International Business Management

Year 1

You will be introduced to the key business functions of marketing, finance and human resource management in Year 1. In addition, you will tackle specialist modules in economics, the digital business environment and the emerging area of sustainability management. Through studying a range of modules you will develop the intellectual and practical skills to form the foundation for your degree.

Year 2

You can choose whether to continue with your studies based in Aberdeen or by spending Term 1 or 2 studying abroad. Modules studied in this year build on the foundation business functions learned in Year 1 including Business Law, Work and Organisational Behaviour and Business Ideas and Opportunities.

Year 3

In Year 3 you have four options, a year-long placement, an academic year at one of our partner institutions abroad, a taught route at Aberdeen Business School, or the ‘Connect to Business’ route, offering you flexibility to tailor your study to your own interests and career aspirations.

Year 4

Year 4 is the pinnacle of your course. You will study core modules in contemporary areas including: Business Strategy, Innovation, Corporate Ethics and Global Business Practice as well as undertaking a significant piece of independent research in the form of a thesis. For this, you will receive guidance and support from a dedicated Thesis Supervisor. 

Find out more

Listen to our RGU Talk Podcast to find out more about our Business and Management Programme:

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Learning Methods

Throughout this course, approximately a quarter of your time will be spent learning in large groups and three quarters of the time you will be taught in a small group tutorial environment

In Year 2 you will have the opportunity to build on your business creativity, exploring how to generate and develop viable commercial ideas in the Business Ideas and Opportunities module. You will work in multidisciplinary teams, develop your creativity skills and showcase your ideas as part of an annual Trade Fair held on-campus.

Our Year 3, Connect to Business option allows you to undertake short term management and enterprise projects with a range of different organisations, developing your employability skills through an exciting and flexible programme of work related experiences.

How long is a BA (Hons) International Business Management course?

The duration of the International Business Management degree is 4 years.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 80 students per group, 3 -6 hours per week
• Seminars - 25 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Tutorial - 25 students per group, 6 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1-to-1 working with a supervisor, up to 2 hours per week (in year 4)

Independent Study

In addition to lectures and tutorials, you will spend approximately 24 hours per week outside of the class working on your own. This involves undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for tutorial assignments, team meetings and researching and writing course reports.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Academic staff who teach on this course have worked in a range of professional backgrounds, are ‘business-connected’ and use professional networks and their academic research to ensure teaching is professionally relevant and cutting edge.

Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this.  This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. In addition, many have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.

Other staff members include local business owners and industry professionals who offer you the opportunity to learn through business-led workshops, guest lectures and masterclasses.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 6 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 4 written assignments, including essays

Year 2

• 4 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 5 written assignments, including essays

Year 3

• 6 written exams, typically for 2 hours (Continuing students and Direct Entry students, no exams for Connect to Business or Placement Routes)
• 3 written assignments, including essays (Continuing students and Direct Entry students, no assignments for Connect to Business Route)
• 1 written assignment, including essays (Placement Route)
• 2 portfolios (Connect to Business Route)
• 1 oral assessment (Continuing students and Direct Entry students)

Year 4

• 2 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 5 written assignments, including essays
• 1 dissertation
• 1 oral assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to undertake a one-year salaried work placement or 12 week unpaid placement on ‘Connect to Business’ route.

It is an opportunity to consolidate and apply the learning you have gained in Years 1 and 2, and to acquire real world business experience that further develops your professional skills and business acumen. During your placement you can expect to work in the UK or abroad and report to a Manager who will assess your performance on a regular basis. You also continue your academic learning by compiling a portfolio to provide evidence of your employability.

Previous students who have completed the Business Ideas and Opportunities module have opted to run their own company instead of participating in a traditional placement, with support from staff in our Centre for Entrepreneurship and an industry mentor.

Study Abroad

You will study abroad either for one term of Year 2 or both terms of Year 3 which will offer additional educational and cultural experiences and put you at the forefront of the international business world. Study abroad destinations include Europe, Asia, USA, and Canada.

Job Prospects

This course will prepare you for a managerial career in an international business context, both abroad or in a company that operates internationally. The focus you take in later years of the course can widen opportunities for more specialist managerial positions.

Is International Business Management a good career choice?

Previous BA International Business Management graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Management Consultant,
• Marketing Executive/Manager
• International Business Consultant
• Business Analyst
• International Broker
• Cultural Adviser

What is needed for a BA (Hons) International Business Management degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

Entry to Year 1

• SQA Higher: BBBC
• GCE A Level: BCC
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H3H3H3
• IB Diploma: 27

Entry to Year 2

• SQA Advanced Higher: BBC
• GCE A Level: ABB
• IB Diploma: 31

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

Entry to Year 1

• SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges may be considered for entry into Year 2.

Applicants from Foundation Pathway Providers

Entry to year 1 or year 2 may be possible for students who have completed a Foundation Certificate or Foundation Undergraduate Pathway programme, from an approved UK provider, at 60% or above. For courses which require a specific subjects match, such as English or Maths, these would need to provided in addition to the Pathway Programme Certificate or result.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University. 

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.