International Business Management
Full-time
With placement
Three year
Four year
September 2025
In a nutshell
This International Business Management course aims to prepare graduates for a long and successful career in today’s global marketplace.
With technology enabling people from all over the globe to connect and collaborate like never before, professionals who understand how different cultural and economic influences impact business are highly sought after by organisations around the world. You will study at our University of Salford campus close to Manchester city centre but as part of your business degree you will have opportunities for international projects, study and exchanges.
Our goal is to prepare you for a fulfilling life and professional career. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
How will we - together - achieve this?
Find out about our commitment to our students.
BE INDUSTRY READY
Our International Business Management course is dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence.
A further opportunity for International Business Management students comes through our partnership with TAMK University in Finland. Through the dual award option, you have the chance to apply to study part of your course at Tampere University of Applied Sciences and graduate with two degrees. Tobias Reynolds did it; watch the video below to hear about his experiences.
“The dual degree with TAMK University is a great way of getting two degrees for less than the price of one and having two great styles of teaching, at home and abroad.”
As part of this course, you will learn:
Body swap technology, LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Excel – LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft PowerPoint – LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Word – LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Project – LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Outlook – LinkedIn Learning, iDea Bronze Award, Microsoft Specialist - Microsoft 365, Xero Accounting Software, Power BI.
You'll also have access to a wide range of opportunities that help you develop your real-world skills, such as live projects, a year's paid work placement and study abroad.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are integral parts of our teaching; these are essential if your dream is to set up your own business, but future employers also value an entrepreneurial mindset. Launch@ Salford is the Business School incubation centre that supports business start ups.
Find out more, register for one of our Open Days or attend a campus tour. Explore the Salford campus on our virtual tour. Our supportive course enquiries team can help you with any general questions you may have. You can also explore all of our Business courses.
You will:
- Gain expertise in global business and develop cross-cultural management skills.
- Learn practical management skills from business simulations and live projects.
- Study in a supportive and dynamic environment, full of opportunities.
options available
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
You are eager to develop sought-after skills through work placements, study abroad schemes, and real-world learning
You are looking for an applied business education that prepares you for a global career
You want to study in a region home to thriving business and digital sectors with global multinationals on our doorstep
All about the course
CAREER FOCUSSED, HANDS ON LEARNING
Right from the start, the International Business Management course is all about supporting you to develop the practical skills that employers look for.
You'll be working on live projects and business simulations to learn the fundamental basis of global business management while developing your core skills such as problem-solving, leadership, communication and data analysis; the very skills employers are looking for. In this way, you will learn to find creative, sustainable and ethical solutions to business problems. Throughout your time with us, you will build your own portfolio of professional evidence which you will be able to use to help you get a rewarding job when you graduate.
- In your first year, you will start to develop an understanding of how organisations work, looking at key business concepts and how they relate to international business. You will be learning by doing through working on exciting and innovative business simulations or real-world projects. You will also have the opportunity to try out subjects you haven’t studied before and perhaps find out that you want to specialise in them.
- The second year is all about exploring more specialised theories and learning skills that will be transferable across multiple business functions. With core and optional modules, you can start to shape your own learning. The Professional Development module is designed for you to practise the skills you need – CV writing, being interviewed, assessment centres - to apply for and get a placement year and, ultimately, your dream job on graduation.
- By your final year, you are becoming a professional, developing the skills needed for responsible leadership and understanding how to think strategically. You will continue your career development on modules that translate business management strategies into a global framework. With an advanced appreciation of different business cultures, working practices and strategies, you’ll graduate with cross-cultural management skills and the ability to engage critically with different social and economic environments.
BUILD YOUR CV
When you study a business programme at Salford Business School, you will have access to opportunities that will help increase your practical experience, employability and entrepreneurial skills.
- Take a placement year, where you will learn on the job whilst being paid for your time
- Internship opportunities
- Mock assessment centres
- Professional presentations
- Business challenges
- Business simulations
- Launch@Salford
- Mock interviews and practice networking
WORK PLACEMENTS / STUDY ABROAD
We strongly encourage you to develop your personal skills and your confidence by studying abroad during your second year or doing a work placement in your third year. A work placement really enhances your CV and shows future employers that you can apply the skills, knowledge and understanding you have learned. If you choose to take the Professional Experience Year option, you will not pay fees to the University and will earn a wage for the work that you do. Read about Anna Nguyenova's experience on placement with IBM.
