The past twenty years have seen massive changes in the way in which firms of all sizes, in almost every industry, have acquired an international dimension to their operations. Few firms are unaffected by this: corner shops must locate and stock the favourite foods of an increasingly diverse international clientele; suppliers of goods for tiny niche markets find that their businesses are transformed as internet-based platforms like eBay and Amazon allow them to attract customers from across the world; major electronics or clothing corporations must tap into newly capable suppliers and increasingly affluent customers in emerging economies. Multinationals are expanding into new markets – and facing competition at home from multinationals based in those emerging countries, with new, often low-cost, business models. 

The BA International Business at UEL aims to provide students with up-to-date knowledge, a range of theoretical tools, the rigorous analytical skills and the practical understanding to enable them to participate in this challenging but fascinating world. It explores every aspect of international business: the factors that drive firms to internationalise; the impact of multinationals on the countries that play host to them – and how those companies are affected by exposure to these diverse cultures; the challenges of managing people and supply chains spread across the globe, and with different cultures and ways of working; the challenges of adapting to customers whose varying cultural and religious backgrounds mean that their expectations in respect of what their purchases will do, and what constitutes good customer service, will be different from what is commonplace in the company’s home country. It does this from the perspective of both large and small firms. 

The programme is designed for people interested in a career in a multinational firm, in internationalising their family firm or in starting their own, internationally active, business. Candidates interested, not just in business but also in how business shapes, and is shaped by, the cultures and institutions that surround it, will find the programme particularly stimulating.

Our programme is delivered by a dedicated and enthusiastic team of (with very few exceptions) permanent lecturers who are experts in their fields. They draw on their experience from a wide range of countries. 

You have exceptional opportunities to gain first-hand experience of understanding different cultures and working with people with different backgrounds. The students on the programme come to UEL from around the world – some 40% are from outside the UK. And we encourage you to spend one semester in one of our 15 or so partner universities in Asia, Europe or the Americas. 

Our programme is taught at the Royal Docks Business School’s state-of-the-art Docklands Campus, within easy reach of the City of London and Canary Wharf. This gives us the opportunity to incorporate visits to, and from, multinational companies as well as links to internationally active organisations such as London City Airport, the ExCel exhibition centre and the O₂ arena.

The BA International Business is offered as a Single Honours, Joint, Major or Minor award and is normally completed in three years full-time study. A part-time option over four-and-a-half to five years is also available but students must be able to study during the day; evening study is rarely possible. It is possible to switch between full-time and part-time mode, subject to timetabling constraints. Part-time students have the same options, including overseas study and placement, as their full-time colleagues. 

In line with all RDBS undergraduate degrees, students undertake eighteen 20 credit modules to complete their degree. A small number of modules are shared with related business degrees such as Economics and Entrepreneurship, broadening the student experience and knowledge base by exposing students to new and alternative viewpoints in related fields of study. 

The core modules introduce, evaluate and discuss management principles relevant to international business and are based on disciplines such as organisation theory, economics, psychology and other social sciences. Optional modules including volunteering, work-based learning, languages, a project and other business and management subjects are available in Years 2 and 3. 

The programme incorporates a range of field trips, guest speakers and case studies that highlight the practical application of the theoretical concepts covered in class. To further students’ skills in the workplace, an optional placement of 9-12 months’ duration is available between Years 2 and 3. 

Details of the programme structure for Single Honours students are outlined below. Details for Combined Honours students can be found in the section ‘What you will study and when’. 

Year 1

Marketing Principles and Practice

People, Organisations and Management

Developing as an International Manager

Global Business Environment

Economics Markets and Enterprise

Accounting and its Regulatory Framework 

Year 2

Managing a Global and Diverse Workforce

Globalisation

Research in Business and Management

Fundamentals of Finance

Operations Management

Option may include (subject to demand and availability):

Relationship and Services Marketing; Consumer Behaviour; Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Resource and Talent Planning; Business Event Management.

