Course overview

This four-year degree focuses on developing both your business and language skills, so you graduate ready for a fast-paced career in a global and complex business environment.

You'll gain core business skills, in human resource management, finance and strategy. Language proficiency is integral to this degree and you can choose from Chinese, French, German or Spanish.

During the third year of your degree, you'll be studying or working abroad, giving you the opportunity to improve your language skills, while also experiencing another culture. 

You'll leave University as a proficient linguist, equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a management career in international, multinational, or global organisations.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.

View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information

Quality and ranking

We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, recognised in many external surveys and assessments, but also by our own students.

Our commitment to teaching quality and an excellent student experience is reflected through our results in national and international student satisfaction surveys.

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Featured module

BUS3078: Advanced Global Strategy

An opportunity for you to develop knowledge and understanding of multi-level processes involved in managerial practice and global business strategy formulation and implementation.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

In Stage 1 you'll develop a good understanding of core areas of business, including an introduction to accounting and finance, global business environment, and business management and observation.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Introduction to Accounting and Finance (for Business School Students)	20
Global Business Environment	20
Management and Organisation	20
Quantitative Methods for Business Management	20

If you do not have an A Level (or equivalent) in a modern language you will also study the following modules based on your language choice:

French

FRE1065 Level A (HE Entry Level) French I
FRE1066 Level A (HE Entry Level) French II

Spanish

SPA1065 Level A (HE Entry Level) Spanish I
SPA1066 Level A (HE Entry Level) Spanish II

German

GER1065 Level A (HE Entry Level) German I
GER1066 Level A (HE Entry Level) German II

Chinese

CHN1065 Level A (HE Entry Level) Chinese I
CHN1066 Level A (HE Entry Level) Chinese II

If you do have an A Level (or equivalent) in a modern language you will also study the following modules based on your language choice:

Chinese

CHN2010 Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese

French

FRE1071 Level B (HE Intermediate) French

Plus one of the following modules:

SML1018 Introduction to Literature OR
SML1019 Introduction to Linguistics OR
SML1022 Introduction to Cultural Studies OR
FRE1006 La France de 1789 à nos jours

German

GER1071 Level B (HE Intermediate) German

Plus one of the following modules:

SML1018 Introduction to Literature OR
SML1019 Introduction to Linguistics OR
SML1022 Introduction to Cultural Studies OR
GER1016 Deutschland zwischen 1871 und 1945

Spanish

SPA1071 Level B (HE Intermediate) Spanish

Plus one of the following modules:

SML1018 Introduction to Literature OR
SML1019 Introduction to Linguistics OR
SML1022 Introduction to Cultural Studies OR
SPA1019 Introduction to History, Culture and Society of the Iberian Peninsula

You'll broaden your knowledge with modules such as international finance and financial markets, global perspectives in managing people and organisations, and language and cross-cultural communication.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
International Finance and Financial Markets	20
Operations Management	20
Global Perspectives in Managing People and Organisations	20
Global Marketing	20

If you have not already selected 120 credits, you also take the following:

Language and Cross Cultural Communication

If you do not have an A Level (or equivalent) in a modern language you will also study the following based on your language choice:

French

Level B (HE Intermediate) French

German

Level B (HE Intermediate) German

Spanish

Level B (HE Intermediate) Spanish

Chinese

CHN2010 Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese

If you do have an A Level (or equivalent) in a modern language you will also study the following based on your language choice:

Chinese

Level C (HE Advanced) Chinese

French

Level C (HE Advanced) French

German

Level C (HE Advanced) German

Spanish

Level C (HE Advanced) Spanish

You spend this year abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken, studying at a partner university, undertaking a work placement, or possibly a combination of the two.

