Overview

In our increasingly connected world, businesses need leaders who understand international contexts and work across borders. Our BA (Hons) International Business will prepare you for a career without limits – whether you're managing global teams, launching ventures in emerging markets, or shaping strategy for multinational organisations.

You’ll get practical insights into global trade, cross-cultural communication and international strategy. You'll learn from expert academics and industry professionals and can personalise your learning journey to reflect your interests and career ambitions.

From day one, you’ll start to build a strong foundation in international business and apply your learning in practice. Valuable opportunities like work placements, international exchanges and work-based projects will boost your employability.

This course is your passport to a dynamic career in the global marketplace. Designed for ambitious, forward-thinking individuals, it will empower you with the skills to adapt, innovate and thrive, wherever your career takes you.

This course also provides you with the opportunity to specialise in Human Resource Management. You can find more details in the ‘Additional Information’ section below.

Why study International Business at GCU?

Graduate ready to work across global markets. Build the confidence and adaptability to succeed in different cultures, industries and international business environments.
Apply your learning to real business challenges. Use case studies, consultancy projects and simulations to develop practical, technical and interpersonal skills employers value.
Develop responsible leadership skills. Learn how to make ethical decisions and apply sustainable business practices in response to real global and societal challenges.
Build global experience and perspective. You’ll have opportunities for international exchange or work-based projects that develop cultural awareness, independence and skills for international careers
Learn from a course shaped by industry and global standards. Developed with employers and professional bodies, your learning reflects current business practice and employer expectations.

European Foundation for Management Development.

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What you will study

We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.

The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

Year 1

Core modules

Global Challenges for Business & Society

Principles of Marketing

International Economic Issues & Challenges

Fundamentals of Managing People

Management Theory and Concepts

Optional modules

Law in Business

Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis

The Business of Social Science

Fundamentals of Risk Management

Year 2

Core modules

Fundamentals of Financial Management for Decision Makers

International Work, Organisations and Society

International Institutions and Environments

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Responsible Management and Practice

Optional modules

Learning and Development for Individuals, Organisations and Society

Social Media Marketing

Ethics and Responsible Leadership

Fundamentals Of Financial Technology

Year 3

Year 4

Core modules

Graduate Talent Employability

Leading for Change

Honours Research Project

Contemporary Issues in the World Economy

Optional modules

Managing Sustainable Business Excellence

Strategic HRM in Contemporary Contexts

Global Social Entrepreneurship and Enterprise

Global Brand Storytelling

Procurement Challenges in the Public and Private Sector

Careers

Glasgow Caledonian has 90% of graduates in employment and/or further study, outperforming the Scottish sector average by +2 percent (HESA, 2026).

Graduates of our BA (Hons) International Business go on to exciting careers with multinational corporations, UK-based companies engaged in global trade, and organisations across the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Whether you're interested in management, finance, marketing, human resources or operations, this degree opens doors to many different professional opportunities. With a strong foundation in international strategy and cross-cultural business, you'll be well-prepared to make an impact in today’s fast-paced, globalised business world.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BA (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	N120	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BA (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	N120	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

Scottish Higher: AABBB

A Level: BCC

Minimum entry requirement

Scottish Higher: BCCC

A Level: CCC

Year 3 entry

Standard entry requirement

HND Admin and IT or Business with Information Technology with graded units AB/BA

English language

IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent)

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Shaping future-ready, responsible leaders

This course will prepare you for a dynamic global career, combining real-world experience and responsible leadership with ethics and sustainability.

You’ll explore what it means to be a responsible manager, and how ethical decision-making and sustainable practices shape success in today’s global environment.

You can personalise your learning journey, choosing from options to reflect your interests and ambitions, such as sustainability, marketing, operations or human resources management.

Employability and professional development are integrated throughout the course, helping you build the confidence, communication skills and strategic thinking that employers value.

In Years 3 and 4, we offer modules to help you:

develop your professional identity
enhance your workplace readiness
get a job after you graduate.

We work closely with employers, international partners and professional bodies to make sure course content supports your personal and professional growth. We focus on collaboration, reflection and innovation, so you’ll graduate ready to lead responsibly and make a meaningful impact.

Study abroad

You can take part in various international exchange opportunities. These can be short-term summer events or longer exchanges where you complete either a trimester or a full year at an international university. In recent years, students have gone to Europe, Canada, the USA, Malaysia and Nepal.

Studying abroad exposes you to different economic systems, cultures and business practices. This is essential for understanding international markets and global trade dynamics. Living and learning in another country develops cultural awareness, adaptability and global citizenship.

Employers value exchange experiences as evidence of independence, resilience and problem-solving. These qualities will make you stand out in competitive job markets and prepare you for leadership roles in diverse settings.

Specialise in Human Resource Management

This course gives you the option to focus more on Human Resource Management (HRM), depending on your interests and career goals.

During your first year, you can explore this option and discuss it with your Personal Tutor. At the end of Year 1, you can choose to specialise in HRM. If you take this pathway, you’ll study HRM in greater depth across Years 2, 3 and 4.

By choosing this route, you will transfer to a different degree and graduate with BA (Hons) International Business and Human Resource Management.

Our BA (Hons) International Business and Human Resource Management course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), regarded by large employers outside the UK as a standard for human resource practice. Completion of the course leads to eligibility for Associate Membership of CIPD (Level 5)

Work placement

In Year 3, you can elect to undertake either a trimester-long or full-year work placement.

This gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting and apply your learning in practice. Placement electives are designed to boost your employability and support your career development. You’ll gain real-world work experience to strengthen your CV and build valuable connections.

Placements are optional and not guaranteed. You will need to find and apply for opportunities yourself. However, the department offers support to help you, including placement preparation sessions in your second year.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), a globally recognised mark of excellence. It reflects outstanding quality in curriculum design, teaching and assurance standards.

Visit the EFMD website

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study International Business at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Core modules

Optional modules

Core modules

Optional modules

Core modules

One of two:

Optional modules

Core modules

Optional modules

Careers

Course information