Swansea University

What you'll study

This programme integrates standard business management modules with language study and applied intercultural modules. In early years you study foundations in accounting, economics, marketing, organisational behaviour, operations management and quantitative methods alongside structured language tuition. As you progress you choose specialist business options such as strategic management, international business, entrepreneurship and business analytics, together with higher‑level language modules in areas like business translation, negotiation in a foreign language, and intercultural communication.

The course typically offers the option of a professional placement year or a year abroad to develop language fluency and workplace experience. Final‑year study commonly includes a dissertation or applied consulting project that brings together business analysis and language skills, for example a market entry plan for a company wishing to expand into a country where your chosen language is spoken.

• Core business modules: accounting and finance for managers, marketing principles, organisational behaviour, operations and supply chain, business law, and quantitative methods.
• Modern language modules: progressive language tuition (e.g. French, German, Spanish or other languages offered), translation and interpreting practice, language for business and professional communication.
• Intercultural and applied modules: international management, cross‑cultural negotiation, internship/placement, and a final year project linking business and language study.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary school qualification equivalent to UK A‑levels. Typical offers require successful completion of a recognised qualification in addition to GCSE or equivalent passes in English and mathematics (or accepted alternatives). International applicants may meet entry through a completed International Baccalaureate, national qualifications recognised by Swansea University, or appropriate foundation programmes. If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate competence through an approved qualification or test score equivalent.

For the modern languages element, beginners are often accepted for many languages at introductory level, while some routes expect prior experience if you wish to take advanced modules or a year abroad in that language. The admissions team can advise on language placement tests.

Career prospects

Graduates combine management knowledge with marketable language and intercultural skills. Common career paths include roles in international marketing, export and trade management, business development, management consultancy, human resources with international remit, and graduate schemes in multinational companies. Language competence also opens opportunities in translation/localisation, international customer relations, diplomacy, tourism, and NGOs.

Many students use the placement or year abroad to build industry contacts and practical experience; others progress to postgraduate study such as specialist MSc programmes or management-related qualifications to accelerate career progression.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University provides a business environment with opportunities for workplace experience and international mobility. The programme benefits from an established language centre and dedicated facilities for language learning, as well as strong career and employability support to help secure placements and graduate roles. Teaching blends academic study with practical projects, and the university’s relationships with regional and international employers support industry‑focused learning.

The campus location combines a compact university community with good transport links to major cities, providing a mix of study lifestyle and professional networking opportunities. Students on this programme benefit from specialist academic staff in both business and languages and access to workshops, guest lectures and careers events tailored to international business careers.