Global Business with Drama: Developing global degree skills while pursuing a passion for drama
Choosing Global Business (major) in combination with another subject (minor), lets you study for a degree that suits your own personal interests and career aspirations. If you wish to develop a career working in management of theatre or the creative industries, then this course if for you. It also provides you with the entrepreneurial and innovation skills necessary for the creation of new business ventures and stimulates the competitive impetus for managing and developing existing businesses.
This programme provides a supportive learning environment, where the course team are leaders in their respective fields with strong industry and education links in both teaching and research. The degree has a strong focus on experiential learning with a combination of academic expertise and industry experience that focuses on business within the global economy. During this programme, students will have the opportunity to develop foreign language proficiency, avail of placement opportunities at home and abroad, as well as live and study in a university in another country.
The programme provides graduates with key attributes to lead their own professional career progression, during and after their undergraduate study. This is achieved through the authentic networking opportunities; local, national and international travel; employer engagement, ‘day in the life’ experiences and active learning pedagogical approach. As such, the programme offers an exciting blend of engaging, innovative and future focused learning opportunities to develop collaborative professionals and active citizens. If you wish to develop a career working in business or drama, then this course if for you.
In each of the two semesters, students will take two modules in Business and one in Drama.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This programme will provide you with opportunities to learn from two disciplines, Global Business and Drama. As a result, you will have opportunities to develop a range of graduate qualities which will provide you with flexible and fluid skillsets for future study and employment. In addition it provides the basis for graduates wishing to take a postgraduate programme up to doctoral level.
The Global Business degree places an emphasis on blended learning, where academic excellence meets industry experience. In addition to gaining exposure to a range of innovative modules, students will have the opportunity to develop language proficiency, opportunities for international travel, work in industry at home or abroad, as well as having the choice to travel to other countries to work and study.
Why study Drama as a minor? You can develop your skills in analysing and creating performance, readying you for a career in management of theatre or the creative industries.You can choose topics including performance, writing for stage and screen, the theatrical space, storytelling and performance and more.
This degree positions students for a broad range of careers. Where further study is the aim, the Global Business programme facilitates students’ to pursue postgraduate study in business and other related master's programmes. Our graduates consistently go on to develop professional and successful careers in their chosen fields. The development of relevant employability skills is at the core of this degree and a variety of opportunities exist within the programme and its modules, to develop skills such as creative thinking, project management, strategic planning, problem solving and interpersonal skills and general management skills.
The programme seeks to provide the key business knowledge and skills essential for a graduate, seeking a managerial career in general business with a specialist interest in Drama.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
The course duration is normally three years (without optional sandwich/placement year) or four years (with optional sandwich/placement year) for full-time students. The course facilitates a structured progression from a broad foundation of relevant international business and management subjects and disciplines at Level 4, providing a foundation for more advanced study and development of understanding including evaluation, critique and application at Levels 5 and 6.
As a full-time programme, students will normally complete six modules per year, with class contact time approximately three hours per week per module. Students will be expected to undertake independent study to supplement that contact of around 10 hours per week per module.
In this programme, a blended learning approach is adopted and a varied and stimulating mix of learning and teaching methods are embedded in modules to enhance knowledge and understanding, as well as provide opportunities for students to apply their skills. Examples of these include:
These methods advance a range of wider skills required for employment including written and oral communication skills, leadership skills, teamwork skills, negotiation skills, project planning and management skills, presentation skills, problem analysis and decision making skills and increase self-awareness. Moreover, these will provide important opportunities for students to engage with both their peers and their tutors.
Assessments are open, flexible and based on the learning outcomes outlined for each module. Learning will be assessed through a combination of both individual and group coursework as well as individual examinations (where appropriate). Assessment has been designed to reflect the need for inclusivity of varying student abilities. Assessment taken at each level of study demonstrates progression and expands on the knowledge and skills developed at the previous level. It is expected that all learning outcomes will be achieved by all student participants and where required, students will receive additional support in the form of reasonable adjustments. Any adjustments will be tailored to the individual’s requirements and best interests of the student participant.
Examples of assessment can include a range of assessment types, including digital assessment, oral assessment and written assessment.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
All lecturing staff are Fellows/Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
The aim of this module is to prepare students to be effective managers in the area of global business. It addresses the potential and risk factors associated with global marketplaces, operational decision-making, strategy and succeeding in different cultural environments. It introduces a range of management concepts and ideas that provide the foundation for further (specialised) study of global business.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is designed to equip students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of management and cognate topics, including the business environment, business ethics, motivation, problem solving and decision making, planning, organisational structure, leadership, change and innovation, and operations and quality.
Students will acquire an understanding of the issues and challenges facing managers in both domestic and global environments.
