Key information
UCAS code:
LN21
Typical offer:
Applicants for the 2 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification. Applicants for the 1 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification.
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
If English isn't your first language and you want to build a career in global trade, this BA (Hons) International Trade and Business Communication top-up degree is a great choice.
You'll study all things business in an English-speaking environment alongside native and non-native speakers, learning how people use conversational, formal and business English in preparation for the fast-paced world of international trade. You can do this undergraduate degree in one or two years, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to write and speak English.
After the course, you'll have the English language skills and international trade understanding to succeed in a range of careers in the global marketplace, in areas such as business management, export and/or import finance, international market research and marketing.
Eligibility
This course is open to international, EU and UK students whose first language is not English. A key part of the course is improving your written and spoken business English.
Course highlights
- Improve your English in three ways:
- dedicated English language classes to improve your vocabulary and grammar
- business communications classes where you'll practise presentations, interviews and writing for business
- living and working with both UK and international students and experiencing life in a welcoming UK city
- Explore the theory and practice of international trade, the ways different cultures view the global marketplace, and the economic, legal and managerial factors that affect how business is done around the world
- Be fully supported by your tutors and our dedicated global team, and join a community with more than 5,000 international and EU students from 150 different countries
- Earn a full BA (Hons) degree in International Trade and Business Communications in just one or two years
- Have the opportunity to learn a foreign language for free as part of your degree, choosing from Arabic, British Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
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.
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 2024
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 you may need to send us a portfolio.
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 portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
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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 or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) International Trade and Business Communication (Top-up) entry requirements
Typical offers
- Only those who have previously studied at higher education level should apply.
- Applicants for the 2 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 4 qualification, for example an appropriate HNC, or 120 credits from year 1 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
- Applicants for the 1 year course require relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- Only those whose first language is not English should apply.
- Applicants for the 2 year course require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.
- Applicants for the 1 year course require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
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.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Digital Language Laboratories
Perfect your listening and comprehension skills in a rich, multi-media language learning environment. Find out how to integrate and manipulate video, sound, text and internet sources in different languages.
Language Corner
Meet with a language tutor, get help with specific challenges and practise your skills with proficient speakers of your chosen language in this optional weekly drop-in session.
Global Café
You can meet students from all over the world at the Global Café on Wednesday afternoons. Learn about other's cultures and practise speaking in each other's languages while making new friends and getting to share your own culture.
Feel at home in our international community
Over 5,000 international students from over 150 countries study with us. You'll find clubs and societies for everything you can imagine.
In our welcoming and diverse city, you can enjoy a wide range of global cuisine and international food shops.
Explore student life in Portsmouth
Careers and opportunities
The globalisation of trade has transformed the world economy. Today, approximately one fourth of total global production is exported (Our World in Data).
As a result, those with a knowledge of international trade and the factors that impact it are highly sought-after by a wide range of employers.
And, as English continues to be the world's language for trade, there's strong demand for graduates with both business and English language skills. This gives you many career options after the course.
What areas can you work in with an international trade and business communication (top-up) degree?
This course gives you the skills for careers in areas such as:
- international trade
- export and/or import finance
- export and/or import coordination
- product management
- market research
- marketing
- retail and leisure
You could also go on to further study at postgraduate level or start your own business with help and support from the University.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Ways to enrich your study
Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)
We have over 20 experienced business entrepreneurs on our free EiR programme who can help you develop your business idea.
"I have a business idea, but I was not too sure about it. After this meeting, I felt so encouraged and positive about it! I felt so motivated to pursue my business venture. He gave me real life advice and helped me how to approach my ideas."
Rabab El Habchi Mahir meeting EiR Mark Smith
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, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
You'll gain strategies for effective writing and speaking in diverse professional settings, building skills for successful negotiations, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication. You'll learn how to write persuasive business reports, deliver engaging presentations and lead productive meetings.
By the end of the module, you'll have the ability to communicate your ideas clearly and influence your audiences - essential skills for today's global business environment.
