Key Info
Bachelor of Arts in International Business
If you wish to develop your knowledge of business while learning about the influence of politics, law, history and sociology on business decisions, then this programme might be for you. While other business programmes contain an international perspective, this programme provides an extensive international context that will drive your understanding and creativity. On graduation, you can expect to be well-positioned for a career in business, not just in Ireland but with overseas organisations.
If you want to;
- Discover a distinctive undergraduate experience
- Design your own degree programme
- Study and work abroad
- Enjoy a programme that puts business in an international framework
- Be prepared for rewarding graduate-level employment
Then this programme might be for you.
Why study International Business at UL?
The BA in International Business will provide you with a distinctive and challenging undergraduate experience. The programme is structured around a broad and flexible curriculum with subject choices that will help you to understand how business decisions are undertaken in a globalised world shaped by political, social and legal issues.
Under the 鈥榥ormal鈥 pathway, students spend years 1, 2 and 4 in UL. International study and work placements in Year 3 are a core part of the programme.鈥 This international experience will allow鈥痽ou to attend university in Europe, the US, Latin America, Africa, Asia or Australia.
Dual Degree Opportunity
In addition, students can avail of an amazing opportunity to earn a second degree from a leading international business school. Under this alternative 鈥榙ual degree鈥 pathway, BA in International Business students spend their first two years studying in 51本色 and their last two years studying at another Business School (while retaining an international work placement). Upon successful completion of their four years of study, students will receive both UL鈥檚 BA in International Business degree and an equivalent degree from the other business school.
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
What you will study
Electives within International Business
For your first semester there is one mandatory module, so you will only need to choose 4 more. Your choices are outlined below.
Category | Module Code | Module Title |
Mandatory | BS4001 |
Principles of International Business |
Business | AC4001 | Principles of Accounting |
(min. 2, max. 4) | EC4101 | Microeconomics |
IN4003 | Principles of Risk Management | |
MG4031 | Management Principles | |
MI4007 | Business Information Management | |
CM4203 | Communications | |
Humanities | LA4901 | |
(min. 0, max. 2) | PO4051 | |
SO4001 | ||
HI4071 | ||
Languages | FR4921 | |
(min. 0, max.1) | GE4921 | |
JA4911 | ||
SP4151 | ||
SP4161 |
You can get more information on the Language options here
What you will study
Choice and flexibility are central to the BA in International Business. You will select modules from business, finance, economics, law, sociology and languages in several possible combinations that reflect your interests, and help your understanding of international business. You will have the option of either choosing a language elective stream (selecting from Spanish - beginners or advanced French, German, and Japanese for beginners), or business/humanities elective stream.
There are three broad categories that you will study on this course:
- Business
- Humanities
- Languages
Each semester you will have the choice to study 5 modules across these categories. Certain restrictions apply for each category but the overall flexibility will allow you to study the areas of International Business that interest you.
By the end of the course, you will have:
- the ability to apply specialised technical, analytical and creative skills which are fundamental to problem-solving and decision-making in the business world
- the knowledge and skills to acquire information and engage with ideas and concepts that emerge from other business cultures
- an array of advanced skills needed to conduct guided research in a range of business contexts
- the capacity to effect change responsibly in business, professional and academic environments.
