BA International Business Management and Modern Languages

One of the best parts of this degree is how much you do rather than just study. From your first year, you’ll be involved in lively seminars, group projects, and presentations that mirror real business challenges, while also practising your chosen language with expert support. The highlight, of course, is your year abroad, where you’ll live, study or work in the country of your language — building fluency, cultural knowledge, and professional experience all at once. On campus, you’ll have access to dedicated spaces and resources that make learning both interactive and practical.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• A third year abroad where you study at a partner university or take up a work placement in your language country — complete immersion in both culture and business.

• The Multimedia Centre in the School of Modern Languages, with thousands of films, a recording studio, a mini-cinema, and language tools to sharpen your listening, speaking, and translation skills.

• Assessments that go beyond essays: you might create a podcast, a video essay, take part in debates, or deliver group presentations, building the confidence and communication skills employers love.

• Interactive language classes that develop all four skills — reading, writing, speaking, and listening — often taught by native speakers and supported by cultural lectures, films, and literature.

• Small-group seminars, workshops, and one-to-one project supervision where you’ll test out ideas, get feedback, and refine your research and problem-solving skills.

One of the biggest advantages of this degree is how many doors it opens. With a solid foundation in business and the ability to communicate fluently in another language, you’ll be prepared for roles where international perspective really matters. Many graduates go on to careers such as international business consultant, marketing and communications specialist, export/import manager, or even in diplomacy, NGOs and global trade organisations. Employers value the fact that you’ll have lived abroad and can navigate different cultures with confidence.

Here’s how Bristol helps you turn that into real opportunities:

• The Careers and Employability Service runs international careers fairs, workshops, and connects you with alumni mentors — so you’re guided every step of the way.

• Around 15 months after graduation, students from similar international business and language courses report a median salary of about £25,600, showing the strong market value of these skills.

• Being based in Bristol, you’ll benefit from the city’s strong ties to global companies like Airbus and Rolls-Royce, as well as networking and industry events on campus.

• Your year abroad is not just an adventure — graduates who spend time overseas are more likely to be employed quickly and start on higher salaries.

• The long-term value is clear: combining a respected management degree with proven language fluency makes you stand out in any international field.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, you’ll have plenty of options. Many students move into a master’s in international business or management, or focus on language-related paths like translation studies or area studies. Some choose professional routes in finance, marketing, or project management, while others even go on to PhDs in cross-cultural business or linguistics.