Introduction

The BA (Hons) International Business at UWS London offers an opportunity to study towards a business degree that has been developed for the international graduate of today.

The degree has been designed to deliver up-to-date practical and professional skills, underpinned by appropriate academic theory which will support the development of 21st century graduates, ready for the workplace.

Covering topics ranging from daily operations to marketing strategies, this programme will increase your understanding of a range of core business principles and equip you with the critical skills to solve a variety of challenges that many businesses face today.

About the course

Prepare yourself for a career in international business through this specialist degree, giving you the opportunity to study and learn about the vast business landscape, and develop the knowledge and skills to embark upon an exciting profession in any kind of company, from small-to-medium-sized enterprises to large, multi-national organisations.

The course challenges students’ understanding and judgement of a range of core business practices, including finance, marketing, human resources, general business, and economics, and tests your ability to problem-solve in a variety of business situations.

Employability is embedded into the core curriculum, meaning you will learn vital skills and attributes that are most valued by employers, as well as an in-depth understanding of the business environment and its various, intertwining components.

The course is delivered by UWS lecturers, senior lecturers, and other associated staff with significant industry and academic experience who provide expert advice and insight to prepare you for the business world. Students may also have guest lectures from employers and have the opportunity to visit local and national companies, enabling you to build your knowledge and networks.

The programme runs over four levels, including teaching activities coupled with independent learning. The course explores how students can put what they have learned over the four years into practice within a business, and how they could implement change in an organisation through the knowledge they have gained.

Level 1

The first level introduces students to the basic concepts of business, and the key operational elements of running a company, such as finance, marketing, human resources, general business and economics.

  • Business in the 21st Century (20 Credits)
  • Fundamentals of Marketing (20 Credits)
  • Accounting for Business (20 Credits)
  • The Economic Environment (20 Credits)
  • Introducing People Management (20 Credits)
  • Business English (20 Credits)

Level 2

In level two, the basic concepts are taken to a more operational level and students start to understand the application of each within a business environment.

  • Operations Management (20 Credits)
  • Organisational Behaviour (20 Credits)
  • International Marketing (20 Credits)
  • Global Macroeconomic Policies (20 Credits)
  • Learning and Development (20 Credits)
  • Professional Development Experience 1 (20 Credits)

Level 3

In level three, students will look at the concepts from a more strategic perspective, aligning what has been learned in previous years to specific business scenarios.

  • Business Research Skills (20 Credits)
  • Strategic Management (20 Credits)
  • Consumer Behaviour (20 Credits)
  • Enterprise Creation (20 Credits)
  • Digital Project (20 Credits)
  • Managing Performance & Reward (20 Credits)

Level 4

The final level focuses on the dissertation, with students looking at their own personal development throughout duration of the programme.

  • Aspiring Futures (20 Credits)
  • Brands and Branding (20 Credits)
  • Organisational Transformation (20 Credits)
  • Critical Issues in International HRM (20 Credits)
  • Honours Dissertation (Business) (40 Credits)

Assessment is carried out through a combination of written exams, presentations, case studies, portfolio building and assignments over each academic level of the degree programme.

The overall assessment strategy ensures that a coherent balance of assessment is in place and that assessment supports employability and other complex learning intentions.

Students will frequently be given tasks to complete outside formal contact hours. These tasks are not necessarily assessable but will help you develop your understanding and knowledge from the feedback that you receive.

In addition to formal learning students will undertake significant levels of self-learning through the various mediums such as VLE, discussion boards, the Internet, databases, journals and reference books.

It is implicit in the course that by the end of their studies, students will have acquired a high level of competence in the learning technologies and the application of relevant software. The majority of modules require the use of computers for coursework submissions.

Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.

BA (Hons) International Business Course Structure

Career prospects

With the BA (Hons) International Business at UWS you can prepare yourself for a career in international business through this specialist degree, giving you the opportunity to study and learn about the vast business landscape, and develop the knowledge and skills to embark upon an exciting profession in any kind of company, from small-to-medium-sized enterprises to large, multi-national organisations.

