BA International Business

Undergraduate

BA International Business

Gain the skills to succeed in the increasingly internationalised world of modern business.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

N120

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

We've partnered with one of Europe’s leading business schools, ESSEC in France, to create a degree that develops the next generation of international business leaders.

We'll challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and help you develop the skills to consistently make good business decisions.

The course examines business in an international context, with modules on the world economy, European business and emerging markets. Today’s managers must deal with different national business practices, cultural changes and language needs. They also need to appreciate how business functions like finance, marketing, HRM or logistics work across national borders.

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2020 prospectus

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Six reasons to study International Business at Hull

  1. 94% graduate employability rating*
  2. Prestigious AACSB accreditation
  3. Study abroad for up to a year
  4. Fantastic placement and project opportunities
  5. Optional semester studying at ESSEC, in France
  6. Change direction after Year 1 if you want to
This course is AACSB-accredited

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

  • Compulsory

    Personal and Professional Skills for Contemporary Organisations

    Learn about organisational behaviour and HRM concepts. Areas of focus include individual difference, personal development, people management and leadership. 

    Business Environments

    Examine the environments - economic, political, social, legal, cultural - that businesses operate in and in turn help shape. 

    Accounting and Finance

    You'll cover topics such as financing decisions; cost behaviour, cost-volume-profit analysis, absorption costing, variance analysis and budgeting. 

    Operations, Supply Chain and Business Practices

    Explore how businesses develop their operations management and supply chain practice. You'll learn the techniques to understand, analyse and evaluate the complexities in today's organisations.

    Marketing

    This module introduces you to core marketing theories and concepts such as segmentation, targeting and positioning, consumer behaviour, and marketing mix. Apply your understanding of these different concepts in a real-life business project.

    World Economy

    You'll study the changing world economy, developing insights into issues related to international trade, international finance, regional groupings and climate change.

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Cross Cultural Management

    Cultural differences often form barriers to understanding and communication in international business. Learn how individuals and organisations manage these differences. 

    Understanding Entrepreneurship

    Develop an understanding of the factors which contribute to successful entrepreneurship, how entrepreneurship differs around the world, and how governments encourage it.

    European Business

    This module enhances your understanding of the EU, both in terms of internal policy and its commercial relations with the rest of the world, including the US and emerging nations.

  • Choose one

    Trimester Abroad (Business)

    On this module, you’ll spend a trimester studying at ESSEC in France, taking modules which focus on management, strategy and communication in an international context.

    Internet, e-Commerce and Emerging Technologies

    Discover the emerging digital technologies that are affecting the dynamics of e-commerce. You'll learn how to develop a website or mobile app with any coding skills. 

    Engaging with Entrepreneurial Organisations

    Work with a local SME to solve a problem or produce a plan for the organisation. This hands-on module allows you to apply what you've learned to a real SME problem or opportunity.

  • Optional

    Management Systems and Standards for Sustainability

    We'll introduce you to the field of sustainable operations and management systems, standards and certifications for business and product sustainability. 

    Integrated Marketing Communications and Branding

    Develop your critical understanding of the role integrated marketing and communications plays in building and sustaining brand identity and equity.

    Research Methods

    Prepare and complete a small action research project. It's hands-on learning about research methodology, ethical approval, data analysis and formulating research questions. 

    Passport Languages

    Learn a new language or improve your existing language skills and intercultural competence.

Year abroad modules

You spend a year studying at one of our partner institutions in Europe, Asia, North America or Australia. This is an outstanding opportunity to broaden your horizons in a different culture and environment, learn new skills and develop valuable international contacts while continuing your studies.

Placement year modules

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt.

Just like in the real world, you’ll be responsible for finding and applying for opportunities, with the added benefit of help and support from university services.

The Centre for Professional Success is a dedicated team within the faculty who provide tailored support to students who are seeking a placement or internship.   You'll also benefit from the University's Careers and Employability service based in Student Central.   

Final year modules

  • Compulsory

    International Business

    Focus on the core concepts and practical applications of cross-border business activities. You'll explore the controversies and complexities surrounding international business issues.

    International Marketing

    This module equips you with a cross-cultural perspective on marketing and therefore trains you to excel in an increasingly globalised and yet complex international marketing landscape.

    Emerging Markets

    Examine the strategic role of emerging markets in the global economy: the opportunities, benefits and risks for organisations operating in and expanding to those markets.

  • Choose one

    Dissertation or Research Project

    You can choose to complete a dissertation worth 40 credits (across two modules) or a shorter research project at 20 credits (for one module) on a subject relevant to your degree.

    SMART: Problem-Solving for Complex Systems

    Learn to evaluate complex problems – taking into account multiple dimensions and stakeholder perspectives – to anticipate consequences and make appropriate decisions.

  • Optional

    Assessing Entrepreneurial Opportunities

    You'll work in a team to come up with the idea for a start-up, analysing the concept from a variety of perspectives and eventually deciding whether to pursue the idea.

    Organisation in the Digital Economy

    The internet and emerging digital tech present business with all kinds of opportunities and challenges. Here you can explore the new management mindsets needed to address them.

    Comparative International Human Resource Management

    Consider complex workplace dynamics and cross-cultural and multinational factors. You’ll learn the strategies and practice of human resource management in international contexts.

    Managing Your Money – Personal Financial Planning

    Prepare for the financial challenges and opportunities of life after university. You'll cover topics including tax, student loans, credit, debt, pensions, insurance, savings and investments.

    Business Project Management

    This module addresses project management, covering a range of concepts, tools, techniques and approaches. You’ll explore factors affecting project success and failure.

    Business Strategies

    Consider business strategy and strategic decision making in diverse contexts. You'll learn to use strategic analysis to make choices that create stakeholder value and strategic advantage.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

276 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

924 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

47%
3%
50%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

192 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

1,008 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

18%
82%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

1,200 hours

Placement Placement hours typically include time spent on a work placement, studying abroad, or field trips.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

1,200 hours

Placement Placement hours typically include time spent on a work placement, studying abroad, or field trips.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

144 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

1,056 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

33%
67%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Maria Goodley Business and Management

"I wanted to study at Hull because of the business school's great reputation for having some of the best lecturers and offering excellent support."

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Study abroad

Broaden your horizons, learn new skills and make invaluable international contacts by choosing to study abroad for a year.

business HR

Work in industry

Gain real world skills by opting to spend a year on placement in industry - with support from our award-winning careers team.

Entry requirements

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from 

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications

Alternative qualifications

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with minimum of 15 credit at distinction and 15 credits at merit.

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

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Take a tour of the facilities

Take a 360-degree look at our Allam Lecture Theatre where you'll gain the skills to succeed in international business.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

Home / EU

£9,250 per year*

International

£14,500 per year

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK and EU students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course, and UK students can take out a maintenance loan of up to £9,203 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of the website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

Scholarships

If you achieve

112 UCAS tariff points or above

from 3 A levels or equivalent, you could receive

£1,200 to £2,000

Find out more

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Business development executive
  • e-Commerce manager
  • Management consultant
  • Product manager
  • Project manager
  • Training and development manager

A vast range of employment possibilities are open to our graduates. Some choose to start their own business while others secure key roles with major employers.

Organisations to have hired our graduates include AlphaGraphics, Deloitte, the Prince’s Trust, Npower, Smith & Nephew, ASDA, Santander Bank, Deutsche Bank, Humberside Police.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

*Percentage of students in work or further study within six months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey for the academic year 2016/17, published by HESA 2018