

UCAS code
LN1DMode of Study
Full-timeDuration
1 year full-time (top-up), 2 years full-time (top-up)Start date
September 2023Overview
Develop your English language ability while gaining knowledge of global trade distribution on this BA (Hons) International Trade, Logistics and Business Communication top-up degree course.
You'll study key business topics such as logistics management and supply chain management, while also building valuable cross-cultural business communication skills. 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, your combination of business knowledge and English language skills will give you an advantage in the international job market in areas such as supply chain management, public service, finance, marketing and logistics.
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.
Course highlights
- Improve your English in 3 ways:
- dedicated English language classes to improve your vocabulary and grammar
- business communications classes where you'll practise presentations, interviews and writing for business
- living and working with both UK and international students and experiencing life in a welcoming UK city
- Gain skills and knowledge to succeed in global trade and logistics, such as how business perspectives differ around the world, the complexities of supply chain management, and the social, political and economic frameworks that surround international markets
- Be fully supported by your tutors and our dedicated global team, and join a community with more than 5,000 international and EU students from 150 different countries
- Earn a full BA (Hons) degree in International Trade, Logistics and Business Communications in just 1 or 2 years
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) International Trade, Logistics and Business Communication (Top-up) degree entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
- Only those who have previously studied at higher education level should apply.
- Applicants for the 2 year course require completion of two years of relevant HE study at level 4, for example, an appropriate HNC, or a foundation degree, or 120 credits from year 1 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject.
- Applicants for the 1 year course require completion of three years of relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example, an appropriate HND, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject.
See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- Only those whose first language is not English should apply.
- Applicants for the 2 year course require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.
- Applicants for the 1 year course require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Facilities and specialist equipment

Digital Language Laboratories
Perfect your listening and comprehension skills in a rich, multi-media language learning environment. Find out how to integrate and manipulate video, sound, text and internet sources in different languages.

Language Corner
Meet with a language tutor, get help with specific challenges and practise your skills with proficient speakers of your chosen language in this optional weekly drop-in session.

Global Café
You can meet students from all over the world at the Global Café on Wednesday afternoons. Learn about other's cultures and practise speaking in each other's languages while making new friends and getting to share your own culture.

Feel at home in our international community
Over 5,000 international students from over 150 countries study with us. You'll find clubs and societies for everything you can imagine.
In our welcoming and diverse city, you can enjoy a wide range of global cuisine and international food shops.
Explore student life in Portsmouth
Careers and opportunities
So much trade is now conducted on an international scale. Therefore, understanding how global business, logistics and supply chains work can create career opportunities all around the world.
In the UK alone, supply chains are a key part of the economy, contributing over £127 billion and employing 1.7 million people – around 5 percent of the workforce (LogisticsUK Report, 2021).
English is commonly the language of international business and trade. That’s why this top-up course will improve your English language skills as well as developing your business, logistics and trade knowledge – giving you the tools to pursue job roles in a wide range of countries and sectors.
What areas can you work in with an international trade, logistics and business communication (top-up) degree?
This course gives you the skills for careers in areas such as:
- business development
- procurement and supply chain management
- distribution network design
- human resources
- public services
- finance
- sales and marketing
- 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.

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Ways to enrich your study

Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)
We have over 20 experienced business entrepreneurs on our free EiR programme who can help you develop your business idea.
"I have a business idea, but I was not too sure about it. After this meeting, I felt so encouraged and positive about it! I felt so motivated to pursue my business venture. He gave me real life advice and helped me how to approach my ideas."
Rabab El Habchi Mahir meeting EiR Mark Smith
What you'll study on this BA (Hons) International Trade, Logistics and Business Communication Top-up degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
On this course, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Business Communication 2 – 20 credits
- English Language Grade 5 – 20 credits
- International Marketing and Export Trade - 20 credits
- Introduction to International Business and Economics - 20 credits
- Marketing and Communication – 20 credits
- Operational Research – 20 credits
- Professional Communication in a Global Workplace – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- English Language Grade 6 – 20 credits
- International Marketing and Export Trade - 20 credits
- International Trade: Payments and Law - 20 credits
- Logistics Management – 20 credits
- Project – 20 credits
- Quantitative Supply Chain Management – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
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.
Alternative courses
Not quite sure this course is right for you? Take a look at our other business communication courses to compare your options.
This BA (Hons) International Trade and Business Communication top-up degree is a good choice if you want to focus on English language skills and international trade without logistics and supply chain management. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines international trade studies with English and business communication classes.
If you want to develop your skills in management, leadership and communication alongside spoken and written English, this BA (Hons) International Business Communication top-up degree is for you. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines business skills development with English and business communication classes.
You can join this top-up BA (Hons) Business with Business Communication degree in either the 2nd or 3rd year, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to speak and write English. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines the study of global business with classes to improve your business English and communication skills.
You can join this top-up BA (Hons) Finance and Business Communication degree in either the 2nd or 3rd year, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to speak and write English. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines the study of global finance with classes to improve your business English and communication skills.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- workshops
- seminars
- tutorials
- language classes
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:
- tests and examinations
- presentations
- individual and group projects
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.
How you'll spend your time
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 this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 15 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 20 hours a week
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
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:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next scheduled meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to:
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Arrival support
Whether you're travelling halfway around the world or just a few miles, starting university can be nerve-wracking. Our airport pickup service, international orientation week events, and amazing support teams will help you settle in.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 per 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.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 units a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
Please only apply for this course if English is not your first language.
How to apply
To start this course in September 2023 — please contact us.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
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.