Bachelor of Science (Honours) International Business (Top-up)
Programme Overview
Academic Level
Bachelor's Degree, Single Major, Top-up
Awarded by
University of Birmingham, UK
Programme type
Full-time, 2 years
Campus location
SIM Campus
Application Dates
Preparatory Course - Now till 31 Jan 2025 (Local & International Applicants). | Direct Entry - Now till 31 Jan 2025 (Local & International Applicants)
Estimated Fees
(incl. GST)*
S$49,987.40 to S$54,848.80
* Exclude application fee, preparatory or bridging course fee, and other fees. Refer to the Fees & Financial Aid section for details.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) International Business (Top-up), University of Birmingham
Programme Outline
Awarded and developed by: University of Birmingham, UK
International study experience for global exposure & networking opportunities
The programme imparts an international experience and cultural awareness to students who are considering a future career in international management.
- Students will generally spend two study blocks overseas. In view of any pandemic situation, the University shall provide alternative arrangements for students who are unable to go for their overseas exchange or placements.
- Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence, with a membership community of over 120,000.
- Through the University’s partnership with CMI, all final year SIM-Birmingham business students will be eligible for CMI membership and have access to its resources to support their studies.
Why a Bachelor’s from University of Birmingham?
- Degrees are of the same standings and standards as those awarded in the UK
- Long tradition and established track record of teaching business and management
- Established international reputation of the University and the Business School
- Research led – cutting-edge research feeds directly into teaching
- International syllabus with a focus on the issues of globalisation
- Dedicated staff who provide continuous support for your studies
- Join the alumni community of more than 300,000 graduates. From television and sport to research and government, the University has outstanding alumni across all sectors.
Prerequisite(s)
- SIM Preparatory Course in Business is available for non-business related diploma holders
Learning Outcomes
You will:
- Develop an appreciation and understanding of modern business within different cultures
- Experience business in action within another culture through international study or industry placement overseas*
- Build a breadth of knowledge in a wide range of business topics
- Have the opportunity to combine academic theory and practical skills in a written dissertation
- Develop research skills and critical thinking through debates and discussions
*In view of any pandemic situation, the University shall provide alternative arrangements for students who are unable to go for their overseas exchange or placements.
Further Studies & Career Prospects
Birmingham’s business degrees have long been recognised by major employees across all sectors of the economy. The programme is continuously updated to reflect the latest thinking in business education, providing rigorous academic training with practical relevance.
Graduates can find employment across all sectors of the economy. Likely employment sectors include retail management, financial services, accountancy, manufacturing, management consultancy and others.
SIM-Birmingham business students upon graduation will receive an additional Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership. This qualification is a recognition of graduates’ key skills and competencies as future effective managers. With one-year free CMI membership post-graduation, graduates will be another step closer towards achieving the Chartered Manager status.
Graduates may further their studies to attain a postgraduate qualification from universities around the world.
To pursue a Master’s qualification with University of Birmingham, you will require at least an upper second class award. The University of Birmingham currently offers a suite of postgraduate taught programmes at SIM:
Master of Science
- Financial Management
- International Business
- Management
For the full list of postgraduate programmes offered on the University’s UK home campus, please visit their website.
Hear from our students
Davis Koh
Armed with an international business degree from SIM-University of Birmingham, Davis Koh started out as a Management Trainee in a global education seminar company. In just under two years, he rose to become a Country Manager for the Singapore office. With his heart set on becoming an entrepreneur, Davis Koh took a giant leap of faith and co-founded a digital marketing agency, Wecofa, about four years after his first job.
Read story
Why study at SIM x University of Birmingham
Intake Dates
Jul 2025 intake
PROGRAMME DURATION
21 Apr 2025 – 30 Jun 2025 (Preparatory Course in Business, if required)
14 July 2025 – 30 Jun 2027 (Main Programme)*
APPLICATION PERIOD
Preparatory Course - Now till 31 Jan 2025 (for Local & International Applicants)
Direct Entry - Now till 31 Jan 2025 (for Local & International Applicants)
- If you are currently serving National Service (NS) and you are unable to complete your NS by programme induction and commencement, please contact SIM GE for further advice before application submission.
- * SIM Diploma graduates who receive results in June 2025 are welcome to apply.
- Date & period is subject to change by the University.
View sample academic schedule
Maximum candidature: 4 years
There will not be any refund or recourse should students fail to complete the programme within the candidature period.
Curriculum
Structure
- A structured curriculum delivered over two years through classroom learning. There are three study blocks in a year and each study block spans across four months.
- Fully taught by Birmingham academics from the UK home campus to ensure equivalent academic inputs to the Singapore programme.
- Weekly schedule: Monday to Friday over three time slots: 8:30am/ 12pm/ 3:30pm. Saturday classes may occasionally be scheduled if required.
- Depending on the module, lessons are conducted typically 3 to 6 hours per day over a two-week period.
