BA (Hons) Business

Students studying in the BA (Hons) Business degree are encouraged to apply for an exchange semester which they would take in their 3rd year. It is a voluntary opportunity that provides students with many personal and professional benefits, for example:

• provides an international dimension to the student’s degree and experience of studying at a respected business school overseas
• provides new perspectives on international business to enhance the overall learning experience
• provides a unique discussion point during interviews and increases employability
• allows students to make new friends from around the world and aids understanding of different cultures
• increases self-confidence, resourcefulness and cultural awareness

Successful students will spend the second semester of their third year abroad at an approved exchange partner of the University. On exchange, students will follow an approved curriculum which includes the equivalent of the core business classes they would take at Strathclyde in 3rd year.

Cost of Exchange/Funding Opportunities

As part of your preparations you should consider the cost of an exchange semester overseas. Typically the cost of one semester abroad could be £7-9000 depending on the destination. Tuition fees are not paid to the exchange institution but continue to be paid to Strathclyde University in the usual way, however students are responsible for their own travel and living expenses ie flights, insurance, visa application, accommodation, food, study materials etc. Many of our partners will have useful cost calculators to help prepare before departure.

Exchange Destinations

A number of factors are taken into consideration during the allocation process including the student’s academic performance and the business subjects they are studying. During application, students are able to indicate their geographical preference and the final allocation will be to a university which is suited to their particular subjects.

Strathclyde Business School has exchange agreements with partners in Asia, Australasia, North America and Europe and a current partner list can be found here. Exchange destinations are reviewed regularly and may change on an annual basis, and the number of places available at each institution will vary year to year.

Language of Instruction on Exchange

Students follow an approved curriculum taught entirely in English.

Some exchange partners in non-English speaking parts of the world offer pre-sessional language classes in the language of the country to help students acclimatise.

Accommodation

Student accommodation may be available at the exchange institution but is rarely guaranteed. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation while abroad, either through the exchange institution or independently.

Academic Criteria for Exchange

Demand for exchange places is high and continues to increase every year. Selection is competitive and students must be able to demonstrate a strong academic record to be considered. Successful students will be offered a provisional exchange place on condition of meeting the academic criteria for going on exchange:

• pass all 2nd year classes and achieve a weighted average of 55% for 2nd year
• receive formal approval from the Board of Examiners to proceed to Exchange

How to Apply

The SBS Exchange Team coordinates exchange abroad for all students in the Business School. Applications for exchange are typically accepted from BA Business students during December/January and students will receive an email with a detailed explanation of the opportunities available and how and when to apply.

1:1 advisory meetings can be made with the International Exchange Coordinator to discuss any specific questions you might have about the application process or exchange in general.

Allocation of Places

Places are allocated according to the student’s academic performance, principal business subject combination, the number of places available at each institution and preferences noted on the student’s application. Please be aware that demand for exchange places is very high and selection is competitive. Not all applicants will be successfully allocated an exchange place and we would encourage you to consider an alternative type of international experience such as international internships, volunteering opportunities or short-term international programmes (eg summer schools).