About this course
- 22nd in the UK for Business and Management (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Top 20 in the UK for Business, Management and Marketing Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
- Top 20 in the UK for Business, Management and Marketing Student Experience (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
Today’s global marketplace demands graduates to have the business know-how and the skills and knowledge to apply these within an international setting. At Nottingham Business School we offer International Business (with Spanish) as a specialist dual award course.
Accredited by both Nottingham Business School and the University of Valencia, this dual award course provides you with an exciting four year course helping you to understand European and global business environments, and gives you the opportunity to develop your knowledge of the Spanish language and immerse yourself into the country’s culture.
It will develop you into an attractive graduate with excellent prospects by providing you with strong academic foundations, real-world experience and outstanding language skills.
As the course is dual award you will graduate with a BA (Hons) International Business (with Spanish) from NTU, and a Grado en International Business from our partner institution the University of Valencia.
This full-time course is four years long. You will be spending two years at Nottingham Business School [your first and fourth years], and two years at the University of Valencia [years two and three], which includes a half year internship in Spain or in a Spanish-speaking company.
EFMD Global has been awarded EFMD Programme Accreditation to our suite of undergraduate BA (Hons) International Business courses. Learn more about EFMD Programme Accreditation
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Learn from the experts, at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning. -
Earn a dual award - you will graduate with a BA (Hons) International Business (with Spanish) from NTU, and a Grado en International Business from our partner institution the University of Valencia.
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Our students get great jobs — we’ve been ranked 1st in the UK for employability (Uni Compare 2025). -
Study in the heart of Nottingham — one of Europe’s top 25 student cities, and home to over 75,000 learners.
What you’ll study
During your first year you will be studying full-time at Nottingham Business School.
In your second and third year you will be studying at the University of Valencia studying at their institution and undertaking a half-year internship in Spain or with a Spanish-speaking company.
Your final year will be back at Nottingham Business School studying full-time.
The course begins in September 2026. Take a look at the academic calendar for term dates. The academic calendar will apply throughout your course, aside your placement year (if you have chosen to undertake one).
Accounting and Finance for International Managers
Through this module you will develop the skills and competencies needed to make effective use of accounting information, especially for control and decision making purposes. You will explore how business organisations are financed and the constraints and limitations that financing imposes on them. You will also learn about the calculation of accounting profit and its importance to an organisation. You will develop skills that will allow you to identify relevant cash inflows and outflows of a proposed business project, and learn about utilising the techniques of break-even analysis in project decision making. The importance and use of budgeting for forward-planning, communication, coordination and control within an organisation will be covered, as well as the importance of cash and liquidity within an organisation and the construction of cash and working capital budgets. You will learn how to use cash and working capital management models and techniques and how to construct financial statements.
Other areas covered in this vast module include financial appraisal of long term capital investment proposals and valuation of company shares.
Language
As you will have already studied Spanish to at least an AS-level standard, NTU is able to offer advanced level courses in Spanish to develop your language skills further ahead of your two years in Spain. We offer the opportunity to participate in the UNILANG certification scheme, giving our students a real advantage when it comes to competing for the best jobs.
Personal and Academic Development
Helps you recognise the personal skills, behaviours and attributes you currently have, and supports you in formulating a continuous personal and professional development plan to develop the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your future ambitions and realise your full potential.
Foundations of Managing and Organising
Both work and management are carried out by people, the human resources of the organisation. The focus of this module is on the management of work in organisations, and will provide you with a holistic understanding from the viewpoint of both the worker and management. You will be introduced to the key applications, policies and practices involved in the management of human resources, and will analyse their underlying theoretical basis and the effects on the organisation and society in general.
Fundamentals of Marketing
Students will learn to recognise and apply the concepts and techniques used in the interpretation of markets and market trends, undertake the development of marketing materials and obtain an appreciation of marketing planning and decision making undertaken in a business organization. They will also develop an awareness of the practical and theoretical issues relating to design plus an awareness of design principles and processes in the external marketing environment. Students will develop an appreciation of design and will be able to evaluate the role of design.
Quantitative Methods for International Business
During this module you will be introduced to a variety of quantitative techniques that are relevant to international business. The module is designed to develop your knowledge and proficiency with quantitative techniques, and also enhance your confidence and attitude towards numerical aspects of your future studies and career.
Principles of Macroeconomics
As part of your preparations to study at the University of Valencia you will be required to study an additional module on the principles of macroeconomics. This module will introduce you to key macroeconomic variables, such as growth, inflation, unemployment and trade, and to theoretical perspectives on their determination applying models in a national and international context. It provides the building blocks for further critical analysis later in the course.
Full year study at University of Valencia
Modules are set by University of Valencia.
Half year study at University of Valencia
Modules are set by the University of Valencia.
Half year internship in Spain
Global Business in a Changing World
This module is designed to develop your understanding of the key developments and issues that affect global business. You will explore current issues and developments, and unique insights into the most pressing business and managerial topics. This will include focusing on different regions and contexts, with reference to the opportunities that are emerging within global business.
