Overview
Studying business with a language will give you a true competitive edge. With both beginners and post A-Level French routes available, this fully integrated degree will give you an in-depth knowledge of different markets and leadership qualities to succeed in the global workplace.
Course outline and modules
This international business degree offers you the chance to also specialise in specific markets and learn the language(s) and intercultural communication skills needed to navigate our diverse world.
You can choose to study French either at a beginner level or with an A-Level in the language.
The unique structure of this degree sets it apart for students who want to study business and languages together. The two halves of your degree will be equally weighted but also directly related, as you will develop your language skills and learn about international business and different business environments in tandem.
What you’ll learn
What makes this course stand out is the focus on foreign markets and business in language classes as opposed to traditional literature or cultural studies. This means you’ll learn about business and economics in the language(s) you choose to study, developing not only the linguistic skills needed to communicate effectively in a business context but also the intercultural awareness needed to work and communicate effectively in the global market.
Business modules that are taught in English have been developed for you to gain a broad perspective on international business and management, covering topics such as social responsibility and ethical practice in professional contexts.
Our modules are designed to stay at the forefront of business. As well as relevant knowledge, you’ll develop essential social and cognitive skills, such as adaptability, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and creativity, which are all key to your employability.
International real-world experience
You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake an integrated work and/or study placement abroad to enhance your employability.
International students
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 different countries chose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, but it’s also a great place to live.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability, and our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Choosing to start your Aston journey with our foundation programme in business will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course. During your foundation year, you’ll have excellent support from academics and group projects will give you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and build a network of peers who will share your university journey. We also have a Learning Development Centre that can provide additional support and offer pre-sessional English language programmes.
Modules
Your degree will be equally split throughout between modules taught in English on a range of business topics and modules taught in French to develop your French language skills and knowledge of French-speaking markets.
BSc International Business and Modern Languages French (Beginner/Ab Initio)Year 1
Core modules:
- Introductory Accounting for Business
- Introduction to Organisational Behaviour
- Introduction to Marketing Management
- International Business Environment (English)
- Business in an International Context
- French Language Skills Ab Initio I
Year 1
Core modules:
- Introductory Accounting for Business
- Introduction to Organisational Behaviour
- Introduction to Marketing Management
- International Business Environment (English)
- Business Context in France
- French Language Skills I
- Introduction to the French-Speaking Countries
- Language and Society in the French-Speaking World*
Learning, teaching and assessment
Our extensive employer links and focuses on transferable practical experiences means you’ll get a blend of learning and teaching experiences that will equip you for your career.
As an international business and modern languages student at Aston, you will experience a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, a group working, case studies and both individual and group presentations.
Course structure
- Students select 120 credits every year (usually 60 credits a semester), which represent approximately 12 hours a week of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
- Half of the BSc IBML degree is taught in your chosen language(s), which means that our students are at a real advantage when it comes to gaining maximum benefit and experience from their year abroad.
- Language classes are kept small throughout the length of the degree, in order to give every student the opportunity to become proficient.
- Face-to-face teaching is enhanced by an electronic platform (Virtual Learning Environment), which is used to host a wide range of electronic supporting materials.
- Our compulsory placement year abroad gives you invaluable, genuine, practical work experience that cannot be replicated in the lecture theatre. You can also choose to combine study and work abroad.
We pride ourselves on our teaching, which is recognised as the Gold standard by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – the highest possible accolade, and the benchmark by which the UK government evaluates the quality of university teaching.
Assessment
We continually develop new and innovative ways to assess our students, including writing company reports, creating video CVs, presenting start-up projects and presenting a proposal for an application.
Personal development
Our business degrees are designed to also give you a range of transferable and practical skills to succeed within your chosen career. We make extensive use of group working and presentations to prepare you for the reality of working life. This experience will develop your teamwork and negotiating skills.
The integrated placement year gives you the genuine, practical work experience that is invaluable in developing an appreciation of issues such as office politics, which cannot be replicated in the lecture room.
Career prospects
Our international business and modern languages graduates are in high demand from a wide range of organisations that are in need of business expertise, cultural awareness and linguistic proficiency operating in international markets and to multinational companies.
Recent graduates
Our graduates are now working in roles such as:
- Finance Analyst
- Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor
- Graduate Programme – Markets Division
- Operations Manager
- Graduate Scheme
- Auditor
- Tax Analyst
- Associate Recruitment Consultant
- Corporate Communications Graduate
- Marketing and Business Development Intern
- Assurance Associate
- Training Asset Fund Manager.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.