Course overview

The BA (Hons) International Trade, Logistics and Business Communications will introduce you to some fundamental ideas in logistics, but at the same time introduce you to some key ideas in international trade.

The modern economy is no longer a national, but a global one. English is increasingly a world language and job applicants with good English language skills are increasingly sought in a wide range of different jobs. Studying a subject through the medium of English in an English-speaking environment at the same time as developing your English language skills in a targeted way is probably the best way of equipping yourself for this.

Throughout this course, you will learn advanced problem-solving skills, which you will be able to apply in different ways in a wide choice of future potential careers. Industry and the public service sector are looking for logistics people with a strong analytic background and with a potential to grow within the company into various managerial roles. This course is designed for international students who are interested in logistics, feel comfortable with mathematics, and want excellent job opportunities.

In the logistics component, you will study the processes of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient and effective flows of goods, services, and related information across supply chains. The management of these processes is crucial in meeting customer service goals, and is typically considered essential to a firm's competitive strategy.

In the international trade component, you will study theories and practices in the economic and trade conditions in the wider global context within which these operate, as well as aspects of business communication such as marketing and management in the international and intercultural context. We focus on the anglophone trade and business world, so there is also an emphasis on the English language required to operate in the international context. You will also learn about the relationships between organisations, the business environment, culture and society.

The programme in English as a foreign language aims to develop students' competence in English language to at least Cambridge proficiency/IELTS 6.5. More advanced classes can be provided if there is sufficient demand.

Some options, such as English language classes, are taught exclusively to international students, but wherever possible the School tries to integrate international students into classes with home students. There are many opportunities for international students to meet and study with home students.

The BA (Hons) International Trade, Logistics and Business Communication is right for you if you:

• want to study a subject through the medium of English in an English-speaking environment
• want to develop your English language skills as well as studying about logistics and international trade
• are interested in and aware of contemporary global concerns and the socio-political and economic frameworks which surround these
• are interested in and open to the ways in which other cultures view the world
• want to equip yourself for the demands of the international workplace or for further study

Course content

Year three BA (Hons) International Trade, Logistics and Business Communication

• Project
• General Language Grade 6
• Planning, Scheduling & Supply Chain Management
• Modern Computational Methods for Operation Research & Logistics
• International Trade: Marketing & Export
• International Trade: Law & Payments

Teaching and assessment

Here at Portsmouth we want you to get the most you can out of your education. We have worked to ensure that the teaching and learning resources are there for you to take full advantage of. Through the teaching, learning and assessment activities that you experience during your degree studies, you will develop your own, effective learning strategies that will last a lifetime.

Our academic year begins in October and finishes in June. 

Your classes may be in one of our state-of-the-art lecture theatres, one of our IT suites or digital multimedia language laboratories. You may discuss and develop ideas in a seminar group or develop your language skills in a language class. Part of our approach is to develop independent learners, so that you can take responsibility for your academic and intellectual development with the support of your tutors. To help you do this, tutors have developed a range of teaching and learning resources that can be used in class and for independent study.

Assessment strategies will not only test your knowledge of the subject, but also help you develop a range of skills that will be invaluable when you finish your degree and start work. You may have in-class tests or examinations at the end of each unit and give presentations or work on projects, either individually or as part of a team, giving you the opportunity to refine your presentational, team-working, time management and research skills. You will submit essays or other types of written coursework, helping to enhance your analytical and critical skills as well as your ability to process large amounts of information and perfect your writing skills.

All of these skills are not only necessary for you to do well in your studies with us but also to prepare you for your future in the world of work.

Career prospects

English is increasingly the language of international business and trade. The combination of subject knowledge and good English language skills we develop on this course will give you a distinct advantage in the international job market.

There are many jobs available for you in business, trade, public service, finance, marketing, management, retailing and the leisure industry. Some of our most successful graduates have even started their own businesses and many go on to postgraduate study, either here in Portsmouth or elsewhere.

Facilities and features

You will have access to our highly qualified and experienced team of lecturers, as well as our very well resourced learning environment.  We have:

• a suite of well equipped lecture theatres and seminar rooms
• multimedia digital classrooms
• IT suites, with access to over 150 computers
• editing suite and multimedia development unit
• satellite receivers providing live broadcasts in eight languages, as well as English

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for BA (Hons) International Trade, Logistics and Business Communication for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).