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 2024
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 this course, you’ll develop your understanding of global business and discover the essentials of business, marketing and global communication, discovering how important global communication and intercultural awareness are today for individuals and businesses.
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 your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience to complement your studies.
You’ll be taught alongside UK, EU and international students, enhancing your linguistic and global communication skills. You’ll also be able to start, or improve, your fluency in another language.
You’ll graduate ready to work in a range of fields, or to deepen your learning with further study.
Intercultural awareness is more crucial now than ever. On this degree, you’ll work with experts in the field of global communication to explore key global challenges. You’ll consider how we can break down barriers to successful communication within business, communities, education and politics.
You'll develop your business acumen by undertaking modules that will give you a solid foundation in business management. Later in your degree, you will have the chance to specialise in marketing, business ethics, or global intercultural communication.
Throughout your degree, you’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. Our teaching in Language and Communication Studies is informed by cutting-edge research and practice in intercultural communication, and you’ll receive teaching in business management from the Norwich Business School. That means you’ll get direct insight into the latest issues and debates from a range of perspectives.
You’ll carry out independent and group study, pursuing research in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays and carrying out practical work or projects. You will develop not only written and spoken skills, but also project management, teamwork and interpersonal skills, and leadership skills. You’ll also be encouraged to develop links with local businesses, schools, and charities, which will require you to engage with them outside of formal teaching time. By applying your theoretical knowledge to a range of real-world situations, through authentic assessments you will develop a wide range of skills, honing the qualities you need to succeed in today's globalized world.
On Global Communication with Business Management with a Placement Year, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you will normally spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You will be expected to seek your own work placement, and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you will have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you will do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you have a clearer idea of what these are, what your values are, and which career they may lead to. Global Communication with Business Management graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries and many more. We will, however, require that the tasks you will conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you will be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
*Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this has to be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you have an idea you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your businesses in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
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 compulsory and optional modules will give you a solid foundation in global 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, including translation theory and practice, intercultural communication, sociolinguistics, anthropology, and cultural theory. You’ll also have the opportunity to reflect on intercultural communication at a more personal level, enhancing your cultural sensitivity and intercultural competency. You’ll also be able to choose from a range of optional modules to further explore the importance of human interaction across cultures and languages and understand intercultural competencies.
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 will undertake independent self-study and groupwork as you build key academic skills that you will need 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. The diversity of assignments that you will encounter in Year 1 matches the variety of skills this course aims to help you develop and strenghten.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll begin the process of specialisation. Compulsory modules enable you to continue to develop as a global citizen and intercultural communicator, applying your skills to practical projects and enhancing your employability in the process, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the way global communication is shaped by media, international corporations, and political ideologies.  In business, you will 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 start or continue to learn a language, thus giving a further practical dimension to your intercultural competency.
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 will take classes in smaller group sizes. You’ll learn through a balance of both theory and practice. Through a variety of activities, you’ll further develop your research, writing, groupwork and presentation skills.
Assessment
Through a variety of assessment methods, including short written course work, creative projects, and peer presentations you will be encouraged to further your grasp and understanding of the specialised materials covered on offer for your second year.
Structure
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge 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. You will be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most of your experience.
Assessment
You will be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll examine the complexity of intercultural business encounters, taking away skills that you can apply in real-world contexts, in a module designed to develop your leadership skills, you will assess specific issues of global concerns and use the range of skills you’ve acquired throughout your degree to suggest solutions. At the same time, you’ll continue to specialise with a range of optional modules. At this stage of your degree, options will include topics in business ethics, marketing communications, brand management, as well as modules exploring language issues in the media or delving into second language teaching. You may also choose to develop your research skills by writing a dissertation under expert supervision.
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.
Teaching and Learning
Depending on the modules you choose, you will engage in a range of learning activities, including case study work, practical projects, and advanced essays. You may have the opportunity to work with local and international organisations. If you take the optional dissertation module, you will create a piece of independent work produced over an extended period, spending most of your time researching your chosen subject.
Assessment
The variety of assessment methods continues in your final year, where you should find it easier to navigate complex problems in practical and theoretical assignments. This dual focus, on theory and its application will help you hone your skills in your own areas of specialisation burgeoning expertise and prepare for your future.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- BBB If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism.
- BTEC
- DDM See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level - BCC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma - DMM
- Scottish Highers
- AABBB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- CCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 31 points
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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):
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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:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as
BA Intercultural Communication with Business Management with a Foundation Year
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
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:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Humanities and Law (for Year 1 entry to UEA
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
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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, translation and interpretation, international trade and business, journalism, arts administration, and customer services.
Alternatively, you might continue your studies with a Master’s degree such as MA in Global Intercultural 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 will 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
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Communication
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Human resources
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Consultancy and PR
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Translation
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Mediation and training
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Sales and marketing
Discover more on our Career pages.