Overview
This course aims to develop your knowledge and skills across a broad range of management disciplines, with a focus on the development of an accurate understanding of different international business contexts.
It is designed to reflect the changes in a modern business environment where businesses increasingly operate in a global market place, distributing products and services across nations and continents. Now more than ever, employers seek graduates with experience of countries and cultures other than their own. The optional placement/study abroad year* provides an opportunity to experience what it is like to study and learn in a different country, develop your language skills and improve your potential future career prospects.
Ranked 15th in the UK for ‘Business, Management and Marketing’ by the Guardian University Guide 2020, Coventry Business School has excellent current links with national and international employers, across a range of sectors, including major automotive companies and financial services firms. Our teaching is grounded in the corporate world, and uses real-life international case studies, as well as utilising our Business Simulation Suite teaching space to give you the opportunity to explore real-world skills through simulated business experiences and games.
* Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.
Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.
Coventry Business School is recognised by the above memberships for the 2021/22 intake. There is currently no intention for either of these memberships to lapse however if either of these memberships were not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Our Facilities
Business Simulation Suite
Coventry Business School's Business Simulation Suite utilises the latest business simulation software to give students the opportunity to improve their business skills.
DigiComm Lab
Designed to build creative minds, the DigiComm Lab is equipped with the latest industry-standard marketing and advertising software and devices to support your creative development.
Trading Floor
Students have opportunities to practice simulated trading and other finance-related activities using the various types of demo software available in the Trading Floor.
What our students say
I enjoy most the current industry examples lecturers use to help students understand the topics covered. With real life business case studies used as examples, seminars and lectures are much more interesting and as a business student I can clearly see how successful or unsuccessful organisations implement theoretical techniques into their business models.
Course information
Worldwide financial networks and disappearing economic boundaries have allowed far greater freedom of sales, marketing, manufacturing and outsourcing, while growing distribution networks, supply chains and transportation hubs have simplified the movement of products.
In a complex, fast-paced environment where businesses service customers throughout the world, success generally requires specialist knowledge of the cultural, political, geographical and socioeconomic factors that influence business practices.
You will have the opportunity to learn about the external forces which affect business decisions, such as the role of government and global institutions. We’ll also discuss some of the biggest challenges and issues international businesses now face, such as market uncertainties and political issues.
Throughout your studies, we integrate the six PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) principles, internationally recognised for adaption and change, through the study of concepts like corporate and social responsibility (CSR), sustainable trading and good corporate citizenship.
Course specification
Download PDF
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We have been ranked joint first amongst Modern Universities in England for career prospects - Guardian University Guide 2021
In more detail...
Most of the products we purchase today have gone through complex international journeys to arrive on the shelves of our shops. Understanding international business operations is therefore increasingly important for today's business graduates.
Upon successful completion, this course aims to have developed your knowledge and practical skills so as to understand the international business environment, business strategy and the key functions of business organisations.
Coventry has been educating business professionals for over 50 years. Through core modules, we focus on building essential management skills, in areas such as leadership and management, global markets and entry strategies and marketing, to name just a few; all considered from an international perspective.
A multicultural learning experience is typical of this course, and you could be studying alongside staff and students from a range of nationalities. You will also be taught by current staff with significant experience of the business world, who have worked as directors and consultants for many large multinational companies in countries including Singapore, China and Korea (please note staff are subject to change).
You will find an international dimension throughout your studies. We aim to expose you to international business practices through visiting lectures, guest speakers (subject to availability) and real-life case studies on companies which have previously included Dell, DHL, Air France/KLM, and General Electric. You will also have the chance to collaborate on projects with international students from universities located in different countries (e.g. France, Malaysia, Belgium, Kazakhstan) as part of several online international learning experiences, while there is also the opportunity to apply to spend a semester of your second year studying at our partner, Toulouse Business School*.
Using specialist business simulation software, you will be encouraged to think strategically from the outset and develop the practical skills needed to initiate and implement complex international business projects. For example, you may find yourself working on real-life projects for businesses in and around Coventry (subject to availability and additional costs may apply), or on simulations in our Business Simulation Suite, which has been designed to help you explore the skills needed for a potential future career in business.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any internships, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- Coventry University is ranked 15th in the UK for Business, Management and Marketing by the Guardian University Guide 2020
- Current staff have experience of senior management and consultancy, working for the likes of PwC, Barclays and the NHS (please note staff are subject to change).
- Cultural experience of living, studying abroad or working for a global UK-based company in your third year*
- Opportunity to study for a semester at Toulouse Business School*, a top 60 European Business School, in your second year – subject to availability, meeting applicable visa requirements, a competitive application process, and fees may apply.
- Networking opportunities and insight from regular guest lectures from professionals and industry experts (subject to availability). In the past, these have included representatives from IBM, Nissan, MasterCard and Bentley
- We are currently active members of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), as well as being signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME) initiative
- Access to our Business Simulation Suite, giving you the opportunity to improve your business acumen and decision making skills using business simulation software.
- * Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Coventry Business School was ranked as 'excellent' by Eduniversal in 2018, an annual ranking of Business Schools across 154 countries.
The main study themes covered on the course are:
- Integrated business management: Provides the opportunity to explore the principles of business, including the way in which private and public sector organisations are structured and operate.
- Managing people in an international environment: You will be introduced to the key concepts for understanding international human resource management, and explore the practice of managing human resources in an international context.
- Accounting fundamentals: Explores the basic principles, rationale and methods used in analysing, recoding, planning and managing accounts or finances.
- Economics and business: The opportunity to explore how businesses operate within the external environment and the impact of things like competition or overseas tax legislation on profit and loss. You should develop essential numeracy skills and analysis for financial reporting, forecasting and modelling.
