MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language with Placement Year
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language with Placement Year at the University of Reading is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the global business environment by integrating comprehensive business education with proficiency in a modern language. The program combines foundational business management skills with the ability to engage effectively in international markets, leveraging language skills and cross-cultural understanding. By incorporating a placement year, students gain valuable industry experience, further enhancing their employability upon graduation. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to manage international business operations, navigate cultural differences, and lead global teams in multinational organizations.
Curriculum: The curriculum for this program is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in business management, alongside language acquisition. In the first year, students focus on core business modules such as economics, accounting, marketing, management, and organizational behavior, while also starting to learn a modern language (such as French, Spanish, or German). As students progress, the curriculum includes more specialized modules in areas such as international business, global strategy, and cross-cultural management. Language skills are developed throughout the program, with advanced language modules tailored to enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively in a professional international setting. The placement year, typically taken after the second year, offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real-world business environment. Students may secure placements with multinational corporations, international marketing agencies, or global consultancy firms, where they can apply their learning and language skills to solve business challenges in an international context. During the final year, students return to their studies, focusing on strategic business modules, global leadership, and advanced language proficiency, preparing them for leadership roles in global organizations.
Research Focus: The University of Reading is known for its strong emphasis on research, particularly within the Henley Business School. The research focus in the BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language with Placement Year program covers areas such as international trade, global supply chains, cross-cultural management, and the impact of language and culture on business practices. The university’s research also examines how businesses can adapt their strategies to succeed in diverse international markets and how language influences global communication and business transactions. Students are encouraged to engage with faculty research through seminars, case studies, and collaborative projects, allowing them to stay informed on the latest trends and developments in international business and management.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key component of this program. The placement year provides students with the opportunity to apply their business and language skills in real-world settings, working with industry-leading companies and organizations. The University of Reading has established strong relationships with multinational companies, providing students with access to valuable internship and placement opportunities. These opportunities not only give students practical experience but also help them build professional networks, gain insights into the demands of the global job market, and develop the skills necessary to excel in their careers. In addition to the placement year, the university offers various career support services, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and job search assistance. Students also have access to employer networking events, career fairs, and industry-specific seminars, where they can interact with professionals and learn more about career paths in international business. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the competitive global job market upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language with Placement Year program places a strong emphasis on developing a global perspective. The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and businesses must adapt to diverse cultural, economic, and legal environments. Through a combination of coursework, language learning, and the placement year, students gain a deep understanding of how businesses operate in international contexts and how to navigate the complexities of global markets. The program offers students the opportunity to study international business practices, global market strategies, and the role of language in facilitating global trade and communication. Language proficiency helps students engage with clients and colleagues from different countries and manage teams across borders. The international exposure gained during the placement year, along with opportunities for study abroad, allows students to experience firsthand how businesses operate in different cultural and economic contexts. This global exposure equips students with the skills and confidence to manage international business challenges and take on leadership roles in multinational companies.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
The BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language with Placement Year at the University of Reading offers graduates a diverse range of career opportunities in the global business landscape. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in business management principles while integrating the invaluable skill of language proficiency. The combination of academic business knowledge, cross-cultural management skills, and hands-on experience from the placement year prepares students to pursue exciting roles in multinational corporations, international organizations, global consultancy firms, and more. The modern language component significantly enhances graduates’ ability to communicate in international markets, opening doors to career opportunities that require both business expertise and language fluency.
International Business Manager: International business managers are responsible for overseeing business operations across global markets. They develop and implement strategies to expand a company's presence in foreign regions while managing teams and coordinating international activities. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to assume these roles, using their language skills and international business knowledge to navigate diverse markets and manage cross-border operations. Their understanding of both business and cultural differences allows them to thrive in multinational companies and global markets.
Global Marketing Manager: Global marketing managers create and execute marketing strategies tailored to various international markets. They assess market trends, understand cultural differences in consumer behavior, and develop marketing campaigns that resonate with local audiences while maintaining the global brand’s identity. Graduates of the program with language skills are equipped to build effective marketing strategies, engage with international clients, and help businesses expand into new markets, ensuring success in the global marketing landscape.
Global Supply Chain Manager: Managing a global supply chain requires the ability to coordinate logistics, distribution, and procurement across various countries. Global supply chain managers ensure that goods are delivered efficiently across borders while minimizing costs and maintaining quality. Graduates with expertise in international business and a modern language can excel in this role by fostering strong relationships with suppliers and partners worldwide and adapting supply chain strategies to suit diverse regional needs.
Cross-Cultural Consultant: Cross-cultural consultants advise companies on how to effectively navigate cultural differences in global business operations. They provide insights into local customs, communication styles, and cultural preferences, helping organizations adapt their business strategies for success in foreign markets. Graduates with a background in international business and fluency in a modern language are well-positioned to advise businesses on managing cross-cultural challenges and improving their international operations.
International Trade Specialist: International trade specialists work with companies and governments to manage the import and export of goods and services across borders. They are experts in trade laws, tariffs, and international trade policies. Graduates of the BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language program can enter this field with a strong understanding of global trade regulations, and their language skills help in negotiating deals and facilitating communication with international partners and stakeholders.
Human Resources (HR) Manager (Global Focus): HR managers with a global focus manage talent across different regions, recruiting, training, and retaining employees in international markets. They oversee compliance with international labor laws and foster inclusive workplaces that account for cultural differences. Graduates of this program, with their language abilities and cross-cultural management skills, can take on HR roles in multinational corporations, helping to develop human resources strategies that align with global operations and diverse workforces.
Consultant (International Business Strategy): International business strategy consultants help companies develop and implement strategies for global expansion. They analyze market trends, study competitive environments, and create strategies to ensure businesses succeed in international markets. Graduates with expertise in international business, market analysis, and language skills are equipped to provide insights and strategies that help organizations grow globally, enter new markets, and optimize their international business operations.
International Sales Manager: International sales managers oversee sales strategies for global markets. They manage sales teams, establish relationships with international clients, and ensure that products and services are marketed effectively across borders. Graduates of the program, equipped with language skills and international business expertise, are well-prepared to manage global sales teams and build strong relationships with customers and clients in different regions of the world.
Entrepreneur (Global Focus): Graduates of the BSc International Business and Management with a Modern Language with Placement Year program are well-prepared to start their own businesses with a global reach. The knowledge gained from the program, coupled with industry experience gained during the placement year, equips graduates to identify business opportunities in international markets and successfully manage cross-border operations. Their language skills enable them to communicate with clients, suppliers, and partners worldwide, giving them a competitive edge when launching international ventures.
Foreign Service Officer (Diplomatic Service): Foreign service officers work in international relations, representing their country in foreign governments or international organizations. They facilitate diplomatic communication, negotiate treaties, and support international cooperation. Graduates with expertise in international business and a modern language can pursue careers in foreign service, helping to manage international relations and promote their country’s interests in global diplomacy.
