Based in a dynamic Business School with a truly global outlook, this degree gives you the skills and knowledge you need to make an immediate impact in an international business role – wherever in the world your career takes you.

The highlights

• We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to international business, so you’ll graduate with an impressive portfolio of skills in economic analysis, strategy, law, finance, marketing and human resources
• You can apply business theory to practice with optional placements and internships in the UK and overseas – or choose to study abroad with one of our international partners
• Our Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab puts a wealth of international business data at your fingertips and gives you an in-depth understanding of economies across the world
• You will learn from an experienced team of lecturers who have a strong research profile and excellent business contacts: they draw on live briefs, real time data and topical case studies to keep you up to date with the latest developments in the global business arena
• Inspirational workshops, masterclasses and networking events will introduce you to industry leaders and finance professionals
• This course is accredited by leading professional bodies the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) (for Sept 2020 entry only), and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), meaning the course is mapped against the skills employers are looking for and provides you with additional awards and/or exemptions towards professional body memberships
• View our Derby Business School brochure

Preparing you for business challenges

Our BA (Hons) International Business gives you a thorough grounding in how to meet the challenges of today’s increasingly global and complex business environment. It brings together vital disciplines including strategy, business management, economic analysis, marketing, human resources and trade legislation – all from an international perspective.

We keep you right up to date with what’s happening in the world economy. You will analyse the different economic, financial, political, legal and cultural factors affecting international businesses, consider how international regulations and policies influence corporate strategies, explore ways of attracting customers in international markets, and look at how to expand a local business into a global one.

Alongside your knowledge of international business, you will gain the broader skills that employers worldwide expect in their graduate recruits. These range from problem-solving, decision-making and strategic thinking to research, analysis, report writing and presentation skills.

Global thinking

Our focus is on developing your international outlook. As part of your degree, you could spend an optional year or semester studying abroad with one of our educational partners.

There are opportunities for study trips overseas too. Our students have visited Copenhagen to explore issues surrounding art fraud and business ethics; observed a conference and attended specialist talks at the UN Office in Vienna; and travelled to Dublin to gain insights into the work of IDA Ireland, the agency responsible for inward investment. Our programme of visits is constantly expanding and there may be options to head further afield to countries such as China.

Hands-on learning

Real world learning lies at the heart of this degree. There is the chance for you to undertake a year-long work placement or a summer internship – in the UK or overseas – to apply business theories to practice in the workplace.

You will also meet business experts, industry leaders and finance professionals through specialist workshops, masterclasses and networking events. Our students have attended taster days and career events with companies such as PwC and PKF Cooper-Parry as well as the Institute of Directors.

The emphasis is on developing your practical skills. You may find yourself creating strategy documents, producing international business reports, delivering presentations and videos, or analysing information from Datastream and Bloomberg on international markets.

Expert teaching

We provide a friendly and supportive learning community, with small classes where you will receive plenty of one-to-one advice. You will benefit from a personal tutor throughout your degree.

Our enthusiastic team of lecturers are experienced in all aspects of international business and their research will enrich your learning. They are supported by industry experts, including our Visiting Professor of Banking and Financial Economics, Professor Trevor Williams, formerly Chief Economist at Lloyds Commercial Banking.

Facilities and resources

In our Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab you can harness the software used in financial markets worldwide to gain vital insights into the fast-paced environment of the trading floor.

We have invested in these exceptional learning facilities in partnership with Bloomberg, the global business and financial information leader. The lab puts a wealth of data at your fingertips, including company and director profiles plus analysis of current affairs from Bloomberg Intelligence. You will receive training from Bloomberg specialists, have access to their helpdesk and can even work towards the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate to complement your degree qualification.

An extra qualification: the Futures Award

Our Futures Award has been developed for students to showcase their versatility and professionalism to potential employers. It is an additional qualification which recognises any extra-curricular activities you undertake to improve your employability and career development. These activities could include attending our workshops on CV design and improvement; developing techniques for interviews, assessment centres or psychometric tests; taking part in business networking events; or leading a small project within a student society or voluntary role.

Benefit from a unique partnership with CIMA

Graduates from this programme will be allowed a quicker route to the CIMA Professional Qualification and the global professional designation of Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). On successful completion of the degree you will also gain exemptions towards the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualifications, meaning you can achieve membership of this professional body quicker, accelerating your career progression.