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International Trade and 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 If English isn't your first language and you want to build a career in global trade, this BA (Hons) International Trade and Business Communication top-up degree is a great choice. You'll study all things business in an English-speaking environment alongside native and non-native speakers, learning how people use conversational, formal and business English in preparation for the fast-paced world of international trade. 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. After the course, you'll have the English language skills and international trade understanding to succeed in a range of careers in the global marketplace, in areas such as business management, export and/or import finance, international market research and marketing. 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
  • Explore the theory and practice of international trade, the ways different cultures view the global marketplace, and the economic, legal and managerial factors that affect how business is done around the world
  • 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 Trade and Business Communications in just 1 or 2 years
Careers and opportunities The globalisation of trade has transformed the world economy. Today, approximately one fourth of total global production is exported (Our World in Data). As a result, those with a knowledge of international trade and the factors that impact it are highly sought-after by a wide range of employers. And, as English continues to be the world's language for trade, there's strong demand for graduates with both business and English language skills. This gives you many career options after the course. What areas can you work in with an international trade and business communication (top-up) degree? This course gives you the skills for careers in areas such as:
  • international trade
  • export and/or import finance
  • export and/or import coordination
  • product management
  • market research
  • marketing
  • 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 include:

  • Business Communication 2 (20 credits)
  • General Language Grade 5 (English) (20 credits)
  • Introduction to International Business and Economics (20 credits)
  • Marketing & Communication (20 credits)
  • Professional Communication in a Global Workplace (20 credits)
Optional modules include:
  • British Culture (20 credits)
  • Corporate Analysis and Strategies in An International Environment (20 credits)
  • Professional Experience L5 (20 credits)
Year 2 Core modules include:
  • Business Communication 3 (20 credits)
  • General Language Grade 6 (English) (20 credits)
  • International Marketing and Export Trade (20 credits)
  • International Trade: Payments and Law (20 credits)
  • Project (20 credits)
Optional units 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. 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: 10% by exams and 90% by coursework
Your coursework may include:
  • in-class tests
  • individual or group projects
  • individual or group presentations
  • 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:
LN21
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 Trade and Business Communication (Top-up) at University of Portsmouth - UCAS