Students will receive advice on recommended options 

Year 3

Strategic Management

Current Topics in International Business

The Business Professional

Global Marketing OR SME Marketing

Options may include (subject to demand and availability):

Brand Management; Enterprise in Action; Managing Talent to Achieve Performance; Leadership in Organisations; Strategic Issues in the Management of People; Sports and Events Tourism; Project Management for Events; Corporate Finance; International Trade and Development; Project 

Students will receive advice on recommended options

The programme is delivered at our Docklands campus where you can take advantage of our modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms, contemporary and well-stocked library and wireless networking facilities. We will teach students how to maximise their potential and benefit from these powerful resources. Student learning is supported by our virtual learning environment which has the added benefit of improving your technology skills. 

We take great pride in assisting students to develop their academic and professional skills including researching, professional writing, team working and presentation techniques.  Our programme encourages students not only to develop theoretical knowledge about management  but we also emphasise the practical application of that knowledge. Therefore we offer a range of field trips, invite industry guest speakers and discuss case studies to truly base students learning in the ‘real world’ so that students can demonstrate a broad range of skills when they enter employment. 

We also provide the opportunity to add an international dimension to the degree. Students can choose to study for one semester in Europe, Asia or the Americas as part of their degree and gain first-hand experience in a foreign learning and work environment.

Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement year between Years 2 and 3. This is a valuable learning experience which will enhance participants’ CVs and improve their employment opportunities.

A range of assessment methods will be used to evaluate students’ learning and progress on the programme. The majority of assignments will be completed individually but some group work will also be undertaken to simulate the requirements of the work environment. Assessment formats include exams, presentations, reports, essays, case analyses, business plans, critical reviews of academic literature and business reports, and moderated online discussions.

Each module is assessed separately, and assessment requirements and marking criteria are communicated to students at the start of each module.

In their final year of study, students may seek out the opportunity to undertake a research project under the supervision of a member of staff. This allows them to produce an extended piece of work that is based on independent research in an area that they find is of particular interest. Only a limited number of places are available on the Project module and acceptance will be based on the quality of the research proposal and on academic achievement at Level Two. Students whose average mark for their studies at Level Two is lower than 60% will be asked to consult their personal tutor before applying to do a project.

The programme incorporates a distinctive skills curriculum that is specifically designed to develop students’ skills for work and life and to improve their employment prospects after graduation. 

To further enhance their attractiveness to future employers, students have the opportunity to obtain academic credits for practical work in a business-related volunteering activity or workplace. 

Students can choose to learn a foreign language and /or study overseas for one semester. 

Students will discuss current issues relating to business in the UK and beyond with classmates from a wide a range of cultural backgrounds under the guidance of lecturers and tutors who have worked in various countries. 

You benefit from extensive library resources that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week onsite and online.

You will be able to

You will be able to

You will be able to

You will be able to

• work effectively both as a team player and as an individual meeting strict deadlines and targets; Maj, J, Min
• develop high level skills in identifying problem parameters and selecting and implementing solution(s) to management dilemmas; Maj, J, Min
• identify gaps in your own knowledge and proactively undertake steps to fill these; Maj, J
• identify, interpret and synthesise a range of theoretical and empirical data to develop a sophisticated and reasoned argument; Maj, J, Min
• have confidence in explaining, defending and summarising your views to your peers on complex multidisciplinary issues and problems; Maj, J, Min
• communicate effectively in written and oral form to specialist and non-specialist audiences; Maj, J, Min.

The expected duration of this programme is three years when attended in full-time mode or four-and-a-half to five years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. 

A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year.  An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level two and modules totalling 120 credits at level three. 

It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

Single            120 credits at levels one, two and three

Major              80 credits at levels one, two and three

Joint               60 credits at levels one, two and three

Minor              40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Knowledge is developed through

• Class participation
• Guided, directed and general reading
• Guided and independent primary and secondary research

Thinking skills are developed through

• Preparation of tasks for lectures, seminars and workshops
• Seminar discussions
• Group work and peer learning
• Online discussions on set topics
• Completion of written and oral assignments

Practical skills are developed through

• Case study analysis
• Problem solving exercises
• Use of information technology

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Developing and defending ideas and arguments in class and assessments in different formats including essays, reports and presentations
• Managing time by meeting deadlines for ongoing work throughout the semester and assignments

Assessments may be conducted individually or in groups. 

Quality