BA International Business and Modern Languages

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA International Business and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter combines a strong foundation in international business with practical language skills. It’s perfect for students who want to work globally, and you can also choose to spend a year abroad, gaining real-world experience while immersing yourself in a new culture.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building the Basics

In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in core business areas through modules like Introduction to International Business and Business Analytics. Alongside this, you’ll start developing your language skills in French, German, Spanish, or Chinese, whether you’re a complete beginner or continuing from previous studies.

Year 2: Expanding Knowledge and Skills

The second year takes your business understanding further with modules such as Global Business Strategy and Marketing Management. Your language learning also steps up, helping you communicate more confidently and understand cultural differences—key skills for working internationally.

Year 3: Year Abroad / Work Placement

Students who opt for the Year Abroad can either study at a partner university overseas or gain work experience in an international business setting. This immersive experience helps you apply your business and language skills in a real-world context, while also enhancing your independence and intercultural understanding.

Year 4: Specialising and Preparing for the Future

If you didn’t take a Year Abroad or after returning, you’ll focus on advanced business topics like International Trade and Finance and Cross-Cultural Management. You’ll also refine your language skills and complete a project or dissertation, bringing together everything you’ve learned to solve real-world business challenges.

Focus Areas

International Business, Modern Languages, Global Strategy, Marketing, Finance, Cross-Cultural Communication.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to operate in global business settings, with strong language abilities, cross-cultural understanding, and the skills to take on international roles confidently.

Professional Alignment

The program is closely linked to industry standards, preparing you for careers in multinational companies, global marketing, and international trade.

Reputation

Exeter is known for its excellent employability record, and graduates of this program go on to work in top companies worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, learning isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about doing. On this program, you’ll gain practical experience that prepares you for real-world international business and language challenges. From working on live projects to immersing yourself in another culture during a Year Abroad, you’ll build skills, confidence, and a professional network that will set you apart. You’ll also have access to cutting-edge facilities and expert support to make your learning as hands-on as possible:

Key Experiential Learning Opportunities

Year Abroad / International Placement: Spend a year studying or working in a country where your chosen language is spoken, gaining first-hand experience of international business and culture.
Language Centre Facilities: Make use of language labs, audio-visual resources, and self-study areas to practice and improve your language skills.
Global Leaders Experience: Take part in real-world, place-based learning projects that develop leadership and cross-cultural skills.
Community Projects: Collaborate on projects with real communities to apply your business knowledge and problem-solving skills in practical contexts.
Career Mentor Scheme: Get paired with industry professionals to gain guidance, insights, and networking opportunities for your future career.
Language Societies and Tandem Partnerships: Practice your language skills socially and culturally through clubs, peer learning, and exchange partnerships.
Digital Tools & Innovation Labs: Explore technology-driven projects and research that connect language, culture, and business in innovative ways.
Supportive Learning Environment: Access specialist support, libraries, and resources to help you succeed academically and professionally.

These opportunities ensure that you graduate not just with knowledge, but with experience, confidence, and practical skills that employers value worldwide.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA International Business and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter prepares students for careers that combine business expertise with strong language and intercultural communication skills. Graduates leave with the knowledge and confidence to work in international organisations, using their understanding of global markets alongside advanced language abilities. This opens the door to careers such as International Marketing Executive, Business Analyst, Management Consultant, International Sales Manager, Translator, and Global Market Researcher.

Alongside academic learning, students benefit from Exeter's excellent employability support, international opportunities, and the reputation of its triple-accredited Business School. These experiences help graduates build professional networks, gain practical experience, and develop the skills needed to succeed in an international business environment.

Key progression and career opportunities include:

Dedicated Careers Service: Students receive support from specialist careers advisers through one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, employer networking events, mentoring, CV reviews, interview preparation, and employability workshops. They can also complete the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award to demonstrate their professional and leadership skills.
International Placement opportunities: Students have the opportunity to spend a year abroad studying at a partner university, completing a work placement, or combining study with an internship. This experience strengthens language fluency, develops intercultural awareness, and provides valuable international work experience.
Business School employer connections: As part of Exeter's triple-accredited Business School, students benefit from strong employer links, business networking events, guest speakers, and career-focused support through the Business School Career Zone.
Graduate career destinations: Graduates progress into careers across international business, management, marketing, finance, consulting, government, media, translation, and multinational organisations. The combination of business knowledge and language skills gives graduates a competitive advantage in global industries.
Employment outcomes: The programme develops highly transferable skills including commercial awareness, problem-solving, research, teamwork, leadership, communication, and cross-cultural understanding, preparing graduates for a wide range of professional roles or postgraduate study.
Long-term value of the degree: Studying within a triple-accredited Business School adds international recognition to the qualification. Combined with advanced language skills and global business knowledge, the degree provides a strong foundation for long-term career progression in both domestic and international markets.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA International Business and Modern Languages, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as International Business, International Management, Marketing, Finance, Translation Studies, International Relations, or other specialist business and language disciplines. Graduates may also pursue professional qualifications or teacher training, depending on their career aspirations.