International Business Management with Study Abroad BA
2025-26 entryAfter building a solid foundation of business knowledge, you will spend a year abroad, preparing you for the global marketplace. Returning to Sheffield for your final year, you will graduate with a solid understanding of how businesses function and succeed in an international market.
Key details
- A Levels AAB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code N120
- 3 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
- Study abroad
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
Our partners have been chosen to ensure there is no change in the quality of education. From Australia, Canada and Europe to Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA – no matter where you spend your year abroad, all the teaching is in English and all modules you study will be approved by Sheffield University Management School.
Aim for marketing, HR or entrepreneurship or keep your career options open, safe in the knowledge that Sheffield University Management School is Triple Crown-accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB. You can also take a flexible placement year for extra experience in addition to the year abroad, and still complete the course in four years.
Based in the school, they support you to get placements and internships, work with industry to ensure you develop the most in-demand skills, and support you with career planning and CV workshops.
Achieve an excellent understanding of business management with an international focus – this a degree for those with the drive to achieve their very best.
No experience is necessary for this degree, but you must be prepared to strive for the best possible results. You’ll be combining rigorous academic study, the acquisition of practical skills, and completing a full year abroad – all in just three years. In addition, you may be eligible to apply for a placement year in employment in your study abroad country or back in the UK, gaining valuable experience of real relevance to prospective employers.
Year one is about a comprehensive understanding of core business – including behaviour, ethics, strategy and economics – plus skills-based modules like accounting and decision-making techniques.
You must pass the first time, with an average grade of 60% and no failed modules, in order to study abroad in your second year at one of our prestigious partner universities around the world.
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 your business management studies – building on your personal experience, and tailoring your modules to shape the international focus.
The Management School is Triple Crown accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: N120
Years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Core modules:
- Business Economics in a Contemporary Society
-
This module is intended to provide students with a grounding in a range of business economics concepts that have immediate relevance to modern day businesses, society, and the economy. It will introduce theoretically diverse concepts that include and contend with mainstream business economics thought, so that students from disparate backgrounds are able to openly debate and engage with business economics topics. It is designed to challenge students' understanding of the economic environment in which businesses are embedded so that they become more cognizant with diverse ways of thinking about and understanding real world business economic issues.
10 credits - Business Management in Context
-
This module introduces students to the impact that society has on business and vice versa. It seeks to develop students' awareness of the importance of considering and understanding the social context within which businesses and managers operate. Through a critical exploration of contemporary issues, it highlights the importance of socially responsible work practices and challenges participants to reconsider their preconceived notions of how business should operate.
20 credits - Introduction to Behaviour at Work
-
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 - Management Themes and Perspectives
-
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 two-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 2-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 - Futures First: Professional Self Management
-
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 - Accounting and Finance for Managers
-
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
You will take one of the following:
- Analysis for Decision Making A
-
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
-
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:
- Corporate Social Responsibility
-
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 identified for a socially responsible business.
20 credits
You will take one module from the following
- International Marketing
-
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 - International Business
-
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
You will take 4 of the following:
- Creativity and Innovation
-
The module aims to develop in students both a theoretical critical understanding of, and practical guidance to enhance, creativity and innovation in organisations. Topics will include: different methodologies for studying creativity and innovation; cognitive, biological, personality and affective bases of individual creativity; explaining influences on team and organisational innovation; and social dimensions of innovation. A key practical feature of the module is that it will also train students in how to use the CLEAR IDEAS model to develop innovative solutions to real-life problems.
20 credits - Digital Marketing
-
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 - Strategic Organisational Crisis Management
-
This module will introduce students to strategic organisational crisis management from a process perspective. Contextualising organisations within a framework of formal and informal institutions, this research-led and practice-oriented module will guide students through organisational incubation, response and recovery from crisis. It will draw upon key concepts, such as systems and complexity, to provide lenses through which the manager can gain critical insights into the crisis process and thereby potentially develop socially responsible interventions which can help organisations prepare, respond and learn from major disruptions.
20 credits - Critical Perspectives in Work and Organisational Psychology
-
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 - International Marketing
-
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 - Work and Employment in the Twenty-First Century
-
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 - Socially-Responsible Marketing and Consumption
-
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 - Industrial Relations
-
Industrial Relations explores the nature of working relationships and the constraints within which they operate. The subject is multi-disciplinary in nature and the content of this particular unit focuses on aspects of industrial relations which practising managers may experience. The unit aims to establish a conceptual framework for understanding industrial relations based on academic theories and research data. A further aim is to develop analytical skills that look beyond symptoms and to encourage judgement founded on an understanding of likely outcomes/implications.
20 credits - Language and Organisation
-
This unit aims, first, to develop an in-depth understanding of communication processes in organisations and an awareness of why these often prove problematic. The unit explores meaning-making as a negotiated arena in which we, as human beings, draw on deep-rooted assumptions and expectations. Second, the unit aims to enable students to communicate more effectively in organisational contexts, in their future roles as managers, consultants or researchers. More broadly, the aim is to develop students' ability to learn and manage their own learning, and to encourage effective time management and personal resources planning. Having completed this unit students should be able to discuss current theoretical approaches to language use and meaning-making in organisations, apply this theory to their own experiences of organisation, critically evaluate the role of language in effective leadership, and in the management of change, and use the techniques and approaches introduced in this unit to communicate more effectively in their future work settings.
20 credits - International Business
-
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 - New Venture Creation
-
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
You can also also select one Languages for All module worth 20 credits. For a full list of Languages for All modules, please visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/languages-for-all/choose-language
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.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Throughout the programme, your learning experience will be shaped by a variety of teaching methods. Lectures will introduce you to key topics, whilst seminars and workshops will provide you with the knowledge to explore the course content more deeply in a supportive learning environment with smaller group sizes.
Our variety of teaching styles 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.
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.
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.
You’ll also benefit from our Balance and Belonging events - informal, social events that give you the opportunity to meet your peers and coursemates.
Assessment
Your lecturers are here to support your development, which is why you’ll be given extensive feedback on your work to help you progress and reach your potential.
You’ll be assessed through a range of methods including, exams, online tests, group and individual presentations and course work.
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
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- ABB + A in a social science related EPQ; ABB + A in Core Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 34
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD + A at A Level
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAB
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA at A Level
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
-
Native Language A Levels can be accepted if taken alongside an acceptable A Level subject
-
GCSE Maths grade 6/B
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- ABB + A in a social science related EPQ; ABB + A in Core Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 33
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD + B at A Level
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AB at A Level
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
-
Native Language A Levels can be accepted if taken alongside an acceptable A Level subject
-
GCSE Maths grade 6/B
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
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
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 team who offer careers support, and can help you to find jobs or placement opportunities, and develop essential skills through workshops with industry experts. You're supported throughout your course and after graduation.
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 and employability support
Management School
AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS
Graduate Outcomes 2020-21
We are a world leading management 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 management 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 of our academics 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'll help 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 the right work experience for you.
Management School students are based in our building on Conduit Road.
Facilities
The Management School building includes learning facilities such as lecture theatres, seminar rooms, trading and computer rooms, our academic and professional staff, the Courtyard Café, and our Employability hub and Student Experience Office. Teaching takes place at various venues across campus.
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. You will also have the opportunity to gain certification that demonstrates competence in these systems, which will add real value to your CV.
Management SchoolUniversity rankings
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
A top-100 university: 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
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.
Year abroad and placement year
Take a 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.
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.
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.
Add a placement year
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open 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
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.