Business International Year One
This course prepares you for the second year of your undergraduate degree in Business at Newcastle University. This course is full time for 3 or 4 terms.
Course overview
Interested in progressing to Year 2 of an accredited Business or Marketing degree?
This course will enhance your knowledge in modern business and management skills.
This course is suitable if you:
- need to improve your English language study skills within the context of business and marketing
- want guidance and advice on developing your business knowledge
Expand your skills and knowledge in various areas including:
- main principles of management theory
- economic principles and vocabulary, including microeconomics and macroeconomics
- researching, planning and writing a strategic marketing plan for a new product idea
- statistical concepts and methods of data analysis
You will also focus on academic writing and critical reading skills.
Successful completion of this course will lead to you being awarded our Certificate of Higher Education (FHEQ Level 4).
Progression
This course leads to the second year of the following undergraduate degrees at Newcastle University:
Quality and ranking
Subject-based rankings
- 8th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Marketing category)
- 16th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Accounting and Finance category)
- Top 200 for Accounting and Finance - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 200 for Business and Management Studies - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
University-wide rankings
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 130 University - QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 170 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Core modules (120 credits)
Academic and Professional Development (20 credits)
This module assists you in the transition to higher education. It develops your academic skills and professional mind-set.
Lectures are used to introduce material and explain theories and concepts. Seminars develop your academic skills through discussion, task-based practice, and formative presentation practice.
English for Academic Purposes (20 credits)
This module focuses on academic writing and the development of your critical reading skills. This is part of the preparation stage for exam and assignment writing.
Spoken English and listening skills are developed in all classes by the extensive use of discussion tasks in pairs and group work.
Management and Organisation (20 credits)
This module provides you with an introduction to the main principles of management theory. It also provides an understanding of the development of theory in organisational behaviour and its relation to management within organisations.
You will learn about:
- different organisational structures and designs
- organisational cultures
- the decision-making process within an organisation
This module also addresses human resource management issues such as organisational motivation, leadership, teamwork and managing change in the workplace.
Introduction to Economics (20 credits)
This module provides an understanding of basic economic principles and vocabulary in order to understand the impact economic factors have upon businesses.
Microeconomics focuses on how the behaviour of individual agents determines prices and quantities in specific markets. It explores the principles of demand and supply, market behaviour and consumer behaviour.
Macroeconomics examines the economic environment in which businesses operate. It considers the relation between factors including national income, unemployment, international trade, and government policies.
Marketing (20 credits)
Through this module you will develop an understanding of the core concepts of marketing theory. Topics include:
- market research
- strategy
- planning
- the marketing mix
A key part of the module assessment involves working as part of a group to research, plan and write a strategic marketing plan for a new product idea.
Quantitative Methods (20 credits)
This module offers an introduction to basic statistical concepts and methods of data analysis. It covers the different ways in which data can be collected, summarised and analysed.
You will also learn how to present that information to ensure clear understanding. You will consider probability theory as well as common probability distributions.
You will cover topics such as:
- hypothesis testing
- forecasting
- resource allocation
- market research
- quality control
There is a strong practical element to this module and you will become familiar with standard statistical packages.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
Class hours: 21 hours per week minimum
Class sizes: Average of 20 students per class for English language teaching
Age requirement: 17 years and above
Assessment
Entry to all honours degrees at Newcastle University is highly competitive, and students hoping to progress to Newcastle must maintain high standards throughout their course.
Whilst your grades in the Year One course do not count towards the final degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the specified progression grades for direct entry to your chosen degree at the University. Assessment is both formal and informal.
Informally you will be given advice and feedback throughout your course from your teachers, enabling you to build on your successes and meet the requirements for entry to the second year of a degree. You will also be assessed via a combination of examinations at the end of each semester and coursework including:
- written assignments
- reports
- practical exercises
- group and individual research projects
- bibliographical searches
- oral and video presentations
- problem solving exercises.
Careers and employability
With 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2024), Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.
We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
Find out more about careers and employability at Newcastle University.
Entry requirements
To study on this course you need to meet the following entry requirements.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis. If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered.
The entrance requirements below apply to 2024/2025 entry.
English requirements
Three term: a minimum of IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in writing) or an equivalent score
Four term: a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in writing) or an equivalent score
If you do not meet the minimum English language requirements you should apply for Academic English.
Additional fees
Enrolment fee: an extra charge of £250 per academic course, charged on confirmation
Text books: £75 -£ 415
Accommodation is not included in the fees. View your INTO Newcastle accommodation options.