You will also cover aspects of sustainability and social responsibility, and explore changes at a political, economic, legal, socio-cultural and technological level, with reference to the strategy, behaviour and management of organisations and to the actions and policies of regulatory bodies and governmental agencies.
International Strategic Management
Using a strategic management viewpoint, this module examines international business that uses an integrative framework. You will study the main trends that facilitate the globalisation of markets and explore how small, medium and large organisations build their international strategies. You will also focus on new insights into contemporary international management challenges.
You will cover a range of topics including:
- the conceptualisation and theorisation of international strategy
- multinational companies in the context of globalisation and regionalisation
- integrated global, multi-domestic, international and trans-national strategies
- developing international strategic capabilities and achieving international excellence
- corporate social responsibility and multinational strategy
- traditional and new modes of entry to international markets.
International Tourism: Sustainability Development & Impact
This module aims to provide you with an insight into the global patterns of tourism development and the impacts (economic, environmental and social) that can result, particularly within heritage tourism.
You will explore the fundamental principles of international tourism management and review the demand for, and supply of, international tourism.
You will also study the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism at both the destination and global level, and develop the ability to look critically at contemporary issues within international tourism.
Developing Professional Impact
This module is designed to expand your horizons and challenge your attitudes and behaviours both in relation to subject specific issues and wider business concerns such as global citizenship and sustainable business practices. It will encourage you to build on your strengths and explore a range of possibilities as you embark on your next steps.
Applied Business Research Project
For this module you will undertake a purposeful, individual, in depth study of a relevant topic, developing your independent learning, critical thinking and knowledge of research techniques relevant to your subject area.
The project will develop your ability to manage a major piece of work, for which you will be completely responsible, and will be completed over a period of several months. You will learn to utilise and improve your time management and communication skills, as well as test your initiative and resourcefulness.
To support your development during this module you will study essential skills such as critical thinking, conducting a literature review, understanding the appropriate research framework, practical research methods and skills, report and academic writing skills.
Plus one optional module from:
Global Supply Chain Strategy
Working at a strategic level, this module will clarify how marketing, design, distribution, logistics and project management may be integrated, and help you to develop a broader and deeper understanding of how supply chain performance can be strategically improved.
You will cover a number of areas during the module including:
- looking at supply chains from a strategic and global perspective
- key concepts in supply chain improvement
- interpreting lean and agile supply
- supply chain dynamics – forecasting, information flow and bullwhip
- design for the supply chain – postponement, mass customisation, product life cycle, sustainability
- managing CSR in the supply chain – sustainability, environment and transport
- managing risk in a supply chain.
Digital Customer Experience
This module provides you with insights into the digital customer experience and highlights ways to adapt to this changing market, allowing you to fulfil customers’ needs.
Investment and Portfolio Management
This module examines appropriate Investment and Portfolio Management theory. You will have the opportunity to put this theory into practice principally via the construction and running of a portfolio of equities.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
This course is taught at both Nottingham Business School and University of Valencia in Spain.
Whilst you’re at NBS, a wide range of teaching methods are employed including traditional lectures and seminars, IT workshops, guest lectures, problem-based learning and group discussions. You can explore one of our lecture theatres on our Virtual Tour. You'll then be expected to increase your understanding of the subject area through independent study for each module.
In Spain, you will be taught in both English and Spanish. All lessons during the first term are taught in English and then from the second term you will begin to take more and more classes in Spanish as your language skills develop.
In addition to this you will also be involved in a variety of practical work such as individual and group presentations, student-led seminars, role play, industry-sponsored competitions, and project work. The project-based learning and group activities form important elements of your learning, developing your ability to work in a team and enhancing your employability.
You will also have a number of one-to-one sessions with your course tutor each year, which will allow you to:
- discuss your personal and professional development
- discuss and gain feedback about your work
- ask questions about the projects you're working on
- raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your University experience.
You'll also use our virtual learning environment, NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that gives you 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.
How you're assessed:
Whilst at NBS, you will typically be assessed through a combination of coursework, projects and examinations. Your work in Spain will be assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams. These marks will be converted back to contribute to your overall degree award.
Careers and employability
Graduates from this course have gone onto working in both public and private sector, undertaking positions such as:
- graduate accountant consultant
- international graduate trainee
- marketing assistant
- account manager
In the last few years, graduates from this course have gone onto securing roles with well known employers such as:
- S&P Global
- Hays
- Brandnation
- DHL Supply Chain
- Beauty Works
- Guardia Civil
- Games Workshop
Accreditation
Our BA (Hons) International Business courses are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Newton building, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, our facilities include dedicated market research reporting platforms and digital resources (e.g. Mintel, Passport, SPSS, and Adobe Creative Cloud) and the Business Lab — a trading floor equipped with Bloomberg terminals, which enables you to delve into the global markets for real.
NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to keep occupied between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our superb Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets catering to every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and so much more!
If that’s not enough, just take a few steps off campus, and you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of Nottingham — one of the UK’s top 10 student cities, and one of the top 25 in all of Europe. It’s a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
For more details, why not take a Virtual Tour?
Find out more about studying at the University of Valencia.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Spanish or equivalent.
Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Spanish or equivalent.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
