International Business BSc (Hons)

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Key information

Duration:
3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:
ABB
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:
N120
Start date:
September 2026

Today’s businesses operate on a global scale. Working within diverse environments requires strategic thinking, problem-solving and outstanding communication skills.

On this course you'll grow your understanding of international markets to prepare you for a dynamic career.

Join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School, where you’ll expand your international network. By engaging with dedicated professionals, you’ll explore new perspectives, ideas and approaches within a vibrant community.

By studying at Sussex, you will:

  • investigate trends in international business and global strategy
  • examine marketing and human resource (HR) management from an international perspective
  • get employer mentoring, networking opportunities, attend guest lectures and develop professional skills
  • access entrepreneurship opportunities through our Startup Sussex programme
  • connect with likeminded students through the Sussex Business Society.

Throughout your studies, you’ll discover how core management processes shape international organisations. You’ll learn about key business regions, including the EU, North America, East and South East Asia, and East and Central Europe. You can also explore options including international negotiations management and finance in global business.

Our Academic Success Advisers can help you to further develop your study skills. Additionally, you can gain practical experience through professional and study abroad opportunities.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready for a range of roles in management and finance. You might enter HR, marketing, retail management or financial management. You may also decide to establish your own business as an entrepreneur.

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route. Find out more

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

The diversity of thinking I experienced at Sussex really helps me now. It gave me space to explore things and go out into the world confidently.”Sara Osterholzer
International Business with German BSc graduate
Entrepreneur in Residence at Sussex
Read Sara’s story
How to apply
Meet with us
Book a visit now
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Entry requirements

A-level

Typical offer

ABB

Contextual offerView contextual offer

Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

GCSEs

You must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics, with at least grade 4 (or grade C).

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. 

Extended Project Qualification

We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer.  We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer

32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

Overall result of at least 77%.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Other international qualifications

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

 

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

English language qualifications

Country exceptions

Admissions information for applicants

Transfers into Year 2

Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Don’t meet our entry requirements?

If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:

If you don't have the required language skills for this course you could consider the International Study Centre. The ISC offers a range of foundation courses in combination with English language teaching.

How to apply
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Modules

This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course

At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.

As part of this degree, you explore subjects that are different to your course through electives that complement your main subject. Exploring different disciplines in four electives across Years 1 and 2 helps enrich your learning experience.

Discover our electives

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course

At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.

As part of this degree, you explore subjects that are different to your course through electives that complement your main subject. Exploring different disciplines in four electives across Years 1 and 2 helps enrich your learning experience.

Discover our electives

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

Study abroad (optional)

Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you

If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student

Studying abroad is a valuable adventure. I learned Korean, made friends, visited interesting places and tried different food.”Kelu Hu
International Business BSc
Studied abroad at Korean University, South Korea

Placement (optional)

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.

Find out more about placements and internships

Recent students have gone on placements at:

  • Upgrade Energy
  • Studio One Eighty Nine
  • Bosch.

For more details, visit Business and Management: Placements

I’ve developed the skills that graduate employers are looking for, giving me an edge in a competitive market.”Andy King
International Business BSc
Business Development Associate, EMEA, SAP

Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Venture Creation Year (optional)

Do you want to develop your entrepreneurial skills, and explore business or a social enterprise start-up? As a University of Sussex Business School undergraduate on this course, you can apply to take a Venture Creation Year.

During the Venture Creation Year, you’ll set up and run your own start-up or social enterprise. This will help you gain practical skills and experience. You’ll have the University’s support throughout the year, including:

  • one-to-one coaching
  • specialist workshops
  • networking and mentor access
  • funding competitions
  • online resources.

For more details, visit Business School: Venture Creation Year

Please note that you can’t take two experience years or combine them.

Selection for the Venture Creation Year is competitive and there’s a limited number of places available.

Due to visa restrictions on business activity, international students studying on a Tier 4 Student visa cannot take part in the Venture Creation Year. However, all students can participate in Careers and Entrepreneurship workshops, get one-to-one guidance, and continue to develop their ideas.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2026 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2026/27.

The combination of group assignments, essays and exams taught me all about time management. Plus, I gained great research skills through my dissertation.”Krishna Radhika Patel
International Business BSc graduate
Credit Analyst, Kurt Geiger
How to apply
TEF 2023 silver

Silver

The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)

Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive

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Our staff

Understanding the organisation and functions of international business has never been more crucial. The International Business BSc will teach you about all aspects of the internationalisation of enterprises and help you succeed in this dynamic world.”Dr Tom Buckley
Senior Lecturer in International Business
Apply now
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Fees

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2026/27 – please check back in September 2025. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2026/27.

How to apply
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Careers

Join the University of Sussex Business School and benefit from extensive career support and business connections, including mentoring by employers, networking, guest lecturers and development of your workplace skills.

You’ll develop the skills and confidence to help shape global issues in business, management and society. You’ll be prepared to take on a range of general or specialist roles in management and finance, including human resources, marketing, retail management and financial management. Or you can use the skills to set up your own international business.

Outside the classroom you can join our StartUp Sussex programme where you benefit from workshops from consultants in the Sussex Innovation Centre, guidance on developing business ideas and the chance to win StartUp funding. You can also join the Sussex Business Society and join like-minded students who have an interest in business.

Graduate destinations

Recent graduates have started jobs with:

  • Amazon

  • Uniqlo

  • Healthspan.

(Department of Strategy and Marketing careers database)

Working while you study

Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

I got the chance to learn in an environment similar to a multinational corporation and enterprise. It helps you prepare for the potential challenges in the business world.”Winky Wong
International Business BSc graduate
CSO and Investment Associate, RBC Wealth Management

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

  • our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
  • one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
  • entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

National Enterprise Educator Awards logo

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services logo

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Rate My Placement Awards - Celebrating the Best Student Employers and Universities for Work Experience

Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards

How to apply
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