International Business Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year and placement

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

 

If you want a degree that opens doors across the world, this course is for you. Surrey’s International Business Management BSc (Hons) with Foundation Year and Placement gives you the knowledge, confidence and hands-on experience to succeed in global companies, consultancies, or even your own business.


Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

This year is all about preparing you for university-level study. You’ll strengthen your academic English, sharpen your maths and business basics, and build the skills you’ll need to succeed in your degree. Think of it as a launchpad into the full BSc.

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the building blocks of business. You’ll explore Operations Management, Accounting for Business Managers, Marketing Principles, and Organisational Behaviour & Analysis, alongside projects like Business Data Project. By the end of the year, you’ll know how businesses operate, how data drives decisions, and how people work together in organisations.

Year 2

Now you step into the international side of things. Modules like International Business Strategy, Comparative Country Studies, and Globalisation of Emerging Markets give you real insight into how companies expand and thrive across borders. You’ll start thinking critically about global trade, cultural differences, and sustainability while applying your learning to real-world business cases.

Year 3 (Placement Year – optional but highly recommended)

This is where you take everything you’ve learned and put it into practice. Whether you work in the UK or abroad, your placement will give you real experience, new connections, and a serious edge in the job market. Students often say this year is the turning point of their degree.

Final Year

You come back with confidence and focus. Advanced modules such as International Trade, Topics in International Business Management, and a final year project or dissertation let you specialise in what excites you most. You’ll graduate ready for roles in multinational companies, consulting, or further postgraduate study.


Focus areas

“International Strategy, Global Trade, Cross-Cultural Management, Sustainable Business, Finance and Marketing in a Global Context”


Learning outcomes

“Graduate with the skills to think globally, solve business problems, lead across cultures, and make ethical, data-driven decisions that companies value.”


Professional alignment

The course is accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) — an international benchmark of excellence. It’s also recognised by the Institute of Export & International Trade, giving you a head start if you’re considering a career in trade or global operations.


Reputation & Employability

  • 94% of Surrey Business School graduates are working or in further study shortly after finishing their degree.

  • Surrey has an outstanding reputation for placements, with strong industry links that help students find opportunities in top organisations across the UK and beyond.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

 

One of the biggest strengths of Surrey’s International Business Management degree is that you don’t just sit in lectures — you actually get to practise what you learn. From working on live business cases to spending a year on placement with major companies, every stage of the course is designed to build your confidence, skills, and real-world experience. You’ll also have access to specialist learning spaces, digital tools, and collaborative environments that make the whole journey much more engaging.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

  • Professional Training Year (Placement) – You can spend a full year working with organisations such as Oracle, Walt Disney or Morgan Stanley. It’s your chance to apply what you’ve learned, build your CV, and graduate with real industry experience.

  • Study Abroad Options – Surrey partners with universities worldwide, so you can study in another country, gain cultural awareness, and see international business from a different perspective.

  • Business Case Studies & Guest Speakers – Many modules are taught using real company examples, and you’ll regularly hear from industry experts who share how they solve problems in practice.

  • Group Projects & Presentations – You’ll work in teams to research, analyse, and present business solutions — exactly the kind of collaboration employers look for. The Business School also has spaces equipped with presentation technology so you can practise in professional settings.

  • Library & Study Spaces – The Surrey library offers group pods, bookable rooms, and tech-tables where you can work on projects with your peers. There are also breakout zones within Surrey Business School for team meetings and networking.

Progression & Future Opportunities

 

Graduating from this degree opens doors to a wide range of exciting international business roles. Many of our students go on to become International Business Managers, Business Development Analysts, Global Strategy Consultants, or Trade and Export Specialists. Thanks to the placement year and strong industry connections, you’ll often step straight into meaningful roles where your skills are valued:

Here’s how Surrey helps you get there:

  • Career Support Services – The Surrey Employability Hub guides you through placements, internships, CVs, interview prep, and workshops so you’re ready for real-world opportunities. The Professional Training team gives extra support during your placement year, and SurreyConnects connects you with alumni mentors already working in your field.

  • Employment Stats & Salary Insight – Around 94% of Surrey Business School graduates go straight into employment or further study. Business & management graduates typically earn £29,500 on average within 15 months, giving you a strong start in your career.

  • Industry Partnerships – Our students gain placements with top companies like Oracle, Morgan Stanley, and The Walt Disney Company, and can also benefit from international partner universities for global exposure.

  • Accreditation & Reputation – The AACSB accreditation signals that your degree meets global standards of business education. Graduating from Surrey Business School gives you both credibility and a valuable network of professionals.

  • Graduation Outcomes – Most graduates secure highly skilled roles, often in management, strategy, finance, or consulting, and find jobs that match their career aspirations.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you could continue your studies with a Master’s in International Business, Global Strategy, Marketing, or Finance, or pursue professional qualifications in management or international trade. If research and academia appeal to you, there’s also the option of a PhD or research-based master’s to specialise further.

Program Key Stats

£ 21,800
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


70 %

Eligibility Criteria

CCC
NA
29
55

NA
NA
5.0
NA

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • International Marketing Manager
  • Global Supply Chain Analyst
  • Business Development Consultant
  • Operations Manager
  • Management Consultant
  • Financial Analyst
  • International Sales Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Export/Import Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Strategic Planner
  • Entrepreneur/Startup Founder

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