International Business BA (Hons) top-up

Undergraduate
Top-up courses

This fast-track programme leverages your existing qualifications to help you earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and propel your international business career forward.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time (Entry at level 6)
2 years full-time (Entry at level 5)

Course code

N121

Start date

May 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Transform your existing international business studies into a BA (Hons) degree with Coventry Business School's top-up course.

Level 5 and Level 6 entry available for January 2025
Level 6 entry available for May 2025.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

This course aims to develop your comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the international business environment, business strategy and the key functions of business organisations.

Enrich your understanding of the contemporary international business environment and key functions of business organisations.
Expand your knowledge of applied business theories through various contexts.
Develop your skills for continuous professional development and gain a solid grasp of international business strategy in today's setting.
Through core modules, we focus on building your essential management skills in international logistics, human resource management, international trade management, global markets and entry strategies, and marketing in an international perspective.
We aim to offer opportunities to engage with real business issues from highly innovative companies, ranging from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large multinational corporations².
Supporting our international focus is the experience of our current academic staff and the typically internationally diverse makeup of our students. You’ll be taught by experienced staff (subject to change) who have worked in positions that include directors and consultants for many large multinational companies, not only in the United Kingdom but also abroad.
We aim to provide optional field trip opportunities² visiting multinational organisations within a range of sectors and industries. Previous visits have included a visit to Jaguar Land Rover and Manchester United in the UK, as well as visits to New York, Berlin and Paris.
You will have access to a range of learning spaces such as our Trading Floor, DigiComm Lab and Business Simulation Suite⁴.

Memberships

CABS - Chartered Association of Business Schools

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.

EFMD - European Foundation for Management Development

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.

PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.

AACSB- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.

BGA - Business Graduates Association

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development.

SBC - Small Business Charter

Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.

What you'll study

The modules below are studied if you enter the course at Level 5, which in effect means you are joining the second year of a degree course. They aim to develop contemporary business innovation practices in an international context, which can be utilised in a variety of areas of management, such as business accounting, people management and effective communications.

Modules

Innovation in Practice – 20 credits

Effective Business Communication – 20 credits

Managing People in a Global Context – 20 credits

This module emphasises responsible leadership. Through role-playing and/or case studies, you will face real-world dilemmas related to people management. Ethical leadership models and sustainability principles will be woven into discussions, guiding you towards socially responsible decision-making in a global work environment.

Compulsory

Principles of Business Accounting – 20 credits

You will work as a team to analyse and compare the financial performance of companies, usually two or more companies. You will use specific tools (accounting techniques) to evaluate a firm's financial performance, and identify reasons for any differences in performance between case firms.

Compulsory

Big Data and International Trade – 20 credits

You will analyse large datasets in this module. You will be challenged to extract meaningful insights while considering ethical considerations. Discussions on the implications of data usage on society and environment should encourage you to formulate sustainable and responsible strategies for utilising big data in international trade.

Compulsory

Global Sustainable Supply Chain – 20 credits

The modules below are studied only if you enter directly onto level 6, in January 2025. The modules build on your knowledge gained from your previous undergraduate studies, to provide an overview of international business, examining world trade patterns and the functions of international institutions such as the advertising industry.

Modules

Principles of Strategy - 20 credits

Strategic management has now evolved to the point that its primary value is to help the organisation operate successfully in a dynamic, complex environment. To be competitive in this environment, businesses have to become less bureaucratic and more flexible, including the ability to shift from one dominant strategy to another. This strategic flexibility also demands a long-term commitment to the development and nurturing of critical resources in this environment driven by technical and social change.

All managers need to be involved in the strategic management process in order to put together the most effective strategy that achieves better organisational performance, as well as developing and maintaining the firm’s position of competitive advantage. Strategy is about identifying and working on key issues for the future of the organisation and involves activities such as: scanning the environment for critical information, suggesting changes to strategies and programs to take advantage of environmental shifts, and working with others to continuously improve work methods, procedures and evaluation techniques. You will seek to learn about the systematic analysis of the factors associated with an organisation’s external and internal environment that provide the basis for maintaining optimum management strategies and practices. You will also engage in debate on critical business issues such as corporate values (ethics) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) both at home and on the international scene.

The main aim of the module is to provide you with the concepts, frameworks and techniques of strategic decision making to enable you to assess competitive conditions, evaluate corporate capabilities and identify means for businesses to establish a sustainable competitive advantage in their industry.

Compulsory

Project Management for Business - 20 credits

Business and organisations are constantly changing. Regardless of whether organisations are planning to expand or rationalise, managing projects that facilitate change are an integral part of ensuring competitive advantage for an organisation. This module is designed to introduce you to the processes of project management in a business environment. It aims to develop your understanding and skills in the use of project management tools and techniques, and in the impact of effective people skills on the outcomes of projects.

Compulsory

English Business Presentation Skills - 10 credits

This module helps those students of international business to develop their English language knowledge and skills to a level where they can communicate effectively and independently. This is achieved in a context where the language is used for the study of business skills. The emphasis is on developing practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support the study of business-related courses at the university. This module will involve activities designed to increase the range and effectiveness of your use of English language and the development of study and communication skills in a business and academic context.

Compulsory

Entrepreneurship and Innovation - 10 credits

Sustainable and continuous paths of organisational growth require innovation and diffusion of new technologies that are socially and economically acceptable. This complex process evolves through the interaction of technological, economic and social forces operating at various levels. It also encourages you to develop a critical appreciation of current academic debates on 'entrepreneurship' as well as research evidence on the application of this and other closely related concepts. The module's aim is to enable students to identify entrepreneurial and innovation characteristics and skills. Case studies at organisational, sector and country levels will be extensively used to complement the main theories.

