Course details

Summary

New Zealand organisations are becoming increasingly globalised and need well-prepared graduates able to operate with confidence in the international business environment. This subject provides the opportunity to gain skills relevant for conducting business in a global, multicultural economy.

Why study International Business at UC?

You will study activities and transactions that involve:

• the crossing of borders both from the viewpoint of a firm and the individual
• decision making and management in cross-cultural settings
• how firms can configure their activities to achieve their owners' objectives in an evolving operating environment
• the strategic and cross-cultural aspects involved in international business
• the market for foreign exchange, currency risk and hedging
• the viewpoint of a country, the reasons for and the welfare effects of international trade and trade policies such as tariffs and export subsidies.

You will also study a foreign language and/or culture. International Business students are encouraged to spend a semester studying at an overseas partner university. This provides a great opportunity to learn about a different culture, gain insight into different business environments and practices, and form new contacts.

Recommended preparation

There are no formal requirements for those wishing to study International Business. An interest in social sciences such as psychology, sociology, political science, economics and education is advantageous as these areas are present in all areas of management.

Good communication skills, both written and interpersonal, are important. Those who have studied English to an advanced level at school will benefit from the skills they have developed. A sound understanding and previous study of statistics is also useful.

Former studies in a foreign language would be beneficial and allow the inclusion of more advanced language courses as part of the major. This would enhance your immersion in a language and culture, and make the exchange semester even more productive.

Qualification structure and duration

The three year BCom degree requires a minimum total of 360 points:

at least 255 points of Commerce courses (up to 60 points of Mathematics and/or Statistics at 100 or 200-level may be included in the 255 points)

the remaining 105 points can be from commerce courses or courses from other degrees.

A minimum of 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Double Degrees

It is possible to combine a commerce degree with other degrees; a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws is a highly marketable combination. The Bachelor of Commerce also combines well with the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Forestry Science and Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.

Career opportunities

Graduates will have completed coursework covering financial accounting, marketing, microeconomics and international management. They will have specialised knowledge and an understanding of the international business environment. Graduates' advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in International Business will prepare them well for higher-level employment opportunities or for entry into advanced research degrees.

Typical job opportunities include import/export agent, foreign currency investment advisor, foreign sales representative and international management consultant. Frequent employers include government departments, banks, import/export corporations, multinational manufacturers, consulting firms, international non-governmental organisations, electronics and transportation companies, and tourism and hospitality organisations.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.