- Global supply chain management: Introduces the core concepts and theories that are prerequisite for the successful management of logistics within the overall context of the organisation. Current logistical trends such as lean management of the logistics and supply chain function will also be analysed. Other areas explored will include inventory management, transportation and warehousing.
- Marketing: Exploring marketing research, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, contemporary marketing issues and marketing strategy.
- Leadership and Strategy: Based within the School of Strategy and Leadership, this course benefits from expertise in that area, with third year modules covering how to build international business strategies and lead in the global business environment.
This course can be studied full-time over three years (or four years when opting for a sandwich year).
The underlying focus is on developing international business skill sets and inter-cultural perception so that upon successful completion of the course you can think strategically and understand the challenges facing businesses in our modern global economy. As well as being designed to provide traditional teaching and learning methods, such as lectures, workshops and seminars, we will use innovative business techniques and tools, including practical market entry software tools to achieve this.
You may have the opportunity to participate in a range of field trips and industry visits, at home and abroad*.
Many of our teaching staff are research active and will disseminate up-to-date developments in their fields, fostering debate and discussion. For example, previous cohorts have had the opportunity to make use of lecturers’ research outputs in their seminar discussions on international areas.
* Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
In addition, our Progress Coaches will be available to review your progress with you in face-to-face sessions that can be booked in advance, and are also on hand to give advice on academic and personal matters (subject to availability).
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, test and essays, practical or project work, group work, presentations and posters.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- The development and operation of international markets for resources, goods and services, including considerations of: customers; customer expectations; service and market orientation.
- The development of appropriate policies and strategies within a changing global environment to meet stakeholder interests.
- The sources, use and management of finance, together with the use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications.
- The management and development of a diverse range of people within organisations.
- The management of projects and day-to-day business operations, including scheduling, resource planning, quality assurance and operations.
- The development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact upon organisations. Including the comprehension and use of relevant communication and information technologies for application in business and management.
- Social responsibility, ethical behaviour and sustainability in contemporary business activities.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the business environment, business strategy and the main functional areas of business organisations.
- Evidence numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation, including the use of models of business problems and the effective use of communication and information technology for business applications.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using a range of media, which are widely used in business, such as presentations, email, business reports and professional use of social media.
- Apply critical thinking and analysis and synthesis with the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately.
- Solve problems and demonstrate decision-making skills using appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques.
- Display the ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations.
- Demonstrate self-reflection and self-awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues.
- Demonstrate a broad range of transferrable professional skills: individual initiative and enterprise; a global outlook; effective performance within a team environment, including leadership, team building, influencing and project management; interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation.
We set out below the typical teaching contact hours that you should receive on this course. Teaching contact hours will vary in different semesters and years of study and may vary due to module selection. In addition to the contact hours below, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions, including sessions with the Faculty’s progress coaches, or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.
Within your first and second year, you will have around 12 contact hours of teaching a week which includes:
- Medium group teaching: such as practical classes, workshops or seminars each week.
- Large group teaching: such as lectures each week.
In your final year, if you are undertaking a project/dissertation, there is a greater emphasis placed on independent study and therefore total contact hours may be reduced.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed studying and revising in your own time each week, which may include, for example, guided study using hand-outs or online activities.
This course is international in nature drawing on business practice and real-life case studies from all over the world. You will be taught by staff with international experiences, as well as guest lecturers from the business world to share their knowledge and experience (subject to availability). Furthermore, the international experience of the course team means you should benefit from the experience of lecturers on business operations from a variety of global regions, previously including Asia and Africa. You will also be able to collaborate with students from other international universities on online international learning (OIL) projects.
The course’s optional sandwich year can be spent overseas* and we currently have links with institutions across Europe, Asia and America. If you intend to go to a non-English speaking country, you will be expected to take basic language subjects in the intended country’s language but the majority of our partners in non-English speaking countries offer tuition in English.
Opportunities for international experiences are subject to availability, a competitive application process, meeting applicable visa requirements, and fees may apply.
* Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we provided a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni in 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say
I enjoy most the current industry examples lecturers use to help students understand the topics covered. With real life business case studies used as examples, seminars and lectures are much more interesting and as a business student I can clearly see how successful or unsuccessful organisations implement theoretical techniques into their business models.
Entry Requirements
What our students say
I love that we’re able to communicate so freely with our tutors. They always listen to us and try to make our university journey as enjoyable as they can.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say
Alongside your year abroad, the course is your first taste of what opportunities lie in your future career wherever it may take you.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
As a successful graduate of this course, you will enter the job market with a strong grounding in business management principles, as well as the knowledge to appreciate how they relate to different international contexts. In addition, if you are able to undertake an international experience* during the course, you could also supplement this knowledge with real world experience of different cultures, and how businesses operate within them.
Globalisation has brought about an increasing 'connectedness' of businesses, markets, people and information throughout the world. Today, business careers will often span many borders and cultures. This course not only provides the opportunity to gain extensive exposure to how business operates in widely different international markets, but also should enable you to begin to develop a wide network of professionals and peers from across the globe, from your fellow students, to people you may meet on international field trips and visits*.
Previous graduates of our international business courses have found employment positions within generalist HR, general management, specialist pay and reward, people development and employee relations roles.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your potential future career options and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your potential future career options, beyond what is offered on your course.
* Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
What our students say
I enjoy most the current industry examples lecturers use to help students understand the topics covered. With real life business case studies used as examples, seminars and lectures are much more interesting and as a business student I can clearly see how successful or unsuccessful organisations implement theoretical techniques into their business models.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
