
International Business Management with Study Abroad BA
Management School
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry.
Key details
- A Levels AAB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code N120
- 3 years / Full-time
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
- Study abroad
Course description

Our BA combines rigorous academic study with practical skills. The course is unique in structure: most courses with a year abroad last four years - we deliver ours in three.
We've carefully chosen our partner universities so that the quality of education you receive on the year abroad is the same high quality that you get at Sheffield and, crucially, counts towards your final degree classification.
Year one modules give you a comprehensive understanding of core business, including behaviour at work, quantitative methods, marketing, strategic management, business ethics and economics. Your study includes skills-based modules that cover essential accounting and decision-making techniques.
In the second year, you'll build a keen understanding of global business with the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions. You'll study abroad through the Erasmus or Study Abroad programmes.
We have partners in Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the USA, and no matter where you spend your year abroad, all the teaching is in English. All modules at partner institutions are approved by Sheffield University Management School.
In order to meet the requirements for the study abroad aspect of this course, you must pass the first year with an average grade of 60%, with no failed modules on the first attempt.
At Sheffield, we believe this is what you should be aiming for anyway. Students who don't achieve this transfer to our BA Business Management course and stay in Sheffield for the second year.
For the third year of the course, you return to Sheffield and continue their business management studies with a strong international focus.
Working closely with the University of Sheffield's prestigious School of East Asian Studies, specialist modules such as Work and Society in Japan are available, alongside three core modules which will challenge and enhance your now established international expertise.
International and European partner universities
- International countries
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Australia
- Australian National University
- Griffith University
- Monash University
- University of Adelaide
- University of Melbourne
- University of New South Wales
- University of Queensland
- University of Sydney*
- University of Western Australia
- University of Wollongong
Canada
- McMaster University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary*
- Western University*
Hong Kong
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong*
New Zealand
- University of Canterbury
Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore*
USA
- Case Western Reserve University
- Drexel University*
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Montana State University
- Northern Arizona University*
- University of New Mexico
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Texas at Dallas* (calculus required)
*These universities have restrictions set by the partner university. This could be a restricted number of courses/places available/additional documentation required etc.
- European Countries
- Austria
• Vienna University of Economics and Business
Denmark
• Copenhagen Business School
Finland
• Aalto University School of Business
France
• ESC Rennes School of Business
Germany
• EBS Business School
• University of Mannheim
Italy
• Università degli Studi di Roma, Tor Vergata, Rome
Portugal
• Universidade Nova de Lisboa*
Sweden
• Lunds Universitet
The Netherlands
• University of Amsterdam*
*These universities have restrictions set by the partner university. This could be a restricted number of courses/places available/additional documentation required etc.
The module content varies by partner university but you are required to take modules covering marketing, human resources, organisational behaviour and strategy. We divide partner universities into European and non-European countries; you are guaranteed a place at a partner university subject to meeting the academic requirements (average 60% with no failed modules in the first sitting) but we cannot guarantee where. We hold briefing sessions, information talks and a study abroad fair in the first semester of year one – this is your opportunity to identify where you want to apply to study in your second year. Applications for partners outside Europe take place in semester one and applications for partners in Europe take place in semester two.
Placement years
You can add a placement year (sometimes called a year in industry) to your degree after you arrive in Sheffield. Placements take place between your second and final year of study, and we add 'Degree with Employment Experience' to your course title to reflect your time in the workplace.
The Management School is Triple Crown accredited.



Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: N120
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Accounting and Finance for Managers
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The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts used in the preparation of financial information and to introduce them to the forms of financial statements that managers need to be familiar with. In addition, the module will introduce learners to appropriate forms of finance and the means of raising money to fund new enterprises, the financial planning this entails and forms of feedback and accountability to actual and potential fund providers. The module seeks to achieve all of the above in the context of start-up or growth firms. It is deliberately non-technical in nature, in other words it tries, as far as possible, to avoid unnecessary technical jargon or complexities.
