International Business Management BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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This internationally-focused degree course starts in the classroom with globally experienced staff (subject to change) and aims to offer you exciting online collaborative projects2, the chance to work on live case studies and simulations, ending with you becoming an employment-ready, global graduate.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

N120

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
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Course overview

This course aims to prepare you for global business careers in a variety of industries, provide you with opportunities to develop skills essential to succeeding in a global business environment and take a collaborative approach to address global challenges, for the betterment of society.

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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

The course offers you the chance to:

  • Identify, analyse and solve complex or ambiguous international business problems through active collaboration and the application of suitable methodologies to provide ethically based and culturally embedded solutions to global challenges.
  • Evidence and focus on understanding environmental forces that affect the dynamic and changing nature of international business trends, global trade, international strategy and organisational management to exhibit global citizenship attributes.
  • Critically address country and market differences to explore both emerging trends and the challenges faced by organisations that operate internationally and transnationally, in order to make strategic choices.
  • Benefit from real-world teaching and learning – with the chance to work on live case studies with access to industry speakers2 and put theory into practice.
  • International focus – not only will you study how international businesses operate, trade and expand into new markets, but you can also expect to immerse yourself in the international business arena throughout your degree. We also aim to provide you with the chance to take part in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects with peers and professionals from around the world2.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses

  • Advertising and Digital Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Business Administration BBA (Hons)
  • Business and Human Resources Management BA (Hons)
  • Business and Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Business Management BA (Hons)
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship BA (Hons)
  • Event Management BA (Hons)
  • Marketing BA (Hons)
  • Sport Management BA (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to engage critically and creatively with entrepreneurship in the context of responsible management practice. Following an introduction to the key concepts and debates of general entrepreneurial principles, you will actively explore social, economic, and environmental challenges.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the process of entrepreneurial ideation. Entrepreneurial ideation is the creative process of generating, developing, and communicating new ideas.

    Through authentic and applied assessment, you will be invited to present your ideas to business and organisational leaders2.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces you to the essential building blocks of business and organisational management through a range of theories, concepts and approaches.

    You can expect to explore the organisational structure, organisational design and business operations before learning about contexts which impact organisations, such as national culture, capitalism, demography and climate change.

    Compulsory

  • This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts in marketing, including digital and social media.

    You should develop an understanding of the role of marketing within an organisation, and the influence of factors in the external environment on marketing decisions.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of data analytics, and how they can be applied to assess and enhance organisational and functional performance and support decision-making.

    This module is designed to help you develop an analytical mindset, deepen your understanding, and prepare you to use innovative data analytic tools, techniques, and methods.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores how people interact with each other in the workplace and the impact that leaders and managers have upon that interaction. It examines the role of people management practices and how these affect individual behaviour in the workplace.

    Compulsory

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen

Modules

  • The aim of this module is for you to work collaboratively with organisations to develop innovative solutions to wicked problems.

    The curriculum will be enhanced with guest speaker sessions from entrepreneurs and key organisational leaders (where available). Through an applied critical evaluation of the academic literature on a contemporary challenge, you will provide a detailed and scholarly approach to thinking differently about current issues.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to identify current or global challenges in the environment and present ideas to address those issues in a proactive manner.

    You can expect to develop an awareness and a critical understanding of key research methodologies within your chosen area of study and design a proposal for researching the relevant contemporary issues.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to develop your understanding of the concepts and tools commonly used in financial and management accounting.

    The module will introduce you to the financial statements that are regularly produced by business organisations, as well as to the tools that can be used to interpret these and evaluate financial performance.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides you with the opportunity to critically appraise the impact of globalisation on human resource management strategies. The module introduces the key concepts for understanding international human resource management and explores the practice of managing human resources in an international context. Intercultural factors will also be examined and appraised from the viewpoint of values, cultures and societies.

    Compulsory

  • The module will develop your skills in undertaking theoretical and work-based projects, as well as exploring international case studies. It will evaluate different practical and theoretical applications developed throughout the course in order to better understand the inter-related nature of business. You will develop a professional approach to self-development in a broad range of competencies relevant to the needs of global business professionals.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to identify and evaluate key issues affecting world trade and its impact on exporting firms. This module will tackle some of the mechanics of international trade, as well as its economic and legal parameters, alongside the analysis of internationalisation processes and models. To this end, this module will enable you to create internationalisation plans based on screening and assessing potential markets to help make informed decisions when selecting appropriate entry modes and export operational plan.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

Year three aims to prepare you for professional practice or higher education by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor.

Modules

  • This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to apply and develop your research skills and to extend your knowledge, understanding and ability to critically analyse a topic in a specialist area of interest. You will receive academic support through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor.

    Compulsory

  • This module enhances and strengthens your knowledge of concepts, theories and frameworks that will aid your understanding of business strategy in an international context. The aim of the module is to equip you with the knowledge, skills and competencies to interpret and develop an international business strategy.

