International Business (with a study abroad year) BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The International Business (with a Study Abroad Year) BSc at Sussex is designed for students who want to understand how businesses operate across borders, while experiencing a different culture first-hand. It combines strong academic learning with the opportunity to spend a year at one of Sussex’s global partner universities, helping you build confidence, independence, and a truly international outlook.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a solid grounding in business, management, and economics. Modules like Introduction to International Business, Introduction to Marketing, and Principles of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management will give you the core skills you need. You can also choose electives from other subject areas to broaden your perspective and tailor your studies.

Year 2:
In your second year, you dive deeper into the realities of international business. Courses such as Global Business Organisation, International Marketing, and Managing Global Supply Chains will help you understand how organisations compete and collaborate across borders. You’ll also develop research skills that prepare you for both your study abroad year and your final-year dissertation.

Year 3 (Study Abroad):
This is your chance to live and study in another country. Spending a full academic year overseas allows you to experience new business environments, expand your cultural awareness, and learn different approaches to management and strategy. It’s a life-changing experience that makes you stand out to employers.

Year 4:
Back at Sussex, you’ll apply your global perspective to advanced topics. Modules such as International Human Resource Management, Finance in Global Business, and New Venture Creation and Business Planning give you the chance to specialise. You’ll also complete a Research Project in International Business, showcasing your ability to analyse and solve real-world business challenges.

Focus areas

“Global strategy, international marketing, supply chain & operations, cross-border human resources, languages, sustainability, entrepreneurship”

Learning outcomes

“Gain the ability to analyse complex global business environments, plan and implement international strategies, develop leadership and cross-cultural communication skills, and carry out independent business research.”

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Sussex Business School is accredited by EQUIS and AMBA.
The degree offers CIMA exemptions, giving you a head start if you want to become a Chartered Management Accountant.

Reputation (employability rankings)

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 (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sussex, studying International Business isn’t just about textbooks and lectures — it’s about applying what you learn in real-world settings. From your very first year, you’ll be encouraged to connect theory with practice, whether that’s through international case studies, projects with employers, or hands-on opportunities beyond the classroom. The highlight of the course is, of course, the study abroad year, where you’ll experience a different business culture first-hand and return with global awareness that makes you stand out. Alongside this, you’ll have access to career mentors, entrepreneurship programmes, and the chance to test your skills in real business environments.

Here’s how that comes to life at Sussex:

Internships and Summer Placements: Access paid summer internships through Career Lab UK, with opportunities in business, finance, and marketing both in the UK and globally.
Study Abroad Year: Spend a full year at a partner university overseas, immersing yourself in new teaching styles, different markets, and a unique cultural experience that enriches your CV.
Live Business Projects: Tackle consultancy-style projects where you work with businesses or community partners to solve real challenges, gaining practical insights employers love.
Entrepreneurship Support: If you have a business idea, StartUp Sussex and the Sussex Innovation Centre provide workshops, mentoring, and even funding opportunities to help you make it real.
Career Development & Mentoring: From employer networking events and guest speakers to one-to-one career coaching, you’ll be supported to build a strong professional profile throughout your degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in International Business from Sussex opens doors to exciting global careers. Many graduates step into roles such as international marketing executive, management consultant, financial analyst, or HR specialist, while others go on to launch their own businesses. Thanks to the study abroad year, you’ll graduate with not only business expertise but also cultural adaptability and resilience — qualities that employers value highly.

Here’s what supports your success at Sussex:

Dedicated Careers Support: The Business School’s careers team provides mentoring, networking events, one-to-one coaching, and employer workshops to help you polish your CV and interview skills.
Employment Rates and Earnings: Around 90% of business graduates from Sussex are in highly skilled roles within 15 months of graduating, with average starting salaries around £30,000.
Industry Connections: You’ll benefit from Sussex Innovation Centre and StartUp Sussex, where students can test ideas, build ventures, and connect with investors and entrepreneurs.
Professional Accreditation: The degree is accredited by EQUIS and AMBA, and offers exemptions from CIMA exams — both of which signal long-term professional value to employers.
Graduate Outcomes: Sussex graduates have gone on to careers in marketing, finance, HR, retail management, and consultancy, while some use the entrepreneurship support to launch their own start-ups.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you could take your studies further with a Master’s in international business, management, or finance. You’ll also be well-placed to pursue professional qualifications such as CIMA or ACCA, or even progress into research-led postgraduate study if you’re keen on academic pathways.