BA (Hons) International Business Management (Top Up)

Gain knowledge of the key concepts in the rapidly transforming international business environment and understand areas of global business, international strategic management, and global people management with our top-up course.

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Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: £ 9,535 per year (UK)
Full details
Course length: one year
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Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36

Understand the fundamentals of global business

Ideal for those with entrepreneurial passions or managerial goals

A practical, coursework-based degree focused on real life challenges

Business at Herts

Course overview

Immerse yourself in a global mindset and understand cross border commerce and trade. The BA (Hons) International Business Management (Top Up) course is designed to provide you with well-rounded skills in business and management covering aspects including international strategic management and global people management and organisations. There are a range of optional modules available based on your area of interest.

The level 6 one-year top-up course will provide you with a thorough understanding of business and management. The course prepares you for a career in international business and management and is perfect for you if you wish to add an global understanding to your existing higher education and aim for an expansive career.

Why choose this course?

Prepare to lead on a global stage with level 6 international business course. This course equips you with the skills to navigate the complexities of global commerce, from strategy to cross-cultural leadership. Learn from industry experts, engage with real-world business challenges, and unlock international career opportunities in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Top up your qualification: Top up your two-year foundation degree or diploma and join the final year of our international business course.

Develop a global perspective: Gain essential knowledge of international trade, global markets, and cross-cultural management, preparing you to thrive in a competitive, interconnected world

Learn from experts: You will be taught by highly qualified staff, most with a PhD or other advanced degree, plus research, teaching, or professional experience.

Strong employment prospects: 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).

Guest speakers and live projects will be featured in some modules and assessments. You’ll have the opportunity to network with employers and can join societies or form groups to take part in different UK-wide competitions such as the University Business Challenge.

Your future career

You’ll leave with a broad range of skills, useful in a wide range of international business management roles. You will graduate equipped with the cultural exposure and business acumen necessary to launch a successful global career.

Possible roles for employment for international business graduates include:

business development manager
business administrator
marketing executive
strategy consultant
sales manager
project manager

Whilst at University, you will get the support to enhance your CV through personal development opportunities, both domestically and internationally.

What you'll study

In this international business management top up degree you will study a good mix of theoretical knowledge and useful, transferrable skills taught in person and using self-study materials. You will be encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively with your peers.

The top-up course will prepare you for a career in international business management via a variety of teaching and learning techniques, whether that is lectures, workshops, or tutorials. You’ll have core and optional modules within the course, with a variety of topics covered including marketing, data management, digital economy, and finance with entrepreneurship.

