TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BA (Hons)

International Business Management

Explore global business dynamics and innovation. Understand how organisations thrive across cultures. This course prepares you for a career in international business through enterprise-focused study and cross-cultural insight.

Flexible pathways

Choose between a one-year (Level 6 only) or two-year (Level 5 and 6) programme to suit your background, offering top-up routes from foundation degrees and placement opportunities for hands-on experience.

Industry-focused curriculum

Study modules aligned with today’s international business landscape, including global supply chains, trade and finance and communications tailored for a diverse workforce.

Expert-led teaching and support

Learn from experienced academics and industry professionals who deliver high-quality teaching alongside exceptional personal guidance.

About

Navigate the complexities of global commerce and build the skills to lead in today’s international marketplace. This dynamic course deepens your understanding of how organisations operate across borders and cultures, examining the drivers of innovation, enterprise and strategic decision-making in a globalised economy. With a curriculum shaped by industry relevance and practical experience, you'll be prepared to launch a career in international business – whether in multinational corporations, start-ups, government, or consultancy.
Business student at computer
 
 

This course is for you if...

you want to explore how global businesses operate across cultures and borders
Four heads linked together showing speech bubble in middle, depicting communication
you’re looking for a flexible way to top up to an honours degree
person with lines around their head, depicting experience
you’re keen to gain real-world skills in areas like supply chains, trade, finance and business communication
Hand holding two cogs
you get a buzz from solving real business challenges and making things happen in the international marketplace
Three individuals sat around a table

Details

Year 1

Students study 120 credits
*Professional and Academic Communication (20 credits) (only available to students who are non-native speakers)
Faculty of Business students in the Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite

Core modules

PBS500CPD
Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.

ACF5011
Financial Data Analysis

Sustainable business performance can only be maintained if managers have access to high quality financial information. This module utilises financial data for fundamental corporate decisions by exploring analytical techniques such as financial statements analysis, risk estimation, descriptive and inferential statistics in the context of their role in informing business decisions (e.g. investment, working capital decisions, corporate financing decisions, business valuation, budgeting, marginal analysis, and financing etc).

ECN5015
Decision Making for Business

Decision Making for Business offers students a thorough understanding of rational, behavioural, and economic approaches to decision-making, emphasising their practical application in business contexts. Students are introduced to key decision-making frameworks that guide analysis, choice, and strategic planning in economic environments. They develop skills to analyse situations, evaluate risks, navigate asymmetric information, and apply strategic thinking to enhance decision-making across various business contexts.

HRL5009
The Effective People Manager

Effective people managers are vital to the success of organisations. This module examines the identification and development of key skills for managing employees in different contexts. It explores various policy choices affecting people at work and the role of line managers in implementing those policies. Of particular interest would be the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the module so students could harness the potential of AI in devising effective systems for managing people. It also delves into various personal and interpersonal skills that students would leverage on throughout their careers.

MKT5008
Marketing Dynamics: Strategies for a Digital World

This module introduces key marketing concepts relevant to highly competitive and changing markets. The module explores the changing nature of consumer behaviour especially in relation to the use of digital technologies and consider the most appropriate strategies to maximize the return on marketing investment. This module will apply theory to case studies, considering ethical, legal and regulatory factors that may affect tactical activities.

Optional modules

MAR5004
International Supply Chain Management 20 credits

Through this module, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of international supply chain management and the complexities involved in planning, coordinating and operating various business processes in the management of international supply chains.

100% Coursework

ELC205
Professional and Academic Communication 20 credits

This module develops your level of English in order to operate effectively in a professional and academic context.

100% Coursework

PBS5001C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

100% Coursework

PBS5002C
The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

100% Coursework

PBS5003C
The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

100% Coursework

ECN5010
International Finance, Trade and Globalization

This module explores the economic and financial implications of globalisation by examining contemporary topics in international financial markets and international trade. It enables the consideration of the impact of the contemporary financial and trading system on key areas for business decision making.

Year 2

You have the opportunity to undertake a placement between your first and second year.
Business Students

Core modules

PBS600PLC
Placement Year

The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

Year 3

Students study 120 credits
*Professional Business Communication (20 credits) (only available to students who are non-native speakers)
Business people discussing documents and ideas at meeting. - stock photo

Core modules

HRL6003
Human Resource Management in a Global Context 20 credits

This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.

100% Coursework

PBS600CPD
Continued Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students’ employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge, with the purpose of filling gaps in their CV’s and enhancing their employability.

STO6004
Enterprise, Innovation and Creativity 20 credits

The module will enable you to use creative processes to develop an innovative and viable business concept and to pitch for resources from potential stakeholders.

60% Coursework

40% Practicals

MKT6010
Global Marketing Management 20 credits

The module introduces you to the key concepts of global marketing, providing you with an understanding of environmental factors, global marketing strategies and the international marketing planning process.

