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 £6-8000 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, studey materials etc. Many of our partners will have useful cost calculators to help prepare before departure.
Students with an exchange place in Europe are eligible for Erasmus funding and full details of this process will be provided by the University.
Students with an exchange place outside Europe are eligible to apply to the Neil Hood Memorial Fund for a scholarship. Full details of the application process are provided to all eligible students later in the exchange process. Other scholarship opportunities may be available through the Alumni & Development department.
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 excellent 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 at the first attempt with no compensated passes or fails
- 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, business subject combination, and destination preferences noted in the 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).
Exchange Application Timeline (approx.)
- Information emailed to students providing details of opportunities available and how and when to apply – Oct/Nov
- Online application process – Jan/Feb
- Review of semester 1 academic results – Feb
- Review of applications, allocation of provisional places and confirmation of outcome to applicants – Mar-May
- Nomination to exchange institution – Mar onwards (according to exchange partner’s deadlines)
- Review of 2nd year academic performance – Jun
- Board of Examiners approval to proceed to Exchange – Jun
- Student application to exchange institution including accommodation application (if appropriate) and class selection – according to partner’s deadlines but in most cases from Aug onwards
- Official offer/welcome letter from exchange partner confirming details of exchange – timings vary according to the partner
- Pre-departure meeting –Nov/Dec
- Final class selection and curriculum approval (Learning Agreement/Curriculum Approval Form) – prior to or at the beginning of exchange, according to the exchange partner’s timeline
