International Business Pathways in the UK

Increasing globalisation and the rise of international companies has seen international business degrees become more popular. Businesses are now seeking to capitalise on the opportunities that trading worldwide can offer, making international business education all the more important.

Undergraduate

An undergraduate degree in international business will usually give you a foundation knowledge of business. You will then be able to develop this knowledge and apply it to international contexts. International business courses will cover a wide range of topics, such as finance marketing, marketing management, international management and business and management.

You will mainly be taught through lectures and seminars. There may be opportunities to take part in projects that simulate a business assignment. Some degree programmes may offer a placement as a compulsory or optional module.

Postgraduate

A postgraduate degree in international business will allow you to further develop the skills and knowledge gained at undergraduate level. You will also be able to build on your practical application of this knowledge. Your modules will cover more specialist and complex areas of international business. These could include contemporary business issues, business on a global scale, entrepreneurship and enterprise, managing people in a changing business environment, and cross-cultural business relations.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise throughout your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you choose to work after you have graduated. It can also help you to decide on the area you choose to focus your dissertation or research project on. Common specialisations include:

• International Marketing
• Supply Chain Management
• Global Business Operations
• International Trade and Management
• Marketing and Advertising

The accreditation of your degree programme will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be influenced by your level of study. At undergraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Business (BBus).

At postgraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Arts (MA), or a Master of Business (MBus). Another common postgraduate degree for business students is a Master of Business in Administration (MBA). If you choose to study for a postgraduate research degree, you could be awarded a Master of Research (MRes), a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Depending on your institution, your course may also be accredited by a professional or academic body. For example, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) or EPAS. There may be international equivalents to these accreditations. Your institution will be able to provide you with more information about this.

Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years, when studied full-time. A postgraduate degree will normally take one to two years. If your course includes a placement year, this will normally add another year onto your studies.

Some institutions might offer part-time study options. Studying a degree part-time normally means that your course will last anywhere between three and eight years, with some universities offering more flexible study options.

International business graduates will be able to seek employment in a wide variety of fields. You will have gained many useful and transferable knowledge and skills throughout your degree, meaning you are prepared for different positions. These skills will include problem solving, project management, effective communication, and time management. Popular destinations include project management , media and advertising, banking, and finance and management, among many others.