International Business with a Year Abroad

The International Business with a Year Abroad programme at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and immersive education in global commerce and enterprise. Designed to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and cultural awareness necessary to succeed in today's interconnected world, this degree combines rigorous academic coursework with practical international experience. Throughout the programme, students explore core areas such as international marketing, finance, management, and strategic decision-making, all within a global context. The inclusion of a mandatory year abroad provides a unique opportunity to experience different business environments, develop language skills, and build international networks. During this year, students typically study at partner institutions across Europe, North America, or Asia, gaining invaluable intercultural competence and understanding of global markets. The programme emphasizes employability, encouraging students to engage with real-world business challenges through case studies, group projects, and internships. University of Kent's strong links with industry partners and support for entrepreneurial initiatives ensure students are well-prepared for a variety of careers in multinational corporations, consultancy firms, financial institutions, or even their own startups. The teaching staff are experienced academics and practitioners who bring practical insights into the classroom, fostering a learning environment that balances theoretical foundations with applied skills. The International Business with a Year Abroad programme is ideal for students aiming to develop a global perspective on commerce and to acquire the skills necessary to operate effectively across borders. Graduates leave Kent armed with not only a solid academic foundation but also a distinct international outlook, cultural adaptability, and a proven ability to thrive in dynamic, multicultural environments. With a strong focus on international business practices and strategic thinking, this programme prepares students for a competitive global job market, offering opportunities for further study or immediate entry into international careers.

Detailed Course Facts

TBC

• English

Course Content

Stage 1

All first-year students take the following modules:

• Business Skills and Employability

• Financial Accounting, Reporting and Analysis

• Global Business Environment

• Introduction to Business Modelling

• Introduction to Management

• Introduction to Marketing

• Introduction to Statistics for Business

• Microeconomics for Business

Stage 2 and 3

All students take the following compulsory modules in Stages 2 and 3:

• Business in Emerging Markets

• International Business I

• International Business II

• International Business: A Strategic Perspective

• European Business or International Business Management Project

• Business Ethics and Sustainable Management

• Corporate and Business Strategy

• Creativity, Innovation and Organisation

• Interactive Decision Modelling

• Operations Management

• Strategy Analysis and Tools

Your remaining modules are selected from a wide range available including:

• Cross-cultural Management

• International Entrepreneurship

• Diversity in Organisations

• Enterprise

• Macroeconomics for Business

• New Product Marketing

• Service Management

• A European language

All students spend a year in industry, supported by a dedicated placement team and a programme designed to ensure that students gain experience in the functional areas and industries of their choice. For students taking one of the specialist pathways, our strategic partnerships provide opportunities for placements in specific areas.

The placement allows you to experience, first hand, many of the issues addressed in the taught programme and to use the tools, techniques and applications in a real business setting. It will become a vital component of your CV and will give you a distinct advantage over other business graduates.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

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.

• A level: ABB

• 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

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

This International Business with a Year Abroad programme at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of global business practices, international markets, and cross-cultural management. The programme is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to operate successfully in the complex and dynamic environment of international commerce. Throughout the course, students will engage with core modules that cover areas such as international marketing, global business strategy, international finance, and supply chain management, providing a solid foundation in business principles from a global perspective.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad, which allows students to study at a partner university in a different country for an entire academic year. This experience aims to enhance language proficiency, cultural awareness, and adaptability—attributes highly valued in international business roles. Students may have opportunities to participate in internships, work placements, or collaborative projects during their year abroad, enriching their practical understanding of international business operations.

The programme's curriculum is designed to foster both academic and professional development. Students will undertake group projects, case studies, and presentations, simulating real-world business scenarios. The university provides strong support through dedicated advisors, language tutors, and international offices to help students select suitable host institutions and prepare for their year abroad.

Upon completion, graduates will be well-positioned to pursue careers in multinational corporations, international consulting firms, export-import companies, or further study in business-related fields. The programme also emphasizes transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and intercultural competence, providing a competitive edge in the global job market.

The University of Kent's location offers strategic advantages, including proximity to London and its vibrant international business scene. The university's strong links with industry partners and alumni networks facilitate career opportunities and professional development. Overall, the International Business with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent aims to produce graduates who are culturally aware, commercially savvy, and globally minded, ready to take on business challenges anywhere in the world.