- A 20-credit module is typically equivalent to 200 hours of study with 60 hours of class contact and 140 hours of self-study. Self-study includes revision, coursework and exam preparation.
- Exemptions: Nil
- Average teacher-participant ratio – 1:150
- Minimum class size to commence: 30 students
- If the class fails to commence due to low take-up rate, students will be informed within one month before programme commencement with the refund of application fee.
- All classes are conducted on SIM campus, unless otherwise stated.
Lecturers’ Teaching Modules
Assessment & Attendance
- Local and international students: 100% attendance rate
- Year 2 progression to Year 3: Obtain 100 credits from Year 2
- Mode of assessments: Varies module to module which can include written exams, coursework or a combination of both.
- Coursework includes written assignments, in-class tests, presentations, projects, etc. Some coursework may be group-based.
- End-of-study block main exams are normally held in October and February.
- Assessment schedule is subject to change by the University.
Requirements to Graduate
- Overall result weightage calculation: 12.5% (Year 2) + 75% (Year 3) + 12.5 % (International Study A & B)
- To achieve Honours, students must obtain 320 out of 360 credits.
- A degree congregation presided by University of Birmingham is annually held in November on SIM campus. Alternatively, graduates may choose to attend the ceremony in July or December in the UK.
- The awarded degree and degree certificate is the same as that awarded in the UK, i.e., Bachelor of Science (Honours) International Business.
Modules
The modules offered are pre-determined by the University.
All modules are 20 credits except for the following modules:
- Dissertation, 40 credits
- International Study A and B, 60 credits each.
For international studies overseas, there will be additional costs over and above the programme fees to cover travel, accommodation and living expenses.
In view of any pandemic situation, the University shall provide alternative arrangements for students who are unable to go for their overseas exchange or placements.
Core Modules
- Consumer Behaviour
- International Economics and Financial Decision Making
- Organisational Behaviour
- Research Methods and Business Analytics
- Responsible Business: Theory and Practice
- International Study A*
Electives (select one module)
- Event and Festival Management
- Managing Operations and Projects
* For International Study A, students will generally travel to the University of Birmingham in January and study on the UK campus until April. This includes undertaking a variety of business modules that are not available in Singapore as well as a team-building programme at the scenic English Lake District.
Core Modules
- Contemporary Issues in Marketing
- Dissertation
- Fundamentals of Leadership
- Strategic Management
- International Study B**
Electives (select one module)
- International Human Resource Management
- Managerial Finance
- Crisis Management
- Globalisation, Innovation and Competitiveness
** For International Study B, students typically study at one of the University’s exchange partners based on academic merit and slot availability. Students will select their study placement choices while they are in the UK. It is not guaranteed that students will be able to go to their first choice of selection but there will be sufficient places for the University to send at least two students to each partner.
Alternatively, students can choose to take up a self-sourced overseas work placement. International students may choose to work in their home country.
Download module details for intakes from 2021:
Note: The modules listed here and on the University’s website may occasionally be subject to change to ensure consistency with the UK programme. In such a scenario, you will be informed of any changes.
Students are required to own a laptop equipped with at least Microsoft Windows 10 or Apple MacOS Catalina (10.15) and 8GB RAM (recommended).
Admission Criteria
Accepted Entry Qualifications
- SIM Diploma in Accounting / Banking and Finance / International Business / Management Studies; or
- Business-related diplomas from local polytechnics; or
- Non-business related diplomas with successful completion of the SIM Preparatory Course in Business.
- All other qualifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
Applicants must obtain an average Grade B and may be required for interview before admission.
All admissions (direct & non-direct entries) are based on merit and are subject to the final approval of the University.
English Language Requirements
Students must have an acceptable level of competency in the English Language and at least one of the following or equivalent:- Minimum C6 pass in English as First Language at GCE 'O' Level; or
- IELTS score of 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking; and minimum of 6.0 in Listening and Reading (include IELTs Online); or
- TOEFL score of 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Writing and Speaking (include TOEFL Home Edition); or
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 67 overall, with no less than 67 in Writing and Speaking; and no less than 64 in Listening and Reading (include PTE Academic Online); or
- Successful completion of Part 2 of SIM Pre-Sessional English course (PSEC); or
- Successful completion of a recognised approved Diploma, where the language of instruction was English
Preparatory Course in Business (If Required)
Developed and awarded by SIM, Singapore.
2025 Intake (Full-time)
Programme Duration: 21 Apr 2025 – 30 Jun 2025*
Application Period: Now till 31 Jan 2025 (Local & International Applicants)
*Dates are subject to change
Applicants with non-business related diplomas or with suitable qualifications will be required to complete and pass a three-month Preparatory Course in Business for entry into the degree programme.
Additionally, applicants are required to meet the academic and English requirements of the degree programme. Please refer to the full admission requirements of the degree programme here.
The preparatory course, comprising three modules, will cover foundation concepts which prepares students for undergraduate study with University of Birmingham.
