International Business BA (Hons) with work placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) International Business at the University of Portsmouth is perfect for students who are curious about how global markets work and want the skills to thrive in an international business environment. This four-year course combines classroom learning with real-world experience, including a year abroad and an optional work placement, so you’ll graduate confident and career-ready.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in the essentials of business. Modules like Business Accounting, Business Operations and Systems Management, and Marketing Principles and Practice will introduce you to the core concepts and skills that every business professional needs.

Year 2:
Year two is all about broadening your horizons—literally. You’ll spend this year studying abroad at one of Portsmouth’s partner universities in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, or Japan. This gives you firsthand experience of international business cultures and helps you build valuable global perspectives.

Year 3:
After your international experience, you have the option to take a paid industrial placement. This is your chance to apply what you’ve learned in a real workplace, gain practical skills, and make professional connections that can help jumpstart your career.

Year 4:
Back at Portsmouth for your final year, you’ll tackle advanced topics like Strategic Management, Globalisation, and Sustainability. You’ll also complete a major independent project, putting all your learning together to solve real-world business challenges and showcase your expertise.

Focus Areas:
International Business, Global Markets, Cross-Cultural Communication, Strategic Management, Sustainability, Globalisation

Learning Outcomes:
Understand global business, communicate across cultures, think strategically, conduct independent research, and develop professional skills ready for the workplace

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Portsmouth graduates benefit from the university’s strong focus on practical experience. Students who study abroad or complete placements are more likely to graduate with top honours and secure exciting graduate roles or further study opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Portsmouth, the BA (Hons) International Business isn’t just about lectures and textbooks—you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience to prepare you for a real-world career. From spending a year abroad to working on live business projects, the course is designed to help you apply what you learn, build professional skills, and gain confidence in global business settings. You’ll also have access to modern facilities and technology that make learning interactive, collaborative, and practical:

Here’s what that looks like in action:

  • Study Abroad: In your second year, you can spend time at one of Portsmouth’s partner universities in places like the USA, Canada, Australia, or Japan. This is a fantastic way to experience different cultures and business practices firsthand.

  • Industrial Placement: In your third year, you can take a paid industrial placement. This gives you real workplace experience, lets you put your learning into practice, and helps you build connections for your future career.

  • Business Simulation Suite: Practice decision-making in a controlled, simulated business environment. It’s a safe space to test strategies, learn from mistakes, and sharpen your problem-solving skills.

  • Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) Room: Work collaboratively with your peers using advanced tech tools designed to make learning interactive and fun, while improving your teamwork and communication skills.

  • Bloomberg Suite: Gain hands-on experience with real-time financial data and analytics, helping you develop practical skills for finance, investment, and global markets.

  • Dedicated Business Facilities: Enjoy modern classrooms, seminar rooms, and study spaces with all the latest technology, giving you a supportive and inspiring environment to learn and collaborate.

These opportunities ensure you don’t just study business—you experience it. By the time you graduate, you’ll have both the knowledge and practical skills that employers value.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) International Business at the University of Portsmouth leave ready to take on exciting roles in the global business world. Thanks to a mix of academic learning, study abroad, and real-world work experience through placements, you’ll be well-prepared for positions such as:

  • Business Development Executive

  • Marketing Manager

  • Project Manager

  • Supply Chain Manager

The university supports your career journey every step of the way:

  • Careers and Employability Service: Personalized guidance with CVs, interviews, job searches, and networking, available throughout your studies and for five years after graduation.

  • Strong industry connections: Access to exclusive internships, placements, and job opportunities that help kickstart your career.

  • Employment stats: Around 94% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

  • Professional accreditation: The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) recognition adds lasting value, showing employers that you have professional management skills.

  • University–industry partnerships: Portsmouth works with global companies to provide opportunities that enhance practical experience and employability.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies with postgraduate options like:

  • MSc International Business & Management: Deepen your understanding of global business strategies and leadership.

  • MSc International Business and Management (London campus): Explore international business within one of the world’s leading financial hubs.

  • Specialized Master’s programs: Focus on areas such as marketing, finance, or supply chain management to tailor your expertise and career path.

These options help you build on your undergraduate knowledge, specialize in your chosen area, and prepare for senior roles in international business.

Program Key Stats

£17,200
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

BCC - BBC
3.0
27
70

NA
NA
6.0
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Business Development Manager
  • Management Consultant
  • International Marketing Executive
  • Operations Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Entrepreneur / Start-up Founder
  • Export/Import Manager
  • Account Manager
  • Strategy Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Corporate Sustainability Officer

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