BSc International Business with Communications

Program Overview

The BSc International Business with Communications program combines business knowledge with strong communication skills, equipping students for a global business environment. It emphasizes crisis communications, social networking for business, and a study abroad year to enhance students' cultural understanding and practical experience. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers, with a focus on international business communication.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc International Business with Communications is a four-year program that combines in-depth learning with practical experience in a global business environment. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in international business, with a focus on communication skills. The program emphasizes a global outlook, incorporating specialist modules in business communications, including crisis communications and social networking for business. It also includes workshops to develop a range of communication skills for business, complementing theoretical study. The program is designed to produce graduates who are skilled communicators and possess a strong foundation of critical and analytical skills, as well as practical knowledge.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Year 1: Focuses on laying the foundation for the study of business and management, as well as public relations.
Students study the same program as those enrolled in the BSc Business Management with Communications, including modules on key message delivery and crisis communications.
• Year 2: Offers some choice within a themed structure, with modules reflecting the ever-changing world of business.
Students also prepare for their study abroad year. The option to transfer to the three-year program is available at the end of this year.
• Year 3: Involves a study abroad year at one of the University's partner institutions, providing students with an opportunity to improve their understanding of the cultural context of business management and communications in another country.
The exact subjects studied will depend on the chosen partner institution.
• Year 4: Includes core modules on branding in the digital age, contemporary issues in marketing, and strategic global communication.
Students must complete a 40-credit dissertation and choose one optional module from a list of topics.

Modules:

First Year:

• Core Modules:
• Digital Business
• Management Education and Learning A
• Management Education and Learning B
• Widening Business Horizons
• Introduction to Marketing and Communications
• Managing Financial Resources
• Organisations, Management and Entrepreneurship
• Economics for Business

Second Year:

• Core Modules:
• Multi-Media Campaign Planning and Production
• Marketing Communications
• Public Relations and Reputation Management
• Research Methods
• Responsible Business: Theory and Practice
• Optional Modules:
• Accounting, Management and Accountability
• Consumer Behaviour
• Managerial Finance
• Managing in Business to Business Markets
• Models of Business

Final Year:

• Core Modules:
• Branding in the Digital Age
• Contemporary Issues in Marketing
• Strategic Global Communication
• Dissertation: 40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Accounting, Decision-Making and Governance
• Economics of Strategy, Risk and Globalisation
• Business Strategies in Emerging Economies
• Crisis Management
• Fundamentals of Leadership
• Globalisation, Innovation and Competitiveness
• International Employment Relations
• Professional Development
• Britain and the EU
• International Human Resource Management
• Organisation Studies: Past, Present and Future
• Personnel Economics
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurial Finance

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of coursework and exams. Coursework may include reports, essays, group presentations, class essays, and computer assignments. Exams are held in May/June. Satisfactory results are required to progress to the next year. The final degree is based on marks gained in the second and third years, as well as credits accumulated throughout the program.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, small group classes, group work, and presentations. Lectures are supplemented with classes that allow students to meet with tutors in small groups to further their understanding of the material covered. The timetable for lectures and classes covers around 22 hours a week, leaving time for self-directed study.

Careers:

Graduates of the BSc International Business with Communications are well-prepared for a diverse range of careers in the business world. The program's focus on communication skills and global perspectives makes graduates highly sought after by employers. Many employers visit the Business School to run seminars for students, providing opportunities for internships and graduate training schemes.

Other:

• The University of Birmingham is consistently ranked highly in international tables and is accredited by leading bodies, including AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.
• The University of Birmingham is the first choice for leading graduate employers seeking graduate recruits.
• The Business School has strong links with industry, ensuring a practical focus to undergraduate academic study.
• The program includes a Professional Development Module (PDM) that provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience in a specific area of interest.
• The University offers a Personal Skills Award (PSA) that recognizes extra-curricular activities and provides an accredited employability program.
• Students have access to a variety of student groups and volunteering opportunities offered by the Guild of Students.
• The University has an exclusive partnership with Capgemini, offering students a consultancy training experience.
• Students may be able to gain partial exemption from the examinations of professional bodies such as CIM, CIMA, and ACCA.