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International Business BA Honours

Our London location and industry placements provide the perfect environment to develop your business skills and launch a successful international career
Code
N121
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Michael Cardoso

Why choose International Business BA Honours at Middlesex?

International business degrees are in high demand in our global world. With our course, you’ll develop a range of transferable skills which are essential in business settings. These include communication, information technology, critical thinking, and teamwork.

You’ll gain these skills alongside a deep theoretical foundation that’ll cover marketing, human resource management, global strategy, intercultural ethics, and many more. Our expert tutors, with years of international business experience, will prepare you for an exciting career in the global marketplace.

During your studies, you’ll have an opportunity to do a year of study abroad, linked with partner universities in Europe and the USA. This’ll deepen your understanding of what international business is and help you to apply your skills and knowledge in an international setting.

We also offer support through our innovative Enterprise Development Hub where you can get advice on how to start your own business and develop invaluable entrepreneurial skills.

What you will gain

You'll develop a suite of transferable skills which are essential for business professionals, including communication, critical thinking, team-working, numerical and IT skills.

You'll also gain effective communication skills through in-class presentations, optional real-life consulting projects and writing reports that focus on the global business environment.

We have over 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers, so find out more today.

What you will learn

Our modules are specifically designed to give you all the tools you’ll need to succeed in an international business career. Many of our modules are work placement based, to help integrate your knowledge with work from the very start, without having to extend your studies by a year.

During these modules, you’ll create and develop a personal development portfolio which will include your CV and cover letter, applications, and records of how you secured your work experience. You’ll get a chance to review your skills critically, identifying areas of success and improvement.

A degree in international business can lead to an exciting career path. Many of our graduates find themselves working in a range of industries with an international profile. Past graduates have gone on to work as product developers, market researchers, sales roles, investment banking analysts, and finance assistants.

When you join us on this course, some of the opportunities you'll be able to take advantage of include:

  • Chose where to study, thanks to the Middlesex global campus network in London, Dubai and Mauritius
  • The ability to apply for graduate training schemes across a range of different roles and industries after you graduate, which can open up doors in multiple industries
  • A strong focus on employability. You'll be able to secure job opportunities during your studies or upon graduation.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Graduate success
    We are proud to see our graduates securing management roles at leading organisations such as Grosstherm, NHS, Oracle and Orchard Recruitment
  • Take your studies to Dubai or Mauritius
    Take your learning experience across the world, develop global connections and embrace new cultures through our unique global campus network
  • Developing entrepreneurs
    Our entrepreneurial focus has led to one in seven of our MDX graduates going on to manage or own a business — Hitachi, 2020

Keep informed

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Your studies will be focused on a progressively international business syllabus. Through tailored modules, you'll gain specialist knowledge in international trade and ethics and explore the challenges associated with taking a business to the global market.

In addition, you will cover the fundamentals of business finance which are essential to making effective decisions in a globalised environment.

Modules

  • Year 1

    • Financial Concepts of Business (30 credits) - Compulsory
      This module aims to develop the financial understanding and knowledge of students within business organisations so as to enable them to make effective decisions and to assess the cost, economic and financial implications of these decisions. It aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental roles of accounting and finance for business students who do not need to develop specialist knowledge as well as to provide an understanding of key economic principles that inform business thought and practice.
    • Quantitative Methods for Business (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the use of computer software to collect, analyse and present business data. Students will learn to solve business and management problems using Excel or other appropriate software with an emphasis on the application of methods to solve problems, and the interpretation and communication of results. The main aim is to enable the student to become a discerning user of quantitative methods and computers in business analysis, which can be built upon in further study.

    • Principles of International Business Management (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to develop students understanding of the management of organisations in the international context. It will introduce management concepts such as the business and management functions, organisational structure, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. Students will develop the ability to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of various management theories and their application in the management of international organisations. The module also introduces the students to the principle notions of international business.

    • People Management (15) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to develop students understanding of how people in organisations interact. It will introduce various people management concepts and human resource processes and practices. Students will develop the ability to compare and contrast a variety of organisational psychology and sociological theories and their application in the management of people.

    • Marketing Theory and Practice(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. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the core role of marketing in determining the growth potential of an enterprise, including the value of the marketing mix in ensuring successful marketing implementation and the significance of external and internal operating environments for marketing practice.

  • Year 2

    • International Business Environment (15 credits) – Compulsory

      In this module you will acquire the knowledge and skills required to investigate the complexity of businesses operating across borders. You will learn to analyse business environments and handle information using techniques, models and frameworks that will also start to build higher level employability skills.

    • Operations and Information Management (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to enhance students’ knowledge of key operations and information management concepts and processes and to develop analytical skills. The focus will be on developing practical skills to enable operations and information management concept application in real world situations.

