BA (Hons) Global Communication with Business Management with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- Q9NP
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Ever wondered how successful communication transcends cultural and linguistic barriers? Ever considered how global companies manage their diverse workforce? Or what makes for successful communication in business specifically? On our Global Communication with Business Management with a Placement Year degree, you’ll work with experts in the fields of business, language and intercultural communication to explore key global challenges.
On this course, you’ll develop your understanding of global business and discover the essentials of business, marketing and intercultural communication, discovering how important global communication and intercultural awareness are today for individuals and businesses. You’ll have the chance to put your skills to the test in your third year by spending 9-12 months on a placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
Your intercultural training will invite you to challenge yourself and the cultural stereotypes that create barriers to successful communication. You’ll develop your understanding of how global businesses manage workforces with widely differing languages, values, and business practices. You’ll then have the chance to put your skills to the test by spending an optional semester abroad. You can also study a language, such as Arabic, BSL, Chinese or German, subject to availability.
You’ll develop project management, interpersonal and leadership skills. You’ll be encouraged to form links with local businesses, schools and charities and will engage with them outside of formal teaching time. By applying your theoretical knowledge to a range of real-world situations, you’ll acquire a wide range of skills you need to succeed in today's globalized world.
Our graduates move on to a wide variety of careers, including in business and marketing, the language services and media industries, and teaching. We're immensely proud of our language and communication graduate success stories!
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Are you aiming to graduate with professional experience? As part of this course, you'll typically undertake a 9-12 month placement during your third year, allowing you to gain invaluable work experience and enhance your employability in a field of your choice. While you'll be expected to secure your own placement, rest assured that UEA’s Career Central Service and your School will provide guidance and support throughout the process, beginning early in your first year and tailored to your individual needs.
The specific industry in which you'll complete your placement will be determined by your interests, and preparatory workshops will help you clarify these interests, values, and potential career paths. Graduates in Global Communication with Business Management pursue careers across a diverse range of sectors, meaning placements can encompass areas such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries, and more. However, it's important that the tasks you undertake during your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are sufficiently challenging to develop a broad range of skills applicable to your final year of study and your future career.
Do you have a business idea you're keen to explore?
If so, you may have the opportunity to convert your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’. Our team will evaluate your idea, motivation, and academic record to determine eligibility. If approved, you'll receive structured support to launch your business venture, including access to training courses and mentoring.
Please be aware that if you're studying with us on a Student Visa, you're currently unable to participate in a Year in Enterprise due to Visa regulations.
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a year-long placement in the third year of your degree. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our 'Placement Years in Arts and Humanities' page.
Study and Modules
Structure
A combination of core and optional modules will give you a solid foundation in intercultural communication and business management. You’ll be introduced to the constantly changing world of business management, and to methods that help you investigate language and culture. You’ll also be able to choose from optional modules to explore the importance of humanitarian and political communication, learn about media and culture or work on an applied business project.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be taught by leading language and communication specialists and scholars through a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, oral classes and workshops. You’ll undertake independent self-study and groupwork as you build key academic skills that you’ll rely on later in your degree.
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, you’ll be assessed via a range of group projects and individual written and spoken coursework.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll begin the process of specialisation. Core modules will enable you to continue to develop as a global citizen and intercultural communicator, applying your skills to practical projects and enhancing your employability while also gaining a deeper understanding of the way intercultural communication is shaped by media, international corporations, and political ideologies. In your business modules, you'll choose from topics on management and organisation or principles of marketing. You’ll also develop expertise in the areas that interest you most in intercultural communication, choosing from modules in global cultures, language and society and digital media. Via these modules, you’ll continue to refine your mediation skills and intercultural awareness. You can also choose to study a language. You might even elect to spend your spring semester abroad.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As you start to specialise in your degree through optional modules, you’ll take classes in smaller group sizes. You’ll learn through a combination of both theory- and practice-based instruction. Through a variety of activities, you’ll further develop your research, writing, groupwork and presentation skills.
Assessment
Through a variety of assessment methods, you’ll further develop your grasp and understanding of the materials covered.
Structure
Your third year will be spent on your placement, giving you insight into the world of work while you put into practice the skills you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond will help you find a placement, but securing one will ultimately be up to you. On your year on placement, you’ll be assigned a placement mentor who will regularly review your progress with you. You’ll have access to support from UEA, too, to help make sure you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Assessment
You won’t complete traditional assessments, but will be asked to reflect on your placement experience, demonstrating your increased knowledge of the business industry.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual offer: BCC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Any subject
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - Global Communication with Business Management with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
With this degree, you’ll be equipped to enter a whole host of career sectors, both in the UK and abroad. These include tourism, hospitality and leisure, human resources, marketing, sales, business, international banking, media, the civil service, local government and administration, teaching and education, international trade and business, journalism, arts administration, and customer services.
Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Master’s degree such as our MA in Global Communication or MA in Applied Translation Studies, or an MBA. To get your career off to the best start, our Careers Service run an annual Arts and Humanities events programme. This includes alumni-led presentations and workshops across a range of sectors, including charities, politics and government, writing and communications, and museums and heritage.
You’ll also benefit from our annual Careers Using Languages Fair, where we showcase the range of opportunities available to you. This is a great chance to meet employers and to hear alumni speak about their career paths since graduating.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Communication
- Human resources
- Consultancy and PR
- Business and finance
- Mediation and training
- Sales and marketing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.