Set out below is the course structure for the 鈥榥ormal鈥 pathway:
Year 1 |
Semester 1 |
Credits |
Semester 2 |
Credits |
CORE |
||||
|
Principles of International Business |
6 |
||
ELECTIVE A |
ELECTIVE A |
|||
|
Choose - Min 2 Max 4 |
Choose - Min 3 Max 4 |
||
|
Principles of Accounting |
6 |
Managerial Accounting |
6 |
|
Microeconomics |
6 |
Macroeconomics |
6 |
|
Principles of Risk Management |
6 |
Insurance Law & Claims |
6 |
|
Management Principles |
6 |
Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
6 |
|
Business Information Management |
6 |
Principles of Organisational Behaviour |
6 |
|
Communications |
6 |
Marketing |
6 |
ELECTIVE B |
ELECTIVE B |
|||
|
Choose - Min 0 Max 2 |
Choose - Min 0 Max 2 |
||
|
Principles of Law |
6 |
Comparative Legal Systems |
6 |
|
Introduction to Politics and International Relations 1 |
6 |
Introduction to Politics and International Relations 2 |
6 |
|
Introduction to Sociology |
6 |
Global Political Economy |
6 |
|
Doing History: Past, Present and Practice |
6 |
|
|
ELECTIVE C |
ELECTIVE C |
|||
|
Choose - Min 0 Max1 |
Choose - Min 0 Max 1 |
||
|
French for Business 1A |
6 |
French for Business 2A |
6 |
|
German for Business 1A |
6 |
German for Business 2A |
6 |
|
Japanese for Business 1 |
6 |
Japanese for Business 2 |
6 |
|
Spanish for Business 1 (Beginners) |
6 |
Spanish for Business 2 (Beginners) |
6 |
|
Spanish for Business 1 |
6 |
Spanish for Business 2 |
6 |
ELECTIVE D | ||||
Choose - Min 0 Max 1 | ||||
Broadening: Social and Civic Engagement | 6 | |||
Broadening by Understanding and Controlling Crisis and Risk | 6 | |||
Broadening: Social Media for Social Good | 6 | |||
Broadening: Through Awareness, Activism and the Arts | 6 | |||
Broadening: Exploring the Brain and Understanding Behaviour | 6 | |||
Broadening: Active Body, Active Mind | 6 |
Year 2 |
Semester 3 |
Credits |
Semester 4 |
Credits |
ELECTIVE A |
ELECTIVE A |
|||
|
Choose - Min 3 Max 4 |
Choose - Min 3 Max 4 |
||
|
Financial Information Analysis |
6 |
Auditing & Accounting Frameworks |
|
|
Economics for Business |
6 |
Financial Accounting and Reporting |
6 |
|
Finance |
6 |
Life Insurance |
6 |
|
Risk and Insurance |
6 |
Marketing Communications |
6 |
|
Principles of Human Resource Management |
6 |
Employment Relations |
6 |
|
International Management |
6 |
Applied Organisational Behaviour |
6 |
|
Applied Business Mathematics |
6 |
Applied Business Statistics |
6 |
ELECTIVE B |
ELECTIVE B |
|||
|
Choose - Min 0 Max 2 |
Choose - Min 0 Max 2 |
||
|
Sociology of Work |
6 |
Sociology of Globalisation |
6 |
|
Comparative European Politics |
6 |
Consumption and Consumer Culture |
6 |
|
Commercial Law |
6 |
Human Resource Development |
6 |
|
Psychology and Everyday Life |
6 |
International Economics |
6 |
ELECTIVE C |
ELECTIVE C |
|||
|
Choose Min 0 Max 1 |
Choose - Min 0 Max 1 |
||
|
French for Business 3A |
6 |
French for Business 4A |
6 |
|
German for Business 3A |
6 |
German for Business 4A |
6 |
|
Japanese for Business 3 |
6 |
Japanese for Business 4 |
6 |
|
Spanish for Business 3 (Beginners) |
6 |
Spanish for Business 4 (Beginners) |
6 |
|
Spanish for Business 3 |
6 |
Spanish for Business 4 |
6 |
Year 3 |
Semester 5 |
|
Semester 6 |
|
|
International academic placement |
30 |
International work placement |
30 |
Year 4 |
Semester 7 |
Semester 8 |
||
CORE |
CORE |
|||
|
International Business |
