Bachelor of Business (International Business) (Applied)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne city
Overview
Gain the skills to manage and lead
In this four-year degree you will have the opportunity to integrate work with your learning activities through the cooperative education program – a compulsory paid industry placement undertaken during the third year.
Your career in International Business
Understanding international business is becoming increasingly necessary for managers in all organisations in the context of growing globalisation, and having international skills is now an organisational imperative. International business graduates will be equipped with the skills to build a successful career across corporate/business sectors, government, third sector, and consultancy in Australia and overseas.
I chose to study international business because I wanted to understand the frameworks, institutions and processes that enable businesses to operate in an increasingly globalised and interconnected world. The degree is multi-faceted and structured in a way that introduces students to theoretical and practical frameworks.
– Tapiwa Matimba. RMIT Bachelor of Business (International Business) graduate 2015.
Learn here, succeed anywhere
At RMIT, we understand the importance of providing students with real-world experiences and the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
The Bachelor of Business (International Business) (Applied) equips students to pursue a business career in the global workplace. Cross-campus study and partnerships with international universities contribute to providing a globally connected experience.
Details
International business equips you with the ability to manage, analyse and interpret the complex nature of global organisations.
RMIT’s international business degree provides both breadth and depth of knowledge across a number of business disciplines. The course enables you to develop an understanding of core business issues relating to financial markets, international trade, and global logistics and supply chain management, and to develop skills in cross-cultural management.
In addition, you will learn how to think critically about managing international business responsibly, and sustainably, about design and entrepreneurship, and gain insights into the institutional roles of business that reveal how the global political economy shapes, and is shaped by, international business organisations.
You will graduate with the skills to build a successful career across corporate/business sectors, government, third sector, and consultancy in Australia and overseas.
Most of your classes will be held in RMIT's Swanston Academic Building which features innovative learning spaces interspersed with retail and social spaces resulting in a stimulating environment for students.
Throughout your studies you will collaborate with peers and engage meaningfully with industry through small group projects, simulation exercises and a long-term placement in industry. You are also able to engage in learning or working overseas as part of your studies.
RMIT offers you a variety of experiences so that you can learn and develop concepts in the classroom, as well as engage with the world of work and apply your learning to both real and realistic problems.
You will have the chance to demonstrate what you have learned in class or out in industry by:
- presenting ideas and solutions to industry representatives
- using custom-built simulators
- applying your knowledge to address real issues presented in case studies
- completing workplace projects according to specifications and timeframes
- completing a major project applying ‘design thinking’ to an industry challenge after your industry placement.
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via Blackboard, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
Educational software, the Learning Hub, resources and printers are accessible on campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments.
In third year you will undertake a compulsory eight to 12-month supervised work placement in industry through the Cooperative Education Program. By being immersed in full-time work in your field of study you can apply the knowledge you’ve gained at university to a real workplace, deepen or broaden your knowledge of your discipline, industry and the organisation, and be introduced to real world performance and workplace expectations.
You are responsible for finding your own placement, however job search assistance is available. If you are unable to secure a placement you can transfer to a related three-year business degree.
In addition you will undertake specialist international business work-integrated learning courses:
- Managing International Business Responsibly. In this core course you will be guided by an academic who specialises in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and who has worked as a management consultant in CSR and sustainability. You will appraise different approaches to this field, learning how to engage with a range of stakeholders in order to improve outcomes for business and society.
- Political Economy of International Business. In this capstone course you will study the historical and institutional context of the world economy, and contemporary trends in trade, finance, production and economic scalability of global businesses and the political, economic and cultural environments in which they operate.
These courses are designed to develop your work-ready capabilities and your ability to analyse and manage information and contexts, resolve problems and communicate effectively in your future career.
Underlining RMIT’s reputation as a university of technology, design and enterprise, other work-connected and industry-relevant experiences available to you include:
- working in a student team as part of the Fastrack Innovation Program. In this elective course you will work with mentors to develop and present a solution to a real problem using fast-prototyping techniques
- BUSM4599 Business Skills for Start Ups, a course designed for students interested in starting up their own business.
In addition to the expertise provided by the College of Business Industry Advisory Board professional representatives actively participate in the Program Advisory Committee to maintain current international business practice and industry standards.
RMIT is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
You are actively encouraged to experience the wider world inside both traditional and virtual classrooms. Exposure to different types of cross-border collaboration during your studies will provide insights into how organisations develop ideas, and present you with different behaviours, learning styles and practices that you will encounter after graduation.
Options include:
- participating in a student exchange
- participating in a study tour that combines an overseas travel and cultural experience with coursework completed in intensive mode which is credited towards your degree
- collaborating on projects across campuses and locations with students from business and other disciplines
- undertaking an overseas internship as part of the Global Entrepreneurship and Internship Program (GEIP).
Find out more about international opportunities in the College of Business.
The degree consists of 28 taught courses including core business and international business courses, work-integrated learning courses, flexible courses, a one-year compulsory industry placement and a business design project. The business design project in final year consolidates this practical experience, theory and your problem-solving skills.
Flexible courses may be chosen from a business minor that is different from your major area of study, or a minor from another discipline, or from general student electives.