Upon completion students with the BA International Business can pursue careers in general business in a variety of different sectors. Graduates may also follow a variety of routes at post-graduate level both within the University and elsewhere. Many may pursue professional qualifications in their chosen specialist area of study.

These include:

  • Local government
  • National/international business
  • Third sector organisations
  • Health sector
  • Retail

What qualifications do you need?

We welcome UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis. If your qualifications are not listed here please check our website, which gives the minimum entry requirements for a range of international qualifications.

  • A levels: CCD or 88 UCAS Tariff points
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 H3 H3 H4 including English
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 24 points (4, 4 at HL)
  • Appropriate international qualifications
  • International Foundation Programme

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • Overall score 6.0
  • No sub-test less than 5.5

Common equivalent english language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme:

  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): 176 overall; no sub-test less than 169
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): 176 overall; no sub-test less than 169
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English: ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests
  • PTE Pearson Academic English: An overall score of 59 to 64 with no element below 59 (for programmes that require IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5). An overall score 65 to 75 with no element below 65 (for programmes that require IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0)
  • TOEFL IBT*: 78; no sub-test less than 17

For further information on English Language qualifications accepted click here.

For applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements above, there is an option to apply for the pre-sessional English language programme combined with chosen degree programme. Find out more here.

Duration

2 Years and 8 Months

Start Dates in January, May and September

The course offered in London has been structured over four levels on a rolling basis, across 3 terms each academic year. Following this model, students would be able to complete the entire bachelor’s honours degree in only 2 years and 8 months.

Students who have successfully undertaken previous relevant university study may be able to enter the course at an advanced level.

Fees for 2022/23

Scottish — £9,250

Rest of UK & Northern Ireland — £9,250 per year

International & EU — £15,250 per year

Students on certain degrees will incur some additional costs not covered by their tuition fees. These could be for things like specialist equipment, study materials, work placements, graduation, membership of relevant organisations or costs related to carrying out fieldwork.

For students on course with an element of fieldwork, there may also be extra costs for travel and accommodation.

Note: The library will hold some copies of the textbooks but not enough for every student. Students can purchase second hand copies when possible or use older versions if advised by the module cordinator. Students can also sell their copies after the course. This helps manage the cost.

Year 1

Books and other printed materials (Mandatory)

Most modules have a recommended textbook. Modules generally have a list of core and recommended reading. The library generally has a wider collection of texts which can support modules on the programme. On average, students will tend to purchase / loan out around 3-4 books per trimester (est. £40 – 60 per textbook).

Year 2

Books and other printed materials (Mandatory)

Most modules have a recommended textbook. Modules generally have a list of core and recommended reading. The library generally has a wider collection of texts which can support modules on the programme. On average, students will tend to purchase / loan out around 3-4 books per trimester (est. £40 – 60 per textbook).

Year 3

Books and other printed materials (Mandatory)

Most modules have a recommended textbook. Modules generally have a list of core and recommended reading. The library generally has a wider collection of texts which can support modules on the programme. On average, students will tend to purchase / loan out around 3-4 books per trimester (est. £50 – 100 per textbook).

Year 4

Books and other printed materials (Mandatory)

Most modules have a recommended textbook. Modules generally have a list of core and recommended reading. The library generally has a wider collection of texts which can support modules on the programme. On average, students will tend to purchase / loan out around 3-4 books per trimester (est. £50 – 100 per textbook).

Dissertation / Thesis (Mandatory)

Two copies of the 4th year dissertation must be printed, bound and submitted and this can cost from between £15-25 depending upon the content.

Graduation (Mandatory and Optional)

These fees are set annually by the University and are subject to review. For session 19/20 these were set at £10 Registration Fee. Academic dress and official photography (optional) for graduation ceremonies is hired and arranged respectively from external suppliers.

Apply now

Apply now through our online application system. Before applying, you should check that you meet our entry requirements, and you should have all your supporting documents ready.

The first step is to create a profile. Then, after submitting your completed application, you will be required to upload your supporting documents listed in our documents checklist page.

Most courses don’t have a formal closing date, but they will close when they are full; apply early to avoid disappointment.

Alternatively, if you would like further information or guidance, enquire with us to speak with one of our admissions advisers.

Apply now