6 |
International Business |
|
Confirmation Paper 1 |
Confirmation Paper 2 |
6 |
||
ELECTIVE A |
ELECTIVE A |
|||
|
Choose - Min 2 Max 4 |
Choose - Min 2 Max 4 |
||
|
Management Accounting 1 |
6 |
Management |
6 |
|
Advanced Financial Reporting |
6 |
Corporate Taxation |
6 |
|
Taxation Theory and Practice |
6 |
Public Finance |
6 |
|
International Political Economy |
6 |
Monetary Economics |
6 |
|
Managerial Economics |
6 |
Empirical Finance |
6 |
|
Investments: Analysis and Management |
6 |
Reinsurance and Alternative Markets |
6 |
|
Insurance Organisations and Markets |
6 |
Strategic Management |
6 |
|
Project Management Theory and Practice |
6 |
Marketing Leadership |
6 |
|
Marketing Intelligence |
6 |
Marketing Relationships and Networks |
6 |
|
Strategic Brand Management |
6 |
Contemporary Human Resource Management: Context and Strategy |
6 |
|
Social Psychology of Organisations |
6 |
||
ELECTIVE B |
ELECTIVE B |
|||
|
Choose - Min 0 Max 2 |
Choose - Min 0 Max 2 |
||
|
Governance and Risk |
6 |
Issues in World Politics |
6 |
|
The European Economy |
6 |
Contemporary Issues in the Global Economy |
6 |
|
Legal Environment of Business |
6 |
Company & Partnership Law |
6 |
|
Enterprise Management and Growth |
6 |
Management Consulting |
6 |
ELECTIVE C |
ELECTIVE C |
|||
|
Choose - Min 0 Max 1 |
Choose - Min 0 Max 1 |
||
|
French for Business 7A |
6 |
French for Business 8A |
6 |
|
German for Business 7A |
6 |
German for Business 8A |
6 |
|
Japanese for Business 7 |
6 |
Japanese for Business 8 |
6 |
|
Spanish for Business 6 |
6 |
Spanish for Business 7
|
6 |
Entry requirements
CAO points history |
544
|
---|---|
Minimum grades |
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. |
Subject requirements |
In addition, applicants must hold at least an O4/H7 grade in Mathematics. Students wishing to take a language option must have a H4 in that language, with the exception of Japanese or Beginners Spanish where a H4 in a language other than English is required. |
Additional considerations |
Mature StudentsWe welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. |
Non-EU Entry Requirements |
|
How to apply
Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
---|---|
Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
The EU | EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, |
Fees and funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
HEA pays | Tuition Fees | 鈧2,558 |
SUSI pays | Student contribution | 鈧3,000 |
Student pays | Student Levy | 鈧100 |
鈧5,658 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
HEA pays | Tuition Fees | 鈧2,558 |
Student pays | Student contribution | 鈧3,000 |
Student pays | Student Levy | 鈧100 |
鈧5,658 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
Student pays | Tuition Fees | 鈧2,558 |
Student pays | Student contribution | 鈧3,000 |
Student pays | Student Levy | 鈧100 |
鈧5,658 |
Non-EU Students
Student pays | Tuition Fees | 鈧16,300 |
Student pays | Student Levy | 鈧100 |
鈧16,400 |
Student course fees are comprised of the following components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at 鈧3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of 鈧100. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year鈥檚 duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the .
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees.