    • International Human Resource Management (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to provide students with the foundations of and critical insights into International Human Resource Management (IHRM) and to critically explore the relationship between IHRM and organisational performance; within both domestic and international contexts. In addition, the module examines how, in a globalised environment, organisations manage the turbulent international economic environment. Cultural and institutional factors that influence IHRM will be evaluated and discussed in the context of their impact upon practice. This will develop student competence to effectively manage a diverse workforce by engaging in a critical reflection of both theory and practice from both ethical and organisational standpoints.

    • Trade and International Business (30 credits) – Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to develop in-depth understanding of theories relating to trade and international business, their application to an increasingly interdependent world, the role of multinational enterprise in the world trade system, and practical issues, such as incoterms,documentation, payment process and instruments, and trade compliance. Taken together these elements should equip students with comprehensive knowledge and a broader sense of running a business beyond the domestic market.

    • Global Organisations (15 credits) – Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to introduce students to the key global players, such as the UN, WTO, World Bank, IMF, EU, G8, the emerging and the developing markets, and the Multinational Corporations (MNCs). This module helps students untangle the relations among these key global players in an increasingly complex international investment scene, by examining the evolution of these global organisations, their roles in the global economy and the ways they operate

    • International Entrepreneurship (30 credits) – Optional

      The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of managing a small business’s international growth. This will allow the student to confidently discover and develop business opportunities within a global market. The module uses a combination of workshops and self-directed learning to develop student’s skills in writing a viable business proposal.

    • International Business Law (30 credits) – Optional

      This module aims to examine the laws regulating the conduct of business and business organisations. The first part of the module provides the essential basic knowledge and understanding of English law (English Legal System, Contract, Tort and Employment) whilst the second part covers Company law and Corporate governance.

    • Accounting and Finance for Business (30) (30 credits) – Optional

      This module aims to further develop and enhance the financial understanding and knowledge of students within business organisations on the subject areas of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management. It aims to provide a more in-depth understanding of the roles of accounting and finance for business students who do not need to develop specialist knowledge and to train students to apply their accounting and finance knowledge and skills into a range of different business situations

  • Year 3

    • International Business Strategy (30 credits) – Compulsory

      This module presents a broad and integrated view of strategic management in organisations. The module introduces strategic external and internal analysis and goes on to discuss competitive strategy and how businesses differentiate themselves. The module also illustrates corporate and international strategies and the links between environment, strategy and organisational culture. The students will analyse specific strategic issues and challenges that affect globally operating businesses, including, for example, business analytics, challenges of sustainability and strategic CSR, but also the dynamic nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations, including the management of risk.

    • International Management (15 credits) – Compulsory

      This module aims to further develop and enhance students’ cross-cultural understanding and knowledge on the subject areas of globalisation, decision making, negotiation & communication, leadership & cultural intelligence. Students will analyse the complex context of international management so they know how to apply their cross-cultural knowledge and skills into a range of different business situations, using quantitative evidence to support their views

    • Professional Communication (15 credits) – Compulsory

      This module enables students to develop an understanding of strategies commonly used in professional discourse. It integrates concepts and approaches from applied linguistics and social psychology into the management of professional communication in a range of business settings. By exploring and contextualising professional discourse strategies,students will develop systematic and explicit approaches to analysing, evaluating and constructing strategic communication.

    • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (30 credits) – Optional

      The aim of this module is to promote greater awareness of the importance of diversity issues nationally and internationally. It provides insight to the implications of diversity from a societal, organisational, and employee standpoint, exploring diversity debates, concepts and practices regarding equality, fairness and inclusion. Subjects taught highlight the significance of diversity management to careers and business sustainability. A variety of topics are included such as cross-cultural management, gender disparity, unconscious bias, age disability, effective multicultural team-working, and diversity legislation.

    • International and Cross-Cultural Marketing (30 credits) – Optional

      This module introduces students to current theory and practice in international marketing and develops their ability to apply cultural concepts to marketing challenges. Students will learn about new cultures in both the developed and emerging world and how to adapt marketing strategies accordingly for business success.

    • Research Project (30 credits) – Optional

      This module is designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge relevant to planning and conducting a small-scale research project. Students will learn how to do research, including define research aim and objectives, conduct literature review, collect primary data, analyse and interpret data, and organise and present research proposal and final dissertation document. The module requires students to consolidate learning from other modules to plan and complete a small business and management related research project.

    • Global Supply Chain Management (30 credits) – Optional

      This module introduces students to the theories and techniques relevant to the management of global demand and global supply within the parameters of corporate and business unit strategies. Students will develop critical insights in design, implementation and operation of global supply chains while employing these to develop their own case studies.

    • Innovation Management (30 credits) – Optional

      This module aims to further develop and enhance students’ cross-cultural understanding and knowledge on the subject areas of globalisation, decision making, negotiation &communication, leadership & cultural intelligence. Students will analyse the complex context of international management so they know how to apply their cross-cultural knowledge and skills into a range of different business situations, using quantitative evidence to support their views.