20 credits - Business Management in Context
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The module covers a range of issues relevant to the modules covered in a Management Studies degree. It will be made plain that the accumulation of information is but a small part of education, and of little value without the ability to assess and use this information. The module will impress on students the importance of questioning and the dangers of simply accepting what they are told.To this end, the module is intended to be provocative. Nothing is presented as right or wrong, but rather as a point of view. The module is also intended to be entertaining, on the grounds that enjoyment is an aid to learning. It is also quite demanding in that there is preparatory work for each lecture, and there are tasks are to be carried out after each lecture.The module leader will present lectures in semester 1. A wide range of management issues will be covered. The aim is to be contentious, to examine what may be familiar issues in ways that are probably unfamiliar. The objective is to enable students to look at issues ¿ and not just those covered in this module ¿ critically.In semester 2, each weekly lecture will be presented by a different academic, charged with: ¿explaining from his own activities just what academics do and why they do it¿demonstrating that things are things worth knowing for reasons other than earning marks, that curiosity matters, that finding out can be fun¿that universities can do more than grant degrees and that employers want much more than qualifications.
20 credits - Futures First: Professional Self Management
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This module is intended to provide a structured and supported process for students to reflect upon their own learning, performance and/or achievement, and to plan for their personal, educational and career development. It is designed to ensure students are fully prepared to gain the most from their academic studies and to be better placed to continue their development throughout and beyond their degree studies.
20 credits - Management Themes and Perspectives
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The module introduces students to some of the key themes and perspectives within a number of different subject disciplines within management. Through a series of 4 four-week `packages' the module will introduce students to key issues within marketing, sustainable development, operations management and strategic management. The module is designed to help students to start to identify the interconnections between the different disciplines within management and to see how differing perspectives tackle key contemporary challenges. The module will be delivered through a series of 4-week subject `packages' by experts in the different disciplines. While the lectures will provide the foundation for student learning, this will be supplemented by guest speakers from within industry to apply concepts to actual business settings. Seminars will provide space for more detailed discussion of issues and topics covered during the module. Key skills sessions will also be interspersed between the different subject packages so that students will be able to develop these generic skills which they can utilise in the various assessments components and for which they will receive feedback.
20 credits - Business Economics
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This module introduces the essential concepts of economics at an introductory level for non-economics specialists. Most of the module will focus on microeconomics, considering in particular the demand and supply model of markets, an analysis of production and costs within firms, profit maximisation and the firm's output decision, and the impact of market structure on price and quantity outcomes. The module will conclude with an introduction to macroeconomic analysis, focusing on key economic indicators such as the money supply, interest-rates, unemployment and inflation.
10 credits - Introduction to Behaviour at Work
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This module is an introduction to psychological and behavioural approaches to the study of work and organisations. The major aim is to introduce students to some of the basic analytical tools and concepts from work psychology that encourage an understanding of the behaviour of individuals and groups in the workplace. The syllabus contains the following: Introduction to Organisational Behaviour, Individual Differences, Perception, Learning, Human Motivation, Job Satisfaction and Work Attitudes, Conformity and Obedience, Leadership, Groups at Work, the formal and informal organisation.
10 credits
Optional modules
- Analysis for Decision Making A
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This unit will enable students to develop competencies in those quantitative techniques and tools which are essential for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data in a business context. Focusing on a variety of business problems, the unit will demonstrate how quantitative techniques can be used to support effective business decision making.
20 credits - Analysis for Decision Making B
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This unit will enable students to develop competencies in those quantitative techniques and tools which are essential for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data in a business context. Focusing on a variety of business problems, the unit will demonstrate how quantitative techniques can be used to support effective business decision making. The teaching is aimed at those who have not taken mathematics beyond GCSE or its equivalent.
20 credits
You'll spend this year abroad at one of our partner institutions and study a range of modules approved by Sheffield University Management School.
Core modules:
- International Business
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This unit introduces key theories of international business development ¿ those concerning the rationales for international expansion, the choice of foreign market entry strategy and the impact on the economies of host countries. This theoretical understanding will then be illustrated and examined by reference to the way particular companies in contrasting industries have developed and implemented their international strategies. Particular attention will be devoted to the role played by the international business environment and its institutions, and to key strategic management issues such as global supply chain management, knowledge management, intellectual property protection and risk management,
20 credits - International Marketing
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This module provides students with an understanding of international marketing. The module will prepare students for the challenge of global marketing and enable students to have sufficient knowledge to be able to take on international related work, if faced by this challenge in industry.