    Compulsory

  • This module will give you the opportunity to study ethical leadership and apply knowledge to cases in cross-cultural settings. The module will use foundational principles derived from leadership theory to critically analyse organisations and how people are managed within them, specifically in international business environments. The module will further demonstrate why an understanding of different management cultures is necessary for operating effectively in organisations and the idea that leadership is a cultural construct, deeply embedded in a culture’s society.

    Compulsory

  • Students must choose two modules from the options provided below:

    • Strategic Entrepreneurship - 20 credits
      Strategic entrepreneurship is the integration of entrepreneurship and strategic management. Both concepts, in different ways, focus on how organisations initiate or respond to change by exploring opportunities within the environment in which they operate.

      In this module, you will explore the strategic roles of creativity, opportunity identification and evaluation, and innovation in the emergence and growth of entrepreneurial organisations.
    • Project Management - 20 credits
      This module focuses on project management in the business environment, enhancing your understanding and equipping you with both soft and technical skills, designed to help you understand the concept of project management, where projects come from, business case development and the selection process, with application to various contexts, harnessing the skills to lead and work on a variety of projects.

      The importance of project management scheduling skills, quality, estimating standards, as well as risks and stakeholders' management is emphasised within this module.
    • Critical Issues in Globalisation - 20 credits
      This module defines the scope of international business and differentiates between domestic operations and business in an international context.

      The module is designed to help you recognise the dynamics of international business. World trade patterns and the functions of international institutions will be examined. The business strategies used by organisations to achieve their international objectives will be brought into the context of the global economic and political environment. Influences in the international business environment will be assessed in relation to the formulation of global business strategies.
    • Purchasing and Procurement - 20 credits
      This module aims to introduce a range of purchasing and procurement concepts and techniques that are employed within the purchasing and procurement departments enabling both small and large enterprises to be both competitive and successful within a global marketplace.

      This module is organised mainly in accordance with the different stages of the purchasing and supply management process - from the product or service specification, right through to supplier development activities that might occur during the contract period. It will provide you with an understanding of the principles, functions, processes, administration, and stakeholders involved in procurement and supply management.
    • Business Process Management - 20 credits
      This module aims to equip you with both the fundamentals of BPM through to the advanced skills, knowledge and tools of process management and measurement, process analysis, process improvement/transformation and process modelling/design.

      This module aims to provide you with a holistic view of how to improve a business process from end-to-end by analysing, simulating, and modelling how it works in different scenarios, executing improvements, monitoring the improved process, and continually optimising it.
    • Managing Global Organisations - 20 credits
      This module aims to demonstrate value generation by MNCs through the synergies and contradictions of global business operations. You will explore how contemporary global corporations manage their operations across the globe to attain a competitive advantage over the long run.

      Through this approach, this module aims to integrate theoretical frameworks and learning from other modules on the programme while drawing on management and organisational theories relevant to the context of managing the global organisation.

    Optional

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.

How you'll learn

This course aims to offer a variety of teaching and learning methods to keep your experience dynamic and varied. Teaching methods may include:

Teaching methods may include:

  • Lectures with associated seminars
  • Workshops, incorporating case studies, problem-centred learning, practical exercises, surgeries, the use of electronic business resources and databases and ICT packages4.
  • Business simulations and interactive projects with partners around the world2.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars, and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

Students on this course will receive between 15-18 contact hours at level four, 12-15 at level five and 9-12 at level six. The course hours will be timetabled weekly with additional timetabled sessions for course induction and support. These additional sessions will bring students together, create a sense of community and provide a range of support and activities as well as provide an opportunity for students to raise any concerns relating to the course.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Normally, a 20-credit module will consist of two one-hour long interactive lectures weekly, delivered synchronously online or on campus, followed by a range of active learning sessions such as seminars and workshops, typically two hours long.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week, you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual Assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Once you have completed your second year, you have the option to apply for a work placement2 year or to spend 12 months studying abroad to broaden your international perspective.

This course aims to offer you a wide variety of field trip opportunities, both UK and abroad2. These trips are designed to provide opportunities to understand business within different cultural environments and the chance to develop networks with a wider range of students and organisations. Past trips have been to destinations such as New York, Peru, China and Belgium.

Please note that all UK and international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Typical offer for 2023 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 24 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our facilities and technology aim to replicate what you would expect in real-world business environments4.

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Business Simulation Suite

You can use the Business Simulation Suite on specific courses. It aims to provide you with some of the hands-on skills needed to succeed and stand out in business.
 

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The Enterprise Hub

Part of Coventry University Social Enterprise, the Enterprise Hub is an incubation, collaboration and knowledge base in the heart of Coventry. It can advise and support you with new business ideas or entrepreneurial ventures.

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The Talent Team

With employability at the forefront of all of our courses, you will have access to our dedicated employability service, the Talent Team, from day one.
 

Careers and opportunities

Extensive support is in place from the Talent Team for students wanting to undertake a work placement as part of their degree and in finding suitable graduate-level jobs upon completion2.

The university's Talent Team also provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your potential future career options4.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as CISCO, NHS, Leoni, Hyatt, Jaguar Landover, HSBC, Enterprise Car and eBay.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with International Business Management MSc or Business Analytics MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.

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