Undergraduate Course
International Business BA (Hons)
Explore the global business environment and gain the knowledge and skills you will need for a career in the international arena.
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The increasing globalisation of business means that managers with an international perspective are in high demand. This course will prepare you for work in national, international and multi-national companies with involvement and experiences in International Trade competitions.
Please note accreditations may be subject to change, and are dependent on fulfilling the awarding bodies criteria.
York campus
- UCAS code – N125 (N127 with placement year)
- Duration – 3 years full time, 4 years full time with placement
- Start date – September 2025, September 2026
- School – York Business School
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2025 entry £9,535 per year full time
International 2025 entry £12,100 per year full time
Application Support Session
Tuesday 21 January 2025, online
Book a place on our UCAS January Deadline Application Support Session. You'll hear from our Admissions team, get guidance on your application and be able to ask us questions about York St John.
Discover International Business
Dr Bob Gammie introduces us to the International Business course at York St John University.
Course overview
Businesses in the 21st century face constant changes that impact upon their success. Developments in innovation, advances in technology, economic fluctuations, political movements and social shifts all present issues that businesses must respond to.
As globalisation makes the business environment more competitive and challenging, organisations need highly skilled employees. This degree will help you to develop essential business skills in preparation for your future career.
Learn how businesses operate and how skilled managers can contribute to their success. Whether you are thinking of setting up your own business, working in a large corporation, the public sector or the tourist industry, this course will help you achieve your goals.
On this course you will have the opportunity to take your learning beyond the classroom, we offer you the opportunity to visit to the Houses of Parliament to further your understanding of the role government takes in international business.
From legislation to foreign policy, the decisions made in government, both in the UK and Abroad, affect businesses operating internationally and this will be a key area of understanding for your studies and career beyond.
As with all of our Business courses, you have the option to go on a placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree. You can also choose to study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities. York St John University has connections with institutions across the globe including in the USA, Australia and Europe.
As a Business School we are passionate about social responsibility and sustainability. These values and this commitment will be embedded throughout this course. We are a Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatory for the United Nations. Our mission is to develop your potential so that you can make a difference in society.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.
In your first year, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will examine the nature of business enterprise, its relationship with wider society and what it means to be a responsible business. We will explore ideas including:
- Stakeholder theory
- The triple bottom line
- Corporate social responsibility
- Business ethics
- The role of the state
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Explore the exciting and increasingly complex work of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. You will gain an understanding of how a business interacts with its environment. On this module you will investigate modern discussions about entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. You will investigate theories relating to the business environment. From these, you will develop your ability to analyse and address different managerial issues.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will gain specialist insight into the issues that impact upon international business, with a focus on profit making enterprises. You will explore case studies and live examples as part of your studies. Areas we will cover include:
- Theories of the international firm
- The impact of the external environment
- Competition in the global marketplace
- Global issues in international business
- Challenges, strategies, and future considerations
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
In the age of Big Data, analytics is becoming a necessity in all areas of business. It is an essential tool to drive managerial decisions and sustain competitive advantage. You will consider the importance of visualising and understanding data, and representing data so it can be used for decision making. You will also examine the importance of big data in today’s business environment and the increasing significance of Blockchain.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn the ways in which human, financial and physical resources are managed within a business organisation. You will develop your understanding of the importance of effective resource management. Such resources may include:
- Financial resources
- Inventory
- Human skills
- Production
- Information technology
You will explore:
- The principles of purchasing and supply
- Methods of planning
- The fundamentals of management accounting
- Information technology and systems
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the key principles of politics and how these affect individuals and organisations. You will learn how the priorities and choices of political institutions and power structures have a significant impact upon a range of social and economic activity. Areas we will cover include:
- Political ideas and ideologies
- Democracy and Legitimacy
- The role of the state and nationalism (EU)
- Political economy and globalisation
- Representation and the party system (lobby groups)
- Society, culture, and media
Year 2
In your second year you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules and 1 optional module in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn to analyse the theoretical and practical aspects of international financial markets. You will also learn about the development and current state of the international monetary system. We will investigate theories of exchange rate determination in relation to historical and current events. You will go on to use these theories and address issues around the development of international financial crises in order to further understand the impact they have on the wider economy.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will draw together knowledge from other business areas, including organisational studies, strategy, marketing, human resources management, and finance management. You will learn how to identify and apply cultural issues in the highly complex international business environment. You will explore how to define culture and review its various classifications in the world of business, assessing its role in business theories. We will investigate a variety of conceptual and practical issues relating to culture at different levels of analysis, including national, industry, corporate, and individual.