20 credits
Optional modules:
- Corporate Social Responsibility
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The Johannesburg Earth Summit, the runaway success of No Logo, the corporate scandals and subsequent questioning of the regulatory structures within capitalism, all suggest that the relationship between business, the state and civil society is being debated with greater urgency than at any time since Milton Friedman declared the business of business is business. Again we are asking `what is the role of the firm?¿ Much of the dialogue and debate surrounding this issue is being conducted under the rubric of the concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Citizenship. The emergence of these concepts and the implementation of strategies to emphasise and improve the socially responsible practices of companies represents a significant development in the ongoing debates surrounding the role of business in modern society. Supporters suggest we are witnessing the emergence of a new breed of `Corporate Citizen¿ as companies seek greater interaction with civil society, look to adopt more ethical business strategies and engagement about their practices through the provision of greater openness and access to information.This module seeks to provide an initial introduction to the key issues and themes that are emerging within the CSR field. It examines the pressures encouraging companies to adopt more ethical business strategies, the types of practices and strategies which different companies have sought to adopt in this field, and the potential advantages that are iden
20 credits - Critical Perspectives in Work and Organisational Psychology
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In general terms, Work and Organisational Psychology is concerned with the application of psychological theories and techniques to the analysis and resolution of problems that confront the personnel or human resource function, in its endeavours to select, train, appraise and develop a competent workforce. Work and Organisational Psychology has traditionally positioned itself within the broad terrain of experimental social psychology, a discipline that emphasises the importance of the application of empirical scientific methods to the study of human behaviour. The aim of this unit is to critique this positioning and to present arguments that we need alternative knowledges to enable us to fully understand workplace behaviour.
20 credits - Digital Marketing
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This module is intended to guide students on the applications of marketing theory to the Internet. Teaching will involve building upon existing marketing concepts while questioning the validity of existing theory in light of the differences between the Internet and other media, and differences between digital marketing and other forms of marketing communications. The module covers how organisations (both public and private sector) use digital media to connect, interact, establish and maintain productive dialogue with customers. The module explores the impact of the Internet on marketing and branding activities and the techniques employed to enable the development of meaningful customer relationships.
20 credits - Managing complex projects
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Megaprojects are transformative for economies and can impact millions of people. Although some of the basic principles of project management may still apply, large-scale complex projects involve different managerial challenges that are related to their size, significance and uncertainty. The aim of this module is to provide students with the fundamental aspects of managing complex projects. It provides an encompassing view and understanding of the challenges and causes of risks in managing projects that is necessary to effectively drive change in organisations and the wider society.
20 credits - New Venture Creation
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This unit aims to provide you with an introduction to new venture creation from the perspective of the 'one shot' or 'serial' entrepreneur - those individuals who start, manage and grow a single venture or who have only one active venture at any one time, even though through the course of their lives they may create a number of ventures. Emphasis is placed upon entrepreneurial personality, motivation and attitudes; skills of opportunity recognition, creation and evaluation; innovation; and developing entry and exit strategies. This simultaneously draws upon, and develops foundations necessary for, companion studies in strategic management, marketing, finance and organisational behaviour.
20 credits - Socially-Responsible Marketing and Consumption
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The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of socially responsible marketing and consumer behaviour and will demonstrate how marketing and consumer behaviour principles can be used to tackle social issues (such as smoking, unhealthy eating, etc), support non-profit organisations, aid sustainability, support government policy development and benefit consumer welfare. In doing so it will, both theoretically and practically, through current examples and case studies, examine social marketing, non-profit marketing management, health communications, charity marketing, sustainability marketing and transformative consumer research in a range of industry sectors including arts, education, healthcare, social entrepreneurship and the public sector.
20 credits - Work and Employment in the Twenty-First Century
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This module is concerned with exploring the dimensions of work and employment in the twenty-first century. It will explore as its central motif notions of `decent work and `job quality within the contemporary political economy. We will examine the key dimensions of job quality focussing on issues relating to skill formation, employee autonomy and growing work pressures. As well as exploring changes in the quantity and quality of jobs on offer in the economy, the module will also explore the dimensions and dynamics of job quality for key occupational groups such as creative workers, knowledge workers, service workers and manual work. As a result questions such as `what makes a job have quality `why are bad jobs growing `are graduate jobs disappearing and `is knowledge work on the increase will be considered. The module will draw on a wide body of both empirical research as well as requiring a theoretical engagement with the subject.
20 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Our multidisciplinary approach means that you will learn practical skills to help you land the right job, as well as gain the rigorous academic knowledge that you require to progress throughout your degree.
You'll attend lectures, seminars, workshops and other programme level teaching with small group sizes and a supportive learning environment to see you achieve your full potential.
