If you’re excited about building a career in global business, this course is a great fit. Bristol’s BSc International Business Management gives you the tools to understand how companies operate across borders, while developing the problem-solving, research, and leadership skills employers look for.
Curriculum structure
Year 1
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in management. Core topics include accounting and finance for managers, marketing, the global business environment, and decision-making tools. There’s also the chance to strengthen your communication skills or even take a modern language, so you’re preparing for the international side right from the start.
Year 2
The second year gets more specialised. You’ll cover areas like International Business Management, Management of Multinational Enterprises, and People, Work and Organisations, alongside research methods to sharpen your analytical skills. Plus, you can choose optional units — for example, Management Accounting, Marketing Communications, or Sustainable Marketing and Social Change — to start tailoring the degree to your interests.
Final Year (Year 3)
In your final year, you’ll take advanced optional units that fit your career goals and complete a dissertation — a major independent project on a topic you care about. This is your chance to pull everything together and show future employers that you can research, analyse, and present solutions to real-world business challenges.
Focus areas
“International business environments; research and analysis methods; leadership and organisational behaviour; optional pathways such as marketing, sustainability, and project management.”
Learning outcomes
“Confidence in analysing organisations globally; strong research and analytical skills; communication and leadership abilities; the chance to specialise in areas of interest; practical experience through an independent dissertation.”
Professional alignment (accreditation)
The course is accredited by ICAEW and CIMA, which means you’ll be on the right track if you’re considering a professional career in accounting or management.
Reputation (employability rankings)
Bristol is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide for academic quality and graduate employability. Many graduates from this course go on to work for leading organisations such as KPMG, IBM, and the European Central Bank.
One of the best things about studying International Business Management at Bristol is how much of the course takes you beyond the lecture hall. You won’t just learn the theory — you’ll be out visiting companies, working on real projects with external partners, and even designing your own independent research. It’s all about giving you practical skills and confidence for the workplace.
Here are some of the hands-on opportunities built into the course:
Company visits – see how global businesses run in practice, and connect what you’re learning to real-world decision-making.
Consultancy projects with external partners – work as part of a team to help organisations tackle real challenges.
Placements and projects through Bristol’s Professional Liaison Network – gain valuable workplace experience while building connections with employers.
Final-year dissertation – carry out an independent research project on a topic you care about, with one-to-one guidance from academic staff.
Career development support – take advantage of mentoring schemes, visiting speakers, and networking events that bring industry right to you.
Studying International Business Management at Bristol really sets you up for a wide range of careers. Many graduates step straight into roles like management consultant, project manager, operations analyst, or business development executive. What makes this degree powerful is the mix of practical experience and strong academic foundations — employers notice that balance, which is why Bristol graduates do so well.
Here’s how the university supports your future:
Dedicated career support – you’ll benefit from Bristol’s Careers Service and School Employability Advisers, who run mentoring, skills workshops, and employer events. The Professional Liaison Network also connects you with alumni, business leaders, and placement opportunities.
Strong salary outcomes – Business & Management graduates from Bristol report a median salary of around £30,000 just 15 months after finishing, rising to nearly £40,000 after three years and £52,500 after five years.
Industry links that matter – through consultancy projects, company visits, and the Professional Liaison Network, you’ll build connections with organisations such as KPMG, IBM, the European Central Bank, and the UK Government.
Professional recognition – this degree is accredited by ICAEW and CIMA, which gives you a head start if you want to pursue professional qualifications in accounting, finance, or management.
Diverse graduate outcomes – many students join top graduate schemes, others go into consulting, finance, or public sector roles, and some even launch their own businesses with support from Bristol’s Basecamp Enterprise team.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree is also an excellent launch pad for a master’s in areas like International Business, Management, Strategy, or Finance. Some graduates even go further into PhD research or professional diplomas, especially if they’re interested in academic or specialised career paths.
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