Compulsory

International Leadership - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to develop a solid knowledge and understanding of leadership. It will seek to assess your own leadership behaviours and potential in the context of organisational working practices and cultures. This module will examine effective leadership and management of human capital, and leadership as a determinant of organisational success within an international context. The module will assist you to identify factors that influence the choice of leadership styles or behaviours in workplace situations and the subsequent effect on teams. You will explore theories and practices of contemporary leadership and management. Various leadership styles will be canvassed and applied reflexively within the context of international business management.

Compulsory

Optional modules

Choose two from the following three options:

International Logistics - 20 credits
To develop the skills and knowledge of those regarding the physical distribution channels used to deliver goods in both the industrial and retail contexts. This will include planning at the strategic level and analysis of the operational techniques available to the practitioner. The module will also explore the increase in international logistics trade and the opportunities and threats that can also arise for logistics organisations competing in the international market.

International Business and People Relations - 20 credits
This is a research-driven module that provides a critical evaluation of the globalisation of human resource management strategies from various perspectives. The module introduces the key concepts for understanding international human resource management, and explores the practice of managing human resources in an international context. The intercultural factor will also be examined and appraised from an anthropological point of view, emphasising the operational aspect of the organisation of performance efficient systems of work in international settings.

Business Project - 20 credits
The module requires the application of theory to practice and creativity in the execution of a management report. You are expected to identify and use as a basis of research and analysis, a business case or project related to a real organisation. The chosen project should be in pursuit of addressing a specific need or issue within a real organisation. You will be expected to communicate your solution using knowledge acquired, and demonstrate the application of intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed. In addition, you should demonstrate the application of a sensible research methodology including project aims, methodology design and overall approach in the execution of the work. Overall, you should evidence the subject or context has been sufficiently understood and evaluated.

Optional

The modules below are studied in your second year, if you joined the course at Level 5. They build on knowledge gained at level 5, developing your leadership capabilities in strategic and project management, with a particular focus on doing business in a global, dynamic market place.

Modules

Developing Employability Skills for Business – 20 credits

Contemporary International Leadership – 20 credits

Global Strategy – 20 credits

Business Process Management – 20 credits

The module requires you to synthesise knowledge of theoretical and applied perspectives of business process management and apply it to various organisational scenarios. Analysing, implementing, and critically evaluating process management activities within different contexts aligns with this attribute.

The module emphasises the importance of analysing, executing improvements and monitoring business processes to ensure continuous optimisation. This process requires prioritising and managing commitments with resourcefulness and a focus to deliver on time.

Compulsory

Managing Global Organisations – 20 credits

Project Management – 20 credits

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 can be studied full-time over two years from level 5 or one year at level 6. As well as traditional teaching and learning methods, such as lectures, workshops and seminars, we will use innovative business techniques and tools⁴, including practical market entry software tools to achieve this.

This is facilitated through traditional teaching and learning methods which may include:

lectures
workshops
seminars.

You will use innovative business techniques and tools⁴ including practical market entry software tools to achieve this.

This course equips students with contemporary knowledge and on-demand competencies by applying a real practical focus while practising Research-Enriched Learning (REL) using innovative tools and business simulation. The course also embeds responsible and ethical leadership in its learning outcomes. The course also enables you to dive into subjects such as sustainable supply chain and big data. You may also learn from guest lecturers, who are invited to bring theoretical knowledge to life through industry practices (subject to their availability).

Teaching contact hours

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

on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
group work
self-directed learning
work placement opportunities².

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

If joining in year 2:
Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. You can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week during the second year of a degree course. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

For 1 year (final year) top-ups:
Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your top-up year you can expect 9-12 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

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

Assessment methods may 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 the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

This course is international by nature drawing on business practice and real-life case studies (where possible) from all over the world². Furthermore, the international experience of the course team means creates further opportunities to gain cultural insights when doing business in countries around the world.

You may also have opportunities to work with students, from other international universities on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects².

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

For level 5 you will have successful completion of 1 years appropriate academic study in Higher Education. For level 6 you will have successful completion of 2 years appropriate academic study in Higher Education.

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

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

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.

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 no component lower than 5.5.

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.

Fees and funding

2024/25 Tuition fees

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,250 per year	Not available
EU	£9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£16,800 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ 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.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

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 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 facilities⁴ include:

Female student using pen to point at screen with financial data on.

Business Simulation Suite

Offering skill-based training that uses simulation games, role-play activities and scenario-based learning, the business simulation suite is an all-encompassing space for experimental business learning and training.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

The Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Lecturer sat with student talking in EEC building.

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Careers and opportunities

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your potential future career options and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. Talent Team, the university’s careers and employability team provides a range of support services² to help you plan and prepare for your potential future career options.

The business world is increasingly internationally focused and this course aims to help you prepare for potential future career options in a range of multinational organisations, businesses, management consultancies and government organisations. The course aims to develop and hone your business skills to build on your understanding of business and management, to help you understand the subject in the international context of today's corporate environment.

You will have the opportunity to develop the intellectual and professional skills needed for performing strategic analysis, choosing strategies and executing these strategies with desired results, as well as the chance to enhance your cross-cultural awareness and competence, interpersonal, communicative and collaborative-working skills, all skills relevant to employers and great value when seeking potential future employment.

Where our graduates work

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.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the International Business Management 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

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS.

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

International codes:
FBLU042 (Level 5 entry - two year top-up); FBLU111 (Level 6 entry - one year top-up)

Full-time students should apply directly to the university.
Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International Guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any 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

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

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 current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. 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.