International Business Management BSc Honours
- UCAS code: N121
- Full time
- 3-4 years
This International Business Management degree will prepare you for the ever-changing world of international business, with a global outlook and a 'no borders' approach to leadership. The four-year programme gives you the opportunity to complete a work placement or study abroad year.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This degree will prepare you for the diverse and challenging world of international business. You will develop the skills needed to manage the demands of operating across borders, and build your career in international, multinational or global companies.
You will also study the importance of sustainability in strategy – a key global business priority.
Studying a modern language
Developing proficiency in a modern language is an integral requirement of the degree. You can begin by studying a language at Entry or Intermediate Level. This will depend on your prior qualifications.
You may choose to study one of the following languages:
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Spanish
You can study at Entry Level if you have a GCSE in any Modern Foreign Language
You can study at Intermediate Level if you already have an A Level (or equivalent) in your chosen language of study.
We also offer a new three-year route for those wishing to study Chinese in Stage One and Two only. Students taking this route will transfer onto the BSc International Business Management and East Asian Studies. You will select 40 credits of cultural study (non-language) modules at Stage Three.
Study or work placement abroad
We highly recommend that you complete a year abroad between Stages Two and Three. This will allow you to develop your language skills and experience another culture. Taking a year abroad will extend your three-year degree to four years.
Students studying German, French or Spanish may take either:
- a study abroad year, or
- a work placement year (subject to visa restrictions)
Students studying Chinese
Students studying Chinese must study abroad. You cannot take a work placement. Study abroad will be for a minimum of one semester, and can be for up to one year.
If you opt to bypass the study abroad, you will be transferred to our new International Business Management and East Asian Studies pathway in your final year.
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
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, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
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.
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 One, you'll develop a good understanding of core areas of business, including:
- the key concepts of accounting and finance
- an overview of the international business environment
- the concepts and principles of business management and organisation
You'll study a modern language at Entry or Intermediate Level (depending on your previous qualifications).
Modules
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:
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
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 Introduction to German history, culture and society
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
Chinese
In Stage Two, you'll broaden your knowledge with modules covering topics such as:
- developments and issues in global financial markets
- the nature and importance of the management of people and organisations
- language and cross-cultural communication
You will continue to learn the language you studied at Stage One.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| International Finance and Financial Markets | 20 |
| Operations Strategy and 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 studied level A foreign language at Stage 1 you take one of the following modules following on from the language studied at Stage 1:
French
Level B (HE Intermediate) French
German
Level B (HE Intermediate) German
Spanish
Level B (HE Intermediate) Spanish
Chinese
Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese
If you studied level B foreign language at Stage 1 you take one of the following modules:
French
German
Spanish
Chinese
If you choose, between Stages Two and Three, you can spend this year abroad in a country where your chosen language is spoken. You'll study at a partner university or undertake a work placement.
If you studied your chosen language at Intermediate Level in Stage 1 and Advanced Level in Stage 2, a work placement or study abroad is compulsory in Stage 3.
If you studied your chosen language at Entry Level in Stage 1 and Intermediate Level in Stage 2, a work placement or study abroad in Stage 3 is optional but highly recommended.
If you're studying Chinese, study abroad is compulsory in Stage 3, regardless of the level of study. You cannot undertake a work placement. You will study at a School of Modern Languages partner university.
In your Final Stage , you'll continue to develop the language you studied at Stages One and Two.
If you have transferred onto the International Business Management and East Asian Studies BSc, you will study cultural (non-language) modules.
You'll study topics such as:
- perspectives on globalisation, multinational corporations, varieties of capitalism and international business
- global business strategy formulation and implementation
You'll also complete either:
- a International Business Management Dissertation; or
- a Management Research Briefing for Sustainable Organisational Futures
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Issues in International Business Management | 20 |
| Advanced Global Strategy | 20 |
You also take one of the following compulsory modules
Management Research Briefing for Sustainable Organisational Futures
International Business Management Dissertation
If you're taking German, French or Spanish pathways, you take one of the following modules:
International Entrepreneurship
International Human Resource Management
Tackling Social Issues via Social Ventures
If you studied level B foreign language at Stage 2, you take one of the following modules:
French
German
Spanish
Chinese
If you studied level C Chinese at Stage 2 you take the following compulsory module:
Chinese
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Chinese
If you studied level C foreign language at Stage 2 on a German, Spanish or French pathway, you take one of the following optional modules:
Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Language for Professional and Academic Purposes
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Language for Professional and Academic Purposes
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Language for Professional and Academic Purposes
OR
Level D (HE Further Advanced) French: Translation and Interpreting
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Spanish: Translation and Interpreting
Level D (HE Further Advanced) German: Translation and Interpreting
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.
