Global Business: A global degree for a global career.
The Global Business degree is an innovative programme, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global business, valuable intercultural experiences, and high quality work placement opportunities. This degree provides you with a distinctive undergraduate experience designed around a broad and flexible curriculum with a range of subject choices that will help you to understand how business decisions are undertaken in a globalised world. 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.
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
Global Business is a unique programme positioned to meet the needs of students wishing to pursue a career in business in a global economy. The programme allows students to follow a general global business path, choosing from a range of modules and subjects that interest the student.
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.
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.
Year Status Code Title Summary
0 C FCE004 Introduction to Creative Industries
0 C FCE006 Foundation in Mathematics for Business
0 C FCE012 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Leadership
0 C FCE014 Project-Based Learning
0 C FCE100 Extended Critical Thinking for Undergraduate Study
0 C FCE101 Exploring Cultural Identities
1 C BMG266 Global Business Environment
1 C BMG270 Fundamentals of Human Resource Management
1 C BMG271 Organisations and Management
1 C BMG272 Professional and Academic Skills
1 C MKT129 Principles of Marketing
1 O ACF109 Introduction to Financial Accounting
1 O ACF149 Introduction to Accounting and Finance
1 O ACF309 Financial Accounting I
2 C BUS354 Global Economics and Finance
2 C BUS355 Digital Transformation
2 C BUS357 Global Strategy and Management
2 C BUS358 Professional Skills Development
2 O ACF311 Management Accounting
2 O BMG384 Management Information Systems
2 O BUS356 Data Analytics for Business
2 O BUS359 Applied Global Project
2 O BUS360 Business Innovation Concepts and Practices
2 O BUS361 Introduction to Sustainability
2 O BUS362 Sustainable Challenges
2 O LAW309 Business Law
2 O MKT351 Marketing Management
2 O MKT360 Consumer Behaviour
3 C ACF572 Sustainability Reporting and Governance
3 C BUS503 Global Trade Management
3 C BUS504 Contemporary Issues and Trends in Global Business
3 C BUS505 Leadership and People
3 O ACF537 Managing Financial Performance
3 O ACF540 Financial Accounting II View
3 O BMG300 Diploma in Professional Practice
3 O BMG647 Business Ethics and Sustainability
3 O BMG648 Progressing Towards Sustainable Industry
3 O BMG649 Business Venture Creation
3 O BUS306 Study Abroad
3 O BUS502 Entrepreneurial Business Solutions
3 O COM540 Business Intelligence
3 O MKT550 Digital Customer Experience
3 O MKT551 Global Marketing
3 O MKT552 Consumer Insights
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 within the Department of Global Business and Enterprise 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.
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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
CCC
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of MMM
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
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% (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) (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
Overall profile of 45 credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
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
Graduates from this course are now working for:
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. 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 enterprise entrepreneurship placement. These options provide students with an opportunity to focus on their skills development and apply their learning and understanding of business from the taught modules. Assessment in the placement year allows students to reflect on both their work-based skills development and learning experience whilst demonstrating impact on the host company, organisation or institution.
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.
Student achievements on the BSc Hons Global Business degree 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.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
