International Business (with Spanish) BA (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): N1R4
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Four years with placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
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.
The full-time course is four years long. You will be spending two years at Nottingham Business School and two years at the University of Valencia, which includes a half year internship in Spain or in a Spanish-speaking company.
EFMD Global awarded EFMD Programme Accreditation to our suite of undergraduate BA (Hons) International Business courses in March 2021.
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NTU is 3rd for number of year-long placement undergraduates studying Business and Management (HESA 2019/20). -
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.
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 2023. 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 you language skills further ahead of your two years in Spain.
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 or with a Spanish-speaking company
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.
Plus one optional module from:
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.
Sustainability in Enterprise Project
This module is designed to give you a deeper understanding of sustainability issues affecting firms. It incorporates a live consultancy experience, where you are required to apply your knowledge to critically review aspects of enterprise practice and infrastructure and recommend ways to reduce carbon emissions. You will learn how to critically review sustainability issues presented by an enterprise and analyse evidence, arguments, concepts and data to formulate sustainability and carbon management recommendations for an enterprise.
Plus one optional module from:
Language
During this module you can continue to develop your Spanish language skills. We are one of the few UK universities to offer language training on this type of course, giving you a real advantage when it comes to competing for the best jobs.
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.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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 lectures, staff and student-led seminars, IT and online workshops, case studies, role plays, group discussions, project work, group and individual presentations, and problem-based learning.
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.
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.
You will also have a number of one-on-one academic mentor sessions during 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.
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures, seminars and similar (26%) independent study (74%).
- Year 2 lectures, seminars and similar (50%) independent study (50%).
- Year 3 Partner Institution (100%).
- Year 4 lectures, seminars and similar (22%) independent study (78%).
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 coursework (47%), written exams (19%) and practical exams(34%).
- Year 2 coursework (100%).
- Year 3 Partner Institution (100%).
- Year 4 coursework (66%), written exams (27%) and practical exams (7%).
Careers and employability
Graduates from this course have gone onto working in both public and private sector, undertaking positions such as:
- foreign English teacher
- supply assistant
- marketing assistant
- graduate accountant consultant
- international graduate trainee
In the last few years, graduates from this course have gone onto securing roles with well know employers such as:
- Happy Goal Kids English
- British Gas
- NHS
- Kimberley Clarke
- Clinique
Accreditation
Our BA (Hons) International Business courses have a Dual Award status with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). In addition to your degree you will also gain a CMI qualification.
Campus and facilities
We are continually investing in our facilities, and transforming our learning and teaching environment to create an inspiring and innovative atmosphere.
Our School is based in the impressive Newton building on NTU's City Campus. The building was recently involved in a £90 million regeneration project on the site. The Grade II* listed building was transformed into an ultra-modern complex while keeping its historic beauty.
Fantastic facilities
- You can take advantage of the Link Lounge, a space dedicated to Business School students, located on floor seven of the Newton building.
- Access industry-standard software in our specialist Business Lab facility, as you work with live financial data from across the global markets.
- Explore your career prospects with the help of the University's Employability Team.
- You will benefit from spacious teaching rooms and lecture theatres and a variety of social spaces.
- Our Student Services Centre will also be on-hand should you need support.
- A new City Campus Students' Union building giving you an exceptional array of social, leisure and wellbeing facilities.
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City Campus, with PCs providing access to
- Microsoft Office
- web browsing
- networked file storage
- high-speed online printing services
The University’s main resource room in the library is available 24 hours a day.
Book and library resources
In our library you will have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within business, international business, Marketing, Finance, Economics and HRM. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our:
- electronic resources
- journals
- books.
We have a liaison librarian who is available to give you detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources. They can also help you with things such as Harvard referencing and research skills.
City location
The location of the City Campus also means that you have easy access to:
- sports facilities
- shops
- student accommodation
- music venues
- cafés.
Find out more about studying at the University of Valencia.
Entry requirements
You will need one of the following:
- A-levels – ABB, including Spanish and excluding General Studies
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM
- 128 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including Spanish and excluding General Studies.
- You will also need GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.
Other qualifications and experience
We will consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details and use our calculator to help you work out how many UCAS points your qualifications relate to.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
For this course, you will need one of the following:
- A-levels – AAB, including Spanish and excluding General Studies
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM
- 136 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including Spanish and excluding General Studies.
and
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
Students are required to contribute towards tourism field trips in the final year. There may also be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
Students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst studying and working abroad.
Your internship will be with a company in Spain. Travel grants and funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Tuition fees for September 2022 entry
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students completing the four year degree may choose to apply for a study abroad option instead of a work placement (or a mixture of study abroad and work placement) during the third year of the course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on study abroad/placement. Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Apply through UCAS. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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