Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Business and International Relations Program

The BSc (Hons) Business and International Relations program at Aston University provides a comprehensive understanding of business and management alongside a profound understanding of global politics. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors.

Course Overview

The program focuses on key contemporary issues in international relations and policy, such as security and the globalization of the international political economy. It is strongly geared towards increasing employability, with an emphasis on practical knowledge application and real-world experience.

Course Objectives

The objectives of the BSc (Hons) Business and International Relations program are:

1. To provide an intellectually rigorous and up-to-date education in international relations and business administration.
2. To provide the ability to analyze and understand international relations problems, socio-cultural change, and international political institutions and structures.
3. To develop the ability to recognize and analyze the economic, technical, financial, social, and organizational parameters within which modern managers make decisions.
4. To offer the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience or study abroad through a placement year.
5. To produce graduates who have the knowledge and skills to find employment in a range of business and management roles, especially in internationally focused roles.

Modules

The program consists of a combination of core and optional modules, including:

• Introduction to the Concepts and Methods of International Relations
• Introduction to the European Union
• Introductory Accounting for Business
• Introduction to Business Economics
• Law for Business
• Introduction to Marketing Management
• International Relations: Theories
• Critical Approaches to Security Studies
• Fundamentals of Strategy
• Strategic Finance
• Operations Management
• Virtual Business Manager
• Research Skills and International Relations Dissertation
• Theories and Practice of Leadership
• Business Ethics

Optional modules include:

• Politics and Society of the Middle East
• West European Politics and Society
• North American Politics and Society
• East Asian Politics and Society
• South Asian Politics and Society
• Security Studies: Theories and Issues
• The Politics and Policies of the European Union
• International Political Economy
• International Climate Politics
• Global Marketing
• Sustainable Operations Management
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Ethics in a Crisis
• Global Working

Placement Year

The placement year is an integral part of the program, providing students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and gain valuable work experience. Students can choose to undertake their placement in the UK or abroad.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Business and International Relations program are:

• A Levels: BBC (standard offer), BCC (contextual offer)
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM (standard offer)
• IB: 29 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,4 in 3 higher level subjects
• Access: QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including 15 credits at distinction and the rest at merit or distinction
• T Levels: accepted qualifications include Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, Digital Production, Design and Production, Education and Childcare, Onsite Construction, Building Services Engineering for Construction, Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Health, Healthcare Science, Science, Accounting, Finance, Management and Administration, Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, and Legal Services
• GCSEs: Maths (grade C/4), English Language or English Literature (grade C/4)

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the BSc (Hons) Business and International Relations program are:

• UK students: Ł9,535 (2026/27), with a reduced fee of Ł1,250 during the placement year
• International students: Ł22,575 (2026/27), with a reduced fee of Ł2,500 during the placement year

Aston University offers a range of scholarships to support students, including the Aston Ready scheme, which can reduce the undergraduate offer by one or two grades.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Business and International Relations program have gone on to work in a range of roles, including finance executive, data insight consultant, internal auditor, sales executive, graduate content specialist, marketing executive, commercial trading executive, international project manager, policy officer, business engagement executive, and product analyst. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors.