4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The International Business Management BSc (Hons) with Placement Year is perfect for students who want to pursue a career in the global business world. You’ll gain a strong understanding of how international businesses operate while building practical skills that employers value, all while exploring areas that match your interests and strengths.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building Your Business Foundation
In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the basics of business and management. Through modules like Understanding the Business Environment, Understanding People in Organisations, and Marketing Fundamentals, you’ll develop a clear understanding of how businesses function and what it takes to succeed. This year lays the groundwork for more advanced topics in later years.
Year 2: Deepening Knowledge and Gaining Experience
Year two takes you further into the world of business. You’ll study modules such as Finance & Business Performance, Developing an Enterprising Mindset, and Project Management and Accounting, while completing at least 30 hours of work experience. This combination of theory and practice helps you see how businesses really operate and start developing your professional skills.
Year 3: Placement Year – Real-World Experience
Between your second and final years, you’ll have the chance to do a placement year. This is your opportunity to step into a real business setting, apply what you’ve learned, and gain hands-on experience that makes your CV stand out.
Year 4: Specialisation and Consultancy Project
In your final year, you’ll focus on specialist topics and take on a Business Consultancy Project. This involves working on a real business challenge, allowing you to combine all your learning—from strategy to project management—to deliver solutions that businesses value.
Focus Areas
International Business, Global Strategy, Cross-Cultural Management, International Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Logistics, Enterprise, IT and Technology
Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking, Strategic Decision-Making, Cross-Cultural Communication, Financial Analysis, Project Management, Leadership Skills, Problem-Solving, Professional Networking
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), giving you pathways to professional recognition and qualifications.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The program ranks highly for employability, with 94% of UK graduates in employment or further study, and is recognized for preparing students for success in global business roles.
At Derby, this program is all about learning by doing. From the very first year, you’ll have opportunities to develop practical business skills, work with real companies, and see how international business operates in the real world. You’ll gain hands-on experience through placements, projects, and industry collaborations, while having access to modern facilities, expert tutors, and supportive resources that make learning both exciting and relevant.
Here’s how you’ll get real-world experience throughout your degree:
Placement Year: Between years two and three, you can spend a full year working in a professional business setting, applying your knowledge, building industry connections, and gaining invaluable work experience.
Internships & Work Experience: During the second year and summer breaks, you’ll complete work experience or internships, helping you develop key skills and stand out to employers.
Group Projects & Consultancy Work: You’ll tackle real business challenges in teams, simulating the kind of collaborative work you’ll do in your future career.
Industry Engagement: The program offers opportunities to interact with professional organizations, giving insight into business operations and networking opportunities.
Personal Academic Tutoring (PAT): You’ll have a dedicated tutor to guide you through your studies, provide career advice, and support your personal development.
Facilities & Resources: You’ll have access to the university’s modern learning spaces, including libraries, computer labs, and business simulation tools to enhance your practical learning.
All these experiences are designed to make sure you graduate not just with a degree, but with the skills, confidence, and professional experience to succeed in the global business world.
Graduates from Derby’s International Business Management BSc (Hons) with Placement Year are ready to take on exciting roles in the global business world. With your mix of practical experience and academic knowledge, you could step into careers such as:
International Business Analyst
Global Supply Chain Manager
International Marketing Strategist
Export/Import Operations Manager
Here’s how the University of Derby helps you turn your degree into a successful career:
Personal Academic Tutoring (PAT) – Your dedicated tutor will support you throughout your studies, helping you make informed career decisions and achieve your goals.
Career Development Centre – From CV workshops to interview practice and networking events, the centre equips you with the tools employers are looking for.
Industry Partnerships – Strong links with businesses offer internships and placement opportunities so you can gain hands-on experience before you graduate.
Financial Markets Lab – A modern facility where you can analyze global financial data, helping you understand real-world international markets.
Study Abroad Options – Spend a semester abroad to experience different cultures and business practices firsthand.
Professional Accreditation – With CIMA and CMI accreditation, you have pathways to respected professional qualifications, giving your CV an extra boost.
Graduate Outcomes – 94% of UK graduates are in employment or further study, and 87% report their current work is meaningful to their career ambitions.
Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this degree, you have several pathways to take your education even further:
Master’s Degrees – Study programs like MSc International Business, MSc Finance, or MSc Marketing to specialize and deepen your expertise.
Professional Qualifications – Gain certifications through CIMA or CMI to enhance your credentials and career opportunities.
PhD Programs – If research or an academic career interests you, a PhD in Business Management or a related field is an option.
With these opportunities, Derby graduates not only leave with a degree but also with the skills, experience, and qualifications to excel in the global business arena.



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