International Business
Studying an International Business major at the University of Sydney Business School provides students with the knowledge and skills relevant to the development, strategy and management of international business organisations and the institutional context for their development, growth and operation.
There is a strong emphasis throughout the major on cultural understanding and comparing how business works in Australia with other countries in the Asian region and beyond. In addition, there is the opportunity to focus on entrepreneurship skills in an international business context.
Options for studying International Business
International Business is available as Table A major and minor options in the Bachelor of Commerce, the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Advanced Computing and Bachelor of Commerce.
The International Business major and minor are also available to students not enrolled in a Commerce degree through the shared pool (Table S) - see the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook for details.
Please note. Students cannot complete both a major and a minor in International Business for their degree.
Pathways through the major and minor
The requirements for a major/minor in International Business are spread out over three years of the degree (possibly four years if students are completing a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree).
(i) International Business major
To achieve a major in International Business, students must complete 48 credit points comprising:
- 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
- 12 credit points of 2000-level core units of study;
- 6 credit points of 2000-level selective units of study;
- 12 credit points of 3000-level core units of study; and
- 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units of study.
A sample pathway for the International Business major (over three years of a degree) is listed below.
Note: All units listed are worth 6 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete these units in a different sequence to that displayed in this table.
| Year | Session | Units of study | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Semester 1 | Core: IBUS1101 Global Business | |
| Semester 2 | Core: IBUS1102 Cross-Cultural Management | ||
| Second | Semester 1 | Core: IBUS2101 International Business Strategy | |
| Semester 2 | Core: IBUS2103 International Risk Management | ||
| Third | Semester 1 | Core: IBUS3101 International Business Alliances | Selective: 2000-level unit listed for major |
| Semester 2 | Core: IBUS3600 International Business in Practice ** | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for major | |
** Capstone unit for major – completed in the final semester of study for that major. This unit of study must be completed at the University of Sydney Business School.
For details of the core and selective units of study required for the major or minor please refer to the International Business section of the unit of study table, Table A, in this handbook.
Students can also refer to the University's Current Students website for progression examples for specific major/minor combinations for their degree.
(ii) International Business minor
To achieve a minor in International Business, students must complete 36 credit points comprising:
- 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
- 12 credit points of 2000-level core units of study;
- 6 credit points of 2000-level selective units of study; and
- 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units of study.
A sample pathway for the International Business minor (over three years of a degree) is listed below.
Note: All units listed are worth 6 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete these units in a different sequence to that displayed in this table.
| Year | Session | Units of study | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Semester 1 | Core: IBUS1101 Global Business | |
| Semester 2 | Core: IBUS1102 Cross-Cultural Management | ||
| Second | Semester 1 | Core: IBUS2101 International Business Strategy | |
| Semester 2 | Core: IBUS2103 International Risk Management | ||
| Third | Semester 1 | Selective: 2000-level unit listed for minor | |
| Semester 2 | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for minor | ||
For details of the core and selective units of study required for the major or minor please refer to the International Business section of the unit of study table, Table A, in this handbook.
Students can also refer to the University's Current Students website for progression examples for specific major/minor combinations for their degree.
Bachelor of Advanced Studies with Honours in International Business
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced studies who complete a major in International Business with a weighted average mark of 70% (within the first three years of their degree) may be eligible to complete honours in International Business as their fourth year of study in this combined degree program. Students will need to have completed any requirements of their degree not satisfied with the completion of honours (including both majors, all core units, all Open Learning Environment units, and any elective units as necessary to ensure they meet degree requirements) by the end of their third year of study to proceed to honours in their fourth year of study. The available units of study for Honours in International Business are listed in Table A Honours units of study.
For details of the requirements for admission, completion and the criteria for the awarding of honours, please refer to the Degree and Faculty resolutions.
A sample pathway for the Honours in International Business (final year of the combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies OR Bachelor of Advanced Studies) is listed below.
Note: All units listed are worth 6 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Year | Session | Units of study | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth / First | Semester 1 | Core: BUSS4001 Business Honours Research Methods (12 credit points) | Core: BUSS4512 International Business Honours A | Core: BUSS4013 Interdisciplinary Honours B | |
| Semester 2 | Core: BUSS4104 Business Honours Thesis (24 credit points) | ||||
For details of the units of study required for honours please refer to the International Business Honours section of Table A in this handbook.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the International Business major students will be able to:
| No. | Mid_level Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 1 | Define and explain key theories and concepts in international business management. |
| 2 | Identify and solve unique problems that emerge when firms cross cultural, national and political borders. |
| 3 | Apply various international business strategies to identify risks and justify courses of actions. |
| 4 | Communicate effectively and professionally by using appropriate and context specific business terminology in written and oral communication. |
| 5 | Evaluate data and information from a range of academic sources and media by distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information. |
| 6 | Recognise cultural differences and apply cultural knowledge to adapt strategies to multiple international business contexts. |
| 7 | Illustrate the complexity of management in the global economy via a range of real-world examples. |
| 8 | Apply and evaluate concepts of business ethics and social responsibility in international business dilemmas. |
| 9 | Work effectively in diverse cross-cultural groups by demonstrating respect, integrity and open-mindedness. |
Further information
For further information regarding study in international business at the University of Sydney, please refer to the Discipline of International Business.