LAUNCH@SALFORD
Interested in starting your own business? At Salford Business School we value entrepreneurial minds and aim to provide the support and resources needed for anyone wishing to build on a great business idea. Launch @Salford is the incubation centre for business start-ups providing a reception area, hot desk office space, private meeting rooms – and a networking lounge where you can grab a coffee and make those business connections. Launch @Salford also provides specialist support in the runnings of a start-up as well as opportunities to receive financial support
All Set? Apply Now
Understanding Organisations
This module provides you with an introduction to the key functions of business and is an opportunity to see how they work. You will get an understanding of functions including people management, accounting, marketing and operations, and how they underpin business success. This is illustrated through the lens of some of the successful businesses from across the Greater Manchester region that Salford Business School work with: we will look at a range of businesses including startups, family businesses and large scale enterprises and multinationals from different industry sectors. It is a first opportunity to see what makes businesses tick and will help you think about your future learning and employment journeys.
Business Finance in Practice
This module is all about you getting practical experience: using a business simulation game you will have a chance to get into the heart of an organisation.
Working in a group you will see what it is like to be the decision makers and how to influence the success of your business. This is hands-on learning which will teach you the fundamental principles of managing a business.
The Future of Business
What are the opportunities for business in the future? Starting with a grounding in the business context you will gain an understanding of economics and the digital environment, including the role of the digital economy. We will explore some of the key challenges that are on the horizon such as the impact of massive digitisation and industry 4.0, inclusive growth, food security and the climate emergency, and look at the opportunities for business to provide responsible and sustainable solutions
Digital and Business Skills
The Digital and Business Skills module introduces a range of digital tools for academia and the workplace. Important business skills such as management, collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to the module. Regular engagement with online platforms provides tasks to improve digital competency. Also, co creation work presents self-reflection and confidence building opportunities. Gaining the inspiring digital enterprise award (iDEA), completing LinkedIn learning assessments for Microsoft software applications, and completing collaborative video creation tasks will increase your digital and business skills as you progress towards the completion of this module. Digital Business is here to stay, so it is vital to improve these 21st century skills.
Data Analysis for Business
In this module you will be introduced to a variety of data analysis methods, which will be practiced on real world data sets. Regular formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.
You will have an opportunity to formulate your own research questions before analysing data to draw reasonable conclusions. The module will predominantly utilise real data and include a mixture of computer-based questions, calculations, interpretation and drawing conclusions.
International Business
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental aspects of theory and practice in International Business, embedded through practical examples drawn from current research such as the Passport to Trade project which developed practical guidance on business culture for small and medium sized organisations. You will apply your knowledge to real-life situations, assess the key components for successful international business development and learn to appreciate the importance of cross-cultural relationship management.
Professional Development
This module will enable you to plan and carry out appropriate professional development activities to increase your employability and performance. These include self-presentation, professional networking, project planning and implementation, team working, influencing and multimedia communication. You will gain all the necessary experience required to take advantage of global employment opportunities.
International Trade and Finance
This module is designed to explore the cross-border issues that are faced in an increasingly globalised world. The module describes and explains cross-border trade and investment, focusing on international trade theory, foreign direct investment, and regional economic integration. The module also develops an understanding of topics in international business finance and of the macroeconomic environment governing international business. The management of international risk forms an important theme throughout this module.
International Logistics and Distribution Management
International logistics and distribution management is not all about transportation management and the selection of the appropriate mode; you will also look at managing multiple functions such as demand, procurement and warehousing, as well as inventory management, materials handling and order fulfilment.
You will have the opportunity to analyse the theory, concepts and models behind this subject area and demonstrate a sound understanding of the importance of logistics in minimising costs and maximising profits in the strategic development of international supply chains.
Project Management
During this module we take a detailed look at various aspects of Project Management through a variety of means such as lectures and practical seminars informed by research and industrial collaborations. We will focus on theoretical approaches, tools and techniques of planning and controlling projects.
We will discuss project management as an important and integral part of a business whether this is product or service based.
