Course Overview
Course summary
Globalisation has enabled companies to become better connected, able to target international customers, develop a worldwide supply chain and attract a multicultural workforce. Our degree will prepare you to respond proactively and creatively to the opportunities and risks presented by international business and the challenges of the global business environment – from cultural, legal and economic perspectives.
Today, almost all companies, involved in anything from the sale of physical goods to services such as finance, marketing and construction, are affected by global events and competition. Exciting opportunities exist for graduates with a cross-cultural perspective who can operate with confidence, adapt and successfully negotiate increasingly complex internal and external global environments.
On our course, you’ll have a truly global learning experience, studying alongside staff and students from all over the world. We also try to provide as many opportunities as possible for you to hear direct from our alumni, who have established successful international careers in sectors as diverse as human resources, IT, law and finance.
You’ll be studying in the heart of London, one of the world’s major cities and international business hubs, and can also choose to spend a year living, studying and/or working abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe, Asia, Australia or the USA. This will give you a valuable insight into another country’s learning experience and broader cultural environment.
A broad internationally-focused curriculum covers business essentials, such as finance, culture, marketing, logistics and operations. A large range of optional modules – covering everything from digital business to international financial management and international business law – means you can tailor your studies each year.
Real-world case studies, guest speakers and occasional site visits will help you relate your learning to practice – for example, when learning about international project management, previous students visited the Olympic Park and the University’s Vice Chancellor gave a talk sharing experiences from his personal involvement with the Olympic Delivery Authority.
Top reasons to study with us
- Programmes are delivered by a multicultural and international teaching body, who come from professional practice and/or regularly publish in top international journals
- Participate in Westminster Working Cultures trips to understand working cultures within businesses abroad, which in the past have included Berlin, Mumbai and Washington DC
- Extend your learning and your international experience by taking part in an overseas Summer School. Past venues include ESCE, Paris, Copenhagen Business School, and Inha University, South Korea
- Option to spend one year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions or gain valuable work experience, or a combination of both, for example, one student studied at Copenhagen Business School and then worked at Volkswagen in Germany
- Opportunity to study a foreign language as an optional module in each year of study
- Access to one of the largest financial databases in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg virtual trading room
- Guest lectures from industry practitioners have previously included speakers from IBM, Tableau, Coca Cola and LinkedIn
Course structure
This course is designed to provide a solid foundation in business management, with a focus on the opportunities and challenges of conducting business across borders. In the first year, you will study five core modules and choose one option module. In the second and third year, you’ll take four core modules, choosing one option and one elective module. If you're interested in learning a new language or developing one of your current languages, our Polylang programme offers eight major languages to choose from.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
You are introduced to essential business topics spanning marketing and communications, finance, management and the global business environment. From the start of your course, we’ll prepare you to conduct and interpret research, an important foundational skill for your final year dissertation and developing analytical and report-writing skills that will benefit you throughout your working life. In semester 1, you will take part in several employability activities outside the course timetable, which will enhance your career aspiration focus. These activities will add up to 17 hours and can include course- and university-wide organised events as well as virtual internships and short courses.
Subjects of study include:
- Communication for Global Business
- Foundations of Accounting and Finance
- Global Business Environment
- Introduction to Management
- Marketing for International Business
Your sixth module at this level is one that you can select from university-wide elective modules. This module can broaden your knowledge or skills and can be a foreign language.
Credit Level 4
You will critically evaluate how businesses operate and how people in organisations interact, with a specific focus on international relationships. At this level, you will study International Project Management as it is important for you to further develop your project management skills to bring into use in your assessments in this and the next level. Another core module requires you to participate in 35 hours of employability activities related to the module and to the development of your career aspirations.
Subjects of study include:
- International Business Practice
- International Organisational Behaviour
- International Project Management
In semester 2, you choose two options from four: Digital Business, International Business Law, Ethics and Social Responsibility in Marketing, and International Financial Analysis. Your sixth module at this level is one that you can select from university-wide elective modules. This module can broaden your knowledge or skills and can be a foreign language. Alternatively, in place of the option modules listed above, you may be able to take the WBS Semester Abroad Experience (subject to eligibility) or the WBS semester-long Work Placement.
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or exchange study year
Between Years 2 and 3 you may choose to study English-taught courses for a year at one of our overseas partner institutions. Currently, you can take a Year Abroad studying (or combining work and study) in Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris, and other locations including Brisbane, Sydney (Australia), Hong Kong, Japan, Canada and the USA. There are also many opportunities for those with appropriate language skills to study in the local language in France, Germany and Spain, among others. You can also choose to split your year abroad into a first semester exchange and a second semester work placement, both conducted overseas, or undertake a business placement year overseas.
Alternatively, between Years 2 and 3 you can undertake a one-year, full-time business placement as a Professional Experience Year within the UK. Past students have completed placements in a variety of prestigious organisations, including Barclays Bank, British Airways, Disney UK, IBM and the NHS, as well as in smaller businesses.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
In the final year, you’ll further develop your research skills by studying research methods in semester 1. In semester 2, you’ll then complete your dissertation on an international business topic. This helps to showcase to future employers your self-motivation, ability to prioritise time and resources to meet deadlines, deal with pressure effectively, apply your own informed perspective, and to prepare a cogent analysis based on clearly articulated evidence. For example, one of our previous students chose to research Middle East supply chains in the FMCG (Fast-moving Consumer Goods) sector, while another looked at faux luxury goods in China.