You'll be supported throughout your degree by your module leaders, tutors, personal tutors and our wider learning and teaching support such as the 301 Academic Skills Centre.
Our courses are based on world-leading research and our staff, many of whom have extensive industry experience, produce impactful research that influences policy and informs public debate.
We were ranked in the top 5 in the Russell Group for our research impact and 14th overall in the UK in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014), a periodic assessment of all university research in the UK. This gives you access to degrees that combine real-world application with cutting-edge business thinking.
Assessment
Your lecturers are here to support your development which is why you’ll be given extensive feedback on your work. We use a range of assessment methods including, exams, online tests, group/individual presentations and course work. You will also get lots of formative and summative feedback to help you progress and reach your potential.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
A Levels + additional qualifications | ABB + A in a relevant EPQ; ABB + A in Core Maths ABB + A in a relevant EPQ; ABB + A in Core Maths
International Baccalaureate | 34 33
BTEC | DDD in a relevant subject DDD in a relevant subject
Scottish Highers | AAAAB AAABB
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + AA B + AB
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with Distinctions in 36 Level 3 credits and Merits in 9 Level 3 credits 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with Distinctions in 30 Level 3 credits and Merits in 15 Level 3 credits
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
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GCSE Maths grade 6 or grade B
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Management School
We are a leading business school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). These awards have been achieved through the outstanding quality of our programmes, research output, support for students and alumni, and links with industry. We have a world-class reputation for high quality teaching, ground-breaking research and cutting-edge thinking.
You’ll be part of a dynamic and engaging business school that puts you and your future at the heart of everything it does. We balance a rigorous academic foundation with practical skills to ensure you are ready for the world of work.
We want you to develop skills so you can apply course content in a company setting. Our close links with organisations keep us in tune with the changing demands of the workplace. We know what employers are looking for.
You'll learn from experts - many are former industry professionals and they work closely with businesses. Because our academics are world-leading researchers, your education will draw on the most current management theories.
We want you to engage with the academic content, be conscientious and take an independent approach to study. We want you to be informed, innovative and proactive and do everything we can to support and enhance your career, steering you in the right direction with all the knowledge and skills you require. You'll benefit from tailored on-site and online professional careers support, dedicated skills sessions and events with experts from world-leading organisations and professional bodies. These activities will help guide your personal and professional development to help you secure your dream placement, internship or graduate role.
Management School students are based in our building on Conduit Road which accommodates learning facilities such as lecture theatres, seminar rooms, trading and computer rooms, our academic and professional staff, the Courtyard Café, and our Futures First Employability Hub and Student Experience Office. Teaching takes place at various venues across campus.
Facilities
The Management School has invested in an impressive, fully-equipped financial trading room, built around Bloomberg and Refinitiv Eikon.
These terminals are used by traders, banks and multinational companies to trade financial securities, gain market insights and undertake research. Students will also have the opportunity to gain certification that demonstrates competence in these systems, which will add real value to your CV.
Management SchoolWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Management School
AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS
Graduate careers
The flexibility of our courses means a huge range of career options are available. Employers recognise and value the practical, work-ready skills that our students develop. Recent graduates are working for Amazon, Asda, Danone, Deloitte, E.ON, Glaxosmithkline, Unilever and Virgin Media.
Management School
We have a dedicated Employability Hub where you can access careers support, find job or placement opportunities, and develop essential skills through workshops with industry experts. You're supported throughout your course and for up to three years after you graduate. We work with businesses and organisations to ensure the content of our courses are up-to-date and relevant, and that the skills and experience you'll gain meet the demands of future employers.
Sheffield University Management School careers
Year abroad
In the second year, you'll acquire a keen understanding of global business through the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Asia.
Wherever you study, the second year will be taught in English and all modules are approved by the Sheffield University Management School.
Module content varies by partner university but you are required to take modules covering marketing, human resources, organisational behaviour and strategy. You pay a reduced fee to Sheffield for the year abroad but no fees are paid to the partner university.
To qualify for the year abroad you must pass your first year with an average grade of at least 60% at the first attempt with no fails. We hold briefing sessions, information talks and a study abroad fair in the first semester of year one. This is your opportunity to identify where you want to apply to study in your second year.
Applications for partners outside Europe take place in semester one and applications for partners in Europe in semester two. If you don't achieve the grades required you'll switch over to the BA Business Management course and spend your second year in Sheffield.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 3349
Email: management-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.