BA Honours International Business Degree

Overview & facilities

This degree has a close focus on global strategy, cultural communication and intercultural ethics, in order to prepare you as a rounded global business professional. The content of the course develops competencies to enable you to be effective in a global business context, exploring a variety of international business issues. You will also learn the fundamentals of marketing, human resource management, economics, operations management and accounting.

We encourage you to consider a one year placement in an international firm or business to enhance your understanding and skills. You should also take the opportunity to study at one of our partner universities abroad in Europe or the USA.

• You can study abroad for the second year in one of our partner universities - we have excellent links in Europe and the USA 
• Take a work placement during year three with an international firm 
• Middlesex has a globally-focused academic environment with a thriving international student population
• The specialised modules were developed by our experts on international trade.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Economics for Business and Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts and methods of economic analysis; the ability to apply economic theory in a business and management environment; and the foundations for further study in economics.

  Principles of Marketing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is designed to provide students with an overview of key marketing concepts and techniques, as they apply in a variety of organisations and in both conventional and online environments. More specifically, the module aims to develop students knowledge and understanding of the core role of marketing in determining the growth potential of an enterprise; the value of the marketing mix in ensuring successful marketing implementation; the significance of external and internal operating environments for marketing practice; and methods of identifying consumer targets and competitors.

  Quantitative Methods and Applications for Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides an interesting and enjoyable introduction to basic statistical and ICT ideas for the analysis and presentation of business data. It caters for students with little prior mathematical knowledge, and while students are expected to complete mathematical calculations by hand and using a computer the emphasis is on the interpretation and communication of quantitative results. The module encourages students with little mathematical background or a fear of mathematics to develop confidence and ability in quantitative skills for business and management areas, which can be built upon in further study. The main aim is to enable the student to become a discerning user of statistical methods and ICT in quantitative analysis.

  Understanding People in Organisations (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module will provide you with the basis for the further study of Human Resource Management HRM . This will be achieved through introducing you to key concepts and theories in Organizational Behaviour OB . The module explores a variety of factors influencing behaviour in organizations. The range of factors explored will firstly relate to individuals and groups within organizations and the wider society and secondly to those which relate to organizations as a whole structure, processes and management . Through this exploration, the module goes on to describe, illustrate, and analyse and concepts, strategies and theories developed and utilised by business organizations to maximise the potential and resolve problems associated with OB and invites you to critically analyse and evaluate them.

• Year 2

  European Single Market (30 Credits) - Optional

  Module aims: to examine the increasing impact the European Union has on the context within which business takes place. This module aims to increase awareness of the relationship between EU Law and the European Single Market. It introduces the nature of EU Law, how it is made and by whom and how it is implemented. The main part of the module then focuses on the rules which ensure goods can be freely marketed within Europe and people can move to take up employment or set up businesses.

  HRM in a Global Context (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  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.

  Managerial Finance and Accounting (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop and enhance understanding of the role of accounting and finance within business organisations. It aims to provide a broad introduction to financial accounting, management accounting and finance for business students who do not need to develop specialist knowledge. It will enhance accounting and finance skills and train students to use those skills in a range of different business situations.

  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.

  Operations Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to broaden and expand students knowledge of the concepts and techniques required for the design, operation and control of business processes. Cases and practical exercises are relevant to a variety of commercial, manufacturing and service organisations. The module builds on the IT and quantitative skills developed in the first year.

  Strategic Business Environment (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide an integrated view of internal and external business environment of organisations and to serve as an introduction to strategic analysis. The module also aims to evaluate elements of complexity in the business environment and to begin exploration of contemporary issues in business and management in preparation for more advanced study at level 3.

  Trade and International Business (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the issues relating to international trade and business in an increasingly interdependent world. The specific aims are to develop a theoretical understanding of the causes of world trade as well as some practical appreciation of the business of trade and the role of MNEs in it. We shall consider the gains and benefits of free trade and the trade liberalisation process as well as an understanding of the world trading system and multilateral trade negotiations.

• Year 3

  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.

  Cross Cultural Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  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 Finance (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide students with knowledge of the international monetary system and skills of managing financial assets in a global environment. The first half of the module introduces theories of exchange rate, balance of payments and macroeconomic policies in an open economy. The second half of the module talks about the application of financial instruments and techniques in managing the financial assets and risks. Students have the opportunity to study the operations of the world capital markets and participate in the discussions of various contemporary international financial issues and policies.

  International Marketing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  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.

  International Operations Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims - to present the international nature of business operations and how companies are working in a global marketplace; - to develop understanding of how companies develop and manage their international operations through certain management techniques; - to provide a wider understanding of business competitiveness in global marketplaces; - to use theories to evaluate the choices given by organizations and link them to management of these international networks.

  Strategic Management Accounting (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to build on students knowledge of management accounting by looking at the wider measures of performance and decision making and the techniques that can be applied to such situations. The module attempts to give a broad understanding and critical evaluation of performance measurement. This includes quality and innovation as well as financial measures. The techniques and theory covered lead to a wider understanding of strategic decision making as well as overall company performance.

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

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

January Start Fees

UK/EU students: £3,375
International students: £10,400

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.