Global Business with Pathways - BSc (Hons)

2025/26 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty:

Ulster University Business School

School:

Department of Global Business and Enterprise

Campus:

Derry~Londonderry campus

UCAS code:

N130
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20

Start date:

September 2025

With this degree you could become:

  • Business Analyst
  • Graduate Management Programme
  • Accountant
  • Finance Analyst
  • Entrepreneur
  • Data Analyst
  • Sustainability Consultant

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Bank of Ireland
  • McCambridge Duffy
  • Moy Park
  • KPMG
  • Deloitte LLP
  • Kerry Group
  • Allstate

Overview

Global Business: A global degree for a global career.

Summary

The Global Business with Pathways 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 subject choices that will help you to understand how business decisions are undertaken in a globalised world. Subject pathways in which you can specialise as part of your global business degree include accounting, data analytics, sustainability, marketing, and enterprise. Alternatively, you can opt to study a range of modules from these subject areas to give you a broader understanding of global business. 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’d love to hear from you!

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:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

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.

About this course

About

Global Business with Pathways is a unique programme positioned to meet the needs of students wishing to pursue a career in business in a global economy. It also allows those with an interest in subject areas such as Accounting, Marketing, Data Analytics, Sustainability and Enterprise to choose these subjects as specialist areas as part of the degree. The programme also 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.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

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.

Start dates

  • September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

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:

  • formal lectures, as one of the core methods of knowledge transfer;
  • tutorial/seminars/workshops that focus on applying the core theories, principles and concepts introduced in lectures to practical contexts and contemporary issues in order for students to gain a more fuller understanding of the materials in a small group setting.
  • Project based work and research activity which engages students in complex and critical thinking and is considered a highly effective method of preparing students for life after graduation.

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.

Attendance and Independent Study

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:

  • Attendance and Independent Study

    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

    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%.

  • Calculation of the Final Award

    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.

Academic profile

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.

Derry~Londonderry campus

Accommodation

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Student Wellbeing

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Modules

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.

Year one

Global Business Environment

Year: 1

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.

Fundamentals of Human Resource Management

Year: 1

Effective people management is a critical management skill. This knowledge and understanding is essential for effective and efficient management practice, in particular, effectively managing, leading and developing people. Learning will be by teaching, case study analysis, discussion and independent study.

Organisations and Management

Year: 1

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.

Professional and Academic Skills

Year: 1

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.

Principles of Marketing

Year: 1

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.

Introduction to Financial Accounting

Year: 1

This module is optional

The module establishes a strong foundation for students as they undertake the study of accounting. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important within the context of double entry book-keeping, preparing financial statements, undertaking financial reporting and performing detailed analyses supporting aspects of the internal financial management of a business entity.

Introduction to Accounting and Finance

Year: 1

This module is optional

Introduction to Accounting and Finance provides an introduction to financial accounting, management accounting and introductory elements of finance. The requirement to produce financial statements is examined in addition to issues related to management decision making and financing. The module introduces the student to the study of accounting and finance in the context of international business activity.

Financial Accounting I

Year: 1

This module is optional

The form and content of published financial statements; profit and loss account; balance sheet; cash flow statements; introduction to group accounts; analysis and interpretation of financial statements; regulatory framework of accounting.

Year two

Global Economics and Finance

Year: 2

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.

Digital Transformation

Year: 2

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.

Global Strategy and Management

Year: 2

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.

Professional Skills Development

Year: 2

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.

Management Accounting

Year: 2

This module is optional

An important role of management accounting is to present accounting information to assist managers to plan, make decisions and measure performance. Key elements of practice in the discipline include approaches to costing, use of management accounting information, absorption costing, marginal costing, breakeven analysis, decision making, budgeting, standard costing, variance analysis, investment appraisal, statistical approaches, activity based costing and ethical issues.

Management Information Systems

Year: 2

This module is optional

Management Information Systems (MIS) are seen as central to the organisation. These systems are important to the gathering and collating both internal and external data and using these sources of information to general evidence-based reports for organisational decision making. Thus, that that is why MIS is often labelled the backbone of the organisation. This module provides the learner with a clear and detailed understanding of MIS and its role within the organisation and make them aware of the value of evidence-based decision making using these systems for global business.

