Program Overview

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International Business BA (Hons) top-up

Study level: Top-up courses

Study a course that gives you flexibility to work in a variety of management roles, in different business sectors, whereby the course focus on international businesses can give insights and empathy when working in global enterprises.

Year of entry: 2026

Location: Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 1 year full-time (Entry at level 6)

2 years full-time (Entry at level 5)

Course code: N121

Start date: January 2026

May 2026
September 2026

Course overview

This course enables you to transform an existing business qualification into a BA (Hons) in International Business, at Coventry University.

• The one or two year course is aimed at students who are studying a degree equivalent course in business, outside of the UK, such as with one of our international partner institutions.
• You have the option to do a one or two year pathway, studying in the School of Management, at Coventry. This course is designed to strengthen and broaden your skills and knowledge in international business, offering opportunities to develop specific areas of business expertise.
• This course is particularly relevant if you want to have a broad-based management degree, which gives you flexibility to work in a variety of business management functional areas, such as supply chain management, project leadership or human resource management.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

• Convert your existing business focused qualification into a BA (Hons) degree qualification, from a prestigious, award winning university, whose business school is over sixty years old and has extensive links with industry.
• Enrich your understanding of the contemporary international business environment and key functions of business organisations.
• This course will give you a broad-based management degree, which offers flexibility for pursuing a variety of careers and management roles, in a different business sectors.
• You will be taught by expert staff, who have a mix of practitioner and academic experience in business, who will use real world, problem-based approaches to teaching and learning.
• The strong international profile of the teaching team, helps to give additional cultural insights and empathy into doing business in a global, interconnected economic world.
• The course is a specially designed for international students, where you will study in a supportive environment. Particular attention is given to language support and enhancing your future employability prospects, for your desired career.

What you'll study

Year one

Year two

The below modules are studied in your first year if you enter the course at Level 5. They aim to give you an overview of contemporary innovation practices, principles of business accounting, an increased understanding of people management in a global context and an understanding of effective business communication.

Modules

• Innovation in Practice – 20 credits
  • You will investigate and analyse how to organise for continuous innovation and practise effective communication, persuasion, negotiation, and leadership.
• Principles of Business Accounting – 20 credits
  • You will work as a team to analyse and compare the financial performance of companies, usually two or more companies. You will use specific tools (accounting techniques) to evaluate a firm's financial performance, and identify reasons for any differences in performance between case firms.
• Managing People in a Global Context – 20 credits
  • This module emphasises responsible leadership. Through role-playing and/or case studies, you will face real-world dilemmas related to people management. Ethical leadership models and sustainability principles will be woven into discussions, guiding you towards socially responsible decision-making in a global work environment.
• Effective Business Communication – 20 credits
  • You will have the opportunity to build your English language awareness and skills so you can communicate successfully within an academic setting. There is an emphasise on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support the study of business.
• Big Data and International Trade – 20 credits
  • You will analyse large datasets in this module. You will be challenged to extract meaningful insights while considering ethical considerations. Discussions on the implications of data usage on society and environment should encourage you to formulate sustainable and responsible strategies for utilising big data in international trade.
• Global Sustainable Supply Chain – 20 credits
  • You will work in small groups and contribute to group discussions and assessment. You will work collaboratively to develop a group report that evaluates international supply chains and identifies areas for achieving competitive advantage and improvement.

The below modules are studied in your second year, if you enter the course at Level 5, or in your first year, if you enter the course at Level 6.

We will build on knowledge gained from your previous undergraduate studies to provide an overview of international business, examining world trade patterns and the functions of international institutions such as the advertising industry.

Level 6 provides increased specialisation in international leadership, global strategy, business process management and project management. Level 6 also provides you with the opportunity to deepen and broaden your knowledge and skills in managing global organisations.

You will explore the skills needed to become a flexible future manager, spot international business opportunities quickly and respond to challenges effectively.

