Overview

Most Fortune 500 companies have operations all around the world – all of them have international customers. Recent research by Auxadi (2021), which explored the expansion plans of 100 global businesses already operating in more than one jurisdiction, found that 97% of respondents were planning on expanding into new markets by the end of 2023.

The BSc (Hons) Global Business Management (Top-up) programme will develop your knowledge, understanding, application and critical evaluation of key subjects related to global business management. The internationalised curriculum will boost your awareness of the globally diverse environment in which modern businesses and management operate, preparing you for a career in the UK or around the world.

Key facts

  • Learn the theory and practice of responsible business and management in an international context
  • Learn how to effectively communicate to diverse audiences through a range of formats and media
  • Boost your personal and career progression with employability and academic-focused modules
  • Top up your existing qualification to a UK honours degree with direct entry onto Level 5 or 6
  • Newcastle Business School is accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). According to AACSB, “Approximately 6% of the world’s schools offering business degree education have achieved AACSB accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality, rigorous standards, innovation, and continuous process improvement. Read more about our ‘double’ AACSB Accreditation

Northumbria University AACSB Accredited

What will I study?

The BSc (Hons) Global Business Management programme has been designed specifically to provide you with a broad foundation of business and management knowledge while developing your understanding, application and critical evaluation of a broad range of subjects related to global business management.

The programme makes use of appropriate technologies to support and enhance your learning experience. These technologies include an online learning platform that provides access and supporting learning materials, where appropriate lecture capture is used to support and review your learning. Additional materials include an online reading list and guidance and direction for your independent learning.

How will I be taught and assessed?

  • Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, interactive seminars, computer-based workshops, and self-directed and group activities, totalling 9 hours per week.
  • You’re expected to engage in independent study, around 40 hours per week.
  • Assessments take place through coursework only.
  • Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations.
  • Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course to guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
  • Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your ability and confidence as an academic learner
  • You will be assigned a guidance tutor at induction who you will meet regularly during your studies

Careers and further study

Graduates of this programme are well placed to progress into successful business and management roles, with typical jobs including:

  • International Operations Manager
  • International Project Manager
  • Business Manager
  • Global Business Analyst
  • International Business Developer

This programme will boost your employability outcomes by providing you with a key set of sought-after skills. At Northumbria, you will develop critical reflection, self-learning, collaboration, curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in sustainable and ethical ways.

Graduates of this programme will also be ready to specialise further through postgraduate studies in Business and Management related Master’s programmes in UK or abroad.

Academic & English requirements

  Academic entry criteria English language requirements
International Year One (Level 4)* Good High School Grades or equivalent IELTS 5.5 with no element less than 5.5
Year Two (Level 5) Level 4 qualification with a pass grade in a business and management-related field IELTS 6.0 with no element less than 5.5 (or approved equivalent)
Year Three (Level 6) BTEC HND/Foundation Degree or equivalent in a related subject *

 

*If you have taken a BTEC HND programme, we will usually expect you to have performed to an average of Merit standard. If you have taken a Foundation Degree, we will be looking for performance to Commendation level, or 60% average. Applicants holding a relevant business and management qualification in addition to one of the following will also be considered: DipHE, any Level 5 award such as Certificate, Diploma or NVQ.

Please note:

For Level 5 and Level 6 entry you must provide evidence of a Level 2 Maths or equivalent. Exemptions are granted if you can evidence previous study in finance, accounting, statistics, data analysis or research modules at previous levels of study.

Non-standard entry: Please note that applicants without formal qualifications yet with appropriate work experience are also encouraged to apply. Non-standard qualifications/work experience will need to be considered on an individual basis.

International entry equivalencies

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

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  • Year One
  • Year Two
  • Year Three

International Year One (Level 4)

Students with good high school grades (or equivalent),  joining on Level 4 will study our International Year One.

Year Two (Level 5)

Students holding a Level 4 qualification in a business and management-related field, can directly join the programme on the Year Two (Level 5).

This module supports the development of the specific skills necessary to successfully manage your studies and effectively communicate your ideas within the UK higher education community.

It also focuses on boosting your employability options by developing career-smart skills and knowledge necessary to obtain an undergraduate placement or graduate-level role after completing your degree.

Whether you progress to be a manager or into any role dealing with people, this module will provide both the theory and practice of HR functions. It will equip you with a practical overview of core HR areas, including recruitment and selection, performance management, total reward, managing absence and well-being.

Managers are likely to play a crucial part in several core HR processes, such as ensuring they have the right people on their teams who can perform effectively.

The internal business and management contexts are likely to be extremely relevant in any organisation you join.

This module will allow you to understand and explore key strategic decision-making aspects and their interface with cultural contexts, including:

  • International market entry and growth
  • Communicating across cultures
  • International business protocol
  • Ethics and responsible business
  • Managing the value chain in international business

This module allows you to learn about business decisions in the context of contemporary digital business examples. You will consider strategies, such as the subscription models used by Spotify, and online marketing tools used throughout the customer journey.

