Course description

• This programme enables you to ‘top up’ your qualifications to achieve a highly respected International Business degree.
• This top-up degree is designed specifically for students who have been unable to pursue a full degree programme in International Business previously. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach to international business, giving you a chance to study applied analysis in economics, strategy, law, finance, marketing and human resources
• You will be part of a highly diverse international student cohort which will enhance your understanding of cultural diversity and international business awareness. You will join our highly successful network of alumni working around the world
• You will benefit from our unique approach to employability, networking with our regional experts and international business leaders and working towards gaining the University of Derby Futures Award in Networking and Economic, Financial and Commercial Awareness in International Business. You will also have access to a first class professional career service even after graduating
• Every student on our programme gets support and advice on academic achievement and career development from a personal tutor who is part of the programme team.
• If you want to continue your studies in international business at postgraduate level, this programme is explicitly paired to our MSc International Business or can lead smoothly on to our MSc International Business and Finance, MSc International Business and HRM or MSc International Business and Marketing

This programme will give you a deep understanding of today’s increasingly internationalised, complex and dynamic business environment. It integrates analysis from various disciplines including international business strategy, management and marketing, international economics and international trade legislation.

This top-up programme will give you the choice and flexibility to graduate with an International Business degree. The top-up is ideal for international students, who can obtain a globally recognised UK degree, after one-two years of study in the UK.

The programme is aimed at students from a generalist background who want a specialist focus. The programme will give you a deep understanding of today’s increasingly internationalised, complex and dynamic business environment. It integrates analysis from various disciplines including international business strategy, management and marketing, international economics and international trade legislation.

You will analyse the different economic environments and national cultures in which business operates, learning how to attract customers in international markets and how to expand a local business into a global one. You will look at international regulations and policies, and their impact on business strategies while developing your understanding of international strategy, problem solving and decision-making processes.

Keeping right up to date with what’s happening in the world economy, you use actual case studies and benefit from the insight of expert speakers from the international financial sector.

We’ll also help you develop the skills employers look for in their graduate employees, from report writing and analysis, through to presentation skills.

How you will learn

A wide range of coursework assessment methods are used on the course, many of which are designed to improve your transferable skills and overall employability. You may be creating strategy documents, international business analysis reports, creating presentations or videos, or analysing information from Bloomberg on international markets and organisations. You'll work alone and as part of a team and you'll be marked on elements of reflective practice. There is a mix of writing essays, creating a portfolio of relevant work and undertaking computer based assessments. Feedback will be provided at every opportunity in order to enable you to monitor your own progress and development.

Who you will meet

Dr Doyin Babajide is Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) top-ups that are part of the International Business suite of programmes in the Business School. She is an economist, enthusiastic about research and keen on professional networking. Her role within the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences spans the full range of academic activities from teaching at all levels to leading economics and finance modules. Doyin currently leads the Introductory Microeconomics module and teaches other modules in the department.

Dr Eugene Michaels is Programme Leader for the MSc International Business suite of programmes in the Business School and leads a number of Economics modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level. He is accredited with the Higher Education Academy and focuses his efforts on getting his students to apply economic reasoning, think critically and see the relevance to their own personal lives. Eugene’s key research interests lie in the implications of behavioural economics on individuals’ financial wellbeing and government policy.

Melanie Powell is the Programme Leader for the MSc International Business and Finance degree. She is the joint author of a leading European Economics textbook, is widely published and is accredited at high level with the Higher Education Academy. She is passionate about inspirational and research backed education. Her research is focused on behavioural economics and financial market behaviour. Melanie wants every student that goes through her hands to be changed and have a new way of looking at the world that gives them confidence, decision making skills and a fascination for economic activity for life.

Dr Nicola Lynch is an applied economist who researches on public policy issues. Nicola leads a number of undergraduate and postgraduate modules and believes in providing our students with a unique and invaluable learning experience. She believes in providing a learning environment where students can develop academically and personally as they progress through their studies here in the Derby Business School.

Dr Weiwei Yang is a committed lecturer with experience of teaching a wide range of subjects in Finance and Economics. Her teaching philosophy is to inspire and motivate students, changing from passive learning to active learning. Weiwei’s research interest lies in the area of banking efficiency, market competition, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

Who you will meet

Dr Eugene Michaels is Programme Leader for the MSc International Business and the BA (hons) top-ups that are part of the International Business suite of programmes in the Business School and leads a number of Economics modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level. He is accredited with the Higher Education Academy and focuses his efforts on getting his students to apply economic reasoning, think critically and see the relevance to their own personal lives. Eugene’s key research interests lie in the implications of behavioural economics on individuals’ financial wellbeing and government policy.

Melanie Powell is the Programme Leader for the MSc International Business and Finance degree. She is the joint author of a leading European Economics textbook, is widely published and is accredited at high level with the Higher Education Academy. She is passionate about inspirational and research backed education. Her research is focused on behavioural economics and financial market behaviour. Melanie wants every student that goes through her hands to be changed and have a new way of looking at the world that gives them confidence, decision making skills and a fascination for economic activity for life.

Dr Nicola Lynch is an applied economist who researches on public policy issues. Nicola leads a number of undergraduate and postgraduate modules and believes in providing our students with a unique and invaluable learning experience. She believes in providing a learning environment where students can develop academically and personally as they progress through their studies here in the Derby Business School.