Modules

• Developing Employability Skills for Business – 20 credits
  • You will learn how to increase the range and effectiveness of the use of English language and develop study and communication skills in a business and academic context.
• Contemporary International Leadership – 20 credits
  • You will work in a team to learn, review and evaluate various leadership behaviours, and incorporate this knowledge into organisational working practices and company cultures.
• Global Strategy – 20 credits
  • You will work in a team to research, analyse, evaluate and present the use of strategic management processes in various international business case studies to assist understanding in strategic decision-making.
• Business Process Management – 20 credits
  • The module requires you to synthesise knowledge of theoretical and applied perspectives of business process management and apply it to various organisational scenarios. Analysing, implementing, and critically evaluating process management activities within different contexts aligns with this attribute.
• Managing Global Organisations – 20 credits
  • You will learn about and develop an in-depth understanding of global organisational contexts. You will critique the impact of operational and global value on management decisions using a real-world business problem.
• Project Management – 20 credits
  • You will work as a team to create a project plan for your second assessment. Practicing communication skills and creativity are essential skills for preparing a project plan.

How you'll learn

This course can be studied full-time over either one year or two years, depending on the stage of entry. The teaching and learning embraces an active, applied, social and inclusive approach. It is designed to enable critical thinking and an appreciation of effective communication skills fundamental to good leadership.

This is facilitated through traditional teaching and learning methods which may include:

• lectures
• workshops
• seminars.

You will use innovative business techniques and tools to achieve this.

This course equips students with contemporary knowledge and on-demand competencies by applying a real practical focus while practising Research-Enriched Learning (REL) using innovative tools and business simulation. The course also embeds responsible and ethical leadership in its learning outcomes. The course also enables you to dive into subjects such as sustainable supply chain and big data. You may also learn from guest lecturers, who are invited to bring theoretical knowledge to life through industry practices (subject to their availability).

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions which may include:

• on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
• group work
• self-directed learning
• work placement opportunities

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

If joining in year 2:
Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. You can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week during the second year of a degree course. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

For 1 year (final year) top-ups:
Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your top-up year you can expect 9-12 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

• phase tests
• essays
• group work
• presentations
• reports
• projects
• coursework
• exams
• individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

This course is international by nature drawing on business practice and real-life case studies (where possible) from all over the world. Furthermore, the international experience of the course team means creates further opportunities to gain cultural insights when doing business in countries around the world.

You may also have opportunities to work with students, from other international universities on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

• UK
• International

You must possess a minimum of 240 credits (RPL with 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5) obtained in any business-related area. This could be in business management but may also be in subject areas such as project management, events management, or a more specific field of business, such as marketing, strategy or finance.

An HND in a business-related area with 240 credits awarded will also be considered for entry into the 1-year programme. This is subject to approval from the Course Director.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Africa

Americas

Central Asia

East Asia

Europe

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time
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UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | 2026/27 fees TBC
2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year | Not available
EU | 2026/27 fees TBC
2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary**
2026/27 fees TBC
2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary** | Not available
International | 2026/27 fees TBC
2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year | Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

• Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
• Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Careers and opportunities

The business world is increasingly internationally focused. This course aims to help prepare you for potential future career options in a range of multinational organisations, businesses, management consultancies and government organisations.

The course aims to develop and hone your business skills, building on your understanding of business and management to help you understand the subject in the international context of today's corporate environment.

This course aims to equip you with the intellectual and professional skills to perform strategic analysis, choose winning strategies, and execute them for optimal results. You can also strengthen your cross-cultural awareness, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills – all highly sought-after by employers.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of our international business courses have found employment positions within generalist HR, general management, specialist pay and reward, people development and employee relations roles.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the International Business Management MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

International students

International codes:
FBLU111

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International Guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

Facilities

Our facilities include:

Business Simulation Suite

Offering skill-based training that uses simulation games, role-play activities and scenario-based learning, the business simulation suite is an all-encompassing space for experimental business learning and training.

The Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.