BA Honours International Business and Mandarin Degree

Overview & facilities

Business graduates with language skills are highly prized by employers. The BA Honours International Business and Mandarin degree is ideal if you want a business career that enables you to travel or work abroad. This course will open up opportunities in China through a combination of international business study, work experience and intensive study of the Mandarin language which is spoken by more than one billion people. Practical business modules are tailored to international issues using case studies and experiences.

This course is the only undergraduate degree course in the UK that offers an integrated programme of international business and Mandarin for business communication and practice.  Previous Knowledge of Mandarin is not required as you will be accepted at beginner level.

You will complete one year of the course at a work placement in a foreign language setting e.g. at a company or University in China or Taiwan.

It is possible to enrol for individual language modules in Mandarin. Please contact our enquiries line on 020 8411 5555 for details on how to apply for individual modules.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Business Functions (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to introduce you to the fascinating world of marketing, and organisational behaviour. The module will provide you with a comprehensive overview to the wide range of marketing concepts and frameworks, and will also explore the variety of factors influencing attitudes and behaviour in organisations, what makes people do a good job at work from a scientific point of view.

  Business Mandarin - Spoken (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module introduces Mandarin Chinese to students with little or no previous knowledge of the language. It aims to form basic skills in listening to and speaking Mandarin Chinese and develop students understanding of contemporary Chinese societies and business-related cultures.

  Business Mandarin - Written (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to introduce Mandarin Chinese to students with little or no previous knowledge of the language. It forms students basic literacy skills in reading authentic Chinese texts and writing simplified Chinese characters and develops students understanding of contemporary Chinese societies and business-related cultures.

  Financial and Quantitative Aspects of Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides an interesting and enjoyable introduction to basic economic, financial and statistical ideas in the business environment. Students will gain an understanding of key macroeconomic and microeconomic principles, and important insights into how economics factors and the economy affect business decisions and outcomes. They will learn the fundamentals of accounting and finance necessary to make more effective business decisions and to assess the cost and financial implications/outcomes of those decisions. They will also learn basic quantitative methods for the analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.

• Year 2

  Business Communications in Mandarin (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to build upon and extend students ability to listen, speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese in business contexts, and to promote an understanding of Chinese culture, in general and in the business world. Students will analyse the main types of business communications in order to appreciate relevant specialised vocabularies and underlying cultural assumptions.

  Conducting Business in Mandarin (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to build upon and extend students ability to listen, speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese in business contexts in general and also in a Chinese business environment in particular. It also aims to enhance students awareness of the Chinese business environment and practices, in parallel with their knowledge taught in MGT2510 Global Business Environment.

  Global Business Environment (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide an introduction to the complexity of businesses operating across borders by analysing their internal, external and competitive environments. The module also aims to evaluate contemporary issues in international business and management in preparation for more advanced study at level 6.

  HRM in a Global Context (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module builds upon knowledge gained at level 1 about the business environment and about the general management functions operating within organisations and develops an understanding of the international context of dealing with people issues in organisations.

  Marketing Research (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to familiarise students with all forms of marketing information, and with the techniques used to gather, process and analyse it. It aims to give an understanding of the nature and scope of marketing research, and to learn when and how to use it. Students will learn how to conduct marketing research projects, from the definition of the initial research problem to the production of final research recommendations in the final report. Effective marketing decisions are based on good supporting data and information. Students will learn the steps in the marketing research process, including establishing an appropriate research design, creating research instruments, gathering and analysing data using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and using the findings to improve marketing decision-making. Ethical aspects of market research and intelligence will also be addressed.

• Year 3

  Placement Abroad (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  To build upon and extend students abilities in Mandarin business contexts by immersing them in the practical world of business through a placement in a Mandarin company. It will furnish the student with first-hand experience of the norms, conventions, procedures, hierarchies, communications, decision-making processes and so forth in a Mandarin-speaking context. The student will not only have a unique opportunity to learn about business, but will also be able to practice the specialised vocabulary learned in the degree thus far by having to use it in a Mandarin business environment.

  Study Abroad (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  The student will build upon and extend their abilities in Mandarin in academic business and cultural contexts by taking two taught modules abroad in Mandarin at the host university one of which at least must be a business area . It will furnish the student with an intellectual understanding of business as a discipline in the host country. It will also consolidate and expand the specialised Mandarin vocabulary as well as knowledge of specialised bibliography in business areas. This will provide an interesting insight into the teaching and learning approaches used to teach business areas in Mandarin. It will also develop students ability to immerse themselves in the host country and consolidate the learning of Mandarin, but will also provide concrete experience of the host country s cultural norms and protocols invaluable assets in the world of business . This module also allows students to set goals for important aspects of the Immersion year, to log and evaluate their experiences, to review their goals and to record and assess details of personal and academic development in a Mandarin-speaking environment.

• Year 4

  Business and Society (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module offers students a systematic understanding of business ethics and corporate social responsibility, from both the business side and the society side. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to identify, analyse and make decisions regarding a wide range of issues that arise in business-society interactions. Students will also be provided with an opportunity to relate their own moral values to those typically associated with business.

  Business Strategies in Mandarin-Speaking Countries (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to review, consolidate and further enhance students existing language skills speaking, listening, reading and writing of Mandarin Chinese in business contexts so that they can function more comfortably and confidently in the Chinese business environment. It is also intended to help students to gain a better understanding of the macro and micro Chinese economic situations and specific market needs through a selection of case studies, in parallel with MGT 3140 International Business Strategy.

  Cross Cultural Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to examine the influence of national and organisational culture on individuals, organisations and managerial work; by considering the theory and practices of, for example, leadership, motivation, decision making, negotiation and expatriate assignments. The emphasis is on a Evidence Based Management approach by using empirical studies that review local values, beliefs in relation to management behaviours and applying this evidence to real-life situations critical incidents . In particular, this module aims to develop students critical thinking in terms of management theory and practices across the world, thereby enhancing their employability in a globalised work environment.

  International Business Strategy (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to introduce students to the main concepts, analytical tools and theoretical frameworks in the field of international business strategy. The module is interdisciplinary in nature, bringing together and integrating knowledge and skills that students have learned previously, and applying them to the issues that typically faced by organizations when they operate internationally. It intends to develop students awareness to and sensitivity of the differences between international and domestic business, and improve their analytical, critical and problem solving abilities. It also develops students employability skills through various learning, teaching, and assessment strategies.

  International Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module puts marketing into the global context and shows the importance of international marketing in the era of globalisation. It familiarises students with the theoretical base for international marketing and provides them with a thorough understanding of the nature of the international market place and the complex and challenging forces that shape the current international business environment and highlights future trends. Students will learn how to critically assess the implications of such forces and trends for marketing strategy and decision making when organisations operate across borders. They will also develop international marketing decision-making skills and know-how that will assist them in pursuing a career in international marketing or business.

  Mandarin in Global Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to review, consolidate and further enhance students existing language skills speaking, listening, reading and writing of Mandarin Chinese with particular emphasis in the contexts of international trade. Students will also analyse current economic trends and issues in contemporary Chinese societies and also appreciate how China fits into the global economy today.

The first year provides you with an introduction to key business disciplines and develops your written and spoken language skills.

The second year focuses on the global business environment, including skills for managing people and issues internationally. You will also learn how to conduct business in Mandarin.

Year three is the language immersion year, and in your fourth year you will return to University and develop advanced knowledge and skills in international business, including specialist functional areas.

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a minimum of 240 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based. You do not require previous study of Mandarin to be eligible for this course.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country. For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students.

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

How to Apply

UK/EU students

Apply now

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have experience with helping students from your country and supporting them with their applications to study at Middlesex. Read more on international applications. 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Graduates are highly attractive to employers because of their understanding of global business operations, their analytical and problem-solving skills and their ability to think logically. You will be particularly prepared for working for an international firm, in the UK or abroad.

Our careers service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.

Placements
Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. Business is a highly competitive field so we encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity.

We have a dedicated Placement Service which helps you find and plan for a placement.

Graduate Employment prospects

Latest survey figures show that six months after graduating:  

• 84% of Middlesex graduates were in employment or further study

• 16% were assumed to be unemployed or doing something else, such as travelling
  

(Based on data from BA International Business respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education Survey)

The average salary for graduates included in the survey was £20,000 for those in full time employment.

Examples of the types of jobs that graduates from the class of 2009-10 are doing include:

Graduate Account Exec, Consultant, Conference Manager, Journalist, Business Manager, Duty Support Officer, Learning Mentor, Managerial Assistant.

in the following organisations:

Hydrogen Group, NHS, International Trade & Development, YMCA, ITSS, Rhodia, O2, Ikea, CPW, Haringey 6th Form College, Total Security

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few examples of the types of careers that you could pursue after graduating with us: 

Administrative Manager – An administrative manager applies specialised technical or professional principles, practices and skills or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems. This may include planning, developing, evaluating, advising, and improving various management control systems, programmes and policies, for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of programmes and operations.

Advertising Manager – As an advertising manager you will develop, implement, and manage a company's advertising strategy, both from a business, sales and technical perspective. Your job will be to initiate and manage discussion and sales with sponsors and agencies. You will spend your time negotiating agreements with outside sales representatives and managing the development of sales materials, including media kits.

Retail Area Manager – As a retail area manager you will be responsible for the management and overall profitability of a group of stores. You will promote the generation of sales, forming an important link in the management communication chain, by liaising with store managers as well as key departments within head-office.

Branch Manager – As a branch manager you will be responsible for the management of specialty or department stores. Your responsibilities will include the profits of the store, stock, costs, security and administration of the store, as well as the selection, interviewing and training of staff.