.'

The best thing about my course is that it prepared us for the working world. The programme had a huge focus on employability, which I think was incredibly useful. Coming out of university I knew where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do and how to achieve it.

Alumni Stories

Ellie Fowler

Meet Ellie Fowler who has excelled professionally since graduating in 2019. Ellie currently works as an Operations Communications and Activity Executive for Greene King.

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Operations Communications and Activity Executive
Year of graduation	2019
Course of study	BA (Hons) International Tourism Management

Ellie Fowler in graduation gown

University experience

Ellie emphasises how her course really helped her to progress professionally and land her current role. She says, 'My studies helped me by teaching me all I needed to know about business and how different businesses work/operate. I didn't just learn about "how to go on holiday," I learnt how these travel companies run their businesses from all different levels and it made it clear to me to see I was interested in working in the Head Office side of things rather than front facing.'

She thoroughly enjoyed her course and highlights how useful the skills she learnt were in furthering her career. She continues, 'The travel knowledge you learn is very helpful. I like being able to educate and help people with all things to do with the travel industry.'

Ellie encourages students to embrace their studies with open arms and notes, 'The advice I'd give to new students is to be motivated and more organised from the beginning. I would definitely recommend doing a placement year abroad with this degree because not only does it give you vital industry experience, it also shapes you as a person. Without this experience I wouldn't be where I am today, and I definitely wouldn't have friends all over the world!'

Aspirations for the future

Ellie plans to progress in her role and take on more responsibilities. She says, 'I aim to get higher into operations for Greene King and then hopefully move to work for a bigger tour operator, as the tourism side is more suited to me.'

I would definitely recommend doing a placement year abroad with this degree because not only does it give you vital industry experience, it also shapes you as a person.

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

Elizaveta Zaskalko Ellie Fowler
Key staff

Elizabeth Viz
Deputy Programme Leader
Natasha Khilji
Programme Leader

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) International Business	Download
International Business with Eastern Language	Download
International Business with European Language	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

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:

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2021	20/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2021	20/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2022

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2022	20/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2022	20/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

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)

Fees and funding
Fees 2021
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2021/2022 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £13450 for the 2021/2022 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £13450 for the 2021/2022 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

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

BA (Hons) International Business

This course includes the options of:

Work placement*

Study abroad*

Study a language

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Study plan overview – Three-year programme

Study plan overview - Four-year programme

Your main campus is de Havilland

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

My week at a glance

Student Blogs

Something interesting for a prospective student to consider

Student Blogs

What I love most about my course

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Elizaveta Zaskalko who has explored the tourism industry and shared her passion for travel. She currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager.

A passion for travel

Strong employment links

Alumni Stories

Meet Ellie Fowler who has excelled professionally since graduating in 2019. Ellie currently works as an Operations Communications and Activity Executive for Greene King.

University experience

Aspirations for the future

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

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

2021

2022

2023

Fees 2021

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is de Havilland   