Find out more about the International Year one in Business and Management

Course overview

In this programme you will gain a broad understanding of the diverse aspects of the business world. 

You will explore the foundations of business strategy, gain insights into organisational dynamics and learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of marketing and digital business. 

The course modules will build advanced analytical skills and improve your understanding of finance. 

You will also have the opportunity to improve your academic English and critical thinking, ready for degree-level study.

Course information for 2025/26 entry is being reviewed. Details may change.

Modules

Semester one

The Business Professional

Credit value: 15

This module aims to provide you with an introductory overview of key topics related to business, accounting, marketing and economics. You will consider such topics in the context of communication, critical thinking, IT literacy and numeracy. The module will allow you to effectively match problem-solving techniques to different scenarios to reflect on your practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.

Ethics, Governance and Law

Credit value: 15

In this module, you will become familiar with the basics of the English legal system relevant to businesses and professionals. You will gain an overview of corporate governance and ethics, and how these interact with organisation successes and failures.

Business Operations

Credit value: 15

This module will introduce you to the nature and structure of business organisations. It will explore the knowledge, understanding and skills required of key operational roles and help you to identify current trends and issues in operations management. You will also learn about the impact that creativity, technology and innovation have on internal and external business environments. 

Global Perspectives

Credit value: 15

This module will help you to appreciate the challenges and implications raised by globalisation in the context of business. It will explore the process of global interdependence, including the impact of global events on local conditions and vice versa. It will also consider corporate policy and strategy, as well as links to social responsibility.

Semester two

Economics

Credit value: 15

This module will enable you to understand the economic context of modern business by developing an appreciation of the utility of economic approaches. It will introduce you to the tools and approaches which economists use, including industry analysis and demand and supply, and help you to understand related economic issues and public policy.

Human Resource Management

Credit value: 15

This module will help you to gain knowledge and understanding of the labour market, social inclusion and the importance of employment to different groups in society. You will also come to appreciate the role of organisations and human resource management practitioners, with a focus on issues surrounding equality and diversity, social inclusion and flexible working.

Marketing

Credit value: 15

In this module, you will develop an understanding of the key concepts that underpin marketing theory. The module examines the role of marketing within organisational environments, to include activities such as segmentation, the product life cycle, pricing strategies, buyer behaviour and marketing communication.

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication   

Credit value: 30 

This module is designed to provide you with essential academic English and communication skills necessary for successful personal and professional practice in a globalised world. You will engage with key concepts related to diversity, equity and inclusion; sustainability; employability; and digital fluency to enhance your reading, writing, speaking, listening and information technology skills. You will develop an awareness of institutional culture, practices and expectations of higher education to be fully prepared for the academic rigour of your undergraduate degree.

Study and assessment information

Ten credits equate to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. An International Year One level of study typically comprises of 120 credits over two semesters. During the programme, you are likely to be required to engage in collaborative projects, group work activities and to give presentations to your peers and tutors. Some or all of this work may be formally assessed, depending on the programme you are studying. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the programme will vary according to your option choices and style of learning.

Study methods

International Year One 30% lectures, seminars or similar; 70% independent study.

Assessment

Across the International Year One modules there are a variety of assessment methodologies.

For example, this could include:

  • 60% portfolio and 40% essay
  • 75% coursework and 25% examination
  • 30% oral assessment and 70% portfolio
  • 50% report and 50% examination
  • Progression degrees

    • BA (Hons) International Business Management
    • BA (Hons) Business Management
    • BA (Hons) Business Management (with a modern language)

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