Undergraduate Course

International Relations and Business Management

BA (Hons)*


 * This course is subject to validation 

Course details

Study options

Full-time: 3 years

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2024/25)

UCAS points

112 (September 2024 entry)112 (September 2025 entry)

UCAS code

L2N2

Start date

September

Location

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Take a transdisciplinary approach to the study of world affairs and global issues and tackle a range of issues to gain an insight into the trends that affect human societies, policies and the planet so you can navigate and influence some of the world’s most important questions and problems.  

You’ll also study the practical application of business through real world learning. We will use our academic expertise to make the links between theoretical business frameworks and the practicalities of the real business world. We have developed extensive links with the business community to ensure our students have the opportunity to explore business in a real-world context. 

Top20for teaching - Business and ManagementNational Student Survey 2024
Top25for learning opportunities - Business and ManagementNational Student Survey 2024
The united Nations building with the flags on the lawn outside.

Real-world learning 

On your International Relations modules, you will get the opportunity to devise solutions to real problems and present your ideas to external audiences. In year two for example, there is a work experience module in which you'll be expected to work with a group, organisation or company on a project that either recommends or implements change. Then in year three, you'll get another opportunity to problem-solve with an advanced community or digital project. So even while you're studying, you will have the chance to start making a difference. 

Your Business Management modules will explore organisations, their management and the global environments in which they operate, you’ll learn a host of new practical skills which you will then be able to apply to real-world business and management scenarios. You’ll also get to take your learning outside the classroom through industry projects, placements and internships. 

 Professionally approved

Chartered Management Institute accreditation means the CMI has independently assessed that the course meets its own high standards and priorities. The CMI is a UK professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in management and leadership. CMI accreditation is, therefore, a sign of a high-quality degree.    

Students receive this accreditation if they pass the Business Management modules in their first year and select and pass required modules in their second year.  

Choose your pathway

Studying an International Relations and Business Management Joint Honours degree allows you to choose whether you major in one subject or study them both equally.    

You begin this degree by studying both subjects equally in your first year. By the end of your first year, you will then decide whether you would like to major or minor in a chosen subject or continue to study them both equally.   

In this pathway, International Relations is the major subject and Business Management is the minor subject. 

In this pathway, you study International Relations and Business Management equally.  

In this pathway, you study Business Management and International Relations equally. 

In this pathway Business Management is the major subject and International Relations is the minor subject. 

What is a Joint Honours degree?

A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.

A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Big spaces for big ideas

Kedleston Road offers it all: study in our largest library, relax at Basecamp, train in real-world healthcare settings, and stay active in our state-of-the-art Sports Centre.

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What you will study

The modules below indicate the range of modules you may study as part of this combination, however prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether you choose to study both subjects equally, or choose to major or minor in a subject. To find out exactly which modules you would study as part of your chosen combination please contact jhs@derby.ac.uk.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

You’ll learn through a range of assessment methods that could include:  

How you are assessed

For International Relations modules, you will be assessed through a range of coursework, including essays, research reports, presentations, and participation in debates. Some modules will also assess your ability to develop teamwork and research skills in an applied, real-world context, and your ability to reflect on how these prepare you for your chosen career.  

For Business Management modules, we mostly assess you through practical coursework assignments — the sort of tasks you might undertake in a workplace. Sometimes these will be individual tasks and at other times, you will need to work in a group. Assignments could include: business reports, research and consultancy projects, presentations, design of digital materials such as videos, blogs or augmented reality posters, and computer-based assessments.   

Who will teach you 

You will be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts. 

Subject Leaders 

Alen Toplisek

Dr Alen Toplisek
Senior Lecturer in Global Affairs and Politics

Alen is a Senior Lecturer in Global Affairs and Politics and programme leader for BA in Global Affairs and Politics. His research focuses on comparative politics and political economy in Central and Eastern Europe, questions of dependent capitalist development and industrial policy.

Email
a.toplisek@derby.ac.uk
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Rob Moon

Rob Moon
Senior Lecturer in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Rob Moon is a Senior Lecturer in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. Rob was a design engineer with over 20 years’ experience within the global manufacturing industry, and has lectured extensively in Southern Africa, Europe and Bangladesh. Current research focusses on embedding work-related learning in the curriculum.

Email
r.j.moon@derby.ac.uk
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Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

Entry requirements

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112
A LevelBBB-BBC
BTECDMM
GCSEN/A
Access to HEN/A

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112
A LevelBBC
BTECDMM
GCSEN/A
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

English language requirements 

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area) 

Fees and funding

2024/25

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,250 per year

N/A

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

Careers

Due to the transferable nature of the skills you’ll learn such as verbal and written communication, critical analysis, independent thought and problem solving you'll be suitably positioned for a range of roles upon graduating, such as: 

Careers and Employment Service  

Our Careers and Employment Service can help you boost your employment skills by connecting you with employers for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. They can also offer guidance on career options, CV writing, or starting your own business. 

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story.

We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

Career Support Image

96%
of UK graduates are in employment or further study.

Top 5
for employability.
Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.

87%
of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

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Additional information about your studies

You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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