N112: with Term Abroad & Professional Placement
N111: with one year Study Abroad
Overview
Who is it for?
The International Business pathway should appeal particularly to you if you expect to work in multinational businesses. Or in other areas where contemporary issues affect the way business takes place globally. You should be prepared to consider the different impact of management concepts in different parts of the world and to apply these to practical examples.
Objectives
This course gives you a broad understanding of business within an international context. As part of this degree you must spend some time at one of our overseas partners and use this experience to contribute to your understanding of management concepts.
You’ll be able to reflect on this international experience within your final-year project. You’ll discuss issues related to the global economy, and will be encouraged to consider the particular impact of management concepts in different parts of the world.
Pathway leader
Pathway leaders are experienced academics with in-depth knowledge of the specialist areas covered by the degrees in the Business Management cluster. They coordinate the specialist modules that you will take during the second and third years of your degrees. They can guide you in pursuing your interests within the pathway that you have chosen.
David Edelshain, pathway leader for International Business
"I have lectured in subjects including International Business, Finance, and Strategy and have taught many different cohorts of students including undergraduates and MBAs. I have also worked as a manager, and have professional qualifications in both accounting and law."
*Guardian University Guide 2020
Course Director
Senior Lecturer
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Structure
What will I learn?
On the International Business degree, you will:
- Gain an overview of the concepts, theories, and techniques that contribute to an understanding of business management
- Learn about issues of globalism and localism affecting the international business landscape
- Understand the practical and conceptual implications of doing business in a global environment
- Learn how to analyse business in the context of different parts of the world
- Prepare for future changes in the issues facing international business
- Recognise the ethical issues surrounding business and be able to practise responsible management.
Year 1
In year 1 Students will take a total of 8 core modules which in total has a credit value of 120 credits.
Core modules:
Introduction to management
This provides an introduction to management and organisational behaviour concepts. You will study how management concepts have evolved over the years and discuss how they are relevant to your own future work as managers.
Business economics
This provides a grounding in Economics. You will learn about a range of concepts used by economists and will study how these are important to managers in business.
Critical Analysis for Business
This provides a training in how to evaluate critically and thoughtfully the variety and volume of information that as managers you can expect to encounter. You will study a range of literature which is relevant to Business Management and you will be expected to develop sophisticated skills in how to assess and interpret this.
Quantitative methods and analytics
This covers a range of quantitative and statistical techniques. You will learn the fundamentals of business analytics, you will gain a thorough grounding in statistical techniques and how to apply them, and you will study the way that analytical techniques are changing businesses. This will extend to understanding the use of big data, the potential for data visualisation, and the application of databases.
Operations and supply chain management
This covers the operational techniques that make it possible for businesses to function. You will learn about the workings of supply chains and will also learn how to analyse effectively how the operational functions of a business can be optimised.
Financial and management accounting 1
This introduces you to concepts in both financial and management accounting. You will learn about the importance of accounts as a way to convey information about a business. You will study the principles behind accounting and how accounts can inform a business’s decision making.
Fundamentals of marketing
This provides an introduction to marketing. Its particular emphasis is on Consumer Behaviour, on approaches to Marketing Strategy, and on the connection between these areas.
Management lab and business skills
This builds strong connections between management theory, management practice, and skills which you will need to use in your future career. You will explore how management theory can be applied to address the type of issues encountered in contemporary business and learn how to combine this with practical skills.
Year 2
In Year 2 Students are required to take 5 core modules along with 2 specialist modules and choose 1 elective module which in total has a credit value of 120 credits.
Core modules:
Technology and innovation management
This will provide you with analytical tools which are necessary for managing in an environment where rapid technological change is a factor. You will learn about the challenges associated with technological innovation and will discuss the impact of these challenges on a variety of business sectors.
Introduction to entrepreneurship
This will give you an understanding of what is understood by entrepreneurship and how to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to business. You will learn about business planning and pitching an idea, and will also study different entrepreneurial styles and their impact.
Introduction to finance
This will offer a thorough grounding in finance concepts. You will understand how to interpret financial information and commentaries, and be able to consider how to take account of finance in decisions which you may need to make. You will also have a sound basis for any further finance modules which you may take within your course.
Human resources management
This will provide an introduction to a number of different practices that make up the HRM function in an organisation. You will understand the impact of these practices and will learn about the importance of HRM within an organisation as a whole.
Business strategy analysis
This provides an introduction to business strategy and an opportunity to reflect on why it is important and how it should be put into practice. You will learn about a number of different perspectives on strategy and a number of tools which you can apply to perform strategic analysis on a business.
