International Business and Management

BSc (Hons)

Understanding business from an international perspective has never been more important. This course will develop business-critical expertise to enable you to understand issues from cultural differences to political influence.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements

BBB (standard offer)

BBC (contextual offer)

Duration

4 years with integrated placement year (international students may opt out of the placement year)

UCAS code(s)

NNC2

Start date

Course overview

The study of international business is more important than ever. Technological, political and economic developments mean that daily business transactions can be conducted on a global scale, and international managers have added advantages in the employment market.

Studying BSc (Hons) International Business and Management will help equip you to navigate international business challenges through both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This degree offers core strategic management skills in an international context. 

In a constantly evolving business landscape, our degree allows you to select from a wide range of modules to tailor your studies, aligning your career goals while staying adaptable to the dynamic global business environment. 

You will benefit from international exposure, a double degree option and a mandatory placement year, enhancing your employability and global competence. 

You will be taught by a mixture of academics and practitioners with industry experience, creating a diverse and culturally rich environment, enhancing the international focus. 

The course is delivered by Aston Business School which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. 

Daniel Pitcher headshot

“Think about what you want out of your university experience. If you’re anything like me Aston University will tick a lot of your boxes. I grew so much as a person, my employability was enhanced ten-fold, I got a strong degree out of it and overall, I had an amazing time.”

Daniel Pitcher
BSc (Hons) International Business and Management
Finance Analyst, Sky

Why International Business and Management at Aston University?

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Excellent prospects
Aston University was named runner-up in the University of the Year for Graduate Employment Award (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
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Earn more
Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £36,100 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2023)
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Recognised for quality
Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
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Gold standard teaching
Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
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Professionally accredited
This programme leads to accreditation or exemptions from several professional bodies, including CII, CIM, and CIMA

Course description

BSc (Hons) International Business and Management

Our BSc (Hons) International Business and Management degree at Aston University will equip you with the skills and practical understanding of business knowledge as well as international specialism.

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What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. Our inspirational teaching staff have established a reputation for developing innovative teaching methods, pioneering the use of simulations to make your learning experience more rewarding.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

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What you will provide 
You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have passion for business and be excited about what contributes to the economy and society – this includes thinking beyond the norm in both business and culture. It is important that you show a willingness to learn and have an ambition and drive to excel.

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What skills we teach
You will develop management and leadership skills that are applicable to real life situations. Our graduates are problem solvers who have developed the essential skills needed to keep up to date with the ever-changing world of business.

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Placement year
We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. It’s for this reason that we encourage every student to take one. The placement year gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

The placement year is compulsory for BSc (Hons) International Business and Management students. International students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible.

For this course only, home students must undertake the compulsory placement year outside of the UK.

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Career prospects
As an Aston University International Business and Management graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options. Our recent graduates have gone on to work across the public, private and third sectors for organisations including: Ernst and Young (EY), Accenture, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, Muller Dairy, Next Retail and Vodafone.

How you will learn

Our teaching approach is both modern and innovative. Alongside traditional lectures and training in the latest analytical tools, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience during your placement, enhancing your overall learning. At the beginning of your course, you'll be assigned a personal tutor for individual study guidance. Module tutors are readily available to answer questions, and all lectures are recorded for future reference.

Our emphasis is on practical knowledge application, with guest lectures from prominent business leaders and mentoring programs offering unique insights. Our renowned Visiting Professors, top UK business figures, share their expertise and expectations from students and graduates.

Complementing traditional teaching, our virtual learning environment provides electronic support materials. You'll have access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. University-wide services like the careers service, Jobshop, counselling and advice services, sports facilities, and Chaplaincy enhance your overall university experience and prepare you for your professional career.

Aston University also offers an array of extracurricular activities, including clubs and societies like Aston Bright Futures, which works with leading businesses across various sectors. These activities not only enrich your student experience but also help you explore your specific interests and career pathways.

