International Business Communication (Top-up)BA Hons

English is the language of global business. If you want to improve your English language ability while building skills in management, leadership and communication, this BA (Hons) International Business Communication top-up degree is for you.

You'll discover how to communicate information, ideas and arguments in English – orally, virtually and in writing – so you can effectively communicate with business managers around the globe when you start your career. You'll also develop your analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills and get experience working alongside people from many different cultures and backgrounds. 

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.

When you graduate, you'll be set for roles in areas such as international communications, foreign relations, marketing and PR, and finance. 

Eligibility

This course is open to international, EU and UK students whose first language is not English. A key part of the course is improving your written and spoken business English.

Not only is English the most spoken language in the world (Statista), people who have learned it as a second language now outnumber native English speakers (ThoughtCo).

Understanding English is just as essential for a career in international business as business knowledge itself, which is why this course combines the study of both. 

You'll graduate with the English language skills and communication, management and leadership techniques you need to work in multiple industries and sectors all around the world.

What areas can you work in with an international business communication (top-up) degree?

With the skills you'll gain on this course, you could work in areas such as:

• international communications
• foreign relations
• marketing and PR
• public services
• finance
• 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.

Ways to enrich your study

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

Changes to course content

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.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

• lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• tutorials

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a web connection.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

• examinations
• individual and group presentations
• essays and written 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.

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your BA Hons International Business Communication top-up degree.

In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 9 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.

You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in year 2, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Tuition fees

September 2023 start

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International (non-EU) students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)

September 2024 start

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International (non-EU) students – £18,100 a year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Please only apply for this course if English is not your first language.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.