The assessment landscape includes a mixture of assignment types including essays, exams and presentations as well as business and insight reports.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Issues in Global Economy	15 Credits	Optional
This module explores the fundamental economic changes in the global economy and their implications for both developed and developing economies. It addresses a range of issues related to changes in international production, global financial structures, trade patterns, global governance and economic development. The aim of trade and development is to deliver increases in wealth and economic well-being but the extent to which poverty and average income are improved are considered by exploring these aspects and income distribution in selected countries and cases. For example, the clothing industry and the extent to which working conditions and incomes are being positively impacted, as well as the extent to which such globalised supply chains conform to ethical practices. Other significant factors in driving global economic change are also explored, such as migration and the environmental impact of development, through considering selected cases e.g., the car industry and the development of cleaner, electric vehicles.
Social Networking and Enterprise	15 Credits	Optional
Social networking is a rapidly growing phenomenon, and it is one of the most influential media in web technology today. Hundreds of companies globally use social media to gain credibility, foster employee relationships, build a forum for communication with customers and, often, to boost sales. Businesses receive inquiries directly from consumers and other businesses without advertising, which results in lower costs and higher conversion rates. Therefore, this module explores insights of the social networking sites and opportunities they present for organisations.
Financial Aspects of International Business	15 Credits	Optional
The international financial system. Foreign exchange rate theories. Foreign exchange risk- definitions. Managing foreign exchange risk - techniques. Devising a hedging strategy. Direct foreign investment risk management.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity	15 Credits	Optional
Students first gain insights into the role and importance of entrepreneurs and the traits, attitudes, and skills they possess. A wide range of theoretical models and frameworks will be considered, evaluated and critiqued. They then learn about the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation for organisations to continue to prosper, to remain competitive and for economic growth. Students will consider what drives innovation, including creativity, evolving human needs, technology, and changes in the competitive and macro environments. Students will creatively explore how to develop products and services, including planning how to turn an innovative idea into commercial/social reality.
Applied Business Project	15 Credits	Optional
The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate and undertake an industry-related project for a business problem and establish through the use of business models and techniques and secondary research, a report with recommendations. It will prepare students for business projects in the workplace where they will need to use a variety of concepts learnt on different aspects of their programme on projects allocated to them. Students will initially work in teams to discuss and evaluate the project and will apply business concepts to the project in order to present their initial findings. Further individual investigation and research will be undertaken in order to develop a report with conclusions and viable recommendations based on rigorous and in-depth secondary research.
Databases for Strategic Decision Making	15 Credits	Optional
The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate the data requirements of a business problem and establish, through the use of data modelling tools, the structure of the database. A complete database design and development process will be undertaken and documented, to include entity relationship diagrams, data dictionary, development using SQL, testing and evidence of SQL code being used to create queries. A very practical module which develops students business analysis skills as they develop a logical database design model based on a set of requirements. The acquisition of skills in database design concepts and SQL exposes students in a very practical way to the means by which information is extracted from databases and manipulated for presentation to the user, underpinning a more theoretical understanding of information requirements at different levels of management decision-making.
Professional Development for the Workplace	15 Credits	Optional
In this module, students analyse the interrelationship between the learning that they have gained on their programme, and the applicability of the knowledge and skills that they have acquired to the challenges of the workplace. Through their work, students will have opportunities to apply and critically evaluate academic theories and current business school research. Work-based learning opportunities include: placement, part-time work, internship, project work, involvement in research or volunteering.
Digital Economy	15 Credits	Optional
Topics will include - Definition of digital economy; Development of digital economy; Digital economy as part of the total company profile; Approaches to digital economy; Internal and external effects of digital economy; International methods of digital economy; Strategic advantage and barriers/ challenges faced through the adoption of digital economy. This will include the impact on the environment as well as the threats to a company s digital operation and assets and ways to avoid and mitigate against these. UK and EU legislation specific to a company s digital world will also be explored.
Global Marketing	15 Credits	Optional
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, knowledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies and build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners and also consider the ethical implications of a range of global marketing strategies. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments, suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms.
International Strategic Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to issues and challenges around strategic and ethical decision-making at the business and corporate level from a global perspective. Particular attention will be made to the influences of sustainability and corporate social responsibility on strategic planning and how they are incorporated. Students will learn a range of analytical tools and techniques for conducting a strategic analysis and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The focus of this module is the application of theory to practice, giving students the knowledge, skills and experience to be work ready in the strategic environment after graduation. These involve effective teamworking, analytical and critical research skills, and professionalism.
Global People Management and Organisations	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module aims to provide insights into HRM practices in an international context. Exploring the convergence and divergence of employment systems, the module aims to enhance an understanding of the challenges of IHRM and the external forces that frame it. It considers the patterns, practices, and theories of HRM within a global context. It is particular the content is looking at different HR practices in a global content and will consider a critical examination of HRM theories and models, to overcome challenges. Students will enhance their understanding of the influence of internal and external factors in IHRM and critically evaluate the theories to overcome these issues.

What if I need support?

You'll benefit from dedicated support teams within the Business School, including Academic Support, Wellbeing, and a personal tutor who will assist you in adjusting to the demands of university learning and living.

Additional support is available from our Student Success team, which focuses on inclusive learning, as well as our dedicated Future Success network, which helps with work experience, placements, and graduate jobs.

You can join and engage with the Business School Student Voice community, consisting of a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure the effectiveness of teaching.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is available to all Business School students, offering additional support in areas such as academic writing, numeracy, and referencing.

Where you'll study

You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. Further support is also available through online self-study material.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in comfort.

The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

Learn from a diverse range of experts and specialist practitioners with a wealth of experience from years in professional and research-related roles across all aspects of business management.

Hear their real-world experiences to deepen your understanding of the theory and provide relatable knowledge.

Your teaching team includes published authors – both in journals and books – who are experts in their fields. You'll also benefit from business leaders who have held senior roles at large corporate organisations alongside international researchers.

Working together, the teaching and support team will be available to help you reach your true potential.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical Foundation degree offer	Foundation degree with an average 50%
Typical HND offer	HND with merit grade and 90 points at level 5

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. Comparable qualifications with the equivalent of 240 UK credits at Level 4 and Level 5 with a minimum of 120 credits at Level 5 OR Non-cognate qualification equivalent to NQF Level 5 with an academic score greater than 70% or CC or above for BTEC/SQA HND.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

Comparable qualifications with the equivalent of 240 UK credits at Level 4 and Level 5 with a minimum of 120 credits at Level 5 OR Non-cognate qualification equivalent to NQF Level 5 with an academic score greater than 70% or CC or above for BTEC/SQA HND.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
January 2025	Full time	Apply with Herts
September 2025	Full time	Apply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Apply online and get an instant response

Click to call or dial 0300 303 6300

Find out more before you apply

Our Clearing hotline is open Monday – Thursday, 09:00 – 16:45, and Friday 09:00 – 15:45. To apply you will need your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,535 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) International Business Management (Top Up)	Download PDF

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) International Business Management (Top Up)	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 1 Years

BA (Hons) International Business Management (Top Up)

Gain knowledge of the key concepts in the rapidly transforming international business environment and understand areas of global business, international strategic management, and global people management with our top-up course.

Typical offer:

Fees: £ 9,535 per year (UK)

Course length: one year

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

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Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield