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This programme offers you the opportunity to pursue a thorough grounding in general business subjects while developing more detailed knowledge and skills within the specialism of international business.
Overview
The modern business environment is increasingly international in scope. Consequently, this programme not only gives you a thorough grounding in the core topics that are key for all businesses’ success, but combines this with the study of contemporary issues within the international business environment. You also have the option of studying a modern European language, coupled with the opportunity to spend a year in Europe or Asia studying at one of our partner universities.
The programme equips you with the key skills and knowledge essential for managing a business, both domestically and within an international context. It will strongly appeal to students who are considering a future career in international management.
For your year abroad, which takes place between your second and final year of study, you spend your time studying at one of our partner institutions in Europe or Asia. It may also be possible to spend your year abroad on an approved work placement.
About Kent Business School
Studying at Kent Business School is an exciting life experience, especially if you are moving away from home. We have combined a solid academic portfolio with excellent accommodation options, as well as hosting plenty of social and cultural activities.
Kent Business School delivers a high standard of business education and is the largest department at the University of Kent. Our academic research and links with global business inform our teaching, ensuring a curriculum that is both rigorous and current. We are a top 30 UK business school for our academic teaching and student satisfaction.
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2015, business studies was ranked 5th in the UK for student satisfaction. In The Complete University Guide 2016, business and management was ranked 2nd in the south-east for overall performance.
Course structure
The course structure provides a sample of the modules available for this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University .
Based on ongoing sector research, new or updated modules for 2016/17 will include, subject to final approval:
CB756 - Digital Information Systems: A Management Perspective
The following modules are offered to our current students. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation:
Year abroad
You can optionally spend a year at a partner University in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China or Hong Kong, between years 2 and 3. This will equip you with an integrated knowledge of the economic, social and cultural environment acquired through language and business study.
The Year in Hong Kong (or China) is taught in English. The Year abroad in Europe entails studying in the language of the host country.
Please note: Students wishing to study abroad for a year need a minimum average of 60% for Stage 1 and Stage 2, with good attendance and academic standing. Students must complete the Overseas Travel Health Questionnaire, and attend a pre-departure briefing by the Go Abroad team. See the options available by programme. Study abroad places are always subject to availability.
Teaching and assessment
We use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, case-study analysis, group projects and presentations, and computer-based situations. You have approximately 12 hours of class time per week, and regular access to a personal tutor for advice on any matter concerning your studies or your performance on the course.
For language study, teaching takes place in small groups, with regularly assessed work throughout the year. The latest language learning technology is used extensively to support classroom-based learning.
Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and end-of-module examinations, with the examinations normally counting for up to 70% of the marks for each module.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- develop understanding and knowledge of a broad range of organisations, their management and the changing international environment in which they operate
- provide an academic preparation for a career in international business and management
- provide a broad, analytical and highly integrated study of business and management issues
- provide a sound academic base from which students may continue to benefit from lifelong learning skills and personal development
- develop key intellectual, subject-specific and transferable skills with applications to employability and international management
- integrate theory and practice through a variety of means, including exposure to business issues through employer-based case studies, visits and inputs from practising managers
- provide students with opportunities to study chosen aspects of business and management in greater depth
- develop an understanding of the economic, social and cultural environment of business and management in another country (European or Asian)
- develop skills in a second European language, suitable for use in a business context
- obtain knowledge and skills of relevance to business and management in another European country.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- organisations, their environments and the management of people, operations, finance, marketing and organisational strategy
- social science concepts and theories, and the ability to apply them to business and management contexts
- contemporary and pervasive issues, deepening core knowledge
- European and international developments relevant to management
- some of these subjects from the perspective of another country (European or Asian).
Intellectual skills
You gain the ability to:
- critically evaluate arguments and evidence
- analyse and draw reasoned conclusions to structured and unstructured problems
- apply core numeracy and IT skills to problems
- apply these skills within the context of another country's business environment (European or Asian).
Subject-specific skills
You gain the ability to:
- identify, formulate and solve business problems using qualitative and quantitative tools
- create, evaluate and assess options in a range of business situations, applying concepts and knowledge
- communicate effectively, orally and in writing, about business issues
- apply core numeracy and IT skills to business problems
- conduct research into business/management issues using a variety of sources and methodologies
- apply these skills within the context of another country's business/management environment (European or Asian).
Transferable skills
You gain the ability to:
- identify and use information from various sources to assess ideas
- be an effective manager of time, planning and delivering outputs effectively
- communicate well, orally and in writing, using a range of media
- work in groups and apply other interpersonal skills
- make good use of numeracy and IT skills
- apply these skills within the context of another country's business/management environment (European or Asian).
Careers
We are ranked 16th in the UK for graduating students’ employment prospects according to The Times Good University Guide 2014.
The BSc (Hons) International Business degree gives you the academic foundation you need for a career in international business or management. A Kent degree offers students excellent career prospects and graduates consistently have an excellent reputation among employers. Our International Business graduates find work in public and private sector management and consultancy both overseas and in the UK. Graduates from Kent have gone on to take up positions at a wide range of companies and sectors, including Deloittes, KPMG, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Lloyds, Sainsburys PLC, Tesco, Transport for London, Yahoo! UK, Thames Valley Police, Heineken, a wide range of media agencies and management consultancy companies. Other graduates have also gone on to start their own successful business ventures or start-ups.
Kent Business School presents a wealth of opportunities for you to gain much more than your valuable business degree. We have strong connections with many global organisations, and provide chances for you to network with them and acquire useful connections to enable you to enhance your student experience and increase your employability. We hold events or activities with such organisations and associations that will also benefit your learning experience and enhance your future career prospects. We provide ideal facilities in an international learning environment for you to forge associations with friends and colleagues whilst at the School and after graduation, as part of the Kent Business School alumni, which will remain with you long after you graduate and may provide assistance in your future career.
Organisations who provide placements for your year in industry or year abroad view this scheme as an effective way to find potential new employees, so both schemes give you a definite advantage when it comes to job prospects and really enhance your career prospects.
At Kent Business School you will gain many of the key transferable skills employers are looking for. You are taught to analyse critically, think creatively, express your views cogently, manage your time effectively, and work well independently and in groups.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | ABB including German grade C for German variant, or GCSE in a modern European language other than English |
| GCSE | Mathematics grade C |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 16 at HL, including Mathematics 4 at HL or SL, plus 4 or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English |
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.
Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2016/17 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
The University of Kent is currently considering whether to increase its regulated full-time tuition fees for all returning Home and EU undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250 in September 2017. This would be subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses might also rise by 2.8%.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk
UK/EU/International students on an approved Year Abroad for the full 2016/17 academic year pay an annual fee of £1,350 to Kent for that year. Those on an approved Year in Industry pay an annual fee of £865 to Kent for that year. Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Details of our proposed funding opportunities for 2016 entry can be found on our funding page.
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. For 2016 entry, the scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our scholarships pages. Please review the eligibility criteria on that page.