BA(Hons) International Business (with Foundation Year)

Content

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.

Year zero (foundation year)

All foundation year students in Bristol Business School study together on ‘Year Zero’ and take the below compulsory modules, which includes an introduction to university-level academic and study skills. This will ensure that you have the necessary grounding, enabling you to develop a range of perspectives and skills that will enrich your learning at Year one and beyond.

You'll study:

• Becoming a Professional
• Introduction to Organisation, Enterprise and Management
• Economics and Accounting for the Real World
• Introduction to Law in a Social, Business and Global Context.

You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into year one.

Year one

You'll study:

• Entrepreneurial Decision Making
• International Business and Economic Environments
• Principles of Marketing
• Professional Knowledge: International Management and Organisational Behaviour
• Using Financial Information for Business.

Year two

You'll study:

• Developing Cross Cultural Practice
• Managing Human Resource in Global Business
• Multinationals in the Domestic and Global Context
• Professional Skills: International Business Research
• Strategy, Innovation, and Operations.

Placement year

In your third year you'll spend a year studying abroad or undertaking a work placement internationally.

Depending on which you choose, you'll either complete a Study Year Abroad Learning or Practice-Based Learning module.

See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.

Final year

You'll study:

• Social Value and Sustainability for Business.

Plus, one optional module from:

• Cross Border Trade Development and Migration
• Global Supply Chain for Advanced Strategy
• Humans vs AI: Leading and Managing Change for Future Organisations
• Marketing in a Digital World.

Plus, one optional module from:

• Transformation of Work
• Project Management with Data Analytics
• Financial Management and International Finance
• Brand Evolution: Identity, Values and Market Edge.

Plus, one optional module from:

• Professional Development: Business Simulation
• Professional Development: Consultancy
• Professional Development: Contemporary Enterprise and Innovation.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we'll inform you.

Learning and Teaching

Learning and teaching on this course emphasises active participation and learning by doing, supporting you to gradually become more independent in your learning as you progress through the course. Each module is inspired and informed by a learning and teaching approach that enables you to prepare for and participate in your classes and practise your skills.

You’ll prepare by engaging with suggested materials, such as pre-recorded lectures, to gain background knowledge. This will support you to participate in timetabled interactive sessions, applying your knowledge to develop your understanding and skills. Finally, you’ll practice applying your knowledge to real-world business challenges.

Learn through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, and workshops, involving both individual and group work. You’ll explore a variety of course materials and activities, such as case studies, live briefs, portfolios, pitches, presentations, online exercises, and simulations. You’ll also interact with guest practitioners and speakers and undertake field visits.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Study time

In a typical week, you could expect to be timetabled with academic staff for an average of 12 hours. You’ll also engage with a range of additional academic and professional development activities, and work on practice and assessment tasks through independent self-study for 28 hours per week on average.

The balance between taught sessions and independent study hours may vary between modules and at points across the academic years. This enables development of new skills, concepts, and knowledge and to facilitate the space to produce assessment tasks.

Assessment

Our assessment strategy focuses on developing subject knowledge, practical skills, and professional attributes within key business environments, including your chosen area of specialism. The scaffolded structure ensures your assessments progressively challenge you as you advance through each year of the course.

You’ll be assessed through a broad range of methods, such as written assignments, presentations and posters, projects, case studies, reports, examinations and set exercises.

Throughout the course, you’ll also complete a professional practice portfolio of evidence, alongside a reflective workbook to document your own personal development. Your portfolio will demonstrate that you have developed the required professional skills and attributes for a career in business.

In your professional practice modules, you’ll be encouraged to engage in collaborative learning and contribute to group tasks as part of your assessments. These modules will include support through mentor groups to facilitate your collaborative learning.

Learn more about our assessments.