Year: 1
Status: C
The transition to university can be challenging for students as endeavour to meet many expectations. This module is designed to facilitate that transition and to the set students on a solid path to success as a student, a graduate and a citizen. The module is designed to be both developmental and supportive to students entering first year so that they can better understand and develop their academic, personal, and professional potential.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module serves as an introduction to the fundamental structures of dramatic performance. Weekly lectures will introduce a range of core concepts. Students then take a weekly seminar through which they will develop the knowledge and frameworks provided to analyse the creation and reception of dramatic performances. The module will refer in detail to a range of set plays, studied from both the script and in live performance.
Year: 1
Status: C
Space and Performance introduces students to core concepts relating to space, a defining feature of performance. It encompasses historical and contemporary performance practices to explore the relationships between space, form and function in performance. This compulsory drama module continues to develop good study skills and to extend critical vocabularies established in DRA101. It is team-taught, by a lecture and small-group seminar each week. Assessment 100% coursework
Year: 1
Status: C
The module specifically provides students with understanding of the key principles and concepts of marketing to allow further learning of the strategic importance of the area in the future.
Year: 2
Status: C
Over recent years there has been increased identification of digital transformation as a crucial factor regarding global business. Recently, the importance of digital transformation has been shown to facilitate an organisation in keeping up with current business trends, understanding their customers better, and maintaining a competitive advantage. As society and the world of business continues to become more digitally advanced, digital transformation approaches become more important. This module will give students valuable insight into the various digital adoption and adaption approaches and what drives organisations to digitally transform their processes and culture.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts of business strategy and management particularly focusing on application within a global context. On successful completion, students will have studied the various components of the strategic management process, facilitating an in-depth understanding of strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation.
Year: 2
Status: C
Increasingly employers are looking for graduates who cannot only demonstrate their academic capabilities, but perhaps more importantly, who can demonstrate their professional credibility. In response to employer expectations and the graduate skills gaps, this module will serve to support the student's personal and professional development and facilitate their journey towards career readiness.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module interrogates the relationship between social and political identities and contemporary performance practices. It explores the form and function of performance works and through these analyses the potential efficacy of performance. This module is taught by seminars and is assessed by 100% coursework.
Year: 2
Status: C
This seminar based module seeks to introduce students to key aesthetic movements, through the study of play texts and performances. The module encourages the student to apply critical readings and concepts to the analysis of primary texts, to engage analytically with performance conventions typical of different artistic movements, and to reflect on their practical work and experiences as spectators.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
A solid understanding of international economics and finance is critical for business students so they understand the realities of the context in which business occurs. This module will give students a strong foundation in both of these areas covering theoretical, empirical and policy issues related to international trade, production and finance.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module offers the student the opportunity to explore the processes of creative writing for a range of media, including live and filmed performance. The student will read from a range of materials and encounter a range of working methods, before opting for one medium and developing a piece of writing for performance in that medium.
Year: 3
Status: C
Sustainability reporting is critical for businesses to measure performance and to meet stakeholders demands for broader information on a business's environmental, social, and governance activities. Capturing, recording, measuring and communicating sustainability information is essential in a dynamic business environment. Good corporate governance leads to high quality sustainability reporting. This module develops the students' appreciation of sustainability reporting and the corporate governance that leads it.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides the student with a solid understanding of global trade management theory and practice. Particular attention is awarded to export, import, operation and supply chain management, custom management, regulation rules and legislation. Operations management and supply chain practices are considered across land, sea and air jurisdictions and in cross-border relationship management. The opportunity to construct an informative video publication on a related area is provided. On completion of the module students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and appreciate the role that global trade plays in sustainable local and international companies and economies.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module critically analyses contemporary key developments in global business through an application of global business theory, research, and practice. This module develops critical analysis and analytical thinking skills by integrating knowledge of the global business environment and by exposing students to both contemporary research topics in global business and to current, topical developments in global business practice.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module equips students with an understanding of leadership dynamics and strategic vision in organisations and the challenges associated with leading organisations through strategic change. The module will examine a range of theoretical approaches that will be used to help analyse and evaluate leadership and management in organisations.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module interrogates the relationship between performance, liveness and documentation through the development of appropriate critical concepts and vocabulary. It is taught by lecture and seminar and requires students to learn by reading and undertaking practice, reflecting and discussing.
Assessment: 100% coursework.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The Diploma in International Academic Studies complements and extends the student's programme of study and provides the opportunity for each student to pursue specific learning objectives by studying in a different cultural and educational environment. It is a key facilitator in support global and cultural awareness and creating graduates who are ready to embrace international career opportunities more effectively.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module assists students in the developing specific skills and awareness to maximise their ability to conceptualise, manage and market new, society centred, ideas.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This research-lead module seeks to extend the range of theoretical and critical perspectives with which students engage and to focus on the specific contexts of contemporary performance practices. It offers students an opportunity to explore the representation of violence as an enduring matter of philosophical debate and theatrical innovation, that covers such issues as staging strategies, performative strategies, ethical and theoretical questions, and audience reception.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module seeks to give students opportunities to engage with different ways of creating theatre through the lens of disability and performance. Students will explore concepts of disability within society in the context of theatre, drama and performance. They will study dramatic representations of disability and how these provide insight into issues relating to the construction of disability within society. Concepts such as difference, equality, social, medical and relational models of disability and co-creation will be considered. Students will learn to reflect critically on and to engage practically with aspects of access and/or aesthetics in relation to disability and performance.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides students with the opportunity to explore storytelling as a performance form within a range of theatrical and performance settings. Practical exploration allows students to engage with the form from within, while independent research and in-class discussion provides the opportunity to contextualise and analyse practices encountered.