You will develop an appreciation of core metrics that allow businesses to assess their marketing success in real-time. You will also have the chance to explore how supply chain systems are designed to meet the challenges of today’s digital business.

This module introduces research methods and analysis, including topics such as study design, participant selection, data collection, data handling and storage and presentation of research findings.

You will learn how to apply quantitative and qualitative methods, covering key techniques including focus groups to collect data, supported by analysis methods including content analysis and thematic analysis. You will also learn to use a range of appropriate software tools, including Excel and SPSS.

Marketers have an important job: to create exciting marketing communications and online content which grabs their target audiences’ attention. But their campaigns must also effectively convey the brand and fuel customer desire to interact with the organisation and make a purchase. Using a hands-on approach, this module introduces you to a range of key marketing methods, inviting you to analyse and critique the content and communications strategies of well-known organisations.

You’ll consider the effectiveness of these strategies through the lens of theory and best practice and create alternative approaches. In particular, the module focuses on the importance of understanding the needs and wants of Generation Y & Z consumers, and the media and messages most likely to appeal to them.

This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

Year Three (Level 6)

Students with HND merit standard or Foundation Degree in a related field can join the programme directly on Level 6 and top-up their qualification to an honours degree in one year.

Please note continuing students and direct entry students will study a different set of modules.

Continuing students

You will study one of three optional modules plus the common modules listed below.

The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired during the programme and apply this to a consultancy project for a real organisation. This consultancy project provides a vehicle for participants to develop and demonstrate key employability skills, relate theory to practice, and undertake a significant piece of assessed work commensurate with a capstone module.

You will work on behalf of an external organisation, which has identified a business problem or question, requiring a solution, working in a small group of typically 4 individuals (you will select their own team members), participating in group and individual activities. The host organisation will provide a project briefing and review; students will be supported by appropriate academic input and guidance from Newcastle Business School in the form of a mentor and via the Business Clinic.

The Dissertation takes an enquiry research-based approach, providing you with the opportunity to examine, in-depth, an HRM or Management-related problem or issue of direct interest and/or that faces you from with your working life or work placement.  Initial weekly lectures build from Level 5 ‘Management Research and Analysis.  You then work guided by your supervisor to confirm your research area, generate empirical (primary) or secondary data, analyse this data and draw theoretically informed conclusions.  Supervisors are appointed in line with NBS policy, which recognises the requirements of professional bodies (CMI and CIPD) and AACSB accreditation.

The module aims to equip you with the necessary intellectual and practical skills for undertaking your individual learner-led, responsible, ethical investigation, while concurrently you will further develop key transferable, employability and enterprise skills including problem-solving and analysis, creative-thinking, time and project management, negotiation, communication (written, aural and verbal), persuasion and influence, discovery, initiative.

The Management Enquiry module is your chance to undertake your own independent investigation into an applied business problem or issue. It builds on the knowledge you’ve already developed in the HRM or Management programmes, with initial lectures introducing you to the underpinning knowledge and theories needed to get you started. Associated workshops then support you in putting this knowledge into practice, covering such topics as critically reviewing the literature, ethical research, and quantitative and qualitative research and analysis techniques.

Once you’ve submitted your enquiry proposal, you’ll work through one-to-one or small-group supervision with your allocated supervisor. They’ll provide you with ongoing formative feedback on your progress as you engage with the Management Enquiry process. Supervisors will be appointed in line with NBS policy which recognises the requirements of professional bodies (CMI and CIPD) and AACSB accreditation.

Direct entry students

Students directly joining on Level 6 will study the below modules plus common modules listed below.

This module equips you with the necessary knowledge and transferable skills to enhance your employability, future career development and academic studies for your final year of undergraduate study.

The module has been designed to develop your academic skills to support your current studies and ensure your transition into higher education. You will enhance your academic writing skills, develop your critical thinking ability, understand the role and value of research and understand how to effectively use academic journals, all within the context of business and management.

This module will also support your future employability and career development, exploring and reflecting upon your knowledge, skills, personality, values and interests to support you in making well-informed career choices.

This module will help you draw on your range of knowledge and skills developed during your studies to review research literature and evaluate business and management responses to a contemporary issue. You will undertake an individual investigation into an applied business problem related to your programme specialism.

Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an advanced understanding of a business topic of contemporary interest and a practical understanding of how to use research in evidence-based decision-making in a global business world. This module will make you aware of current issues and areas of importance within your chosen academic discipline, thus giving you an advantage in the employment market.

The focus on the contemporary knowledge base, supported by investigative study skills, will be useful for those students aspiring to higher-level studies such as Masters’ programme.

