International Business (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The International Business BSc with a professional placement year is perfect for anyone who wants to build a global career in business. You’ll combine core business knowledge with real-world experience, learning how to tackle challenges and make decisions in an international context.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year lays the foundation for your business journey. You’ll explore Introduction to International Business to understand the global marketplace, learn essential economic concepts in Business Economics, and study how people behave in organisations with Organisational Behaviour. Quantitative Methods for Business will give you the analytical tools to make smart business decisions.

Year 2:
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into key business areas. Modules like International Business Environment help you understand what drives global markets, while Marketing Management and Financial Management teach practical strategies for success. Human Resource Management shows you how to manage teams and develop talent effectively.

Year 3 (Professional Placement Year):
This is your chance to step out of the classroom and gain hands-on experience in a real business setting. The placement year helps you apply what you’ve learned, develop professional skills, and make industry connections that can shape your future career.

Year 4:
Your final year focuses on strategy and preparing for the global business world. You’ll take International Business Strategy to craft competitive approaches, Global Marketing to understand marketing across cultures, and a Research Project in International Business to explore a topic that interests you. You can also choose elective modules to tailor your studies to your career goals.

Focus Areas

Global Strategy, Cross-Cultural Management, International Marketing, Finance in Global Business, International Negotiations

Learning Outcomes

Strategic Thinking, Cross-Cultural Communication, Analytical Skills, Research Competency, Professional Development

Professional Alignment

The program follows the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), meaning you’ll learn business with a focus on sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.

Reputation

Ranked 1st in the UK for annual research income (Chartered Association of Business Schools 2025)
13th in the UK for Business Studies (Daily Mail University Guide 2025)
Top 20 in the UK for Business and Economics (THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sussex, the International Business BSc with a professional placement year isn’t just about learning from textbooks—it’s about getting real-world experience from day one. You’ll develop practical skills, tackle real business challenges, and gain insights into how companies operate globally. With access to modern facilities, supportive career teams, and opportunities to work directly with industry, you’ll graduate ready to hit the ground running.

Here’s how the program brings learning to life:

Professional Placement Year: Spend a full year working in industry, applying what you’ve learned in a real business setting, building connections, and enhancing your CV.
Industry Partnerships: Work with global businesses through internships, collaborative projects, and networking events.
Career Development Support: The Sussex Careers and Entrepreneurship team helps you find placements, improve professional skills, and plan your career path.
Collaborative Learning Spaces: Modern facilities designed for teamwork and innovation simulate real business environments.
Research Opportunities: Access research centers and resources to explore international business topics in depth.
Global Perspective: Options to study abroad or take part in international projects to understand diverse markets and business cultures.

These experiences ensure that you’re not just learning theory—you’re putting it into practice, gaining confidence, and preparing for a successful career in international business.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Sussex’s International Business BSc with a professional placement year leave with both strong academic knowledge and real-world experience, giving them the confidence to take on global business roles. Many find themselves working as International Business Analysts, Global Marketing Managers, Supply Chain Coordinators, or International Sales Executives—roles that truly make an impact in today’s interconnected world. With the professional placement year and hands-on projects, you’ll step into your career ready to make a difference:

Career Support at Sussex: The Careers and Entrepreneurship team offers tailored advice, CV workshops, interview coaching, and access to job fairs and networking events to help you land your first role.
Employer Connections: Sussex’s strong industry links provide internships, placements, and collaborative projects with leading companies.
Alumni Network: Mentorship from successful graduates gives insight into different industries and career paths.
Global Opportunities: Support to find international placements or study abroad programs broadens your perspective and experience.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), giving you exemptions from certain professional exams and adding extra weight to your degree in management careers.
Graduate Outcomes: While individual results vary, Sussex graduates are highly employable, with the placement year and industry experience giving a significant boost to salary potential and career progression.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you could continue your studies with a Master’s in International Business, Marketing, Finance, or Management, pursue professional certifications like CIMA or CIM, or even take on PhD research if you’re interested in academia or high-level consultancy. These options help you deepen your expertise and open doors to advanced career opportunities.