Specialist modules:
International business environment
This introduces you to the international context within which businesses operate. You will learn about the challenges associated with operating across national boundaries, using different currencies, and coordinating issues between operations in different countries.
International marketing
This focuses on the effect of the international environment on marketing. You will study the implications associated with marketing in different countries and regions and will learn how to devise an international marketing plan that takes account of the requirements of a range of locations.
Elective Modules
Econometrics
Financial and Management Accounting 2
Asset Management
Economics for Business 2
Financial Markets
Intellectual Property Management
Introduction to Business Law
Management of the Public Sector
Management Science
Managing for Social Purpose
Marketing Strategy
Mentoring & Coaching for Leadership
Year 3
In Year 3 Students are required to take 3 core modules along with 1 specialist module and choose 3 elective modules which in total has a credit value of 120 credits.
Core modules:
Final-year project or corporate responsibility project
You will carry out a major piece of independent work where you can apply what you have learned in the course to a business management issue which interests you. You should choose a subject which is relevant to the stream that you are taking. You can apply for the corporate responsibility option where you will work on your project alongside the Corporate Social Responsibility department within an organisation.
Research methods and data analysis
This will provide you with an understanding of a set of research methods which will help you in carrying out independent work within your degree, and will also be of use within your future career. You will learn how to set up research projects, how to interpret and analyse data, and how to bring this together and draw worthwhile conclusions.
Business in society
This will give you an appreciation of the role of business within society as a whole. You will learn about broader ethical issues and the connections between businesses and a wide range of stakeholders. You will also discuss the purpose of businesses and how they relate to external factors. You will study the demands, expectations, and potential conflicts that result from these factors.
Specialist modules:
International business strategy
This concerns the strategic choices made by businesses operating internationally. You will synthesise what you have already learned about international business and about strategy and have the opportunity to discuss the practical issues arising from these.
Elective Modules
Corporate Finance
Advanced Management Practice
Bank Strategy & Management
Behavioural Decision Making
Change Management
Climate Change and its impact on the World Economy
Corporate Governance
Corporate Strategy
Creativity and Innovation
Design Thinking
Digital & Social Media Marketing
Emerging Markets
Financial Services Regulation
International HR Management
Mergers & Acquisitions
New Product Development
Social Enterprise
Strategy 2
Technical Analysis
Virtual Organisations
Assessment methods
Most modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework.
The balance of assessment by coursework (assessed essays and assignments) unseen examinations and a final year project will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose.
The first year of your programme contributes 10% to your final degree classification, the second year 30% and the final year 60%.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:
Year 1
49% written, 0% practical, 51% coursework
Year 2
60% written, 2% practical, 38% coursework
Year 3
53% written, 0% practical, 47% coursework.
Overall workload
Most contact hours will take the form of lectures, interactive sessions, practical workshops and small group classes, supported by a personal tutorial system. The number will decrease as you progress and you become more able to direct your own learning. Approximate study time based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:
Year 1
20% scheduled learning, 80% independent learning
Year 2
17% scheduled learning, 83% independent learning
Year 3
11% scheduled learning, 89% independent learning.
Term dates
Academic year
For a full breakdown of the current and forthcoming academic year view our term dates page.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available from July and can be accessed from our timetabling pages. These pages also provide timetables for the current academic year, though this information should be viewed as indicative and details may vary from year to year.
Please note that all academic timetables are subject to change.
Application
How to apply
All applications should be made through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications are made via Apply, UCAS's online application system.
UCAS Institution code: C60 (Cass Business School and City, University of London)
UCAS Course code: N120 / N112 with professional placement
You can find more information at UCAS and in the UCAS Handbook.
Find out more information about applying to Cass.
Terms and conditions
Students applying to study at Cass Business School are subject to City, University of London's terms and conditions.
Entry requirements
A-Level: AAA
If you are studying General Studies, Critical Thinking or a native language A-Level, these subjects will not be included in any offer condition.
For A-Level applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English Language and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
For BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English Language and grade 7 (A) in GCSE Maths.
For candidates taking a combination of A Level/BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications we accept the following:
- BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 National Diploma (grades DD) with one A-Level (grade A)
- BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (grade D) with two A-levels (grades AA)
For combination BTEC/OCR/A-Level applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English Language and grade 7 (A) in GCSE Maths.
IB: 35 points overall (can include up to three bonus points) with 5 minimum in each subject. Please note that for applicants studying the new Maths curriculum we are happy to accept both Maths Analysis & Approaches and Maths Applications & Interpretation.