What you will learn

The degree will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the various functions of management, alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of business that interest you, preparing you for a successful management career. Your lectures will provide you with essential theories and underlying concepts with more specialised engagement in seminars and groupwork activities.

First year

In your first year, you will study a wide range of management related subjects, designed to ensure you have a broad foundation and knowledge of management. You will consider the economic, financial, human and legal issues managers deal with, and learn the tools and techniques they use to resolve them.

Second year

From the second year onwards, you will have greater flexibility to tailor your degree, specialising in areas of your choice. You will apply core theories of management to given scenarios, explore alternative solutions and provide recommendations. 

Placement year

The Aston University placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

For home students, the placement year is compulsory and must be undertaken outside of the UK.

Placement stories

This course offers an Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway, meaning you could study overseas at one of our partner institutions during your placement year and graduate with two undergraduate degrees for the price of one.

Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway

Final year

You will learn key business and management theory and practices and formulate a business strategy. You will also recognise and evaluate leadership, reflecting on your own and others behaviour and competencies, apply innovative thinking in problem-solving to produce clear, structured, and evidence-based solutions and produce effective communications of business plans, proposals and solutions in a variety of media.

Maheen Siddiqui

Making global connections

Maheen Sifddiqui spent her placement year studying abroad in Austria - allowing her to step out of her comfort zone and make connections with people from all over the world.

Course objectives

  1. Enables the use of necessary theoretical underpinning and techniques to bring about sound analysis, design and delivery of management solutions in an international context; including clear and original thinking in problem-solving.
  2. Applies skills in critical analysis and evaluation towards your own work and that of others, and towards your own personal development.
  3. Develops the intercultural awareness needed to work and communicate effectively in an international business context.
  4. Enables you to work effectively as an independent self-managed learner and as part of teams; demonstrating graduate-level transferable skills and learning approaches needed for continuing professional development of yourself and others.
  5. Provides a wide perspective on international business and management, including social responsibility and ethical practice in professional contexts.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
Introductory Accounting for Business15
Introduction to Organisational Behaviour15
International Perspectives in Organisations15
Law for Business  15
Introduction to Marketing Management 15
Principles of Operations Management15
Foundations of Business Analytics15
Introduction to Business Economics15
Total120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

  • Describe the core functions of business and management and explain what the principle aims of decision-making are within these different areas.
  • Discuss how the international and intercultural context affects the functioning of business and management.
  • Identify a range of theories across the core areas of business and management by explaining how the theories can be used to examine international business and management problems.
  • Identify and use appropriate analytical tools and techniques to examine business performance and evaluate solutions to simple business problems.
  • Perform mathematical and statistical calculations to identify and solve applied business problems.
  • Interpret information to develop arguments and contrast different approaches to the study of international business and management.
  • Present argued business recommendations in written reports and oral presentations.
  • Work effectively as an independent and self-managed learner to complete tasks by deadlines.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
International Business and Emerging Market Economies   15
Introduction to Intercultural Communication15
Business, Government and Society 15
Virtual Business Simulation15
Total60

You will choose one the following finance modules:

Module TitleCredits
Strategic Finance 15
Corporate Financial Management 30

You will choose from the remaining 30 or 45 credits from the following modules (selecting no more than 45 credits in any one area):*

Communications for Business: 

Module TitleCredits
Language at Work 15

Accounting and Finance:

Module TitleCredits
Financial and Management Accounting for Managers15
Business Tax15
Audit, Governance and Company Law15

Business Analytics:

Module TitleCredits
Optimisation and Decision Analytics 15
Data Visualisation 15
Programming for Data Analytics15
Business Analytics in Practice 15

Business and Government:

Module TitleCredits
Global Society 15
Racisms15
Welfare15
The Modern Business World in a Cultural Context15

Business Psychology:

Module TitleCredits
Employee Resourcing15
Psychology and Work15
Effective Teamwork15
Developing Creativity 15

Business Economics:

Module TitleCredits
International Business Economics 15
Intermediate Microeconomics15
Intermediate Macroeconomics15
Quantitative Methods15
Markets, Games and Strategy15
Sports Economics and Finance15