Live Project for International Business
On the International Project option, you have the opportunity to gain international experience through taking part in an intensive project delivered with a European partner university. This module gives you the chance to engage in a business challenge set by an international organisation and develop your capability to apply academic theory and analyse geographically and culturally unfamiliar markets
In the first term, you have the opportunity to choose a short (10 credit) module in an area you might be interested in or that you've never tried before. Alternatively, you can secure a short work placement and get credit for it in your results. Choose one from the options below;
The Digital Workplace
The digital workplace is here to stay. This module helps you gain an understanding of the application of digital technologies in organisations. You will develop a critical awareness of the relationship between people and the workplaces of the future. You will also explore the issues around implementing a digital strategy.
Contemporary Issues in International Marketing
On this short module, you'll look at the issues affecting current marketing in a global setting and the impact this has on the wider business environment. You'll look at different marketing niches from a social, economic and environmental perspective, considering the importance of minority group affiliations associated with Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+, social inclusion, ethics, sustainability and the marketing-savvy green consumer. You'll also gain an understanding of the ethical, moral and legal requirements that managers must appreciate when engaging in international marketing activities.
Applied Econometrics
This module aims to equip you with the analytical skills required to handle and analyse business, financial and economic data using basic econometric methods, including simple and multiple linear regression models, inference and hypothesis testing. As part of this module, you will get hands-on experience with the Data Analysis Toolkit within Excel and the Econometric/Statistical software package Stata. You will also undertake an applied empirical project where you are expected to demonstrate your understanding of data analysis and econometric methods.
Business Intelligence and Dashboards
Students will be introduced to a variety of methods of analysis for management decision making, which will be practiced on real data sets aligned to students’ named degree titles. Formative assessment will be set for practice, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.
The decision making techniques introduced in the module can be applied to a wide range of settings, such as interpreting market performance, forecasting growth, make or buy decisions, optimisation of scarce resources etc.
Legal Aspects of Business
On this module, you will learn about some of the key aspects of law and how these impact upon business. You will be introduced to the outline of the English Legal System, Contract Law, Employment Law and Company Law. You will develop a critical understanding of legal issues that may arise in business situations and be able to use your knowledge of the law in relevant business practices.
Business Accounting
You will be introduced to some fundamentals of basic financial and management accounting, learning to understand the content of financial statements and the accountancy practices required to prepare these statements. You will learn to analyse and interpret financial statements and use the data to make informed management decisions. With cost (and its impact on profit) a key factor in an organisation’s success, you will learn to communicate financial information both in writing and speaking.
Young Enterprise
Students will be introduced to a variety of methods of analysis to inform decision-making which will be practised on real data sets to support a new business venture as part of the Young Enterprise programme. Formative assessment will be set, with timely feedback given to aid learning and personal development.
The decision-making techniques introduced in the module can be applied to a wide range of settings, such as interpreting market performance, forecasting growth, make or buy decisions, optimisations of scarce resources, marketing planning etc.
Internship
A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This module allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 4 and the start of level 5, but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.
Professional Placement
You have the option to do a professional placement year, taking a year in industry to learn in a real-life environment whilst earning a salary and paying no tuition fees.
This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and we will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.
For more information, please visit the placement and internships page.
Business Ethics and Sustainability
This module equips you with an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the implications of Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability within national and international organisations. This module will also develop your knowledge with respect to the importance of the balance between shareholders, stakeholders and the purpose and values of the organisation. It will explore the roles of social and technological innovation in global ethical organisations in order to prepare you for future employability.
Contemporary Issues in International Business
Through this module, you will develop a critical understanding of contemporary innovations in international business. You will learn to appreciate the ramifications of current and future issues in international business and assess their impact upon regional, national and international business development. You will further develop a critical awareness associated with the impacts that result from innovations that influence international business from the financial, socioeconomic, cultural, environmental and physical perspectives.
Leadership and Management in International Business
This module will help you to develop your leadership skills and prepare you for your future career. You will explore theory, behaviour, people management and leadership within an organisational framework and apply this to a specific international context. This is an opportunity to develop the skills you have gained in the early part of your degree and apply them to prepare you for the responsible and authentic leadership that future business requires
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Employers tell us that they are looking for employees with an entrepreneurial mindset. Or perhaps you're thinking of setting up your own business.