Develop your reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills by analysing a variety of written and spoken texts and debating topics of interest. You'll learn how to communicate clearly in a variety of subjects and structures, and make informed choices depending on your audience.
By using skimming and scanning skills, you'll broaden your grammatical and lexical understanding of listening texts and build the critical thinking skills needed to progress.
You’ll learn to recognise and describe the relationships between businesses and the national and international environments they operate in.
You’ll explore the development of international trade relations and the benefits and costs of operating in an increasingly global environment to countries, businesses and society.
Topics you’ll cover include communication theory, verbal and non-verbal communication, cross cultural communication, discourse and identity, motivation theory, organisational culture, technology and communication, and inclusivity in the workplace.
You’ll take part in lectures, seminars, workshops and presentations, allowing you the opportunity to both practise and apply the theory presented in the sessions.
You’ll also work in pairs and groups with your fellow students, providing peer feedback.
You'll learn about consumer behaviour and brand strategy, and spend time examining real-world marketing campaigns. You'll also think about how social, political and technological forces can affect the way businesses approach marketing their products and services.
Skills you'll develop include carrying out market research and learning how to use what you learn, crafting targeted messaging across different marketing channels, and presenting your ideas verbally and in writing.
Optional modules
You'll examine how the nature of identity and place is constructed in Britain today, using techniques like observation and fieldwork.
You'll analyse social behaviour and public spaces, drawing on ideas from literature, media and your own experiences. You'll build on your existing knowledge of British institutions and history, improving your skills in research, analysis and communication.
You'll master tools like PESTLE, Porter's 5 Forces and SWOT. These tools are used by business leaders to determine where their businesses are at present, where they want them to be in the future, and which key metrics and initiatives they should track to achieve their goals.
You'll also apply new concepts using practical case studies and role play with your fellow students, learning how to present your strategic recommendations confidently from a consultant's perspective.
When you've completed the module, you'll have the commercial awareness and cultural sensitivity you need to succeed in international business.
With a minimum 80-hour commitment, you’ll apply what you’ve learned so far on your degree to real-world professional settings within our community of local businesses, social enterprises, and third-sector organisations.
You’ll have support from interactive workshops, tutorials, and guest speaker events, encouraging you to set achievable professional goals and evolve your professional identity.
Core modules
In terms of spoken communication, you’ll be introduced to the sounds of the Standard Southern British (SSB) accent and develop a repertoire of suitable language for taking part in discussions with students and staff in seminars.
When it comes to written communication, you’ll not only further develop your knowledge of vocabulary and sentence structure, but also learn how to integrate academic sources into your own writing effectively, appropriately, and responsibly.
Develop self-directed learning skills by identifying relevant perspectives, synthesizing ideas, applying theories, and communicating conclusions effectively. With guidance, you'll manage all stages of your project, from formulating a focused research topic to producing a professionally formatted report. When you're done, you'll be able to demonstrate your advanced subject knowledge, academic curiosity and ability explore your degree through in-depth research and extended academic writing.
You’ll dive into the business world, gathering intel and ideas from experts through articles, videos and websites.
You’ll bring it all together in meetings, presenting your proposals and refining plans. Finally, you’ll make your case in a formal report, evaluating options and setting forth a recommendation to solve a simulated business problem.
With teamwork, communication skills and creativity, you’ll gain hands-on experience solving the types of challenges businesses face every day.
Through lectures, reading and seminar discussions, you’ll critically evaluate trade's benefits and controversies, examine monetary issues in trade, and analyse complex trade situations to identify relevant legal concepts and provide reasoned advice.
Assessments include an exam covering both topics and a group presentation focused on the legal material.
You’ll study classic and emerging models for effectively conducting market research, positioning brands and tailoring advertising messages across borders and languages.
Evaluate case studies decoding how multinational corporations adapt products to resonate with local values and lifestyles in diverse global regions.
Consider ethical dimensions surrounding consumerism, labour and sustainability. This module will help you develop tools to analyse trade networks alongside geostrategic factors.
Optional modules
From theories and models to business cultures and current affairs, you'll analyse international trade trends, regulatory institutions, and the forces shaping competitive business environments.
