BA (Hons) International Business (Top Up)
Business Studies at USW is rated top in Wales for teaching and learning opportunities. National Student Survey 2022
Specifically designed for students who may have already obtained a HND or equivalent qualification, this International Business degree allows you to top up to a full bachelor degree in less than a year.
The BA (Hons) International Business degree gives focus to the increasingly globalised world we live in. Having a good understanding of the key aspects of doing business on a global scale will certainly give you an advantage in the workplace.
During your studies, you will gain a better understanding of how international trade works and learn about the different issues facing global business, including how this might affect the traditional business management functions such as marketing, human resources and purchasing and supply.
During this one year International Business course, you will examine core aspects of business such as business strategy and communication in a global context, whilst also getting the chance to conduct an investigation into a business problem that allows you to apply your business acumen to a real life scenario.
As part of the International Business course you will also undertake a specialist module on international culture and communication which will allow you to explore the role culture plays in shaping organisational communication.
Core business modules:
- International Business
- Business Strategy
- Business Research Project
- Applied Management
- International Culture and Communications
- HRM 4.0 and the Future of Work
Teaching
There are some traditional lectures, but the majority of your learning will rely on interactive seminars, supported by online study materials. We also arrange an induction programme, so you can get to know your tutors and other students before you start studying and hit the ground running on the first day of term. You will use the latest real-life data and case studies to help you learn, making your studies as relevant as possible to what you will experience in the workplace.
Assessment
You will usually have to complete coursework as you progress, and normally sit exams at the end of each academic year.
Successful completion of a HND in Business Studies or Business & Accounting, a Foundation Degree in Business Studies, Service Sector Management or Retail Management, or an equivalent qualification e.g. a Diploma in Higher Education or ILM Leadership and Management (Level 5).
Consideration will be made on an individual basis for alternative qualifications and/or relevant experience providing students can demonstrate sufficient related knowledge and understanding to equip them for level 6 study in a business discipline. Applicants will need to demonstrate 240 credits (or equivalent) and the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy may feature in the decision to offer a place on the course.
For international students, information can be found on the University’s website and international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £9000
Full-time International: £14100
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
August 2025 - July 2026 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Additional assessment or memberships | £50 | If students want to apply to sit examinations outside the UK and Ireland, there is 50 pounds administration fee per venue. Details can be found from the University link: http://sasstudent.southwales.ac.uk/examinations/overseas/ |
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
UK students
Apply via UCAS if you are a UK residing applicant, applying for year 1 of a full-time undergraduate degree, Foundation Year, Foundation Degree or HND and you have not applied through UCAS before. If you are applying to study part-time, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution, please apply directly.
International and EU students
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK by selecting ‘BA (Hons) International Business (Top Up)’ on the application form.
If your circumstances dictate that you are unable to study in person, there is also an option to study the course through a virtual learning route in September 2021. To apply for the virtual learning route select ‘BA (Hons) International Business (Top-Up) Virtual Learning Option’ on the application form.
This international business course is designed to further enhance your employability by adding to your existing portfolio of qualifications and skills. Topping up a HND qualification (or equivalent) provides you with a great base to pursue a career in business whilst also having the opportunity to gain access to various professional bodies in business.
Recognising the need for our graduates to be able to stand out in a competitive jobs market, the University of South Wales has developed a series of employability initiatives that exist within each academic Faculty. Due to the very nature of business, knowledge and skills gained by studying the subject can be applied to any sector or industry that interests you, providing you with a wide and varied choice of career options.
Our Careers and Employability Service
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
Graduate Stories
Highlight Stories
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.