What’s the difference between Business Studies International and Global Business?

What’s the difference between Business Studies International and Global Business?

DCU Business School offers two undergraduate degree courses that allow you to combine your studies in business with international experience, including the study of languages: Business Studies International and Global Business. We’re often asked about the differences between these two courses and this article will help you to understand how the courses are distinct. Before we do that, a few words on studying languages. There are many benefits to continuing your language studies through to third level education, and indeed to combining languages with business.Having a second language is a real asset to many employers and a great skill to have as your career progresses. You’ll be able conduct business, build relationships and work across international teams as well as opening yourself up to career opportunities outside of Ireland. In short, combining a language with the study of business is a great investment.

So how do Business Studies (International) and Global Business differ? There are five key differences to be aware of:

Application codes, admissions requirements and points

Business Studies International has one CAO code (DC110) and in 2020, required 465 points in the Leaving Certificate.

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply for Business Studies International: Minimum of O4 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of H4 in a language other than English or Irish.

Please note, for Entry September 2022, Students must choose a language option upon entry into the programme,

French or German or Spanish (Intermediate Level)

or

Chinese or Japanese (Beginners Level)

Students who choose French/German or Spanish must have a minimum of H4 in the language they wish to study.

On the other hand, each option in the Global Business suite has a separate CAO code with different points for each option. The points listed here were the points required for admission in 2020:

For Global Business, in addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply: Minimum of O4 or H6 in Mathematics. You must also hold a minimum of H4 in French for Global Business France OR a H4 minimum in Spanish for Global Business Spain OR a minimum of a H4 in German for Global Business Germany. 

Choosing your language

This brings us to the second major difference.  Business Studies International students can choose from French, German, Spanish, Chinese or Japanese. You choose your language upon entry to the programme. Note that from 2022 onwards, you’ll need a H4 in the language you plan to study in French, German or Spanish (i.e. you want to specialise in Spanish, you’ll need a Leaving Certificate H4 in Spanish). Chinese and Japanese can be studied from beginner level but all other languages begin at intermediate level.

As each Global Business option is its own unique CAO course, Global Business students must study the language of the country they’ve applied to and decide at the point of application which language they’ll pursue (i.e. Global Business France students study French). 

Type of degree/award

Global Business students gain a dual degree as they are awarded degrees both from DCU and from our partner universities. This makes the Global Business degree suite unique and graduates will also become members of two alumni networks.

Business Studies International students will gain one degree, awarded from DCU.

Where can you study abroad and for how long?

Global Business students spend the first two years of their degree in DCU and spend the last two years studying abroad at a partner university. They gain degrees from both universities.

Business Studies (International) students will spend their third year studying abroad, for one year. They return to DCU in their fourth year to complete their degree.

It’s important to note that students do not pay tuition fees at the partner university, they instead continue to pay their normal DCU registration fees for the four years. Do note though that sometimes partner universities may have separate charges and that you will also need to plan financially to spend the year abroad, covering accommodation and living expenses.

The Global Business suite of courses is organised in partnership with a consortium called the International Partnership of Business Schools (IPBS) https://ipbs-network.org/. Places in the Global Business courses are tied to a specific partner in each country. They are:

Global Business (France) (DC112) NEOMA Business School, Reims, France 

Global Business (Germany) (DC113), ESB Business School, Reutlingen University 

Global Business (Spain) (DC114)  ICADE, Comillas Pontifical University 

Global Business (USA) (DC116), D’Amore Kim School of Business, Northeastern University Boston OR University of San Diego 

Global Business (Canada) (DC119) Goodman School of Business, Brock University

By contrast, Business Studies International offers a wider range of universities for students’ year abroad, with multiple universities to choose from in each country.

INTRA 

Global Business students complete two short INTRA paid work placements, one in Ireland and one in the country where you go abroad.

Business Studies International students do not do INTRA placements as they go abroad in place of doing an INTRA. They may however find summer internships or work placements independently.

Course content

View the individual modules available each year in the Business Studies International degree.

View the individual modules available each year in the Global Business courses (the example here is of Global Business France).

Summary

This table summarises the distinctions between these two courses:

In summary, there are a number of differences between these options and several factors for you to think about when you’re applying. Do your research and don’t hesitate to contact us at business.dcu@dcu.ie for more information about our courses.

Check out https://business.dcu.ie/undergraduate-full-time/ for more information on our undergraduate degrees.