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International Business Communication (Top-up) at University of Portsmouth - UCAS

Course options

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Overview English is the language of global business. If you want to improve your English language ability while building skills in management, leadership and communication, this BA (Hons) International Business Communication top-up degree is for you. You'll discover how to communicate information, ideas and arguments in English – orally, virtually and in writing – so you can effectively communicate with business managers around the globe when you start your career. You'll also develop your analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills and get experience working alongside people from many different cultures and backgrounds. You can do this undergraduate degree in 1 or 2 years, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to write and speak English. When you graduate, you'll be set for roles in areas such as international communications, foreign relations, marketing and PR, and finance. Improve your English in 3 ways:

  • dedicated English language classes to improve your vocabulary and grammar
  • business communications classes where you'll practise presentations, interviews and writing for business
  • living and working with both UK and international students and experiencing life in a welcoming UK city
Other course highlights
  • Choose specialist business modules in areas like multicultural management, intercultural perspectives on communication and British culture
  • Gain IT skills that complement your studies, making you more attractive to future employers
  • Be fully supported by your tutors and our dedicated global team, and join a community with more than 5,000 international and EU students from 150 different countries
  • Earn a full BA (Hons) degree in International Business Communication in just 1 or 2 years
Eligibility This course is open to international, EU and UK students whose first language is not English. A key part of the course is improving your written and spoken business English. Careers and opportunities Understanding English is just as essential for a career in international business as business knowledge itself, which is why this course combines the study of both. You'll graduate with the English language skills and communication, management and leadership techniques you need to work in multiple industries and sectors all around the world. What areas can you work in with an international business communication (top-up) degree? With the skills you'll gain on this course, you could work in areas such as:
  • international communications
  • foreign relations
  • marketing and PR
  • public services
  • finance
  • retail and leisure
You could also go on to further study at postgraduate level or start your own business with help and support from the University.

Modules

Year 1 Core modules in this year include:

  • Business Communication 2 (20 credits)
  • General Language Grade 5 (English) (20 credits)
  • Language of Human Resource Management (20 credits)
  • Marketing & Communication (20 credits)
  • Professional Communication in a Global Workplace (20 credits)
Optional modules in this year include:
  • British Culture
  • British Culture (20 credits)
  • Corporate Analysis and Strategies in An International Environment (20 credits)
  • Professional Experience (20 credits)
Year 2 Core modules in this year include:
  • Business Communication 3 (20 credits)
  • Business Planning (20 credits)
  • General Language Grade 6 (English) (20 credits)
  • Project (20 credits)
  • Recruiting and Motivating Teams (20 credits)
Optional modules in this year include:
  • Business & Markets in a Global Environment (Fheq6) (20 credits)
  • Intercultural Perspectives On Communication (20 credits)
  • Managing Across Cultures (Fheq6) (20 credits)
  • Practical Translation (Chinese) (20 credits)
  • Professional Experience (20 credits)
  • Understanding Britain Today (20 credits)
  • Writing for Different Audiences (20 credits)
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies. Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Assessment method

The way you’re assessed may depend on the units you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:

  • Year 1 students: 10% by exams, 85% by coursework and 5% by other means
  • Year 2 students: 5% by exams and 95% by coursework
Your coursework may include:
  • individual and group presentations
  • essays and written coursework
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
N131
Institution code:
P80
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Only those who have previously studied at higher education level should apply. Applicants for the 2 year course require relevant HE study at level 4, for example an appropriate HNC, or 120 credits from year 1 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject. Applicants for the 1 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, or a foundation degree at Level 5, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)For year 2 entry applicants require a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5. For year 3 entry applicants require a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
PTE AcademicFor year 2 entry applicants require an overall score of 51 with a minimum of 51 in each skill. For year 3 entry applicants require an overall score of 54 with a minimum of 51 in each skill.
TOEFL (iBT)For yr 2 applicants require 72 with minimum of 18 Reading, 17 Listening, 20 Speaking & 17 Writing. For year 3 applicants require 79 with minimum of 18 Reading, 17 Listening, 20 Speaking & 17 Writing.
Cambridge English Advanced(Taken after Jan 2015) Year 2 applicants require an overall score of 162 with no component score less than 162. Year 3, applicants require an overall score of 169 with no component score less than 162
Cambridge English Proficiency(Taken after Jan 2015) Year 2 applicants require an overall score of 162 with no component score less than 162. Year 3, applicants require an overall score of 169 with no component score less than 162
Trinity ISEFor year 2 entry applicants require Trinity College ISE Level II with a Pass in all 4 components. For year 3 entry applicants require Trinity College ISE Level III with a Pass in all 4 components.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £9535 Year 1
England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
International £16200 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students who are resident in EU countries: please note that the net fee is inclusive of the Transition Scholarship Placement Year and Year abroad (at the time of publishing for 2024/25): UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 EU – £1,385 (including Transition Scholarship) International (Non-EU) – £2,875. Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice. All fees are subject to annual increase. For more information about fees, go to port.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-fees-and-student-finance/tuition-fees-living-costs-and-other-study-costs
International Business Communication (Top-up) at University of Portsmouth - UCAS