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
---|---|---|
Brindle Foundation and Fidelis Partnership Scholarships | 鈧5,000 a year for 2-4 years | 8 |
Unijobs Scholarship | 鈧2,525 | 2 |
These scholarships are available for all courses
Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
---|---|---|
All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | 鈧6,750 | 125 |
Brad Duffy Access Scholarship | 鈧5,000 for one year | 1 |
Bursary for my Future Scholarship | 鈧2,750 one off payment | 4 |
Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
Elaine Fagan Scholarship | 鈧1,500 | |
Financial Aid Fund | ||
Hegarty Family Access Scholarships | 鈧5,000 for one year | 2 |
Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | 鈧2,500 | |
Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | 鈧750 | |
Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O鈥橞rien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over 鈧7,000 in value | |
UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your future career
- Numeracy and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data
- Self-reliance, initiative and the ability to manage time, projects and resources
- Appreciating the causes and effects of economic and other external changes
Employability skills from this degree
- Understanding organisational behaviour and structure
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- A creative approach to problem-solving
- Decision making
- Persuasive written and verbal communication
- Numeracy and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data
- Self-reliance, initiative and the ability to manage time, projects and resources
- Appreciating the causes and effects of economic and other external changes
Further study options
- MSc in Economic and Policy Analysis
- MA in International Tourism
- MSc in International Entrepreneurship Management
- MSc in Marketing, Consumption and Society
- MSc in International Management Global Business
- MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology/Behaviour
- MSc in Human Resource Management
- MSc Accounting
- MSc in Risk Management & Insurance
Job titles for graduates with this degree
Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:
- Business Analyst
- Marketing Analyst
- HR Solutions Representative
- Bank Official
- Speciality Ingredients Buyer
- Trainee Accountant
- Trainee Auditor
- Multi Category Marketing Intern
- Corporate Sales Developer
- Commercial Insurance Broker
- Accounting and Finance Graduate
- Finance Analyst
- Trainee Auditor
- Sales Associate
- Community Support Representative
- Customer Support Specialist
- Supply Chain and Procurement Grad
- Hospitality Sales Executive
- Junior Auditor
- Trainee Chartered Tax Advisor
Student Profiles
Rachel Frost
Choosing a college course can be easy, but the difficulty lies in selecting the RIGHT college course for YOU. I was one of those students who did not really know what direction I wanted to go in and once the CAO applications came around, I was still very indecisive. This is where the appeal of International Business (IB) lured me.
You see, the beauty of IB is that you can tailor your degree to your specific interests every step of the way. This was a godsend for me as it afforded me the opportunity to try a variety of modules and figure out what was best for me as time went on. This unique feature of the IB course meant that I was not restricted in terms of choosing a major/minor in second year and could create my own formulation of a degree, drawing on core business, arts and language modules. The dual degree opportunity available through the IB programme was also a deciding factor that largely enticed me.
Yet another appeal for me was the fully-international aspect of 3rd year, with both an Erasmus programme and a cooperative placement abroad. I can safely say, hand on heart, that it was the best year of my life. I spent the first semester in Nice in the south of France and the second semester alongside many of my friends working in Luxembourg. These amazing experiences provided me with many opportunities that I will never take for granted and often reminisce on. If, like me, you jump at the opportunity to travel, this course facilitates that and ultimately prepares you for an international career. The course not only allowed me to travel and experience different cultures but also provided me with valuable skills and knowledge that I can apply in my future career. I highly recommend IB to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and gain a competitive edge in the global job market.
Now in my final year, back on campus at long last, I have also begun to truly appreciate just how much the 51本色 itself has to offer. From sporting facilities, clubs and societies to the grounds of the university itself, UL has a lot to give to its students. As my time here is sadly drawing to an end, I know that although I initially struggled to decide on a college course, I now know that I ultimately chose the right one for me. In addition to the course, the 51本色 has provided me with a supportive community and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. My time at the 51本色 has been thoroughly enjoyable and to everyone who has shaped my experience, I am eternally grateful. Now it can be your turn to revel in it!
Ben Kiely
The Kemmy Business School has given me the support, freedom, and flexibility to discover my true self. The BA in International Business has given me confidence in a range of subject areas that are so pivotal to both industry and entrepreneurship. I chose to specialise in the fields of Marketing, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, and Management because the subject material was practical and I could apply the learnings directly to both the family business and the building of my own personal brand and career.鈥
As part of my UL experience, I have also engaged in Clubs and Societies, Student Council, Faculty Board, accreditation meetings, and helped answer questions from prospective students on KBS Open Days. Sharing my experience of Co-Operative Work Placements, the unique structure of the International Business Programme, and my social and peer-to-peer learning side of third-level education is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life!鈥
After I graduated from International Business, I wanted to take the further opportunity to add to these skills and expand my knowledge base in the Entrepreneurship field. I signed up for the Masters in International Entrepreneurship Management which has been a deep-dive into the niches and complexities of engaging with consultative services and running your own business, as well as helping you discover new talents and traits within yourself through professional and leadership development, innovation and creativity management, as well as human resource, financial, and data analysis management. I have also had the pleasure of teaching undergraduate Management tutorials for the BBS and BAIB programmes, giving me the opportunity to reengage with the material I had just graduated from and also the opportunity to experience the dynamics of teaching and learning from another perspective.鈥
Now in the second semester of my Master's programme, I can reflect on the plentiful opportunities that have allowed me to grow and give back to the community that has curated and enriched my personality and development. I will be eternally grateful to the Kemmy Business School and the 51本色 for the support and friendships that will continue long after my graduation, and the memories that I will smile at when I think back on my time studying business at UL.
