International Business
Commerce graduate Luke Gillespie enjoys some sightseeing on the MGMT 228 Culture Study Tour to China.
Qualifications
Overview
Aotearoa 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.
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 an approved foreign language and/or culture course. 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.
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 this major. This would enhance your immersion in a language and culture, and make an exchange semester even more productive.
UC offers a major and a minor in International Business as part of the Bachelor of Commerce.
You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.
International Business major
To complete a major in International Business within the Bachelor of Commerce, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:
100-level
- ECON 104 Introduction to Microeconomics
- Two 100-level courses from one of CHIN, FREN, GRMN, JAPA, RUSS, SPAN
Plus at least one of:
200-level
Plus at least one of:
- FINC 203 Financial Markets, Institutions and Instruments
- MGMT 228 Chinese Business Practices and Culture (study tour)
- MKTG 201 Marketing Management
- MKTG 204 Consumer Behaviour
300-level
Plus at least one of:
- FINC 301 Corporate Finance Theory and Policy
- MGMT 324 International Entrepreneurship
- MKTG 305 Strategic Marketing
- MKTG 309 International Marketing
- MKTG 314 Tourism Marketing and Management
There are at least four distinct pathways in the International Business major, depending on whether you wish to specialise in Finance or Marketing and Strategy, and whether you want to take part in an international exchange. The course chosen from the options in your first year will determine your pathway.
For the complete three-year Bachelor of Commerce International Business major degree plan, see the UC Business School | Te Kura Umanga website.
International Business minor
For the International Business minor in the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:
100-level
- ECON 104 Introduction to Microeconomics
- MGMT 100 Fundamentals of Management
- MKTG 100 Principles of Marketing
200-level
300-level
Language and cultural courses
We recommend that if either English or te reo Māori is your native language, and you have not had prior experience in a foreign language, that you take language courses throughout your degree. UC offers study in the following languages:
You will be directed to the appropriate level of courses based on an assessment of your language ability. This will be carried out by the relevant language department. The selected language or cultural courses must be approved.
Native speakers of a foreign language are not permitted to take courses in that language or culture for credit towards the major or minor.
International exchange
During your first year of the major or minor, you are encouraged to apply for an international exchange, taken in Semester 2 of your second year. Courses from other universities will be credited to the major or minor programme.
You will need to apply by 1 July in your first year at UC. (Note: some applications are as early as 31 May.) For further information consult the interactive degree plans for International Business.
You are encouraged to go on exchange to a country whose language/culture you have studied. However, this may not always be possible due to restrictions placed on the number of students that can go to a particular exchange university. You are not able to go on an exchange in your country of origin.
In some circumstances it may be best for you to go on your international exchange in your third year. In this situation, if you wish to complete your degree in three years, it is crucial to choose an exchange university that offers courses which are direct substitutes for the required third-year International Business major courses.
While only 30 points of language and cultural studies are required, further language and/or cultural studies would be highly beneficial.
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.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in International Business.
Contact us
Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Phone +64 3 369 3888
Email studybusiness@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Reception Level 2, Meremere Building – see campus maps
Postal address
College of Business and Law | Te Rāngai Umanga me te Ture
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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