Areas we will cover include:
- How to define culture
- The importance of culture in different international business contexts
- Key dimensions of culture in a national, industry, corporate and individual level
- The role of culture in various business theories
- The impact of culture in multicultural organisation management
- Managing intercultural conflicts
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore major issues linked with the development and implementation of international business strategies. You will study the impact of globalisation in terms of innovation and concepts of sustainability, along with investigating various theories related to multinational enterprise (MNE).
Areas we will cover include:
- The purpose of business strategy
- Issues surrounding foreign market entry, business strategy, organisational structure, and global sourcing
- Development of theories and concepts from the discipline
- Internationalisation of value chain functions
- The application of traditional strategic analysis to global contexts
- Decision making in the context of risk, reward, control and resources
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Organisations need to understand how and why data is acquired, and have the ability to collect, analyse and interpret it. On this module you will learn about quantitative and qualitative research methods and how to use them to your work. We will help you develop skills in data collection, analysis and reporting your findings. You will also develop your project planning and management skills as a way to manage the research process.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Enhance your future employability by experiencing the workplace. We have designed this module to help you develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in different areas related to your career. You will engage with issues such as:
- Career decision making
- The recruitment cycle
- Applying for jobs
- Interviewing
As part of this module you will embark on a work placement or business project in a group, or individually.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module aims to develop you into a confident, enterprising and creative graduate who will be able to cope with the ever changing business environment, recognise opportunities and to take responsible and measured risks. This is a very practical module. Starting with an initial idea, you will explore and assess a business opportunity and present a feasible business concept. Working alone or in groups, you will develop skills in collecting, analysing and organising ideas and information.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
International trade is extremely controversial. It is thought to be the engine of much worldwide economic prosperity. It is also blamed for inequality between countries and for the rise of populism and nationalism in some parts of the world. On this module we will investigate these controversies. This will help you understand the patterns of international trade, the forces that produce these patterns, and how they impacts different people. Ideas from economic theory, business strategy and political economy will help you to develop this understanding.
Year 3
In your third year you will study:
- A compulsory dissertation module across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Optional Placement Year
As with all of our Business courses, you have the option to go on a placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree. If you choose not to do a full year, you can do a shorter placement module in Year 2. You can also choose to study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
This module is your chance to plan and conduct a piece of independent research. You will be able to choose from the following projects:
- Traditional dissertation: Plan and conduct a piece of independent research. Present your findings in a writing.
- Business Research Project: Complete a small scale piece of individual research work.
- Consultancy Project: Work with industry professionals and investigate a business project and produce a research based report.
- Business creation project: Develop a full business proposal and plan. Use primary and secondary research to support your work.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
The requirement for effective strategic management is increasing due to the highly complex environments in which most private and public sector organisations currently exist. The study of organisational strategy includes theory and practice from a broad range of business sectors. You will investigate concepts introduced in earlier modules and you will develop your critical understanding of these topics and their relationships.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will gain an understanding of the activities of multinational corporations (MNCs) in emerging economies. You will investigate the differences and realities MNCs face in emerging markets. We will consider how corporations can improve their chances of being successful in these economies and how multinationals in the world economy are no longer dominated by MNCs from the developed world. This includes assessing how companies based in emerging economies differ from those based in developed economies and how they have conquered leading positions in many industries.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will gain a detailed knowledge of marketing theory and operations at an international level. An understanding of international marketing is particularly important when considering contemporary management issues, such as cultural diversity and strategic decision making. You will develop your understanding of the international context of marketing and particular issues that affect marketing decision making and planning at this level. We will introduce you to the complexities of international marketing practice by analysing product development, branding and market entry strategies in different international contexts.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will have the opportunity to analyse and evaluate the connection between politics and economics on an international level. You will engage with key aspects of International Political Economy, with a focus on how differences in growth and development arise due to the unique circumstances that characterise specific regions around the world.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
All of your modules will be delivered using a variety of different teaching sessions. This includes:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Guest speakers
- Workshops
- Events
Each module has 3.5 hours of contact time a week. This consists of a 1.5 hour lecture and a 2 hour seminar. 1 to 1 time can be booked through our tutorial booker system.