Information Systems: 

Module TitleCredits
Dashboards and Spreadsheets 15
Doing E-Business 15
Cloud Computing for Business15

Law:

Module TitleCredits
Principles of Commercial Law15
Principles of Employment Law15
Principles of Intellectual Property Law15

Marketing:

Module TitleCredits
Market Research15
Services Marketing and Management15
Digital and Social Media Marketing15
Stakeholder Relations Management15
Fundamentals of Strategy15
Events Management15
Sports Marketing15
B2B Marketing and Sales15
Understanding Consumer Behaviour for Managers15

Operations Management:

Module TitleCredits
Business Operations Excellence15
Enterprise Systems15
Managing Service Operations15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

  • Apply core theories of international business and management to given scenarios, explore alternative solutions, decide upon action and evaluate the effectiveness of those actions.
  • Discuss critically the economic, social, environmental and policy context in which international business and management is conducted.
  • Apply a critical intercultural lens to communicate and work more effectively across cultures.
  • Apply original thinking in problem-solving, by critically evaluating evidence, selecting appropriate methods of analysis, considering different perspectives and approaches to the problem.
  • Work effectively as part of a team to make decisions.
  • Develop and communicate structured business plans and proposals in a variety of media.
  • Recognise social responsibility, sustainability, accountability and ethical practice in professional contexts and apply it in your own professional practice.
  • Reflect upon and articulate your own learning, plan and implement strategies to build upon this learning.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

For the BSc (Hons) International Business and Management programme, the placement year is compulsory for home students and it must be taken outside the country of origin. Although not compulsory for international students, students with overseas status, from outside the UK, can complete this part of the programme in the UK.

Placement year

Module TitleCredits
Integrated Placement Year120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

  • Work and/or study effectively in an international environment and apply intercultural awareness in your professional practice.
  • Apply original thinking in problem-solving, by identifying and analysing a live organisational issue, gathering and evaluating evidence, and recommending actions to the organisation.
  • Evaluate critically the use of academic theories in analysing real-life issues and recommending actions. 
  • Reflect upon and articulate your learning and development; plan and implement strategies to build upon this learning.

Final year modules

In your final year you will study the following core module:

Module TitleCredits
Advanced Topics in International Business   15
Total15

You will choose at least one of the following international business modules:* 

Module TitleCredits
International Finance  15
International Marketing 15
Sustainable Operations Management15

You will then choose at least one of the following integrating modules:*

Module TitleCredits
Effective Management Consultancy 1 15
Effective Management Consultancy 215
Implementing Business Decisions 15
Knowledge at Work 15
Leadership and Management Communication15
Advanced Leadership and Management Communication15

You will then choose at least one of the following strategy modules:*

Module TitleCredits
Strategic Management 15
Strategic Human Resource Management15
Marketing Strategy 15
Operations Strategy15

You will choose the remaining 60 credits from the following modules selecting no more than 45 credits in any one area:*

Accounting and Finance:

Module TitleCredits
Tax Policy and Personal Tax15
Risk Management 15
Financial Analysis15

Business Analytics:

Module TitleCredits
Performance and Efficiency Analytics15
Business Analytics and Data Mining 15

Business Psychology:

Module TitleCredits
Employment Law for Human Resource Management15
Learning and Development15
Global Working15
Employee Relations15
Critical Issues in Human Resource Management15
Theories and Practice of Leadership 15

Business Economics:

Module TitleCredits
Further Topics in Macroeconomics15
Further Topics in Microeconomics15
Environmental Economics15
International Trade15
Competition Policy15
Innovation15

Information Systems:

Module TitleCredits
Managing Information Technology in a Global Context15
Information Security15
Technology and Practice of e-Commerce15

Law:

Module TitleCredits
Fraud, Bribery and Corruption15
Product, Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship15
Business Ethics15
Data Protection Law15
Ethics in a Crisis 15
Emerging Technologies, AI and Law15

Marketing:

Module TitleCredits
International Marketing15
Retail Management15
Strategic Brand Management15
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship for Marketing15

Operations Management:

Module TitleCredits
Supply Chain Management 15
Simulation15

Sociology of Work and Business:

Module TitleCredits
Health Policy  15
Corporate Power 15
Education and Digital Society 15
Bodies, Power and Resistance 15
Work, Organisations and Society15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

  • Apply a systematic understanding of key international business and management theory and practices to the formulation of business and management strategy.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of at least one area of international business and management, which is informed by the research and practice at the forefront of that discipline. Critically apply that knowledge to original business scenarios.
  • Initiate and implement problem-solving; produce, clear, structured and evidence-based solutions to business and management problems that consider multiple perspectives.
  • Appraise critically intercultural factors and their impact on business and management decision-making; show intercultural sensitivity when working across cultures.
  • Demonstrate effectiveness in constructing and communicating arguments using a variety of media.
  • Reflect critically on your own and others’ behaviour and competencies; develop plans for future development and increased effectiveness at work.
  • Articulate and evaluate personal and organisational responsibilities towards multiple stakeholders in terms of professional ethics, accountability and sustainability.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.


 

Entry requirements

  • A Levels

    BBB (standard offer)
    BBC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B)
    BBC (contextual offer)

  • Contextual offers

    Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDD (standard offer)

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (standard offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

31 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics and grade 5 in English Language.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 30 distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

 

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

  • Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
  • Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
  • Education and Childcare - grade D
  • Onsite Construction - grade D
  • Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
  • Digital Business Services - grade D
  • Digital Support Services - grade D
  • Health - grade D
  • Healthcare Science - grade D
  • Science - grade D
  • Accounting - grade D
  • Finance - grade D
  • Management and administration - grade D
  • Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D 
  • Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
  • Legal Services - grade D 

5 GCSE grades A*/9 – C/4 to include:

  • GCSE Maths – grade C/4
  • GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4
Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a first year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.
Year 3 entry onwards: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 or final year. 

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:£9,250
During placement year:£1,250

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:£18,250
During placement year:£2,500

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships 

Assessment

Assessment is provided through a mix of coursework and examinations. In addition, you will also be assessed on your portfolio that will be produced as part of your placement experience. You will reflect on your experience and evidence your analysis of a situation identified within the placement organisation which draws on learning from your previous studies.

Career prospects

Our BSc (Hons) International Business and Management programme will prepare you for a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, according to the 2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO). This data shows that five years after graduation, employed Aston University graduates have the 15th highest median salary among all UK Higher Education Institutions, with a median salary of £36,100.

The transferable skills that our business and management programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

  • Management consultant
  • Senior associate
  • Performance analyst
  • Commercial officer
  • Project manager
  • Accountant
  • Corporate and commercial banking graduate
  • Business development manager
  • Digital marketing assistant

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Ernst and Young, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Rolls Royce, Mondelēz International, Virgin Media, BT, PwC and Accenture.

ali

Dreaming big

Ali-Reza Panjwani talks about his experience at Aston University and how it propelled him to becoming an executive director at J.P. Morgan in New York City.

Aston Business School graduates achieve some amazing things - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Alumni

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.
 

Frequently asked questions

Why study international business and management?

You’ll get a good foundation of business knowledge as well as an international specialism, and you can shape your degree to focus on specific areas in your second and fourth year. This means you can develop accredited career paths in your chosen area, plus benefit from an integrated placement year overseas and choose to study a language for free alongside your degree.

How will a placement year benefit me?

Whether you choose to study abroad or do a work placement, Aston University’s links with employers and universities around the world mean you will have a wide range of options to boost your employability and explore the world of work.

Our work placements give you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on your course while gaining valuable professional and paid experience. It can enhance your graduate employment prospects and help you to make more informed career decisions. Around one in five of our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer.

Find out more

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

  • Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
  • Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
  • World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
  • Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
  • Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
  • Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

 

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