Examining strategic responses to globalization, you'll develop critical perspectives on corporate responsibility and assess market dynamics across different regions, while crafting insightful solutions that benefits society and the economy.
When you graduate, you'll have the essential knowledge, analytical skills, and global mindset to succeed as a future business leader.
You'll learn how to think critically about the key concepts that link language, culture and communication, considering the benefits and limitations of these ideas.
You'll explore the different ways in which communication intersects with culture across themes such as identity, education, gender, and the media.
Alongside what you learn, you'll improve your skills in analysis, research and intercultural awareness.
Examine traditional cultural models and their limitations, and learn to apply advanced communication theories to real management contexts.
You'll develop the problem-solving skills needed to work with diverse teams and clients, and the intercultural understanding to manage effectively in any environment.
By the end of the module, you'll have the skills to bridge divides and connect people in the business world.
You’ll take part in interactive exercises and produce accurate, readable, usable translation of common cross-cultural business texts.
Specifically, you'll systematically analyse source text purpose, style and structure related to business life.
You’ll also professionally edit target texts for accuracy, readability and commercial viability.
With a minimum 80-hour commitment, you'll apply what you've learned so far on your degree to real-world professional settings within our community of local businesses, social enterprises, and third-sector organisations.
You'll have support from interactive workshops, tutorials, and guest speaker events, encouraging you to set achievable professional goals and evolve your professional identity.
Through interactive lectures and discussions, you'll explore the structures of power that shape Britain today, from the establishment to counter-cultures. You'll examine shifting identities, values and controversies to understand how and why British society is continuing to change, focusing on current issues in education, social services and more.
By the end of the module, you'll be able to explain key features of modern Britain, discuss cultural diversity, create presentations using the latest technologies, and critically reflect on module themes - giving you a well-rounded understanding of life in Britain today.
Using analytical frameworks, you'll adapt texts to suit different audiences, purposes and settings, and evaluate and produce examples of professional writing.
You’ll also apply your learning through a presentation.
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.
Alternative courses
Not quite sure this course is right for you? Take a look at our other business communication courses to compare your options.
If you want to develop your skills in management, leadership and communication alongside spoken and written English, this BA (Hons) International Business Communication top-up degree is for you. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines business skills development with English and business communication classes.
This BA (Hons) International Human Resources and Business Communication top-up degree will enable you to become adept in international human resources while also improving your English language skills. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines international HR studies with English and business communication classes.
Opt for this BA (Hons) International Enterprise and Business Communication top-up degree if you're looking to develop your business enterprise and entrepreneurial knowledge and English language skills. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines international enterprise studies with English and business communication classes.
You can join this top-up BA (Hons) Business with Business Communication degree in either the 2nd or 3rd year, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to speak and write English. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines the study of global business with classes to improve your business English and communication skills.
You can join this top-up BA (Hons) Finance and Business Communication degree in either the 2nd or 3rd year, depending on your level of previous study and your ability to speak and write English. This degree is designed for non-native English speakers and combines the study of global finance with classes to improve your business English and communication skills.
How you're assessed
The way you’re assessed may depend on the units you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 10% by exams, 85% by coursework and 5% by other means
- Year 2 students: 10% by exams and 90% by coursework
Your coursework may include:
- in-class tests
- individual or group projects
- individual or group presentations
- coursework
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- independent study
- digital multimedia language laboratory sessions
- IT suite sessions
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a web connection.
Teaching staff profiles
Dr Oksana Dalton
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 your BA Hons International Trade and Business Communication top-up degree.
In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 9 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in year 2, but this depends on which modules you choose.
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 scheduled meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
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.
Our online Learning Well mini-course 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
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 a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
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.
Arrival support
Whether you're travelling halfway around the world or just a few miles, starting university can be nerve-wracking. Our airport pickup service, international orientation week events, and amazing support teams will help you settle in.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 per year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £16,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
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.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
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.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight 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.
Apply
Please only apply for this course if English is not your first language.
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – LN21
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
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.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of 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 University of Portsmouth, 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.