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BA (Hons)(SW/YAB) International Business

Our up-to-date, EFMD-accredited International Business BA (Hons) course will get you a globally recognized degree for a thriving business career. Our highly flexible three or four-year course provides an exciting opportunity to study abroad.

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One of just 12 EFMD accredited courses in the UK

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97% satisfaction for academic support (NSS, 2024, based on the average of Q15-16)

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94% of the in employment (Graduate Outcomes, 2019)

Course overview

Graduate from this International Business degree with a global mindset, an understanding of cross-border commerce and trade, and experience of different cultures.

With our versatile course, the world is literally your oyster! Learn about all aspects of business, such as finance, management, and marketing, through an international lens.

Immerse yourself in a truly enriching and life-changing adventure. Broaden your horizons, cultural awareness, and advance your professional and personal development with our study abroad options.

Gain specialist insights from industry professionals of diverse backgrounds, opening up a wide range of global learning experiences and introductions. Benefit from their valuable guidance into the realities of global business.

Discover how to effectively manage people from different cultures and backgrounds as you develop cross-cultural organisational skills through real-life experiences.

Choose to study a language; French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish are all options.

Embrace technology, a crucial part of any global business, with experimental opportunities for digital engagement with students in partner institutions. Previous experiences include virtual exchanges for assignments and international business simulation games!

Megan Curzon-Mann summarises her course experience: "International business provided me with the opportunity to not only study with like-minded individuals but also travel abroad. I was able to work in several countries, expand my network, and gain invaluable international experience. This enhanced my post-graduation employment prospects and ignited a lifelong passion for travel." - (Megan Curzon-Mann, Class of 2020).

Why choose this course?

Explore new cultures, work abroad, and prepare yourself for an international business career with our highly acclaimed degree. Benefit from a versatile programme with core subjects each year, plus a range of electives to reflect your interests and career aspirations.

Choose a three or four-year route - we are one of a handful of universities offering two years of study abroad in up to three countries. With over 100 partners in 38 countries, access more opportunities and the option to earn multiple degrees.

Benefit from a mix of teaching and practical experience as you develop the ability to think fast and be highly responsive. Learn more about how past students felt about studying International Business course.

Thrive in a vibrant and connected international student community. Get support through our cross-year buddy scheme and alumni mentors. Be inspired by our successful alumni returning to share their journey and experiences.

We actively support you to go out on an industry placement, study abroad or do an internship (including the latest online bite-sized digital experiences) to help you find your direction and boost your CV to secure your first graduate role.

Explore an array of extracurricular opportunities that will help strengthen your network and skills and put your knowledge to practice before you graduate.

Take part in the national University Business Challenge or join our Enactus society, organising projects that make a difference every day.

We are a caring and friendly university, and you'll receive excellent support from our staff community team to help you with any academic and personal challenges.

"During my time on this course, I gained a comprehensive overview of various aspects of businesses, giving me the confidence to work in multiple areas. This will allow me to explore different career paths with confidence in the future, without limitations, which is a great asset to have." - (Ryanna Prang, Class of 2022).

Professional accreditations

European Foundation for Management Development

We are one of only 12 universities in the UK, and 96 schools worldwide, with accreditation from the globally recognised European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). EFMD is a mark of high quality and integrity in global business practice and ethics, demonstrating high standards of education and dedication to student service.

Transatlantic Business School Alliance

We partner with The Transatlantic Business School Alliance (TABSA) program, which offers a life-enhancing opportunity for you to further develop your language skills and pursue a dual degree with a partner institution in Europe or the US (an additional language is not always required for US institutions).

Your future career

94% of our students are employed (Graduate Outcomes, 2019-20) after completing our transformative course. Differentiate yourself in the global job market with a comprehensive skill set and firsthand experience of international living and studying.

Possible roles for employment include:

  • Founder
  • CEO
  • Deputy Mayor
  • Business Development Manager
  • Group Marketing Executive
  • Strategy Consultant

Join our prestigious alumni network, comprising professionals in senior positions at renowned organizations such as Michael Page, Google, H&M, Amazon FBA, Legal & General, Virgin Atlantic, Clifford Chance, Thomson Reuters, Novartis Biome, British Board of Film Classification, OnePLM Ltd, Computacenter, Netgem, and Mondelez International. This course opens up countless opportunities!

