International Business BA (Hons) top-up

Study level: Undergraduate
Top-up courses
Student reading a book in the library

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

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

January 2025
May 2025


Course overview

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

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

City buildings next to a tree.

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.

What you'll study

Our two year top-up entering at Level 5 aims to give you an overview of contemporary innovation practices, principles of business accounting, an increased understanding of people management in a global context and an understanding of effective business communication.

Modules

In your final year, we will build on what you have learnt at level 5 and will have opportunity to specialise with ability to choose two out of three optional modules.

Modules

In our one year top-up entering at Level 6, we will build on 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

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.

For example, we aim to expose you to real-life case studies with recent examples including Glastonbury Music Festival and the banking industry. Typically, we also invite a range of guest speakers2 who will share experiences of managing change and growth in their organisations, supply chain and logistics strategies, marketing and trade management operations, business development and more (subject to 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

Starting at level 5: 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.

Starting at level 6: 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 include:

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

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. You may be taught by international business leaders from across the world, who are invited as guest lecturers on modules to share their knowledge and experience. Furthermore, the international experience of the course team means you could benefit from the experience of lecturers in business operations from Asia, Middle East, Europe, Africa to name but a few.

You may also be able to collaborate 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.


Facilities

Our facilities4 include:

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

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.
 

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

The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library facilities.

 

Lecturer sat with student talking in EEC building.

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

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

You may also like