Year 1
You will do 7 of the compulsory common business core courses plus 1 international business major course.
Year 2
You will study the final compulsory common business core course, and focus on your major by completing 7 international business courses. The courses in years 2 and 4 of the degree cover the following topics.
- Financial markets. You will be introduced to the financial markets environment in which business organisations operate globally, and you will collaborate in small teams to critically analyse problems in real-life treasury dealing situations using live data in the RMIT Trading Facility.
- Economics and trade. You will be introduced to the economic theory of free trade and the effect international trade (or intervening in the trade process) has on economic welfare, economic growth and income distribution.
- Global trade operations. You’ll gain insights in to the operational and strategic aspects of global trade operations related to the exchange of goods and services across international borders, as well as the politics of global trade and the regulatory environment.
- Cross cultural management. Equips you with the awareness, knowledge and skills needed to work in a multicultural workplace and successfully lead in organisations by considering behaviours, intercultural sensitivity, cross-cultural communication and diversity.
- Socially responsible management. Provides you with knowledge and skills to think innovatively about how to take social and environmental issues into account in ways that both contribute to core business strategy, and also improve outcomes for society through engagement with stakeholders in the value chains of international business.
- Political economy. Consolidates and deepens your understanding of the political, economic and cultural environments in which international business operates, and the role of global business as actors in the international political economy, including relationships with the key international institutions and actors.
- Design thinking. You will explore creativity, innovation and design and their importance within organisations and business in the context of increasing levels of risk and uncertainty globally, thereby gaining a uniquely RMIT perspective on contemporary challenges and opportunities in international business.
Year 3
The third year involves a compulsory industry placement as part of the Cooperative Education program.
Year 4
After completing your industry placement, you will return for your final year of study. You will complete flexible courses, Business Design Project courses, and courses in your international business major including the specialist core course, Sustainable Futures.
In Sustainable Futures you will explore interactions between the local and global dimensions of the big sustainability challenges we face. You will be introduced to key concepts, sustainability principles and techniques that you can apply within households, communities and workplaces.
In the Business Design Project courses you will bring together the theoretical learning from the first two years and your supervised industry placement. You will need to produce a brief that outlines a current or potential business issue. You must then reflect on theory, test creative solutions, communicate the issue; and demonstrate your ability to analyse and problem-solve in a coherent manner.
Your flexible courses can comprise a business (or other discipline) minor; or four electives.
Business minors include:
- accounting
- behavioural business
- business analysis
- economics and finance
- entrepreneurship
- finance
- financial planning
- financial planning and taxation
- human resource management
- human resource practice
- information systems
- IS security and risk management
- law
- logistics and supply chain management
- management
- marketing
- flexible business minor
Other minors (PDF 201KB 14p) can be chosen from many disciplines offered across RMIT. Examples of these minors or elective streams include foreign languages, international studies, sustainability and environment, geospatial studies, statistics and data management, politics, social justice, gender studies, and conflict mediation.
When planning your studies, you are advised to check which elective and minor courses are offered each year.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business (International Business) (Applied) | City Campus |
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
|
4 years full-time
|
BP027P9 | 063197E |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP027
Career
RMIT's aim is for international business graduates to become better global citizens because they have benefited from examining business practices through a global lens, and through a socially responsible business lens. You will emerge with an understanding of how various activities within and between organisations and industry sectors are connected.
The roles and industries an international business qualification can lead to include:
- policy development and advice, especially within an organisation
- a wide range of trade, and finance related roles
- business analyst
- logistics and supply chain management roles, such as advising procurement managers regarding fair trade and ethical sourcing in logistics import/export industries
- government relations and consultancy, for example, advising on trade-related issues
- economic research and developing economic policy or regulatory guidelines
- management consultant
- business roles relating to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, with respect to business strategy, rankings, ethical ratings and indexes, and improving business consultation, partnerships, and social and environmental impacts.
Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.
Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.
Statutory accreditation
This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.
Membership
Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.
Bachelor of Business (International Business) (Applied)
Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.
Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML)
Membership and opportunities
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Affiliate
Visit the Institute of Managers and Leaders website
Export Council of Australia (ECA)
Membership and opportunities
- Students eligible for membership category: Student
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Individual
Visit the Export Council of Australia website
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2020.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of any Australian diploma or advanced diploma (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian higher education diploma (or equivalent overseas qualification); or
- successful completion of an associate degree; or
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent) and no double-fail in any required program of the receiving degree; or
- successful completion of two Open Universities Australia higher education units with a GPA of 2.0. Scored or graded results are required
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 in Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Geography, any Information Technology, Legal Studies, any Mathematics or Psychology equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 35 in any English equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum average of 75% (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
An Honours year program is available to exceptional students.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.
When you successfully complete this degree you may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Business (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate programs.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your degree, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$120,960*.
*This program includes a Work-Integrated-Learning (WIL) component. The Cooperative Education Program undertaken in the third year is a one year work placement of at least 34 weeks duration, plus the completion of two courses. Fees for this year are 25 per cent of the annual tuition fee, and this is reflected in the total indicative fee.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.