Evelyne Mancassola
My name is Evelyne Mancassola and as a fourth-year student pursuing an undergraduate program in International Business at the Kemmy Business School, my journey at the 51本色 has been nothing short of transformative. I have a huge passion for marketing and entrepreneurship where UL has provided me with an enriching academic environment that has nurtured my interests and fuelled my aspirations.
Throughout my time at UL, I've delved into a diverse array of modules spanning marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and accounting. These modules have equipped me with a robust skill set and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the business world, laying a strong foundation for my future endeavours.
One of the highlights of my academic experience at UL was the opportunity to embark on an Erasmus exchange program in Sweden for four months. This invaluable experience broadened my horizons, exposed me to new cultures, and enhanced my global perspective. Additionally, my eight-month placement abroad in Luxembourg further solidified my academic learning, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios. These experiences have not only enriched my academic journey but have also instilled in me a sense of confidence and resilience.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Kemmy Business School Ambassador, where I have had the privilege to showcase the exceptional business courses UL has to offer and share my passion for the university with prospective students. Being able to inspire others and contribute to the UL community has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
UL has fostered a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging me to think outside the box and explore my entrepreneurial instincts. It is this environment that inspired me to pursue my dream of establishing my own business - The Poppy Cup Coffee House in Adare. UL provided me with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to turn my vision into reality, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.
In essence, my journey at the 51本色 has been an enriching and transformative experience. From academic excellence to unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth, UL has truly empowered me to become the best version of myself. I am immensely proud to be a part of the UL community and am excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Roisi虂n Wall
When the time came to fill out my CAO form, I was at a cross-roads. With the world of courses available to me, I didn鈥檛 know what direction to take. Having always had an interest in business, I still felt too confined with certain business degrees. Then, I was introduced to the BA in International Business at UL, a business course that you can build and tailor to make it your own!
What makes this program stand out is the links it has with other streams such as Humanities, Law, and Arts. This gives students of International Business the opportunity to try out a wide variety of modules to make their degree as diverse as they like! For myself, I gained a liking for Accounting, having never done it in secondary school. However, after my internship placement, I decided Accounting was not the path for me and tailored my choices for each semester afterwards to build my degree to include Marketing and Management, while maintaining strong, beneficial roots in accounting.
It must be said that the most attractive aspect of this course to me, was the opportunity to spend my entire 3rd year abroad. This consisted of the Erasmus Study Exchange program and cooperative work placement. I had the chance to study in Kedge Business School in Marseille in the South of France where I got to study unique modules such as Luxury Marketing and make friends from all four corners of the world. After this, I embarked on my cooperative work placement with Caceis Bank in Luxembourg. Here, I was fully emersed in the role of a Fund Accountant. I was even enlisted to help in the translation of procedures for the merger of Caceis with the Royal Bank of Canada. My experience in Luxembourg was further enriched by the friends I made outside of work, most notably while playing with the Luxembourg GAA team where I played football and took up camogie for the first time.
When I returned to UL, I wanted to immerse myself in campus life as much as possible, considering my 1st and 2nd years of college took place in a primarily online setting during the pandemic. I put myself forward to be an ambassador for Kemmy Business School which gave me a great opportunity to improve my public speaking skills while at the UL open days. As my final months in UL come to an end, I can certainly look back with only fond memories, fantastic experiences, and a great network of friends. I feel equipped with an incredible depth of knowledge, skills, and experiences gained from this course to help me take on the next step!