Data Analytics for Business

Year: 2

This module is optional

There is an increasing use of analytics in the current global business environment. Data analytics is an important part of this trend, as it gives insights into an organisations business performance and plays an important role in increasing the value of an organisation. Today's businesses need timely information that assists them in take important decisions within business scenarios. This module will give students a strong understanding which is becoming increasingly important?as business and technology evolve.

Applied Global Project

Year: 2

This module is optional

The module focuses on the issues surrounding the leadership and management of applied global projects. This is achieved by providing a fundamental understanding of project management and how projects are managed in a global context.

Business Innovation Concepts and Practices

Year: 2

This module is optional

The module equips students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and practices that influence business innovation. The module will present and examine a range of topics on the subject matter, which will be used to analyse and evaluate the issues that impact decisions, strategies and approaches to business innovation.

Introduction to Sustainability

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module critically analyses contemporary key developments in sustainability theory and practice. This module develops critical analysis and analytical thinking skills by integrating knowledge of the sustainability landscape, the application of sustainability practice and the wider value in achieving sustainability now and in the future.

Sustainable Challenges

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module provides an understanding of the relationships between societal and economic needs and the environment, focusing on a range of sectors. It explores different perspectives on the goals of improving human wellbeing and environmental conservation, particularly the extent to which these might be complementary, compatible or contradictory goals, and how this intersects with broader social phenomena such as globalisation, gender and climate justice. The module considers how different sectors approach the relationship between people, sustainability and the environment. Problem-based thinking and self-reflection allows students to explore areas of interest.

Business Law

Year: 2

This module is optional

The module deals with the main principles of the law of contract and law of tort as well as providing explanations of the legal structures within which businesses operate. These legal formats of business organizations are critically explored as are the methods whereby businesses are managed and analysed and how the external environment, in terms of legal regulation, impacts on the operation of businesses. The topics under examination provide a solid framework for understanding of the legal basis in which businesses operate and enable students to undertake further study of related Business and accounting subjects.

Marketing Management

Year: 2

This module is optional

In the course of this module, students will develop an understanding of, and the ability to use, the core theories and techniques underpinning Marketing Management; stemming from the management techniques and philosophies that underpin the subject, through to their application to contemporary marketing management issues.

Consumer Behaviour

Year: 2

This module is optional

In the course of this module, students will develop an understanding of, and the ability to use, the core theories and techniques underpinning consumer behaviour; stemming from the economic and philosophical constructs of consumer behaviour, through to contemporary consumer research techniques.

Year three

Sustainability Reporting and Governance

Year: 3

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.

Global Trade Management

Year: 3

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.

Contemporary Issues and Trends in Global Business

Year: 3

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.

Leadership and People

Year: 3

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.

Diploma in Professional Practice

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.

Business Ethics and Sustainability

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an understanding of the relationships between profit, people and the planet and considers a range of contemporary moral and ethical dilemmas. With reference to appropriate theories and frameworks students will debate ethical violations and the stakeholder pressures to address these. Furthermore, students will consider how stakeholder relationships have evolved from corporate social stewardship through to sustainable corporate responsibility. Through assessment, in class discussion and with reference to historic and contemporary cases across the developed and developing world students are encouraged to investigate issues concerning business ethics and challenge their own perceptions of ethical practice.

Progressing Towards Sustainable Industry

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module critically analyses contemporary key developments in sustainability theory and practice. This module develops critical analysis and analytical thinking skills by integrating knowledge of the sustainability landscape, the application of sustainability practice and the wider value in achieving sustainability now and in the future.

Business Venture Creation

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module builds seeks to provide students with the opportunity to research and develop a new business idea and to formulate a comprehensive business plan for their new entrepreneurial venture. It also seeks to stimulate student thinking to consider self-employed career pathways.

Study Abroad

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.

Consumer Insights

Year: 3

This module is optional

Customer loyalty, customer experience and customer insight are core to achieving optimum satisfaction and retention. This module will provide students with an understanding of how to gain and interpret the customer insights required to make strategic business decisions. Students will develop their knowledge around customers complex needs and wants, crucial to business success today.