Assessment: 100% Coursework.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module looks in detail at contemporary Irish theatre practice and in doing so enables students to focus their understanding of contemporary Irish theatre by placing it in a range of relevant discursive and theoretical contexts. Students will read a range of contemporary playtexts and see a range of performances.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module develops students' creative engagement with the industry through an exploration of the marketplace, and of the processes involved in setting up and running a new business in the creative and cultural industries. The module has been developed in consultation with Theatre NI and aims to develop students' understanding of entrepreneurial practice and thinking in the creative and cultural industries.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module equips students to use their skills, knowledge and experience in analysing and creating performance within the context of conflict or post-conflict society. Taught through lectures, seminars and workshops, the module focuses on engaging with local and international post-conflict issues and the development of independent projects.
Assessment: 100% coursework
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides students with the opportunity to explore performance as a means of enhancing well being, challenging stigmatisation and promoting awareness of health issues. Practical exploration allows students to engage with the issues and formal techniques from within, while independent research and in-class discussion provides the opportunity to contextualise and analyse practices encountered.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This option investigates radical performance practices of the ritualised forms of theatre from modernism to postmodernism and beyond. Students will explore, interrogate and evaluate the theoretical underpinnings, practical methodologies, and performance outcomes of selected bodies of practice and create new work by applying the ideas they have encountered to performance practice in a studio environment. It will be of particular interest to students wishing to pursue innovative contemporary practice or undertake practice-based research after graduation.
Assessment: 100% coursework
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides students with the opportunity to explore the values, ethics and practices of Theatre for Young Audiences. Practical exploration allows students to engage with the form from within, while independent research and in-class discussion provides the opportunity to contextualise and analyse practices encountered.
Assessment: 100% Coursework.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades CCC
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(2012 Suite)
Award profile of DMM
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(2016 Suite)
Award profile of MMM
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of MM plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades CCCCC
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Grades DDD
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level)
Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall profile of 45 credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics, (or equivalent).
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 15 distinctions in level 5 credits.
Pass HNC with overall Merit to include 45 distinctions in level 4 credits.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University.
Most students enter Year 1. Applicants who can provide evidence of previous relevant study, awarded in accordance with the Credit Accumulation Transfer System, (CATS), may be considered for exemption from particular modules or entry to later years.
In this section
With this degree you could become:
This degree is designed to develop future leaders for a global and diverse business environment. This reflects our continued desire to develop appropriate knowledge and business relevant skills in our students, as well as instilling an ethos of global citizenship and sustainability.
Students who study Global Business with Drama secure employment in several fields. Roles within the industry, commerce and theatre are natural progression routes especially those with training elements. Many graduates also pursue further study with formal educational roles such as a PGCFE.
Employers continue to seek students who have knowledge and experience of implementing digital skills, who have professional etiquette in terms of their skills and approach to developing a professional career, including self-motivation, adaptability, self and social awareness, resilience and creativity. Our focus in on creating ‘future ready’, enterprising graduates with both a regional and global focus. The learning spaces and learning processes afforded to our students throughout their degree experience, enables them to become strategically and operationally focused in their chosen future careers.
Graduates may also proceed to postgraduate study or research in related areas. Throughout the degree, students will be supported and encouraged to reflect on career choices and plan their graduate career path through employer engagement, career fairs and careers staff counsel and advice amongst others.
Work Placement/Study Abroad is an optional year for students on this programme.
In this programme there is a strong emphasis on the delivery of a quality work-based learning experience and development of graduate employability skills for students. Specifically, this programme provides opportunities to engage with Work-based Learning through the optional placement in Year 3 for full-time students. Students can opt to complete a study abroad year, a year-long paid placement with local or international employers, or by seeking their own placement.
In addition to this, all students on the programme will take the module Professional Skills Development, which also prepares you for your placement year. Satisfactory completion of the placement year will lead to the award of the Diploma in Professional Practice or Diploma in Professional Practice (International) if you complete your work placement internationally. With the option to study abroad for a year; satisfactory completion of a study abroad year will lead to the award of the Diploma in International Academic Studies.
£4,750.00
£9,250.00
£16,320.00
Student achievements on the BSc Hons Global Business with Drama will be recognised by a number of prizes and awards.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
