International Business and Languages BA (Hons)
Gain the business expertise, language fluency, and cultural competence needed to thrive in international careers, with skills to communicate, adapt, and solve problems in a global business environment.
Key information
For:
3 years full-time starting September 2025
UCAS code:
N120
Typical offer:
112-120 points from 2 A levels, or equivalent.
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8090
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Apply now for September 2025
If you have your results, you can apply now to start in September 2025.
In today’s global world, businesses are looking for people who can do more than understand numbers. They need graduates who can think internationally, speak different languages and move confidently between cultures. Our BA (Hons) International Business and Languages degree seeks to give you the knowledge and skills to stand out in this competitive, connected world.
You’ll build a strong foundation in business while developing fluency in your chosen language and the cultural awareness to navigate the international business landscape. Along the way, you’ll sharpen essential skills such as communication, adaptability and problem-solving, all of which employers value highly. By combining these strengths, you’ll graduate prepared for careers that take you across borders and into international companies.
Your degree is designed to connect learning with the real world, so you’ll have the chance to gain hands-on experience through an optional professional placement with leading employers. Our students have worked with brands like L’Oréal, Bentley and Bosch, as well as many other well known industry names. You'll also immerse yourself fully in another culture by studying abroad in a country where your language is spoken, from Spain or Germany to destinations further afield such as Latin America.
Whichever path you take, you’ll leave university ready for a career where languages open doors and cultural understanding sets you apart. Whether you’re helping a business expand overseas, collaborating with international teams or simply confident in working across cultures, you’ll graduate with the tools to shape your future in the global business world.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing Hotline: 023 9284 8090
Clearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Apply now for September 2025
If you have your results, you can apply now to start in September 2025.
Guaranteed accommodation
Apply through Clearing and you'll be offered a guaranteed room in halls if you accept your offer within 24 hours of receiving it and apply for accommodation as a new full-time undergraduate student by 5pm Wednesday 3 September.
We have a variety of affordable accommodation options with en-suite halls from £131 per week.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
Even if you don't receive the grades you need, we recommend still calling us on 023 9284 8090 as we still may be able to consider you for a course
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2025
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office.
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8090
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) International Business and Languages entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- T Level: Merit
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs -
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
BA (Hons) International Business and Languages entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBC-BCC
- UCAS points - 104-112 points from 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DMM
- T Level: Merit
- International Baccalaureate - 27
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs -
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Your year abroad
You must spend your second year abroad studying business modules at a partner university. You'll have the option to split the year into two six month sections and experience two different universities and countries if you wish.
Many students from Portsmouth take the opportunity to study abroad, but students on this course get priority when placements are being allocated.
We recognise that spending a year abroad is both exciting and a little scary. In your first year you'll take a whole module dedicated to helping you prepare and make the right choice about where you study. Throughout your time away you'll have the full support of your course leader, our global office and our placements team.
You do not pay any fees to the overseas university, but you'll continue to pay a reduced tuition fee to Portsmouth during your year abroad. You'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a .
Choosing to study abroad was by far the best decision I made during university.
I moved to Lille, in France, to study at EDHEC Business School and it provided me with the opportunities to travel across Europe and meet people from all across the globe, while improving my confidence and independence.
Careers and opportunities
This degree will open doors to a wide variety of careers in the business world. Being able to talk about your international experience and global business learning will give you an advantage when applying to multinational companies in particular.
If you study this course as a dual degree, you'll graduate with two degrees as well as your university study and placement experiences to showcase your in depth knowledge of international business and your soft skills such as working with people.
Graduates of this course could get jobs as:
- Business development manager
- Product manager
- Customer accounts manager
- Market analyst
- Multilingual project coordinator
- Bilingual consultant
- Translator/interpreter
Graduates of our International Business course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Virgin Media
- IBM
- NATS (air traffic control)
- Asia Pacific Inspection
- BAE Systems
- Liquid Hub (drinks marketing)
- Morgan Stanley
- Kitchen Cut (software)
- Prospect Capital (finance)
- GSMA (worldwide mobile)
- Microsoft
(Data sourced from HESA Graduate Outcome Surveys)
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
Business Consultancy Project
Work for a client on a real brief in this optional Business Consultancy module.
Students work in teams of 3-4 to bid for a business project from local organisations, before working directly with the organisation to execute the project.
Clients range from small to medium sized organisations who could be from the private, public or third sector (such as charities, not-for-profits and community organisations).
Each project is different, but the tasks you compete could include:
- Using marketing theory to develop social media strategies
- Conducting competitor analysis
- Drafting sustainable business plans based on the
- Conducting staff interviews
- Evaluating customer feedback
You’ll give your client regular updates on the project, and get feedback from them, other students and staff as you progress.