Year four

Managing Financial Performance

Year: 4

This module traces the development of management accounting theory and practice in the context of change in the modern business environment. The module examines the social, technological and international challenges to management accounting.

Financial Accounting II

Year: 4

The nature and purpose of accounting theory; the role of accounting regulation including the development of the latest accounting standards; contemporary issues in accounting; recent and future trends in financial reporting; accounting for transactions in financial statements and group financial statements.

Entrepreneurial Business Solutions

Year: 4

This module provides a platform for the student to develop and apply their creativity and entrepreneurial skills within a practical context. By applying strategic tools, such as design thinking, the student will gain confidence in providing innovative business solutions for a live project.

Business Intelligence

Year: 4

This module provides the student with a sound understanding of Knowledge Management and the Learning Organisation. Particular attention is awarded to technological development within these fields. The opportunity to construct a simple knowledge-oriented computerised system is provided.

Digital Customer Experience

Year: 4

This module develops the skills and knowledge required to enable strategic decision making for the management of digital channels, and the knowledge to understand the customer journey and the desired customer experience.

Global Marketing

Year: 4

This module explores the complexity of forces that underpin the global marketing decisions made by organisations. In particular, it aims to understand the impact of these forces on the activities of organisations, and the nature of the decisions that organisations must take if they are to survive and prosper in a dynamic global marketing environment.

Standard entry conditions

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.

A level

Grades CCC

Applied General Qualifications

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

Irish Leaving Certificate

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.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

Grades CCCCC

English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades DDD

English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level)

Access to Higher Education (HE)

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.

GCSE

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

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.

Additional Entry Requirements

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.

Exemptions and transferability

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.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Bank of Ireland
  • McCambridge Duffy
  • Moy Park
  • KPMG
  • Deloitte LLP
  • Kerry Group
  • Allstate

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Business Analyst
  • Graduate Management Programme
  • Accountant
  • Finance Analyst
  • Entrepreneur
  • Data Analyst
  • Sustainability Consultant

Career options

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

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.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2025

Fees and funding

2025/26 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Student achievements on the BSc Hons Global Business with Pathways will be recognised by a number of prizes and awards.

Additional mandatory costs

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.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

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:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

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.


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Disclaimer

  1. We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate. The printed version of the prospectus is, however, published at least a year before the courses begin. Information included in the prospectus may, therefore, change. This includes, but is not limited to changes to the terms, content, delivery, location, method of assessments or lengths of the courses described. Not all circumstances are foreseeable, but changes will normally be made for one of the following reasons: 
    • to meet external, professional, or accredited body requirements;
    • to provide for exceptional circumstances due to reasons beyond our reasonable control;
    • to improve or enhance your experience, or to adopt changes recommended in student feedback, with the aim of improving the student experience and or student outcomes; and/or
    • to ensure appropriate academic standards are met, for example in response to external examiners feedback.
  1. If there are insufficient enrolments to make a course viable, it may be necessary for the University to withdraw a course. If you have received an offer for a course that we subsequently have to close, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative courses. If you do not wish to study any alternative courses at the University, you may withdraw your application by informing us by email to admissions@ulster.ac.uk.
  1. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
  1. We will include a durable PDF when we send you an offer letter which will highlight any changes made to our prospectus or online information about our courses. You should read this carefully and ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to before accepting a place on one of our courses.
  1. The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.
  1. At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible.  The University will, where possible and reasonably practicable, seek the express consent of the student in regard to any changes concerning material or pre-contract information.
  1. The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.
  1. If, after due consideration, you decide that you no longer want to study your course or to study at the University, because of the changes, you may withdraw your application or terminate your contract with the University. In order to do so, you should notify us in writing by emailing admissions@ulster.ac.uk (and update UCAS if applicable). We will, on request, recommend alternative courses that you could study with us, or suggest a suitable course at an alternative higher education provider.
  1. If you do not agree that the changes are fair, you can seek redress under the Student Complaints Procedures.
  1. Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and taken the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected.
  1. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
  1. Further information can be found in our terms and conditions.

Sustainability at Ulster

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.