This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

Common modules (all students) 

In this module, you will learn about the context of responsible strategic thinking and how to identify and explore sustainable business opportunities as a source of competitive advantage.

Working together with your academic tutor and your peers, you will engage in theoretical debates and challenge current business thinking and practices to further advance the application of responsible strategy within the complexities of the global business environment. You will gain an insight into responsible decision making and how it impacts internal and external stakeholders.

The module will make use of digital learning tools to support the students’ learning and skills development.

Successive crises and organisational failures demonstrate that the conventional management of organisations and their people is not wholly effective. Transforming Self and Organisations will support you to develop alternative approaches through a research-rich curriculum that will develop your understanding and application of critical management tools and perspectives. By exploring identity, aesthetics, power and culture, you’ll develop your capabilities for questioning the neoliberal status-quo and the politics of managerialism and performance-driven agendas.

You’ll interrogate and challenge typically taken-for-granted assumptions within organisations to recognise the inherent power and control that exists, and then propose change within these organisations to prioritise fairness, justice, equality, diversity and sustainability. Your learning will place you in good stead to bring about future organisational transformation. These critical perspectives on organisations may also cause you to challenge your own assumptions, values and beliefs.

Globalisation and huge advances in technology have created opportunities for organisations – but they’ve also exposed them to threats and challenges. Effective project management can be a key tool for ensuring that organisations adapt to a fast-changing environment. It also supports the delivery of improved products, services and processes, and allows for the successful execution of organisational strategy. What’s more, effective project managers are crucial to organisations seeking to successfully achieve their performance objectives.

This module seeks to develop you as a project management practitioner. You’ll acquire knowledge and skills to plan and manage various aspects of a project, such as its stakeholder relationships, scope, cost, schedule and risk, and in doing so will enhance your employability. Working as a team, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a specific project and use advanced IT software to manage a project more effectively.

Marketing thrives on data. All business types – large e-commerce, small business or personal website – rely on countless marketing tools to capture and use relevant data.

In this module, you will explore contemporary digital media channels and how to use them to understand the way people interact with your business. You will also develop your ability to use real data and turn it into actionable information to create an integrated marketing campaign as part of a national student competition.

All modules on this course are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.

The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

 

Tuition fee 2024/25

  • UK/Home students: £9,250 per annum
  • International students: £19,750  per annum

This course is eligible for student finance through Student Finance England (for eligible home students). For more information, please visit our dates & fees page.

Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £250 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.

Information for international students

Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.

Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.

  • Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
  • The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
  • Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
  • Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
  • Access to online resources, including a 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

 

Scholarships and bursaries for international students

Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying this undergraduate programme.

All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.

London Cost of Living Bursary

Eligible international students will receive an automatic bursary for £1,334, covering one month’s living costs in London*, applied at the Conditional Offer as a fee discount. This bursary is effective for intakes in January 2025 and May 2025. This offer excludes Pre-sessional English, standalone Graduate Certificate programmes and sponsored applicants.

If you receive this bursary, you may still be eligible for additional bursaries and scholarships, these will be confirmed at the Unconditional Offer stage. Full maintenance costs still need to be evidenced when applying for your visa.

This bursary is only available for international students from specific countries. Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.

*As defined by UKVI

Scholarships and bursaries

Payment plans for self-funded students

If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.

Payment plans

How to find out more

Enquire now to find more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.

Enquire now

How to apply

Once you’re ready to apply, if you are a UK or a Home student, you will need to apply via UCAS. If you are an international student, you can apply to us directly following the instructions below.

UCAS applications – UK/ Home students

To apply through UCAS, you will need to use the following codes:

Institute code: N77
Course  code: N1N0 (level 6), N1N1 (level 5)

Campus code: L

Find out more about applying through UCAS here

Direct applications – international students

We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study in the UK. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol on your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.

You can apply online to study the BSc (Hons) Global Business Management. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.

*Please note: to join the first year of this programme you’ll need to apply to the International Year One in Business.

Please note: For 2025 applications, you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.

Apply for 2025
Year One entry*

Year Two entry

Year Three entry

 

*Please note: to join the first year of this programme you’ll need to apply to the International Year One in Business.

Supporting documents

For us to assess your application in a timely manner, it is important that you provide us with the following documents:

  • Fully completed application form
  • Personal email address must be included on the application form
  • Transcripts and/or certificates (including a certified translation if not English)
  • Passport – copy of personal details page
  • Proof of financial sponsorship if applicable
  • Reference
  • Confirmation of immigration history including copies of previous and current visas if applicable

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.

Information For Disabled Applicants

At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

 

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Course Information

Level of study:

Undergraduate degrees

2024/25 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £9,250 per year
International Fee: £19,750 per year

Entry requirements:

Entry points directly onto Year 2 and 3 available

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0 with no single element below 5.5, or equivalent

Mode of study:

Full-time classroom

Duration:

1-2 years (depending on entry point)

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, September

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