Subjects of study include:
- International Political Economy
- Strategic Perspectives
- International Business Research
- International Business Dissertation
Plus one option from: Comparative International Management, International Financial Management, and Global Marketing Management. Your sixth module at this level is one that you can select from university-wide elective modules. This module can broaden your knowledge or skills and can be a foreign language.
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
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Careers
This course will help you develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities to respond proactively and creatively to contemporary business issues and the challenges of the global business environment. This will make you an attractive prospect for UK-based companies that wish to gain an employee with the added value of depth of knowledge of the communication in, and cultural context, of a particular international environment; and to employers based abroad who wish to gain an employee with expertise in international business with the added value of the ability to communicate in English and/or knowledge of the UK business environment.
On graduation, you could pursue careers in the main business-related professions within private business, public or third sector organisations or create your own business opportunities. Past graduates of this degree have found successful employment in diverse sectors such as international business development, business consultancy, investment banking, human resource management, logistics, events management and marketing. They can be found working all over the world: as an Influencer Marketing Manager at JUNIQE in Berlin, Germany; a senior analyst at PFC, Milano, Italy; a tax and financial advisor trainee at RsA - Asia Tax Advisors in Shanghai, China; a creative senior associate for TED Conferences, New York City, USA; a quality analyst for due diligence at Dow Jones' Barcelona office, Spain; and a global mobility consultant at Mercer, here in London.
Increasing numbers of our students progress to further study on graduation: either taking professional qualifications or proceeding to a specialist Master’s degree.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Develop your innovation and entrepreneurial skills
Develop your innovation and entrepreneurial skills in The Big Idea competition, sponsored by Santander.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
Westminster Business School is one of London’s leading centres for business education based in the heart of London and its political, media and financial services scene. Staff who currently teach on this course have extensive professional experience in public and private sectors both in the UK and overseas. Their research interests cover strategy development and implementation, competitive advantage, innovation, international marketing, emerging markets, diversity issues in employment and sustainability. We maintain excellent links with our alumni, many of whom repeatedly return to the University to share their experiences with current students.
Job roles
The course will prepare you for a wide variety of roles in business. Examples of these from our recent graduates are:
- Account executive
- Business development executive
- Business partner
- Business sales executive
- Global mobility consultant
- Graduate trainee (commercial/international)
- International recruitment officer
- Senior talent coordinator
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- American Express
- Bloomberg LP
- BT
- Debenhams
- Deloitte
- Euveris Aerospace GmbH
- Sparta Global
- Mercer
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leaders
Course Team
Business and Management Courses
Learn more about Westminster's Business and Management courses from our students. Find out about their experience studying at Westminster, including what it's like to study at the University's Marylebone campus in the heart of central London.
Why study this course?
Combine theory and practice
Link theory to global practice through real-life case studies, guest lectures, field trips and insight from one of the world’s largest financial databases.
Professional software
Enhance your digital literacy and computer skills industry-standard software including Excel, Tableau, Bloomberg, and Fame.
Build connections
Build connections with peers and future business leaders.
What our graduates say
Harry Whiston
International Business BA (Hons)
I found learning about team-working, research skills and public speaking invaluable. Once you get into the real world, it is very unlikely that you will be working alone. Doing a year abroad at the University of Bologna in Italy was a great opportunity, experience and achievement. I am now working as a Quality Analyst for Due Diligence at Dow Jones' Barcelona office.
The great thing about the degree was that it was quite broad and you could take it into whatever pathway you wanted
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D*
- Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Develop your creativity
Develop your creativity to think outside the box.
Learn to critically evaluate
Learn to critically evaluate the strategies that managers use to help organisations adapt in an uncertain or complex environment.
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your problem-solving skills to better understand and tackle people management issues.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
What our students say
Lara Olivia Browne
International Business BA
I chose the University of Westminster because the opportunities sparkled with promise, and its location in a lively city made me feel at home. Having lived abroad most of my life, the course International Business combined my love for culture and learning, and the assignments allowed me to explore interests across numerous industries and topics.
Studying in London has been an unforgettable experience, with the city overflowing with events and the chance to meet diverse individuals; for me, there has never been a dull moment!
Student work
If you’re studying international business, chances are you see yourself working for an international company and maybe even living or working abroad. What better way to enhance your studies, than by learning a new language? Our Polylang programme enables you to develop your language skills further in each year of study or you can opt to take a different language each year. You'll enhance your employability and career progression prospects (74% of British employers look for candidates who have at least conversational language skills in a foreign language, according to a Confederation of British Industry survey) and it’ll help you gain an insight into new cultures and ways of seeing the world.
International Business BA student Sarah Amin spent her year abroad in the country of the language she was studying. Describing it as a life-changing experience, she said: “Living there I found myself immersed in a city of old and new, deep colours, rich cultures, authentic foods and great people – I mingled with local students who helped me to jump a few levels of fluency , as well as inviting me into their homes so that I could see what the country is all truly about. I also opted to work a few hours voluntarily with refugee children from Iraq and Syria.
International Business BA student Egland Dede started to learn German during his first year at the University. “I chose German as an elective module as I want in the future to study in Germany for a Master’s,” he explained. “Also, Germany is one of the main moving economic powers in Europe, which in my opinion makes it more appealing for an international business student. As a class representative, I had the chance to talk with representatives from all the departments of the Polylang programme. The teaching staff have been great – a tip for students that want to study German, you will not want to miss a single class when you meet Heiner!”
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
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