Graduate equipped with the cultural exposure and business acumen necessary to launch a successful global career. We also provide support to enhance your CV through personal development opportunities, both domestically and internationally.

See what recent graduates are up to

Marketing Coordinator at Walker Corporation

Meet Jorja. Jorja made the most out of her time at Herts. She spent nearly two years studying in the United States, joined the University’s cheerleading team, and is now a Marketing Coordinator in Australia.

Studying abroad 

Herts was Jorja’s first choice of university, as the BA (Hons) International Business course gave her the opportunity to study abroad in the United States for nearly two years. She says, ‘Being able to study abroad is a rarity at university, so I leapt at the opportunity. The course also offered a fantastic range of modules, plus the campus was close to home in London, which was a bonus.’

Making the most out of every opportunity 

As a mature student, Jorja was apprehensive about starting university. She was concerned about what opportunities would be available and whether she would feel welcomed by her peers, but it was quite the opposite.

She says, ‘I took every opportunity I could at Herts. I took part in Active Students and joined the Hertfordshire Sirens Cheerleading team, which helped me stay active and encouraged me to work on my time management skills. I also went to as many events as I could with all the friends I made. I’m still close friends with many from my course and recently went on holiday with some of them. We often meet up for social events and we have travelled across England together. I’m very lucky to have them.’

Despite studying through the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jorja achieved a first-class degree and found a job as a Group Marketing Executive. She says, ‘I found the job opportunity on LinkedIn and applied online. I got the role because of what I learnt on my course and the transferable skills from previous roles.’

I’ve also been making use of the two years free access I have to LinkedIn Learning as a Herts graduate to brush up on my marketing skills.'

Jorja is now a Marketing Coordinator at the Walker Corporation in Australia, working within their asset management and customer experience team.

Senior Paid Search Manager at Jellyfish

Meet Tom. Tom credits his successful career, which has seen him work with global brands including Google and Salesforce, with his time at Herts.

Studying in Canada and France

What drew Tom to Herts was the chance to study abroad during the BA (Hons) International Business programme, an experience which took him to Canada and France. Tom says, ‘I spent my third year at a digital media agency in Lille. It was here where I learnt my trade. I got experience creating content for search engine optimisation (SEO) and managing organic and paid social media campaigns.’

‘I’m often asked about my time abroad by employers, colleagues, and clients. I believe the experience improved my employability in a highly competitive job market.’

The foundations for success

Tom believes his passion for marketing was driven by the enthusiasm and expertise of his lecturers at Herts. He says, ‘I always found lectures and seminars engaging, which made learning easy. I felt like I was given the foundations to succeed early.’

Tom credits his time at Herts with his career success. After graduating in 2019, he joined the global digital marketing agency Jellyfish where he has worked with some of the world’s largest brands, including Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Impressively, Tom has received three promotions in the short time he has been working there.

Alongside his professional life, Tom is a semi-professional football referee in the 8th tier of English football.

Deputy Mayor at London Borough of Wandsworth

Meet Sarmila, the Deputy Mayor for the London Borough of Wandsworth and the youngest councillor in the borough, representing Wandle ward. Sarmila also works for Residently, a start-up company in the property technology industry.

Life at Herts

Sarmila has fond memories of studying at Herts and has remained in close contact with some of the staff that influenced her and shaped her career path. She says, ‘The quality of teaching at Herts prepared me for day-to-day life as a councillor. Modules always included coursework, exams, and presentations, and I fell in love with public speaking during class activities. I can now read local government committee papers with ease, and research and write my own strategies for local government. These are all skills I developed whilst studying at Herts and partner institutions.

‘I have so many amazing memories at Hertfordshire. I absolutely loved living on campus, and the people I met on my first day in halls are now my lifelong friends. The campus itself is the perfect place to study, get fit at the gym and for a night out! The teaching staff at Hertfordshire are extremely supportive and encourage you to pursue your dreams from the get-go. The confidence they had in me was encouraging and always motivated me to go on to achieve my next goal.

