A Guide to International Business Courses

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.

Undergraduate

The entry requirements for an undergraduate degree in international business will depend on where you choose to study. Normally, you will be required to have previously studied business, or at least an essay based subject such as English or law. If you do not have a strong background in this area, but are passionate about international business, some institutions may still consider your application.

Some universities might require you to sit an entrance exam, where others may rely on previous exam results. Other universities might consider relevant work experience. If your native language is not English, it is likely that you will be required to provide evidence that your English language skills are to a high enough standard.

Postgraduate

The entry requirements for a postgraduate degree in international business will depend on your institution of choice. They will also depend on what sort of postgraduate degree you are applying for. Typically, you will be expected to have gained an undergraduate degree in international business, business studies, or a closely related subject.

You should check each institution to see what entry requirements they have for their international business programmes.

• UK – 6.0 IELTS, 2:2 or higher
• US – 6.0 IELTS, 3.5 GPA

Tuition fees for international students are not fixed. This means that they can vary greatly from institution to institution. Fees for postgraduate degree courses tend to be higher than undergraduate courses. Exact tuition fees are displayed on institution course pages.

You may be eligible for a scholarship or funding. This could be awarded by your institution, or by a separate funding body. For more information, visit our scholarships and funding section.

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.