International Business BA (Hons)

At Portsmouth, international business isn’t just something you study — it’s something you experience. From the very first year, you’ll get the chance to put theory into practice through real client projects, interactive simulations, and global study experiences. Whether you’re working with local businesses, spending a year abroad, or running your own start-up idea, you’ll constantly be developing the practical skills that make you stand out to employers.

Here’s how Portsmouth helps you gain that real-world edge:

• Business Consultancy Project: Work in small teams to solve genuine business challenges for local companies and non-profits. You might create marketing campaigns, research new markets, or help develop sustainability plans — giving you the kind of project experience employers love to see.

• Paid Industry Placements: Spend up to a year working for a company in the UK or abroad. You’ll apply your classroom knowledge in a professional environment, build connections, and graduate with solid work experience.

• Dual-Degree Option with FH Münster (Germany): Take your international experience further with the opportunity to earn a second degree abroad, gaining valuable global business insight and cross-cultural skills.

• Virtual and Live Exchange Projects: Collaborate online with students from partner universities around the world, working across cultures and time zones on shared business challenges.

• Technology-Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) Rooms: Modern, interactive classrooms designed for group discussions, simulations, and real-time decision-making.

• Business Simulation Suite: A dynamic learning environment where you can role-play as a business leader, making strategic decisions in simulated global markets.

• Entrepreneurial Support: Get one-to-one mentoring from Entrepreneurs in Residence and even the chance to start your own venture through the University’s Self-Employed Placement option, complete with workspace and business guidance.

When you graduate from the University of Portsmouth with a BA (Hons) in International Business, you’ll be ready to take on the world — literally. This degree gives you the confidence, experience, and professional edge to work across borders in marketing, management, strategy, or consultancy. Many graduates go on to become Business Development Managers, Management Consultants, International Marketing Executives, or Operations Managers, using their global experience to make an impact in multinational organisations.

Here’s how Portsmouth helps you build a successful career from day one:

• Personalised career support: The University’s Careers and Employability Service is with you throughout your degree — from helping you write stand-out CVs to connecting you with employers and preparing you for interviews. You’ll also have access to mentoring, career fairs, and networking events with global business leaders.

• Strong graduate outcomes: Around 94% of Portsmouth graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their course — proof that the skills you gain here are in demand.

• Placement and real-world experience: Many students take advantage of the paid placement year in the UK or overseas. It’s common for students to receive full-time job offers from their placement employers before they even graduate.

• Professional accreditation: You’ll graduate with a CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership alongside your degree — a respected qualification that strengthens your CV and demonstrates leadership ability. The Portsmouth Business School’s AACSB accreditation also places it among the world’s top business schools for quality and relevance.

• Industry connections: The University has strong links with employers such as IBM, Microsoft, L’Oréal, BAE Systems, Virgin Media, and Prysmian Group. These partnerships not only provide networking and placement opportunities but also shape the curriculum to reflect what employers actually want.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’d like to continue your studies, Portsmouth offers a range of postgraduate options to help you specialise further — from MSc International Business and Management to MSc Marketing, Finance, or Sustainability. These advanced degrees can open doors to leadership roles, higher salaries, or even a research or academic career in the future.