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
- simulations
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Case studies
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Presentations
-
Projects
Skills and experience
Practical skills and hands-on experience
You will receive training on personal effectiveness. You'll develop your presentation skills and leadership abilities. You'll also identify ways to enhance your employability.
Real business skills
Throughout the programme, you will have a range of opportunities to develop contemporary skills for the international business environment. These include:
- digital skills
- communication skills, and
- data analysis skills
These are all designed to help you succeed in a modern workplace.
Research skills
You'll get a range of opportunities to develop your research skills as you progress on the programme.
In your final year, you'll call upon your research skills to complete a significant project focused on international business practice.
Opportunities
We highly recommend that you complete a year abroad between Stages 2 and 3. This could be a work placement or 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 for an organisation outside the UK. The placement must support you in developing the language you are studying as part of your degree. You will be responsible for securing the work placement but you'll receive University support from our dedicated team to help you along the way.
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:
- Clipper (Spain)
- Midi-Location (France),
- Brüning (Germany)
Placements are subject to availability and must be sourced by the student.
Please note: work placements are only available to students studying Spanish, French or German. Those studying Chinese may not take a work placement.
Find out more about work placements
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study 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.
You may choose to spend a year abroad as part of your degree in one of our partner institutions.
Students studying French, German or Spanish will spend two semesters studying business-related modules. These will be made available to exchange students by the partner institution. You can choose to either:
- select subjects to complement your Newcastle University degree, or
- gain new business related knowledge
Chinese language students will study at one of our School of Modern Language Chinese Language partner institutions with a focus on developing Chinese language skills.
Please note: students studying Chinese must take a study abroad year as part of this degree. If you choose not to take a year abroad, you will transfer onto the BSc International Business Management and East Asian Studies.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 4,000 students from over 85 countries. This valuable community extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 37,000 alumni in our network, spanning 152 countries
- leading professional and academics who are experts in their field
- businesses and partners in academe
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix - a landmark 24 acre hybrid city quarter. It brings together researchers, business and communities with the purpose of helping families, communities and cities around the world live healthier, longer, smarter, and easier lives.
We have two buildings – the Business School and the Frederick Douglass Centre. Both offer a range of purpose-build facilities, including.
- computer clusters housing over 120 PCs, plus open IT spaces for laptops
- seven large lecture theatres, plus a 750-seat auditorium – the largest in the University
- 25 seminar and teaching spaces, many with flexible furniture to accommodate learning
- a dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a mix of space for group work, individual study, or quiet study
- study pods, some with wall mounted screens, and bookable rooms for working in groups or individually
- a contemporary café, refurbished in 2025
- two dedicated hubs for employability support and events
- a Bloomberg lab with over 20 terminals, so you can experience a real trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
- a flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city and St. James’ Park, which doubles up as a large flexible teaching space
Accessibility
The Business School values individual differences and the diversity this brings. Our buildings are accessible and user friendly. We have a range of adjustments that can support you when moving around our buildings, such as lifts and accessible toilets.
We also have genderless toilets in the FDC.
Support
Your teaching and learning is supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peer mentors – fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.
- academics
- personal tutor – an academic member of staff to support with academic and personal issues
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
- wellbeing colleagues
- employability, graduate outcomes and placement and study abroad teams
Your future
Benefit from excellent links with potential employers
Newcastle University Business School has excellent links with national and international organisations. This allows you to benefit from:
- work placements
- guest speakers
- networking opportunities
Through these links, you'll have the chance to gain commercial experience. This could be through an optional paid work placement or a summer internship.
We work with a range of professional bodies. You'll learn from leading names in the industry and gain vital experience. You'll be able to network with potential employers.
You'll develop a range of personal, employability and enterprise skills. As a Newcastle University Business School graduate, you'll be highly employable to a diverse range of companies.
Join a network of successful graduates
Recent graduates have secured roles at globally-recognised companies, including:
- Barclays Bank
- EY
- British Airways
- Amazon
- KPMG
- Capita PLC
- Accenture
- Whitbread Plc
Industry links
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 but highly recommended 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.
Make a difference
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Careers support
Career development and employability are woven throughout our teaching, learning and student experience.
The School has dedicated employability support and career spaces in the School to support our students on their career journey. Find out more about our employability offer.
You'll have access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance your employability, including:
- the annual Careers Success Week event, tailored to different industry areas
- 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 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 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
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for academic year 2025-2026
See our ‘Home Fee Students’ and ‘International Fee Students’ information below for more information on tuition fee levels, fee status and inflationary fee increases.
| Qualification: BSc Honours | |
|---|---|
|
Home students full time 3-4 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
£9,535 |
|
International students full time 3-4 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
24400 |
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.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
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 UCASApply 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.
Get in touch
By phone
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