International Business with Language BSc
Summary
This programme combines a broad-based business degree with the opportunity to develop a good working knowledge of a foreign language. Whether in Europe or further afield, there are enormous advantages in possessing this combination of skills. You will spend one-third of your time studying your chosen language, and all language tuition will have a business focus.
Key facts
UCAS code: N1R9
Duration: 4 years
Start date: September 2012
Places available: 65 (The number of places is for the whole of the BSc International Business suite)
Applications in 2010: 754
Professional accreditation:
Depending on the options you choose, you may be able to gain partial exemption from the examinations of professional bodies such as CIM, CIMA and ACCA. This will depend on the options chosen in your second and final years.
Entry requirements
Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: AAA–AAB
Required subjects and grades: GCSE Mathematics at grade B if not offered at AS or A2 level; GCSE English at grade B if not offered at AS or A2 level.
General Studies: not accepted as one of three A2s, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer and have General Studies as a fourth A2
Additional information:
For higher level language options you will need a B at A2 level in your chosen language. If you have not studied this language previously, you will need to prove some language competence (usually by having at least an AS level in another foreign language, but a GCSE grade B may also be considered for some language options). Applicants who choose the French or Spanish option, however, must have a B in the language at A level. This is because these languages are not available at beginners level. Note: Please remember to enter your choice of language under ‘further details’ in the choices section of the UCAS application form. If you are considering taking an ab initio language but are unsure, please let us know.
Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements
International students:
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 36–38 points
Standard English language requirements apply
Learn more about international entry requirements
Standard English language requirements apply
Learn more about international entry requirements
Contact details
How to apply
Fees and funding
Standard fees apply
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships
Learn more about our scholarships and awards
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships
Learn more about our scholarships and awards
Programme overview
This programme combines a broad-based business degree with the opportunity to develop a good working knowledge of a foreign language. Whether in Europe or further afield, there are enormous advantages in possessing this combination of skills.
The languages available to study within this degree are Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Chinese (Mandarin). You will spend one-third of your time studying your chosen language, and all language tuition will have a business focus. Languages offer beginners and post A level streams, with the exception of French and Spanish which are only available post A level, and Arabic, Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin), which are only available as a beginner.
The languages available to study within this degree are Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Chinese (Mandarin). You will spend one-third of your time studying your chosen language, and all language tuition will have a business focus. Languages offer beginners and post A level streams, with the exception of French and Spanish which are only available post A level, and Arabic, Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin), which are only available as a beginner.
First year
In addition to the study of your language, this year lays a foundation for the study of business. It introduces the key areas of management, marketing, economics, finance, law, and analytical techniques and IT for business. The year complements, but does not duplicate, the content of the Business Studies A level.
Second and fourth years
In these years you begin to have some choice within the themed structure of the programme. The modules offered will change from time to time, as they are developed to reflect the ever-changing world of business. This ensures a breadth to your business and language education, whilst allowing a degree of specialisation in those areas in which you are particularly interested.
The year abroad
This year is essential for developing fluency in your language and is spent at a partner university. You study business in your chosen language and undertake project work for your degree. Exchanges in the EU are operated as part of the Erasmus programme and you will be eligible for a small EU grant. It may also be possible to undertake a work-based placement, and again if it is in the EU you will be eligible for an EU grant. Please note that your year abroad is conditional upon a good performance in the first and second year exams, click here for more information.
Teaching and assessment
In addition to formal lectures there are small group classes, individual and group exercises and presentations. Assessment is by a mixture of written examinations, essays and project work.
Career opportunities
This is a long-established programme, which is recognised by major employers from all sectors of the economy. Because of this, our students find employment in many areas of business.
Related links
Birmingham Business School website: www.business.bham.ac.uk