You will have regular individual tutorial sessions with your academic tutors to support your learning. You will also have opportunities to gain work experience through modules which take your learning beyond the classroom and into the city.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
We use a wide variety of assessment types, which help you to develop skills relevant to the workplace. This includes:
- Written assignments
- Individual and group presentations
- Exams
- Practical activities
You will receive feedback on your work throughout each module. This will help you to improve your work for your graded assessments. We will advise you on developing your skills, useful areas for research and how to extend your business knowledge further.
Professional skills
We encourage you to extend your learning through Continuing Professional Development as you study. Our Success Lab provides extra events, short courses and opportunities to help you make the most of your degree. The academic and professional skills you develop through this will help to boost your employability when you graduate.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in International Business
This course will give you the knowledge you need to succeed in a range of business roles. The skills you develop in analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making are also transferrable to a variety of other career paths.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Business development manager
- Compliance officer
- External auditor
- Financial trader
- Marketing executive
- Supply chain manager
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate courses at York St John University
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
This course is available with foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Advanced entry
Considering transferring to join us in year 2 or 3 of our Business Courses? Please see our Advanced Entry page for information on the courses available and how to apply.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for a degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK).
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may be increased in line with inflation, prior to the start of each academic year, and subject to the fee cap set by the UK government. Such increases to fees will be at the Retail Price Index (RPI) forecast rate, as advised by the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Office for Students. The only exception to this would be where government legislation deems otherwise.
If a rise in the tuition fee becomes necessary, we will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible and we will explain the reason(s) for the increase. Any tuition fee increase will only be applied from the start of the next academic year and will not be applied 'in year'.
UK 2025 entry
The tuition fee for 2025 entry onto this course is £9,535 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2025 entry £9,535 per year full time
International 2025 entry £12,100 per year full time
International 2025 entry
The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this course is £12,100 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree.
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include a DBS check, purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Success Lab
This is a 3 year programme of events and short courses that runs alongside your degree. It has been developed in partnership with leading graduate recruiters and industry leaders.
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Social responsibility
York Business School is a proud signatory of PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education). This is a United Nations initiative seeking to inspire and champion responsible management globally.
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Learn through experience
Start building your experience in international business with opportunities outside of the classroom, some examples are industry placements, studying abroad and a visit to the houses of parliament and international trade competitions. Apply yourself and develop your learning with opportunities to work with some of the leading businesses in many fields and sizes.
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Bhoomi International Business
I have always been interested in businesses and knowing about how they work. The best thing about this course is that it covers all the modules that you think you might need to understand the working of businesses internationally. There is a placement module in the second year which I feel is the best part as it will help me gain some great experience.
Charles International Business
Everything I study is applicable in the current climate, and helps prepare me for future business changes. Careers advisors are incredibly insightful and proactive in helping me network for future opportunities (work and study). I am employed by the Uni as a student ambassador, and many parts of this role are set up to prepare me for independent work in the future. Topics I cover in my studies are onwards looking so I feel prepared for the workplace I am about to enter.
Heather International Business
The lectures in International Business are amazing. Nothing is too much trouble. YSJ are always looking ahead by providing and changing new courses, adapting learning, building new facilities on campus and always listening to student voices. Whenever you’re in need YSJ are always there to help. The friendly atmosphere and positive community made my university experience much more than what I expected.
More to explore
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Join us in 2025
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Open Days
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