If you have studied Chinese, you must spend this year abroad studying at a partner university.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Business School Mobility	120

In your Stage 4, you'll study topics such as contemporary issues in international business management, and advanced global strategy. You'll also complete a dissertation and choose between international entrepreneurship and international business diplomacy.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
International Business Management Dissertation	40
Contemporary Issues in International Business Management	20
Advanced Global Strategy	20

If you do not have an A Level (or equivalent) in a modern language you will also study the following based on your language choice:

French

Level C (HE Advanced) French

Plus choose one from the following:

International Entrepreneurship
International Business Diplomacy

German

Level C (HE Advanced) German

Plus choose one from the following:

International Entrepreneurship
International Business Diplomacy

Spanish

Level C (HE Advanced) Spanish

Plus choose one from the following:

International Entrepreneurship
International Business Diplomacy

Chinese

Level C (HE Advanced) Chinese

If you do have an A Level (or equivalent) in a modern language you will also study the following based on your language choice:

Chinese

Level D (HE Further Advanced) Chinese

French

Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Advanced Writing Skills
Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Professional and Academic Purposes OR
Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Translating and Interpreting

Plus choose one from the following:

International Entrepreneurship
International Business Diplomacy

German

Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Advanced Writing Skills
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Professional and Academic Purposes OR
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Translating and Interpreting

Plus choose one from the following:

International Entrepreneurship
International Business Diplomacy

Spanish

Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Advanced Writing Skills
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Professional and Academic Purposes OR
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Translating and Interpreting

Plus choose one from the following:
International Entrepreneurship
International Business Diplomacy

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Throughout the programme, you'll benefit from a variety of teaching methods, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• language classes

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assessments

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

Skills and experience

Practical skills

Through our innovative business simulation, you'll experience all aspects of running a business, implementing the strategic decision making of a multinational company.

The International Entrepreneurship module will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and grow a small business internationally.

Business skills

In your final year, you can opt to complete a professional management consultancy project with a real client.

Research skills

Throughout your degree, you'll develop the research needed to explore and analyse the latest thinking on a range of core business topics.

In your final year, you'll call upon your research skills to complete a significant project focused on business practice.

Opportunities

Study abroad year

Experience life in another country by studying abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

A study abroad year is compulsory for students taking languages post A Level, to support your language learning.

You spend your year abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken, studying at a partner university, undertaking a work placement, or possibly a combination of the two.

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can choose to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place in Stage 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

Recent students have secured placements at companies including Banus Yachts, Spain, Swiss Crypto Advisors, Switzerland, and Aurelius Equities, Germany.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

This degree is run by our triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) Newcastle University Business School, based in our state-of-the-art building within the Newcastle Helix development – Newcastle's emerging business district.

You’ll benefit from a world-class business education and leave as a socially responsible graduate, ready to challenge conventional business thinking.

Find out more about Newcastle University Business School and our facilities

Support

Each degree offers you a stimulating curriculum and a supportive teaching and learning environment.

You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.

Your future

Benefit from excellent links with potential employers

We have excellent links with national and international organisations, allowing you to benefit from work placements, guest speakers, and networking opportunities.

Through these links, you'll have the chance to gain commercial experience through an optional paid work placement or a summer internship.

You'll also have plenty of opportunities to develop personal, employability, and enterprise skills that will make you highly employable amongst a diverse range of companies when you graduate. 

Join a network of successful graduates

According to the most recent data, 92% of our graduates were in work or study within six months*, in a diverse variety of roles, including graduate global risk consultant, brand manager, human resources graduate trainee, and regional junior finance analyst.

Recent graduates have secured roles at globally recognised companies, including:

• Barclays Bank
• EY
• British Airways
• Amazon
• KPMG
• Capita PLC
• Accenture
• Whitbread Plc

*Destinations of (undergraduate, UK and EU) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17

Employability at Newcastle

96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.

Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).

Make a difference

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Careers support

You'll have access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance your employability, including:

• a careers conference called Future Focus tailored to the stage of your degree
• interwoven employability provision
• access to a dedicated placement officer within the Business School who can help you find a work placement in your area of interest
• specialist careers and business start-up support from the University's award-winning Careers Service and the Business School's careers consultants
• career management sessions with a careers consultant
• work experience opportunities while studying with us
• Business School summer internship scheme

We're also one of 140 business schools worldwide to be accredited by the EQUIS scheme for our managerial and entrepreneurial skills development.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.

Read our detailed explanation

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£18600

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme). 

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

Read more about fees and funding

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages