International Relations and Business Management

Take a transdisciplinary approach to the study of world affairs and global issues and tackle a range of issues to gain an insight into the trends that affect human societies, policies and the planet so you can navigate and influence some of the world’s most important questions and problems.  

You’ll also study the practical application of business through real world learning. We will use our academic expertise to make the links between theoretical business frameworks and the practicalities of the real business world. We have developed extensive links with the business community to ensure our students have the opportunity to explore business in a real-world context. 

Real-world learning 

On your International Relations modules, you will get the opportunity to devise solutions to real problems and present your ideas to external audiences. In year two for example, there is a work experience module in which you'll be expected to work with a group, organisation or company on a project that either recommends or implements change. Then in year three, you'll get another opportunity to problem-solve with an advanced community or digital project. So even while you're studying, you will have the chance to start making a difference. 

Your Business Management modules will explore organisations, their management and the global environments in which they operate, you’ll learn a host of new practical skills which you will then be able to apply to real-world business and management scenarios. You’ll also get to take your learning outside the classroom through industry projects, placements and internships. 

 Professionally approved

Chartered Management Institute accreditation means the CMI has independently assessed that the course meets its own high standards and priorities. The CMI is a UK professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in management and leadership. CMI accreditation is, therefore, a sign of a high-quality degree.    

Students receive this accreditation if they pass the Business Management modules in their first year and select and pass required modules in their second year.  

What is a Joint Honours degree?

A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.

A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:

• You want to study two subjects you’re passionate about
• You’ve got a specific career in mind and want to create a tailored degree to prepare you for the future
• You want to study a new subject alongside one you’re already familiar with

The modules below indicate the range of modules you may study as part of this combination, however prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether you choose to study both subjects equally, or choose to major or minor in a subject. To find out exactly which modules you would study as part of your chosen combination please contact jhs@derby.ac.uk.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You’ll learn through a range of assessment methods that could include:  

• Formal lectures which will at times include expert speakers  
• Seminars: These can be tutor-led or student-led and can include discussions critical analysis of reading, presentations, group work, debates and general problem solving, interaction with real businesses, case study analysis, computer lab work, practical analysis and formative assessment  
• Tutorials: one-to-one sessions with a tutor to discuss the development of assignments  
• Work experience projects  
• Self-directed study  
• Video discussions with overseas partner institutions  
• Source analysis, where you develop your skills as a historian by analysing and contextualising evidence from primary materials, and pieces for public audiences such as information for museum visitors or blog posts 

How you are assessed

For International Relations modules, you will be assessed through a range of coursework, including essays, research reports, presentations, and participation in debates. Some modules will also assess your ability to develop teamwork and research skills in an applied, real-world context, and your ability to reflect on how these prepare you for your chosen career.  

For Business Management modules, we mostly assess you through practical coursework assignments — the sort of tasks you might undertake in a workplace. Sometimes these will be individual tasks and at other times, you will need to work in a group. Assignments could include: business reports, research and consultancy projects, presentations, design of digital materials such as videos, blogs or augmented reality posters, and computer-based assessments.   

Due to the transferable nature of the skills you’ll learn such as verbal and written communication, critical analysis, independent thought and problem solving you'll be suitably positioned for a range of roles upon graduating, such as: 

• Teaching  
• Libraries  
• Museums and archives  
• Accountancy
• Banking  
• Retail and commercial management  
• Human resources  
• Marketing  
• Politics 
• Journalism 
• Campaigning 
• NGOs 
• Other Business-related fields 

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

• Global Affairs and Politics BA (Hons)
• Business Management BA (Hons)

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.