Past students have worked with , local facilities management firm , the startup, , and local radio station .
At the end of your project, you'll be invited to a celebratory event where you can network with representatives from the client organisations.
Work placement year
You can boost your employability even more by taking an optional paid placement year in the UK or overseas. You could take your placement straight after your year abroad (in Year 3) or after your third year of study, right before your graduate. The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law, but your salary could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
Previous students have had placements in organisations such as:
- UBS Wealth Management
- Prysmian Group
- L'Oreal
- IBM
Many of our students are offered a graduate job by their placement employer.
You could also set up your own business with support from us.
If you don't want to take a whole placement year we offer plenty of other ways to get great work experience whilst you study, from to entrepreneurial support.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you’ll study
Core modules
- Business Accounting – 20 credits
- Discovering the Business Professional – 20 credits
- Global Business and Cultural Intelligence – 20 credits
- Marketing Principles and Practice – 20 credits
Optional modules
- General Language Grade 1 and 2 (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish) – 20 credits
- General Language Grade 3 (French, German or Spanish) – 20 credits
- Language in Use Grade 1 and 2 (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish) – 20 credits
- Language Project (French, German or Spanish) – 20 credits
Core modules
- International Business – 20 credits
Optional modules
- Business Venturing – 20 credits
- Corporate Financial Management – 20 credits
- General Language Grade 4 (French, German or Spanish) – 20 credits
- General Language Part 3 and 4 (Part 1) (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish) – 20 credits
- General Language Part 3 and 4 (Part 2) (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish) – 20 credits
- Introduction to Translation – 20 credits
- Language for Professional Communication (French, German or Spanish) – 20 credits
- Marketing Communications – 20 credits
- Risk Management and Supply Chain Vulnerability – 20 credits
Core modules
- General Language Grade 6 (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish) – 20 credits
- Strategic and International Management – 20 credits
- Translation Theory and Practice (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish) – 20 credits
Optional modules
- Advance Language Project – 20 credits
- Business Improvement and Creativity – 20 credits
- Dissertation - Accounting, Economics and Finance – 40 credits
- Dissertation - Languages – 40 credits
- Dissertation - Marketing – 40 credits
- Dissertation - Organisations, Systems and People – 40 credits
- Dissertation - Strategy Enterprise and Innovation – 40 credits
- Global Sustainability and Responsibility – 20 credits
- International Financial Management – 20 credits
- Major Project – 40 credits
- People Resourcing and Talent Management – 20 credits
- Research Project – 20 credits
- Writing for Different Audiences – 20 credits
On this course, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years, or after your 3rd year, to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Facilities and clinics
Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) room
Our technology enhanced active learning space promotes social learning.
Business Simulation Suite
Experience the boardroom in our replica business suite.
Teaching
The majority of your timetabled teaching at Portsmouth will be face-to-face and will include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
- We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. In addition to our dedicated teaching team, you'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
How you're assessed will depend on the modules you select. As well as online assessments and coursework you may be assessed using:
- examinations
- analysis of topical case studies
- written reports and essays
- presentations
- practical projects
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course.
Mr Jim Rowe
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose and where you spend your year abroad.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- Academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- Reflective writing skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in business and law.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees
Please note, we'll confirm 2026 course fees soon.
Studying abroad
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Travel costs
If you're eligible for a student loan you may be eligible for a to cover some of the travel costs, visas, vaccinations and medical insurance you need to study abroad. They are means-tested and vary by local education authority.
Funding schemes
The UK Government has launched a new scheme to replace Erasmus+ for UK institutions, named after British code breaker and mathematician Alan Turing.
can provide funding for University students to study abroad worldwide (subject to the Scheme's terms and conditions).
We’ve had successful applications to the Turing Scheme in previous years and are continuing to apply for this funding for each upcoming year.
Additional course costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
In your second year, for your placement abroad, you’ll need to fund the costs of travel, transport, accommodation and your living costs. The exact costs will depend on the destination. Depending on the location of your placement, there may be further costs for communication or specialist clothing.
When you spend your year at a partner university you don't pay any tuition fees to that university. You will need to pay a small percentage of the annual tuition fee to the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ in your year abroad. This funds the support and assessment we give during your year away.
You'll still be eligible for your tuition fee and maintenance loans and you may be eligible for extra funding through the .
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,430 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,430 a year (including EU Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
How to apply
September 2025 start
Apply now for September 2025
If you have your results, you can apply now to start in September 2025.
Applying for year 2 or 3
If you've already completed part of this course with us or another university and would like to apply for the second or third year with us in September 2025, .
Applying as an international student
Apply directly as an international student (including EU) for September 2025 entry. Or call our International Admissions team with any queries: +44 (0)23 9284 5113
Other start dates
September 2026 start
To start this course in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N120
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.