Course Details
About
The general aim of the Postgraduate Certificate in International Business programme is to provide students with an applied knowledge of and, an aptitude for both the macro and micro contexts of international business. It provides students with the ability to acquire, develop and integrate international business theory and develop the interpersonal and professional skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice.
The course is ideal for those who are in roles within an organisation who exports or who has aspiration to export. It will help to develop an appreciation of the global business environment and how to chart a course for your organisation.
Students will study the following 4 modules:
- Global Business in Context
- Global Marketing and Sales Development
- Global Strategy Development and Implementation
- International Finance
Career Opportunities
The knowledge and skills gained through this course will help students develop their career and their organisations.
Students may wish to continue their studies and complete the MSc International Business course.
Course Duration and Delivery Format
This course will start in w/c 22 September 2025.
The course is taught 1 day a week on the Derry~Londonderry campus.
One module will be taught every six weeks, with students completing 4 modules in total over semesters 1 and 2.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Assessment is 100% coursework assessed
This course offers various methods of teaching and learning to address the needs of industry and the economy in today's fast-changing world.
Studying and interacting with students and academic staff in an international setting, creates a network of contacts and links to local knowledge on an international stage. This course offers directed tutor and peer learning, providing guidance and support throughout the entire programme, in addition to technical assistance.
Campus
Derry~Londonderry
Module details
You need 60 credit points for a Postgraduate Certificate, each module is worth 15 credit points.
Semester One
Global Business in Context
Businesses now operate in a globalised, highly connected multi-layered business environment that presents many challenges, and is typified by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity to the firm. As the leaders/managers and decision makers of the future, this module will help students understand key concepts and current trends in Global Business, prepare for work in multi-layered environments, and to understand the need for flexibility and adaptability, both in the domestic and regional and global contexts.
The Digital Landscape
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of e-business and its practical application in a range of different contexts. On successful completion of this module students will have an in-depth knowledge of e-business; will be able to evaluate current practice on creating and managing an e-business; understand the implications of e-business for international business and analyse how an organisation can apply e-business technologies to support its competitive strategy in an international business context.
Semester Two
International Entrepreneurship
This module provides students with an appreciation of the growing importance of international entrepreneurship, and rapid internationalisation by small firms. It develops appropriate enterprise knowledge and skills among students to foster international entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviour. A variety of teaching methods are used including, formal lectures/tutorials, group and individual work, guest lectures, and so on. This module will assist students to develop their personal international entrepreneurial effectiveness and to think creatively with regard to problem solving and possible future scenarios, as well as assist them on their global citizenship journey.
International HRM
In the competitive global economy, human resources are arguably an organisation's main source of competitive advantage. This module introduces students to the concept of managing global talent, regarded as an important strategic area of business activity. Learning will be by teaching, discussion and independent study. Assessment is by coursework only.
Course Entry requirements
This degree is open to students with a second class honors degree in any background – no prior business experience needed.
Applicants must:
(a) have gained
(i) a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body or from an institution or another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard,
or
an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;
and,
(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); the minimum English language requirements for non-native English speakers, are IELTS 6.0 (with no contributing band at less than 5.5).
or, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b):
(c) in exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
Fee Funding Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are over 18 years of age;
- are eligible to work in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland (ROI);
- are ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK or ROI for at least three years; or
- are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK or ROI.
- meet the course specific entry requirements as detailed above.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements
- this programme is not available to applicants with the following residency:
- GB and Islands
- EU excluding ROI qualifying residents
- International students
Terms and Conditions
- Fee funding is only available for the September 25/26 intake and cannot be deferred to future intakes.
- Fee funding is paid directly by the Department for the Economy to Ulster University.
- Students cannot redeem the funding for an alternative programme nor redeem the cash value.
- Students cannot redeem this funding in conjunction with any other course fee funding.
- Students can redeem funding for up to three courses, which equate to no more than 60 credit points in total (with the exemption of MSc, which is 180 credit points).
Apply now
There are a limited number of places on the course.
Offers will be made to those applicants who meet the entry requirements, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come , first served basis.
Therefore, when creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence on meeting three year residency in NI/ROI
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
- BRP - If applicable
No business experience required
This degree is open to students with a UG second class honours degree in any subject.