100% Coursework

STO6010
International Strategy: Competing in the Global Marketplace

This module explores both the core principles and strategic approaches businesses use to compete globally. Using case studies and other examples it aims to equip students with the skills to analyse, formulate, and implement strategies in an international context, considering diverse market environments, cultural differences, and competitive pressures. It teaches and assesses personal skills such as time management, that the students will need in their later lives as managers.

STO6011
Business Improvement

This module brings a problem-focused view to business improvement techniques and concepts which are key to developing competitive advantage, both in goods and service based industries. Particular consideration is given to operations strategy, key aspects of operations and business improvement such as process and layout design, capacity and demand management, agility, lean, performance measurement and quality management.

Optional modules

ELC316
Professional Business Communication 20 credits

The module is designed to help students to develop and refine their ability to communicate effectively in the global business environment encompassing different national cultures and business practices.

60% Coursework

40% Practicals

MAR6004
International Supply Chain Management 20 credits

Through this module, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of international supply chain management and the complexities involved in planning, coordinating and operating various business processes in the management of international supply chains.

100% Coursework

ECN6010
International Finance, Trade and Globalization

This module explores the economic and financial implications of globalisation by examining contemporary topics in international financial markets and international trade. It enables the consideration of the impact of the contemporary financial and trading system on key areas for business decision making.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Optional pathways

Completion of this top-up programme may lead to entry on a masters degree in a variety of business and finance areas.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 
 

Explore 91porn Business School

We aim to provide our graduates with a memorable and exceptional student experience, enabling them to maximise their success in their chosen career.
91porn Business School is an enterprising environment driving sustainable prosperity.

Our graduates make their mark around the world

From global financial hubs to innovative start-ups and international NGOs, our alumni are thriving across industries and continents.
With a strong foundation in business and the confidence to lead, they’ve gone on to become accountants, consultants, analysts, entrepreneur and more.
Arts and media graduation

A new home to cultivate business leaders

Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the 91porn Business School and providing specialist facilities and social learning spaces. Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube – support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Watch our video visualising what the new building looks like.
 
 
 
 

Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite

The Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite offers 91porn Business School students the opportunity to learn how to analyse the markets, assess economic scenarios and interpret key news developments that might impact the global economy.
Boost your CV by undertaking an optional online Bloomberg course awarded by the Bloomberg Institute. At the end of the course you will be provided with a certificate of completion.
Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite/Students using the suite/Bloomberg training
 
 
 

Meet your expert teaching staff

We’re Team 91porn. As one of our team, we’re here to help you succeed. Our expert lecturers and your own personal tutor will be with you every step of the way.
Dr Charles Thornton Lecturer in Service Operations Management and Business Strategy (Education)


Lecturer in Service Operations Management and Business Strategy (Education)

Mr Kevin Finnegan Lecturer in Accounting


Lecturer in Accounting

Professor Peijie Wang Professor of Finance


Professor of Finance

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in 91porn

91porn's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Careers

The combination of good lecturers, great debates and a multi-cultural environment provided by the University prepared me in so many ways for what was ahead of me. You come out of your graduation with a more broad and dynamic point of view, which is essential in the job market nowadays.

Marcella
BA (Hons) International Management graduate

Marcella Amorim
 
 

Your gateway to a global business career

The advanced skills, commercial awareness and international insight you’ll gain through this course open doors to graduate-level roles across the global business landscape. Career paths include international accountancy, project management, consultancy, analytics, banking and more.
You can also shape your journey to suit your interests – whether it’s championing people and culture in global HR, driving impact in international development and charities, or thriving as a persuasive sales professional in competitive commercial environments. Wherever global business is happening, you’ll be ready to make an impact.
 
 
 

Inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs

From an idea to a fully-fledged business, the Cube offers advice, funding and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. The Cube can develop your creative skills and business acumen to maximise your future career.
“On my placement I ran my own business and got support from the Cube. They helped my business model and refine my skills.”
Samuel Jaffe
Workshop at The Cube

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 

Tuition fee price changes

Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at 91porn, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

For entry onto the two-year programme you must have competed the equivalent to the first year of a UK general business degree.
For entry into the one-year programme you must have completed a foundation degree or equivalent with a business or management emphasis, equivalent to 120 credits of study at Levels 4 and 5. It is expected that such qualifications will include a significant focus on: marketing, organisational behaviour/people management, accounting/finance, and economics.
Please contact the Admissions Team with any queries - admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
UCAS course code
N123
Institution code
P60
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time

Study location
91porn
 
To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
UCAS points
 
 

BSearch entry requirements for your country

Candidates whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent.

English language requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
UCAS course code
N123
Institution code
P60
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time

Study location
91porn
 
 
 

Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the 91porn.
Book your place
Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
 
 
 
The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.