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Marketing
View preparatory module synopses (PDF 126 KB)
Structure
- University of Birmingham may require students to complete a minimum of one and up to a maximum of three modules.
- Mode of delivery: Blended learning, a combination of face-to-face lectures and e-learning components
- Assessments: Either by written exams, coursework^ or a combination of both
- Written exams are typically held at the end of the preparatory course in May/June. These exams may take place on weekday mornings and there are no re-sits.
- Class duration: Face-to-face lectures typically 3 to 6 hours a day. Some lessons may also take place on weekday evenings and Saturdays if required.
- Average teacher-student ratio – 1:40
View a list of lecturers’ teaching modules (PDF 71 KB) - Minimum class size to commence – 25
- If the class fails to commence due to low take-up rate, students will be informed within one month before programme commencement with the refund of application fee.
- Maximum candidature: 3 months, there will not be any refund or recourse should students fail to complete the programme within the candidature period
- Attendance requirement:
- Local students – at least 75% rate
- International students – at least 90% rate
Certification
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successfully passing the Preparatory Course in Business.
^Coursework may include in-class tests, assignments, online quizzes etc.
Pre-sessional English Course (If Required)
Developed and awarded by SIM, Singapore.
Applicants who have not reached the required IELTS English Language proficiency level or equivalent shall have to complete and pass a Pre-Sessional English Course before progressing to any of the BSc programmes.
This full-time course aims to improve all four Academic English Language skills in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing to the required proficiency level for entry to the respective BSc programmes.
A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful passing of Part Two of the Pre-sessional English Course.
There will not be any refund or recourse should students fail to complete the course within the course duration.
* The PSEC is not open for direct application. The selection into the course is based upon recommendations by the Admission Committee (AC) for those who have applied to the respective BSc Programmes.
** Fees are inclusive of 9% GST and are payable in full before each part of course commencement. Fees include online course materials.
Structure
- Mode of delivery: Lessons will be delivered via blended learning with a combination of face-to-face lectures and e-learning components.
- View module synopses
- Class duration: Typically 6 hours on weekdays. Some lessons may also take place on Saturdays if required.
- Assessments: Continuous assessments include in-class tests, individual / group assignments, online quizzes etc. There are no re-assessments.
- Average teacher-student ratio – 1:30
View a list of lecturers’ teaching modules (PDF 66 KB) - Minimum class size to commence – 25
If the class fails to commence due to low take-up rate, students will be informed at least 1 week before programme commencement with the refund of application fee. - Attendance requirement:
- Local students – at least 75% rate
- International students – at least 90% rate
Fees and Financial Aid
All fees are inclusive of prevailing GST and payable before course/term commencement (exclude textbooks). Valid for 2025 intake.
Programme Fees
Preparatory Course in Business* (if applicable)
S$708.50 per module
* Fees are inclusive of 9% GST and are payable in full before course commencement. Fees do not include textbook.
Pre-sessional English Course* (If Required)
(Fees are valid for intake in 2025)*
- Part Two: S$2,725.00
*Fees are inclusive of 9% GST and are payable in full before course commencement. Fees do not include textbook.
Bachelor’s Programme*
- Local students – S$49,987.40
- International students – S$54,848.80
* Fees are inclusive of 9% GST and are payable in six instalments based on the number of module credits undertaken in a term. Fees are payable before term commencement and do not include textbook.
* Programme fees are exclusive of airfares and accommodation for international study or industry placement overseas. Modules taught at the University of Birmingham or other university partners are covered.
Over and above the programme fees, students will need an estimate of S$6,000 per overseas trip to cover for airfare and accommodation, but it excludes the cost of living as how much you need depends on where you go and your lifestyle.
Mandatory Fees
All fees inclusive of prevailing GST.
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Student Development Fee Applicable to all students embarking on a full-time Diploma or Undergraduate programme at SIM. This fee goes towards activities that will help in students’ personal growth and equip them with functional skills that enhance their employability. Payable with the programme fees’ first instalment. |
S$512.30 |
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International Student Induction Fee A one-time fee payable by new full-time international students. This fee covers pre-arrival and arrival support, including activities to enhance the international student learning experience. As applicable, payable with the programme fees’ first instalment. |
S$436.00 |
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Application Fee Payable for each application form that is submitted. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be refunded fully only if the intake does not commence. Unpaid applications will not be processed. |
Local applicants: S$109.00 International applicants: S$545.00* |
Scholarships & Bursaries
SIM GE Bursary
The SIM GE Bursary aims to provide financial assistance to needy students studying at SIM GE. This award is given based on our eligibility criteria, as well as the assessed level of neediness of the applicants.Learn more
SIM GE Bursary
SIM GE Scholarship
The SIM GE Scholarship is given to students with exemplary academic results or achievements in sports and arts. It is applicable to Singapore citizens, permanent residents and international students.Learn more
SIM GE Scholarship
