International Business BA (Hons) top-up

Undergraduate
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

2024-25 2025-26

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

September 2025
January 2026
May 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

September 2025 - entry available at Level 5 and at Level 6. January and May 2026 - entry available at Level 6 only.

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.

Memberships

CABS - Chartered Association of Business Schools

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

EFMD - European Foundation for Management Development

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.

AACSB- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.

BGA - Business Graduates Association

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development.

SBC - Small Business Charter

Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.

Memberships are reviewed on an annual basis and are not guaranteed. Applicants and students will be informed of any changes as soon as possible.

What you'll study

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

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.

Compulsory

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.

Compulsory

Effective Business Communication – 20 credits

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.

Compulsory

Global Sustainable Supply Chain – 20 credits

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

Contemporary International Leadership – 20 credits

Global Strategy – 20 credits

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.

The module emphasises the importance of analysing, executing improvements and monitoring business processes to ensure continuous optimisation. This process requires prioritising and managing commitments with resourcefulness and a focus to deliver on time.

Compulsory

Managing Global Organisations – 20 credits

Project Management – 20 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

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 tools⁴ including practical market entry software 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 opportunities².

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 world². 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) projects².

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

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:

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
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
EU	£9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£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).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our facilities include:

Female student using pen to point at screen with financial data on.

Business Simulation Suite

You can use the Business Simulation Suite on specific courses. It aims to provide you with some of the hands-on skills needed to succeed and stand out in business.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

The Library

The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year. 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.

Lecturer sat with student talking in EEC building.

The Talent Team

With employability at the forefront of all of our courses, you will have access to our dedicated employability service, the Talent Team, from day one.

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.

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

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

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

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

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.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

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 permit 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2025/26. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.