4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
If you’re aiming for a truly global career, this degree could be the perfect fit. The BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language (with Study Year Abroad) at the University of Reading combines solid business knowledge with the chance to master a new language and spend a year overseas — so you graduate with both skills and experiences that stand out.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Building the foundations
You’ll get a strong grounding in business from day one, covering areas like accounting, data analysis for managers, entrepreneurship, and organisational behaviour. Alongside this, you’ll dive into your chosen modern language (French, German, Italian, or Spanish) and explore the culture of that country — whether you’re a beginner or already have some experience.
Year 2 – Expanding your world
Things start to get more international. You’ll explore comparative international management, cross-cultural marketing, and international human resource management, plus optional subjects from economics, psychology, or sociology. Your language skills will keep developing, and you’ll also take part in a hands-on project looking at social responsibility in action.
Year 3 – The year abroad
This is where everything comes together. You’ll spend a full year at one of Reading’s partner universities abroad, studying business and language in a real global setting. It’s an amazing chance to live the culture you’ve been studying, improve fluency, and see how business works in a different country.
Year 4 – Bringing it all back home
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced modules in strategy and global business, refine your language skills, and work on projects that let you apply everything you’ve learned. It’s about making the jump from student to future professional — confident, adaptable, and internationally minded.
Focus areas
International strategy, cross-cultural management, data-driven decision making, global operations, language and cultural fluency
Learning outcomes
Strong international business knowledge, fluency in a modern language, cultural adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to work confidently in cross-border environments
Professional alignment (accreditation)
This degree is taught at Henley Business School, one of the world’s few business schools with triple accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) — a mark of quality that employers really notice.
Reputation (employability rankings)
Henley is ranked 1st in the UK for Business Studies (Daily Mail University Guide 2025/26), and the University of Reading is 9th in the UK for career prospects in business and management (Guardian University Guide 2025). Graduates go on to careers in consulting, finance, HR, marketing, and international business roles worldwide.
One of the best parts of this degree is that you won’t just be sitting in lecture halls — you’ll be out there applying what you learn. From real-world projects in your second year to a full year living and studying abroad, the programme is designed to make sure you graduate with practical experience, not just theory. You’ll also have access to Henley Business School’s world-class facilities and the wider University of Reading campus, where business ideas and international perspectives come alive.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Hands-on project work: In your second year, you’ll take part in the Social Responsibility in Action module, working on a guided project that connects you with real community or organisational challenges. It’s a chance to see how business can make a difference in society.
A year abroad: The highlight for many students is the third year, where you’ll study at one of Reading’s partner universities overseas. You’ll improve your language skills every single day, immerse yourself in another culture, and see how businesses operate in a different country.
Entrepreneurship support: If you’ve ever dreamed of launching your own start-up, the Henley Enterprise Lab and Summer Start-Up Boot Camp give you space, mentoring, and tools to test your ideas.
Specialist centres and facilities: Being part of Henley means you can access cutting-edge learning environments like the ICMA Centre, known for its finance and capital markets expertise, as well as enterprise hubs that host real start-ups on campus.
Internships and work experience: Through the Reading Internship Scheme, you’ll be able to apply for paid internships that fit around your studies and strengthen your CV before you graduate.
Outstanding library and digital resources: You’ll have access to one of the UK’s best academic libraries, plus online case study databases, business analytics tools, and language-learning platforms to support both sides of your degree.
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Progression & Future Opportunities
Graduates from this degree often step straight into exciting roles like management consultancy, international marketing, finance analysis, or human resources, combining their business knowledge with language skills and international experience. The global perspective you gain, plus your year abroad, really makes you stand out to employers, giving you an edge in competitive job markets.
Here’s how the University of Reading helps you get there:
Personalised career support: Henley Careers Service offers one-to-one guidance on CVs, applications, interview prep, and finding internships, so you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Strong employability: Around 92% of Business and Management graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing — many in graduate-level roles.
Industry connections: Partnerships with companies like Deloitte, EY, IBM, Capgemini, and Vodafone give you opportunities to network, learn from professionals, and even land internships.
Prestige that counts: Henley Business School’s triple-accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) is recognised worldwide, which adds real weight to your CV.
Graduate outcomes: Most graduates find roles that let them use their international business knowledge, language skills, and practical experience straight away.
Further Academic Progression:
After this degree, the doors stay wide open. You could continue your studies with a Master’s in International Business, Marketing, Finance, or Global Strategy, or explore postgraduate research if you’re interested in academics. If you want to keep building your language or cultural expertise, there are programs in translation, diplomacy, or international relations that complement your business foundation. Some students even combine the degree with professional qualifications in accounting or finance, boosting both credentials and career prospects.
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