International Business with Foundation Year

International business examines how organisations operate across national borders, managing the commercial, cultural, regulatory, and logistical challenges that come with doing business in a global marketplace. It draws on management, economics, finance, marketing, and cross-cultural studies to develop graduates who can think strategically about international markets and act effectively within them. As the global economy has become more interconnected, the demand for professionals with genuinely international business understanding has grown across sectors.

The four-year International Business with Foundation Year programme at Birkbeck College, which also includes a foundation year option at the BSc level, is built on the conviction that employability and flexibility should be integral to the degree. You will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes sought by employers in international business contexts, gain a global mindset, and widen your understanding of how organisations and individuals operate across borders. You will be introduced to the key functions of business in an international context, including international marketing, cross-cultural management, global supply chains, international finance, and the regulatory environments that govern trade and investment.

The foundation year, available for students who need additional preparation, ensures that access to this programme is not blocked by a narrow entry route. Birkbeck's flexible teaching model makes the programme accessible to students who are working or managing other commitments.

With a typical entry tariff of 104 points, the programme is inclusive and practically focused. Graduates pursue careers in multinational corporations, international trade, consulting, financial services, logistics, export management, and governmental or non-governmental organisations with international mandates. Many also go on to postgraduate study in business, international management, or a related specialism.