    • Consulting to Organisations (30 credits) – Optional

      The module builds on learning from prior modules and provides you with a theoretical introduction to consulting and the idea of the learning organisation. The module then provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to organisation practice by working in small teams on a real-time consultancy project which takes place in a variety of public, private and voluntary sector organisations. It gives you the responsibility of approaching and pitching to potential clients, managing yourself, your time, your team relationships and your relationships with external clients, to achieve outcomes that make a real difference to the organisation. The module provides a bridge between academic study and full-time employment by focusing on the significance and relevance of the consultancy experience. It aims to enhance your prospects of employment following the completion of the degree.

    • Work Internship (30 credits) – Optional

      The primary aim of the internship module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience for a minimum of 30 days. This will facilitate you in gaining an insight into the world of work and appropriate conduct at work, as well as the process of becoming and staying employable through assertiveness, continuing development and reflection on both your development and the link between theory and practice. You will also develop an understanding of the organisation, sector and the environment in which it operates.

    • Leadership (15 credits) – Optional

      This module aims to provide grounding in the core competencies related to management and leadership in organisations, enabling students to apply theory to practice in management and leadership development. Alongside this, it will provide opportunities to develop personal skills through workshops in leadership and team building. This module is aligned to CIPD intermediate unit narratives.

    • Sustainable Business (15 credits) – Optional

      This module focuses specifically on the development of the competences needed to develop sustainable business. The module aims to provide the knowledge and skills of sustainable business to enable students to make a strong contribution to society, economy and the environment. Students will be enabled through a competency-based approach that links real-world orientation, with personal development and coaching, to the development and management of sustainable business.

    • Business Ethics (15 credits) – Optional

      This module aims to enhance students’ critical thinking skills by engaging in an in-depth exploration of ethics and social responsibility in business. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, analyse, and develop effective responses to ethical issues and challenges in business. Students will develop an ability to assess issues from different points of view, including from individual, organisational and societal perspectives; and to apply and critically evaluate mechanisms and tools typically used to address ethical and social responsibility issues.

    • Emerging Markets (15 credits) – Optional

      This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the role of emerging markets in international business. It offers insights into the key characteristics of emerging markets and the different opportunities and challenges available in such contexts for multinational enterprises (MNEs). It also discusses the emergence of Emerging Market Multinationals (EMNEs) and the opportunities and challenges these have in the global economy.

    • Financial Decisions for Business (15 credits) – Optional

      The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the financial decisions required of businesses. Two broad decisions will be explored, one is Investment decision and another is financing decision. Students will be equipped with theories and practical tools to help make the most suitable investment and financing decisions for different types of businesses.

    • Business Analytics (15 credits) – Optional

      This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills in business analytics. It examines the roles of data analytics in today’s business world using real world examples of businesses that have applied business analytics tools to solve critical problems. The module aims to equip students with a wide variety of data mining, visual and analytical techniques which can be applied to data generated from different markets, businesses, and business functions

Modules

To find out more about this course please download the International Business BA Honours specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and learning
  2. Coursework and assessment
  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

These fees are for 2024/25:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Student Starter Kit. Get help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad. Find out about our MDX Student Starter Kit.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK Fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

How can the BA International Business support your career?

Our International Business graduates find themselves working in a wide range of industries, predominantly in organisations that have an international profile.

Graduate job roles

Previous graduates have gone on to find success in roles such as investment banking analyst, restaurant owner, new product developer, finance assistant, vehicle purchaser, market researcher, marketing manager, assistant procurement officer, and also in sales.

Graduate employers

You could be working in organisations such as:

  • Mitchells & Butlers
  • Liaison Financial Services
  • House of Lords
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Quadrange Research
  • Limehouse Thai
  • Capital Partners
  • Spring Lodge Hotel.

MDXworks

Our Careers and Employability Service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has made us a top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

Our location in London helps us connect you with over 1,000 industry partners to develop your future employment prospects.

And we have unique work and study opportunities at our campuses in Dubai and Mauritius.

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career. Read more about international mobility.

Facilities

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

We'll help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

Reach out to a course ambassador

  • Hassan Zahid

    International Business BA student

    This degree addresses key business considerations such as setting organisational missions, allocating resources and fostering a social responsibility culture. I found the group coursework invaluable. It helped me become an effective team member and taking part in the presentations really helped to boost my confidence. I have no doubt that this course is helping to prepare me for my future goal – to gain a managerial position in an international profit or not-for-profit organisation.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

International Business Administration (Top-up) BA Honours

Start: October 2024

Duration: 1-2 years full-time

Code: N10J

Business Management BA Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time with placement, 6 years part-time

Code: N200

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