Business Studies and Spanish

What is Business Studies and a Language?

This programme offers an exciting way of learning about business concepts, theories and models, in a variety of subject areas, as well as getting to grips in an in-depth and comprehensive manner with another country’s language, its society, culture and business environment,the third year of which is spent studying abroad.

Business Studies and a Language: The course for you?

From start to finish, whether as beginners (on the ab initio Russian and Polish* streams) or as more advanced learners (in French, German or Spanish), you will be required to demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to mastering core business modules and to all aspects of language learning

* Special provisions can be made for students with prior knowledge of Russian or Polish (heritage speakers, near-native speakers or those who have an entrance qualification in Russian or Polish).

Business Studies and a Language at Trinity?

The distinctiveness of Trinity’s B.B.S. (Lang.) degrees centres on the following: The business and language dimensions are integrated across all years of the programme, especially during the year abroad; language instruction is provided by specially-trained lecturers, most of whom are native speakers; lectures on the economy, business environment, society and culture of the relevant country are provided by experts who are continuously conducting research in their specialist field of study; and in most cases, students complete a work placement in the target culture in order to apply and develop their business and language skills in a professional setting.

Graduate skills and career opportunities

On graduation you will have a strong academic knowledge of international business and management, together with a high-level of competence in the language you have studied. Recent graduates are employed in Ireland and abroad by leading international companies such as Google, KPMG, AIB Capital Markets and Goldman Sachs, as well as by consultancy organisations, embassies and public sector bodies. Many are working in marketing or international management roles while others occupy more specialist positions (e.g. as analysts or researchers). Some proceed to undertake further study and research in international business at postgraduate level.

Your degree and what you’ll study

This programme aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate internationally and to understand the social, political and cultural contexts of markets, organisations and management across countries.

Teaching is specifically geared to the everyday needs, both formal and informal, of business managers. The language components of the programme will have a contemporary socio-economic and business orientation and much of the teaching is provided through the target language, simultaneously building language skills and knowledge relevant to managing across cultures.

First and second years

There are approximately 18-20 hours of lectures and tutorials per week. This time allocation should be matched by a similar level of personal study.

Modules in the first and second years include:*

Business Studies

• Fundamentals of Management and Organisation
• Quantitative Methods for Business
• Principles of Marketing
• Introduction to Accounting
• Creative Thinking, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Action
• Introduction to Finance
• Introduction to Operations Management
• Organisational Behaviour

Language

• General language and language for business (written, oral and aural proficiency)
• Contemporary society, institutions and culture (depending on your chosen language, you may also be given the opportunity to take a module in literature and film)
• Overall economic and business environment of the region/country of your chosen language

Third and fourth years*

The third year is spent at a university or business school in the country of the language you are studying. Trinity has exchange agreements with a range of leading universities and business schools throughout Europe. The vast majority of modules and examinations, taken during your year abroad, will be through the medium of your chosen language. On conclusion of the academic year, experience of the business culture in the country of your chosen language may be gained through a work placement of approximately two months’ duration.

In fourth year, all students are required to complete a Capstone module that involves independent research as the core learning activity.

In fourth year, Business module choices include:*

• Strategic Management Theory & Practice
• International Business and the Global Economy
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• International Finance
• Advances in Marketing Theory and Practice
• Social Innovation and Social Impact
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Managing People and Leading Change

* Modules are subject to change

You will also take modules in your chosen language, further developing your writing, oral and translation skills, and in different aspects of business communication.