‘My proudest moments at uni will always be receiving my two Hertfordshire Business School Dean's Awards and giving the student speech at my graduation ceremony. I achieved this with the support of my programme leader, professors, and the study abroad team, who were there every step of the way to guide me.’

Future plans

Sarmila says, ‘My future plans are to continue working on my political and business careers. My future goal is to become a Member of Parliament, and my passion for business and entrepreneurialism runs alongside politics. I would like to use my time as a councillor to help local businesses and charities to grow in my Borough.’

What you'll study

Our International Business BA (Hons) 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.

Study plan overview – Three-year programme

In your first year, you'll benefit from a complete programme of enrichment activities to further increase your knowledge and practical experience.

In your second year, you have the opportunity to 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.

In your final year, you'll be back on campus and will start to tailor your degree from a wide range of optional subjects, again all with a worldwide focus.

Study plan overview - Four-year programme

In your first year, you'll benefit from a complete programme of enrichment activities to further increase your knowledge and practical experience.

In your second year, you will have the opportunity to study abroad in English (Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia or Australia) for one or two semesters.

In your third year, you can 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 your second year.

The work placements can also be in the UK, in internationally facing roles and would need to be approved by the placements team.

In your final year, you'll be back on campus and will start to tailor your degree from a wide range of optional subjects, again all with a worldwide focus.

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.

What if I need support?

You'll benefit from dedicated support teams within the Business School, including Academic Support, Wellbeing, and a personal tutor who will assist you in adjusting to the demands of university learning and living.

Additional support is available from our Student Success team, which focuses on inclusive learning, as well as our dedicated Future Success network, which helps with work experience, placements, and graduate jobs.

You can join and engage with the Business School Student Voice community, consisting of a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure the effectiveness of teaching.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is available to all Business School students, offering additional support in areas such as academic writing, numeracy, and referencing.

Optional sandwich year

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students have enhanced their careers in companies as diverse as Mobile Phone Center, American Language Services, Cerise Media (Mirabelle), Clearstream Banking S.A., Dennis Eagle, Secret Barcelona, Greensill Capital, Envie de Fraise, TomTom, Oman Airways, Appetite Creative, Disney, Hype Energy, Oryx Gaming, Minor Hotels and Porsche Central Eastern Europe.

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster!  Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students have enhanced their careers in companies as diverse as Mobile Phone Center, American Language Services, Cerise Media (Mirabelle), Clearstream Banking S.A., Dennis Eagle, Secret Barcelona, Greensill Capital, Envie de Fraise, TomTom, Oman Airways, Appetite Creative, Disney, Hype Energy, Oryx Gaming, Minor Hotels and Porsche Central Eastern Europe.

Find out more about work placements

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster!  Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in comfort.

The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

Your teachers include doctoral staff and industry experts who will impart their knowledge and experiences. They will ground your education in solid business principles and case studies that will be valuable throughout your career.

The teaching approach emphasizes proactive learning, drawing from real-life experiences and scenarios shared by your tutors and alumni.

The faculty covers various interest areas and backgrounds, including information technology, marketing, consumer behaviour, psychology, employee well-being, and work-life balance.

Additionally, you have access to an academic support team, a well-being team, and a personal tutor who will help you navigate university learning and living.

Working together, your teaching and support team is committed to assisting you in realizing and achieving your full potential.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)120–128
Typical A Level offerBBC–BBB
Typical IB offer120–128
Typical BTEC offerDDM
Typical T Level offerDesign Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access Course120 –128
Additional informationFind out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)120–128
Typical A Level offerBBB–ABB
Typical IB offer120–128
Typical BTEC offerDDM
Typical T Level offerDesign Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses120–128
Additional informationFind out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2025Full time with placement yearApply via UCAS

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

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

 Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International studentsFull time£15,500 for the 2024/2025 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.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 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.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
Course Fact Sheet BSIBS Fact Sheet Download PDF
Programme specifications
BA (Hons) International Business Download PDF
Languages Programme Specification Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

Yes

Course length

Sandwich, 4 Years

Not ready to apply?