About this course
About
You’ll learn about business practices in a global setting covering a range of topics such as managing in a global business environment, accounting and finance, global strategic management, international marketing and data analysis. You’ll also gain expertise from an operational point of view including learning about international trade management, export and import management and operations and supply chain management.
The course content has been designed to focus on practical skills that are in high demand and will give you a chance for you to develop your creativity, adaptability, digital skills, teamwork, communication, confidence, cultural awareness, resilience, and leadership.
You will also cover current issues and trends making the course extremely relevant to todays industry. This combined with an opportunity in third year to undertake an international placement year or study abroad will give you the real-world experience employers are looking for. Taught on our Magee campus you will be in a unique position to learn in an international trade setting.
Attendance
Full-time study involves 6 modules each year of your degree, 3 modules per semester. Semester 1 runs from September to December each year and Semester 2 runs from late January to early May each year.
You can expect to be taught approximately 3 hours per week per module. However, extra workshops and other sessions are often provided. Therefore, there will be a minimum of 9-10 hours teaching per week.
As a full-time student you will typically be on campus 3 days per week during each semester, to attend lectures and seminars. Classes are usually scheduled between 9.15am and 5.15pm Monday to Friday during each semester. You are expected to spend approximately 10 additional hours of independent study per module per week. Many students book study rooms on campus or meet in the library area to work together on module activities and assessment.
Start dates
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Learning and Teaching
A varied and interesting mix of learning and teaching methods is used to enhance your knowledge and understanding, as well as providing you with opportunities to practice and develop your intellectual, practical and transferable skills. Active participation is encouraged in class where yourvoice will be respected and heard through discussion, presentations and interactive group work.
For each module you will have weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures are used to explain and develop the skills identified as being important to you in developing your professional and personal development within the subject areas. They provide the framework for you to independently learn anddevelop your skills. Weekly seminars will provide opportunities for you to engage in an in-depth appreciation of theoretical and practical issues related to the subject area. In addition, a number of modules involve small group teaching in a workshop format.
Assessment
Assessments will be varied and flexible and based on the learning outcomes associated with each module. Assessment types range from class tests, individual essays, business reports, group projects, case study analysis, group and individual presentations reflective portfolios, individual/group video, visualisation dashboard, digital story and written examination.
Content
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
Attendance and Independent Study
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Academic profile
The BSc International Business degree is closely aligned to the department’s global business ethos including the MSc International Business which is offered by the department. The Department of Global Business and Enterprise has strong ties with the professional body, Institute of Exporters and International Trade, as well as with employers and industry locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. These ties will be further enhanced by the proposed International Trade and Enterprise Centre (ITEC) based on the Magee campus.
All lecturing staff within the Department of Global Business and Enterprise are Fellows/Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
A level
Grades CCC
Applied General Qualifications
Overall BTEC Extended Diploma award profile DMM (QCF)
Overall BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma with profile MMM
Irish Leaving Certificate
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 at Ordinary Level.
If not studying Maths at Higher Level then grade O5 in Ordinary Level Maths is required.
English grade O4 required if not taking at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
Tariff point chart
Scottish Highers
Grades CCCCC
A minimum grade of C in Maths and C in English is required at Intermediate level if not studying at Higher Level.
Scottish Advanced Highers
Grades DDD with a minimum grade of C in Maths and C in English at Intermediate Level if not studying at Higher Level.
International Baccalaureate
At least 24 points including 12 at Higher Level
Access to Higher Education (HE)
Overall Access profile of 55% to include NICATS Maths
GCSE
GCSE pass in English Language and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent).
Essential Skills Level 2 Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Maths.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Exemptions and transferability
The majority of students enter this programme in Year 1 – Level 4. However applicants who provide evidence of previous relevant successful study may be considered for entry to level 5 of the programme. Exceptionally applicants may be considered for entry at Level 6. Transfer will normally be admitted with exemptions depending on prior accredited knowledge.
There is a facility for transfer to other undergraduate degree programmes depending upon the nature of the subject matter of the other degrees and academic achievement.
Students who transfer from another university can present module information. Ulster can consider giving them module exemptions on a like for like basis for prior studies.
Additional information for students from United States of America
Undergraduate
Each programme will have slightly different requirements, both in terms of overall points and certain subjects, so please check the relevant subject in the undergraduate on-line prospectus.
Normally Ulster University welcomes applications from students with:
Generally, for undergraduate courses for international applicants we require equivalent to A-Level CCC, for these courses the entry requirements will be one of the following:
Qualification
- Qualification High School diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 1000 out of 1600 in SAT (Post March 2016)
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and grades 3,3,3 in 3 AP subjects
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 580 in 3 subject specific SAT tests
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 26 in ACT
- Associate Degree with GPA 3.0
Please note that some courses will have subject specific entry requirements, please check the relevant course entry requirements in the undergraduate on-line prospectus. If there is a subject specific requirement you will be required to get 580 in the Subject Specific SAT or Grade 3 in the Subject Specific AP test.
Some courses may also have additional entry criteria, such as a Skype interview, submission of a satisfactory portfolio, criminal record check or health check, please check the relevant course entry requirements in the undergraduate on-line prospectus.
For courses that require GCSE Mathematics Grade C, you will be required to successfully complete Grade 12 in High School Diploma Mathematics.
Some courses have higher entry requirements, please see list below;
BSc Hons Optometry
(A-level ABB to include 2 science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics or equivalent)
Qualification
To include one of the following:
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and grades 5,4,4 in 3 AP subjects to include 2 science subjects
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 1200 out of 1600 in SAT and 650 in 2 subject specific SAT, to include 2 science subjects
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 28 in ACT and 2 AP subjects grades 4,4, to include 2 science subjects
- Associate Degree with GPA 3.2 in an appropriate science subject
In addition to both of the following: - Successful completion of Grade 12 High school Diploma English and Mathematics
- A satisfactory criminal record check and health screening
MPharm Pharmacy
(A-Level BBB to include Chemistry and 1 science from Mathematics, Physics or Biology or equivalent)
Qualification
To include one of the following:
- Qualification High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and grades 4,4,4 in 3 AP subjects to include Chemistry and one other science
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 1200 out of 1600 in SAT and 630 in 2 subject specific SAT to include Chemistry and one other science
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 28 in ACT and 2 AP subjects Grades 4,4 to include Chemistry and 1 other science
- Associate Degree with GPA 3.2 in an appropriate science subject
In addition to both of the following: - Successful completion of Grade 12 High school Diploma English and Mathematics
- A satisfactory criminal record check and health screening
BSc Hons Nursing (Adult) and BSc Hons Nursing (Mental Health)
(A-Level BBC or equivalent)
Qualification
To include one of the following:
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and grades 4,4,3 in 3 AP subjects
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 1150 out of 1600 in SAT (Post March 2016)
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 600 in 3 Subject Specific SAT tests
- High School Diploma with overall GPA 3.0 and 28 in ACT
- Associate Degree with GPA 3.1
In addition to all of the following: - Successful completion of Grade 12 High school Diploma English and Mathematics
- A satisfactory Skype interview
- A satisfactory criminal record check and health screening
Financial Information
In addition to the scholarships and bursaries open to all international students, US students may apply for Federal and Private US loans
English Language
English Language Requirement| Qualification |
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Level 12 English Lang in HSD |
View more information for students from United States of America
Fees and funding
Scholarships, awards and prizes
Manufacturing N.I. has sponsored an annual prize for the best performing student in final year. As a new course the number of awards and prizes will increase each year.
Student achievement on the BSc Hons International Business degree will be recognised by a number of awards and prizes.
Additional mandatory costs
Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Additional information for students from United States of America