Access to Higher Education: Pass the course with 45 level 3 credits including minimum 30 distinction credits and the remaining 15 credits at merit or above.
For Access applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English Language and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
Foundation course for UK/EU students
If you do not meet the qualification criteria for this course, you may still meet the criteria for our Business Management Foundation course. The Foundation course is a one-year full-time programme that provides an entry route to any of the following business-related courses: BSc Business Management, BSc Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BSc Business with Finance, BSc Business with Marketing and BSc International Business.
International students
We accept a wide range of international and other UK qualifications at Cass.
If you do not qualify for direct entry, there are several partners that offer preparatory international foundation courses for students seeking entry to undergraduate degrees. These include:
INTO City, University of London
Don’t meet the entry requirements? INTO City, University of London offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare you for study at City, University of London. You’ll learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry. To prepare for this degree course, learn more about the International Foundation in Business and Economics with Accounting.
Kaplan International College (KIC) London
Additionally, City works in partnership with KIC London to provide a range of preparatory courses for international students. KIC London courses offer comprehensive support to students - including regular one-to-one tuition. Students who successfully complete the KIC London Foundation course at the required level are guaranteed progression to City, University of London degree courses.
English language requirements
Information for international and EU applicants
For international applicants requiring a Student Route visa we accept any of the below English language proficiency qualifications at the grades listed:
- Language Cert International ESOL: Language Cert B2 Communicator High Pass
- IELTS (Academic or UKVI): 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any sub test. Please note we do not accept IELTS Indicator
- TOEFL (Test centre or iBT Special Home Edition): 92 overall (24 Writing, 23 Reading, 22 Speaking, 21 Listening)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 59 overall with minimum of 59 in each sub test
- IGCSE: English as a First Language (Syllabus 0500 & 0522) or English as Second Language (Syllabus 0510 & 0511) at Grade B or above
- International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 at Higher or Standard level
- Trinity College (Integrated Skills): ISE III – pass in each area
- INTO City Pre-sessional English: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any sub test (NB. Must be the 6 or 8 week Cass-specific course)
- Cambridge English Advanced (also known as Certificate in Advanced English): Grade C (180-192) at CEFR Level C1
- Cambridge English Proficiency (also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English): Grade C (200-212) at CEFR Level C2
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): English Language Examination grade 4 or above
- Bellerbys Foundation Course 69% overall and 59% minimum in each sub test
- Oxford Test of English 130 overall with minimum 120 in each sub test
- GCSE English Language Grade C/5 or above but 1) Qualifications must be issued by Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales or CCEA regulated body in the UK; 2) Education must be undertaken in a UK school.
- A Level English Language Grade C or above but 1) Qualifications must be issued by Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales or CCEA regulated body in the UK; 2) Education must be undertaken in a UK school.
An exception to the above criteria applies to Student Route visa applicants from the below majority English-speaking countries for whom we can accept a wider range of English qualifications:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Don’t meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.
Information for home and EU applicants
In addition to the above English language proficiency qualifications accepted for International applicants, as a Home or EU applicant we can also accept any of the below English qualifications:
- GCSE: Grade C or 5
- O-Level: Grade C
- A-Level: Grade C
- Cambridge English First (also known as Certificate of First in English): Grade A (180-190) at CEFR Level C1
Study abroad
Cass Business School gives you the opportunity to spend a term or a year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions, which are located around the world in Australia, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
*Please note that the partner universities available is dependent on the study abroad programme you apply for and on your degree. The list of partner universities is also subject to change.
Argentina
Universidad Argentina de la Empresa
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, UADE has exchange agreements with 40 partner universities around the world. You will take modules from the undergraduate Global Management degree.
Australia
Queensland University of Technology
Located in the bustling city of Brisbane, QUT was the first Australian university to gain 'triple crown' accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB).
RMIT University
Giving you the chance to study in Melbourne, Australia's 2nd largest city, RMIT is one of Australia's original educational institutions. Their well-established business school allows students to choose from a wide-range of subjects.
University of Queensland
Located in the popular Australian city of Brisbane, the University of Queensland features in the top 100 of 3 of the major rankings (QS, THE and ARWU).
University of Sydney
As Australia’s first university, the University of Sydney has an excellent long-standing reputation and is also ranked best student experience in Australia.
Austria
Vienna University of Economics and Business
WU has triple accreditation, one of only two German-speaking universities belonging to this group. They have a well-established exchange programme, with around 240 partner universities around the world.