In this module you have the opportunity to undertake an enterprise project for an internal or external sponsor on a topic of common interest. Alternatively, you can use this opportunity to undertake in-depth research for your own project, for example, a business plan if you are wanting to start up a company after you graduate. The nature of the project will be negotiated by yourself, the module leader and the sponsoring company.
Strategic Management
This module will provide a detailed understanding of business strategy, so that you acquire an organisation-wide perspective through exploring strategy techniques and processes within the global environment. You will draw together your knowledge from across the Business Management with International Business pathway, and apply this to real world organisational problems, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry, some of which are at the forefront of strategic research and practice. You will work on industry problems from international business, preparing you for a career in business and management so you are ready to become one of the next generation of managers.
International Business Culture
Through the International Business Culture module, you will evaluate the key issues that impact international business in relation to varying corporate strategies and cultures. You will also examine the main strategic and international methodologies employed in the global marketplace and explore the components for formulating and implementing successful strategies. In addition, you will learn to evaluate differing strategies for entry into global markets, looking at how to gain competitive advantage including the concepts of technological developments and associated opportunities and barriers within the differing cultural environments.
This is a further opportunity for you to choose a short (10 credit) module in an area you might be interested in or that you've never tried before. Alternatively, you can secure a short work placement and get credit for it in your results. Choose one from the options below:
Technology Innovation
Technology innovation is concerned with developing your awareness and understanding of the use of digital technologies and their role in digital transformation. We will examine contemporary issues in this area and explore the impact that digital technology had had on business and will have in the future. On completion, you will have a critical awareness of the digital industry and have considered the application of technology to business problems. This module links with and is supported by Launch@ Salford, the University’s incubation centre.
Big Data Analytics
Modern businesses derive significant insight from applying advanced analytical techniques to massive volumes of data. In the module, you will learn a range of established Big Data and analytics techniques and the value they provide to organisations. On successful completion of the module, you will not only be able to collect and analyse data to underpin business decisions but also be able to apply them within the business context, looking at strategy, business goals and organisational competitive advantage.
Investment Management
The module will provide an introduction to the investment environment. The module will explain risk and how investors can manage risk. Furthermore, the module will explain about time value of money, portfolio management and the relationship between risk and return.
Climate Change and Sustainability in Business
Climate change is a fundamental stressor which erodes past development and threatens future developments in vital areas of the well-being of humans. The sustainable use of energy is important in the 21st century due to our dependence on energy for transportation, business and heating which is the main factor behind climate change and the key to its solution. Therefore, energy and climate change are inextricably linked. The import of this module is to provide you with a background on issues pertaining to climate change from a multidisciplinary lens. You will study the science and policy of climate change, international climate finance, energy policy, business and sustainability and environmental policy.
International Project
Travel to an overseas destination and be challenged by a local organisation to make fully-supported strategic development plans and make recommendations on how they could improve international business.
You will develop your skills in business analysis and strategic development planning, taking account of cultural differences and unfamiliar markets. You will conduct field research based on the needs of the organisation that has set your brief and the market within which it operates. Your final challenge is to present your findings and strategic development plan to local stakeholders.
Internship
A short internship, whether paid or unpaid, is invaluable for you to develop and demonstrate your skills in the real-world. This modules allows you to gain credits for work you do that is relevant to your degree and contributes to your employability. The Business School will provide support and guidance when you are looking for internship opportunities. This may be done during the summer period between the end of level 5 and the start of level 6 but other opportunities may be possible provided the relevant amount of work-based learning is undertaken. During term time, you will work on a reflective report to demonstrate what you learned during the internship.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
At the beating heart of it
Based at our picturesque Peel Park campus, just a five-minute journey from central Manchester, Salford Business School sits at the heart of Greater Manchester's thriving business and digital sectors, with close links and a campus at MediaCity.
Our student space on the sixth floor of the Maxwell Building offers dedicated areas for collaborative and independent study and break-out spaces like our student kitchen. Additionally, here you can find our in-school progression and careers teams to support your journey.
CMI dual accredited
Our business management programmes are dual accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the professional body dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership. You will receive complimentary CMI student membership and benefits throughout your degree.
