BA (Hons)
International Trade and Business Communication
Global business and English language
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Job applicants with strong business and English language skills are increasingly sought as English continues to be a world language for trade. This course allows you to study business through the medium of English in an English-speaking environment, and to equip yourself for this world.
This degree programme is for non-native speakers of English only. It is a three-year programme, but students can enter at the appropriate stage if they have appropriate prior learning.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Develop your English language skills as well as studying about International Trade
- Explore the importance of international trade in theory and practice and the socio-political and economic frameworks which surround these
- Study the ways in which other cultures view the world
- Equip yourself for the demands of the international workplace or for further study
What opportunities might it lead to?
Graduates with an understanding of international trade have an important advantage when it comes to working in the internationalised twenty-first century business environment. This degree will equip you with:
- specialist knowledge of cultural, economic, legal and managerial factors which effect international trade
- a clear understanding of how trade operates in a global environment
- English language skills which will boost your employment prospects
Overall, the international trade and business communication programme provides you with knowledge and skills to help you succeed in the global workplace.
I think the Workshop course is very useful. I can communicate with my tutor directly, and I have learnt a lot in the class, especially how to search for the information and data I want.
Yunfei Wu, BA (Hons) International Trade and Business Communication student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- LN11
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
For year 1 entry applicants require successful completion of 1 year of HE study plus English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5, or equivalent. For year 2 entry applicants require successful completion of 2 years of HE study plus English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5, or equivalent. For year 3 entry applicants require successful completion of 3 years of HE study plus English language proficiency at a minimum IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5, or equivalent.
For year 1 and 2 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5. For year 3 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
Other qualifications- Fees
This course is not open to Home/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students.
International full-time students: £9,500 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- School of Languages and Area Studies
Subject:
Modern Languages and Area Studies
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Combining language learning with the study of culture and politics, promoting a deeper understanding of a country/countries of study
- Fantastic opportunities for spending a year abroad
- Interactive and practical nature of studying that will prepare you for a wide range of careers
Structure & Teaching
Year one
In Level one you will study the following:
- English Language Grade 4
- Multimedia Listening
- Business Communication 1
- Introduction to International Business and Trade
- Studying at University
- Developing Research Skills
Year two
In level two you will study the following:
- English Language Grade 5
- Business Communication 2
- Corporate Analysis and Strategies in International Context
- Marketing and Communication
Two options from:
- Professional Communication for Business
- British Cultural Studies
- Business and Markets in a Global Environment (FHEQ5)
- Language
Year three
In level three you will study the following:
- Project
- English Language Grade 6
- Business Communication 3
- International Marketing and Export Trade
- International Trade: Payments and Law
One option from:
- Translation Theory and Practice
- Managing Across Cultures
- Business and Markets in a Global Environment
- Understanding Britain Today
- Intercultural Perspectives on Communication
Please note that whilst a range of options will be offered, there will inevitably be some variation in the availability of individual units at any given time.
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.
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.
Our academic year begins in October and finishes in June.
How are you assessed?
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 final examinations, and you may be asked to 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 prepare you for your future in the world of work.
Facilities & Features
International Office
A dedicated team of advisers to support you as you settle into life in Portsmouth and at the University
Focus on Business English
Learn English in an English-speaking environment
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books
International Office
We are a very cosmopolitan community with more than 4,000 international and EU students from over 100 different countries. The role of the International Office is to provide you with extensive support to make your time here as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, enabling you to focus on your studies. One of the team almost certainly has direct experience of your culture and may even speak your language.
Focus on Business English
If you want to learn English, the language of international trade and business, doing so in an English-speaking country is a great advantage. In this programme you will study the natural usage of conversational, formal and business English alongside business-oriented topics.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
Your time at University of Portsmouth will help you to develop a wide range of skills in analysis, criticism and argument. Students on this degree programme have a worldview and study experience abroad, which makes them flexible, adaptable and highly employable.
This programme aims to prepare you for a wide range of employment possibilities in international business at home and abroad. The course is structured to develop a range of skills and competencies and you will thereby gain the analytical and practical skills sought by employers. It also provides a sound preparation for the world of work or further study.
Career planning
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.