Canada
HEC Montreal
Like Cass, HEC Montreal is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB) and was the first school in North America to achieve this. There are opportunities to study in French or English.
Smith School of Business - Queen's University
Queen's Smith School of Business has a rich history dating back to 1841 and is consistently ranked as one of Canada's leading universities. It welcomes over 300 exchange students every year from more than 40 countries.
Ivey Business School, Western University
Ranked in the top 100 for Financial Times MBA Rankings, Ivey School of Business provides a competitive combination of world-class teaching and modern facilities.
Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia
UBC is one of Canada's leading research universities and is consistently ranked in the top 40 of the world. Located 30 minutes from the heart of down-town Vancouver it attracts students from more than 140 countries world-wide.
Chile
Universidad de Chile
Based in the cultural city of Santiago, the Universidad de Chile is one of only 10 Latin American universities ranked among the world’s top 500. It is ranked 6th in the QS Latin American Ranking 2016.
China
Renmin University of China
Located in Beijing, Renmin Business School is both EQUIS and AACSB accredited. Their MBA programme is ranked in the top 50 in the world by the Financial Times.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
You will take classes from the Antai College of Economics and Management, which was the first business school in mainland China to have been triply accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. They have Bachelor programmes in Economics and Finance.
France
ESCP Europe, Paris campus
Like Cass, ESCP is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB). The Paris campus is located in the centre of the city. The Masters in Management, from which you will take classes, is currently ranked 4th in the Financial Times rankings (2016).
ESSEC Business School
Established in 1907, ESSEC is one of the leading institutions in Europe for business education. Their BBA was the first programme in France to receive the prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations.
Germany
University of Mannheim
The University of Mannheim Business School is highly ranked and has an excellent reputation. You will be studying modules from their Bachelor degrees in Business Administration and Business Education in either German or English.
Technische Universität München
TU Munich was named as the number one university in Germany in the QS World University Ranking 2016.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
HKUST is ranked 4th in the QS Asian University Rankings 2016. HKUST Business School was the first school in Asia to be awarded dual accreditation by AACSB and EQUIS. It offers 11 undergraduate business programmes.
Chinese University of Hong Kong
CUHK was ranked the most innovative university in Hong Kong in 2016 (Reuters). The 137 hectare campus overlooking Tolo Harbour houses a range of facilities such as world-class libraries, art museums, music halls, a swimming pool, sports fields, tennis courts, squash courts, a water sports centre and gymnasiums.
University of Hong Kong
HKU is consistently ranked in the top 50 world universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). You will be studying at their Faculty of Business and Economics.
Italy
Bocconi University
Based in Milan, Bocconi is a triple accredited school (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB) and is ranked 6th in the Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking 2016.
LUISS Guido Carli
LUISS Guido Carli is a private Italian university located in the heart of Rome. You are able to study in either Italian or English and there is an intensive Italian language course available before the start of term.
Norway
BI Norwegian School of Management
BI is the only Norwegian university with triple accreditation and has student exchange agreements with more than 200 institutions in 45 different countries.
Singapore
National University of Singapore
NUS is ranked 1st in the QS Asian University Rankings 2016 and is one of the top 25 world ranked universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). More than 1,000 exchange students visit NUS each year.
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang is ranked 54th in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings. You will have the chance to study at one of Asia's most prestigious universities in the heart of Singapore.
Singapore Management University
SMU was founded in 2000 by the government of Singapore, modelling itself on an American style university structure. SMU has over 180 exchange partner universities around the world.
South Korea
Seoul National University
SNU was founded in 1946 as the first national university of Korea. SNU Business School was also the first business school in Korea to be certified by the Associate to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Spain
IE Business School
Situated in the heart of Madrid's financial district, IE Business School is ranked 1st in Spain and 5th in Europe (FT European Business School rankings 2015).
ESADE Business School
The school is located in Europe’s most international city and Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona. Like Cass, ESADE is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB).
The Netherlands
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
RSM is consistently ranked in the top 10 business schools in Europe and has 'triple crown' accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). You will study all modules in English.
USA
McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
One of the largest business schools in the US, McCombs is ranked the 6th undergraduate business programme in the 2017 US News and World Reporting Ranking.
Emory University, Atlanta
Located near downtown Atlanta, Emory University Goizueta Business School's BBA programme is currently ranked No. 15 by both Bloomberg BusinessWeek and U.S. News & World Report.
Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
Located in College Park, eight miles from The White House and downtown Washington, D.C. you will be studying at the Robert H. Smith School of Business whose undergraduate programme was ranked number 19 in the USA (2016 U.S. News & World Report).
Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
The Ross School of Business has one of the top undergraduate business programmes in the USA, ranked #4 (US News & World Report, 2016). You will take modules from their Bachelor in Business Administration.
McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia
The McIntire School of Commerce is regarded as one of the best business schools in America. Their UG programme is #5 in the USA (Bloomberg Business Week, 2016). They are partnered with a select number of business schools around the world, with Cass being one of them.
Vietnam
RMIT Vietnam Campus
Living and studying at RMIT Saigon South campus in Ho Chi Minh City will give you great opportunities to get immersed into a dynamic, multicultural and intriguing city.
Replacement Term Abroad
Spend the first term of your 2nd year studying abroad in English at one of our partner universities. You would take modules to the value of 60 credits abroad and return to Cass in the 2nd term to complete your 2nd year.
*Please note that the partner universities available abroad for the replacement term abroad programme vary from degree to degree and are more limited than for the sandwich year abroad programme. If you would like to check the current available partners for your desired degree, please email cass-ug-outgoing@city.ac.uk.
Sandwich year
You can spend a year of your degree course studying at one of our partner institutions, between your second and final year of study. This would add a year to your degree so you would complete your degree in four years.
Above is a full list of our partner universities. The options available to you from the full list of partner institutions will depend on the study abroad programme you select. For more detailed information on this, please contact the Student Exchange Team.
Student Exchange Team
Our dedicated Student Exchange Team are available to offer advice to students who wish to explore their study abroad options. They will also support students throughout the application process and during their study abroad year or term. To contact them, email: cass-ug-outgoing@city.ac.uk.
Placements
Work Placements at Cass
The practical experience of a professional placement, (typically 9-12 months duration) in addition to strong academic achievement, gives graduates a distinctive edge in the job market. Find out more about Work Placements and Summer Internships at Cass.
A key part of a Cass degree is the opportunity to gain professional work experience. Students are eligible to undertake a one-year paid work placement during the third year of a four-year sandwich degree programme.
The experience of working for a leading institution is not only exciting, but can be invaluable in terms of your future career. It will enable you to increase your confidence and maturity, expand your network of contacts, earn a competitive salary, and acquire the skills and competencies sought by graduate employers, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate market.
Students of the BSc International Business course enjoy a wide range of professional placement opportunities in business areas such as finance, marketing and human resource management.
Recent Placements
- EY
- Goldman Sachs
- IBM
- L'Oréal
- GSK
- Morgan Stanley
- UBS
- Unicef UK
- Warner Bros
Work placements are not guaranteed, however, our reputation, achievements and successful graduates have helped us to develop close relationships with a diverse range of companies, who recognise that Cass students can add significant value to their workforce. Our dedicated Placement team are in regular contact with these and many more companies, and will support you to find placements and ensure you are work ready.
Support from Placements Team
A dedicated placements team will support you through the placements process. The team advertise a number of work placement and summer internships annually, and invite businesses to Cass to meet with you and discuss the roles available. The team offers 1-2-1 advice on CV's and covering letters, as well as organising workshops to help you enhance your skills and competencies with applications and interviews. Also the team support students throughout your placement year including offering advice, guidance and monitoring your progress.
Fees
UK students
* The fee for this course in 2021/22 was £9,250 for each year of study.
EU and Non-EU international students
** In 2021/22 the fee was £19,500 for the first year of study.
Fees for students commencing study in 2022/23 are to be confirmed.
The institution reserves the right to increase your tuition fees annually to take account of the institution's increased costs of delivering educational services. The increase will normally be 2% but this is kept under review with reference to the RPI. If the institution intends to increase your tuition fees you will be advised of this alongside the published entry fee.
Funding
- There are a variety of funding options for all levels of study, including loans, grants and scholarships. Find out more about funding and financing your time at City here.
- Each year, Cass Business School, City, University of London and generous donors create opportunities for students to fully fund or part fund their studies. Find out more about scholarships and loans.
- Fee waivers may be available for this course
- Means tested support may be available for 2022/23 entry. Find out more about undergraduate funding.
Career pathways
BSc (Hons) Business Management provides a sound basis for a career in business management, management consultancy, or in areas including finance, stockbroking, marketing and IT. It also provides a firm grounding for students setting out as entrepreneurs.
The International Business pathway is ideal for students looking to work for a multinational organisation, interacting with clients from across the globe. Find out the types of positions our graduates have gone on to work in here.