When you graduate, you will also receive a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership. This qualification signifies your expertise in leadership and management, equipping you with comprehensive knowledge for success across various management areas.
A global community
As a hub for knowledge exchange within the local business community, our collaborations benefit students, businesses, and the community. We aim to equip you with the skills to thrive in life and your career, fostering curiosity, adaptability, and confidence to tackle 21st-century challenges.
Our goal is to prepare you for future career success. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
Dedicated support
Our in-school Student Progression Assistants ensure a smooth journey throughout your course. For non-course matters, our university-wide support service, askUS, is on hand to assist across a range of topics.
Our Careers and Employability team, along with in-school advisors, support your career journey with one-on-one appointments, drop-ins, industry events, networking opportunities, and more. Interested in starting a business? Our start-up incubator, Launch @Salford, offers expert insight and support.
Business in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester’s dynamic business and digital sectors play host to over 290,000 enterprises, providing you with rich real-world learning opportunities and industry-informed teaching.
Our diverse business collaborations - from start-ups to leading multinationals - drive local and global productivity and growth, positioning Greater Manchester as an internationally renowned business and digital hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is an international business management degree?
An international business management degree focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and operate businesses in a global context. This degree covers topics such as digital and business skills, leadership and management in international business, project management, international finance and international business culture
Is international business and business management the same?
International business and business management are related but distinct fields. Business management focuses on the principles and practices of managing a business, including areas like finance, marketing, human resources, and operations within a domestic context. International business extends these principles to a global scale, emphasising the complexities and strategies involved in operating across multiple countries and cultures
What are the future career prospects after studying international management?
Studying BSc International Business Management can open up a wide range of career prospects, including roles such as international marketing manager, global supply chain manager, international business consultant, and international financial analyst. Graduates can work in multinational corporations, international non-profits, government agencies and consulting firms as well as having the skills to start their own business.
What about after uni?
FURTHER STUDY
A postgraduate degree is a great option if you want to take your knowledge and skills to the next level. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a significant fees discount.
Learn about our postgraduate courses
EMPLOYMENT
The International Business Management course will help you develop the skills, knowledge and resources you need to get a good job after University. By the time you graduate, you will have transformed yourself from an ambitious individual into a skilled and business-minded graduate. You will also have gained valuable new skills which prepare you for work.
Working with our industry partners, we have made sure the programme is highly practical, career-focused and industry-informed to prepare you for a successful management career. While designing this programme, we asked our industry contacts what they look for when employing graduates. Here’s some of the advice they gave:
“Organisations are constantly changing, the outside world is changing and it’s important to show how you can deal with that. How can you embrace and deal with change?” Sámi Ben-Ali, Senior Strategic Resourcing Manager, Wood PLC
With opportunities to take part in a year-long paid work placement, a dedicated Professional Development module and support from the University’s careers team and our Launch entrepreneurship experts, we ensure you are equipped with the skills and experience employers are looking for.
The skills and knowledge that you get on this course are practical and applicable across a wide range of business functions. IBM, BNY Mellon, HSBC, RBS and Manchester United are just a few of the organisations that our students have gone on to work for.
Career Links
As a CMI accredited Business School, we teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.
Mercedes-Benz Cars UK Limited, CEVA Logistics, Tata and JCB all had input on the content delivered on BSc International Business Management during its development.
The curriculum across our undergraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience, allowing you to apply theory in practice in a way that has been proven to produce highly employable, articulate business professionals who have forged the contacts that will help develop their future careers.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
This degree offers excellent scope for any student wanting to start a career in international management, finance, marketing and a variety of other different business areas. Knowledge and expertise in international business are highly sought after by employers across a wide variety of sectors.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.
GCSE
Maths and English at grade C or grade 4 or above.
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS Tariff points
104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points
A level
BTEC National Diploma
DMM
T level
Merit
Access to HE
104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points – Pass with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.
International Baccalaureate
30 points for International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Scottish Highers
104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points with a minimum of two Advanced Highers.
Irish Leaving Certificate
European Baccalaureate
Pass Diploma with 60% or above.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00per year |
Full-time international | 2025/26 | £15,720.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545
Enrolment dates
UCAS information
Course ID N120
Institution S03