What will I learn on this module?
The Study Abroad Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a study abroad year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year abroad at a partner university equivalent to 120 UK credits.
The study abroad placement is an important element of your course structure and gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. At the end of the module you will have adapted to and appreciated a different cultural and learning environment and developed ability. You will have developed your interpersonal and intercultural communication skills as a result of your learning in an international environment.
This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to your degree classification. When taken and passed, however, the Study Abroad Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad Module and on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”. The learning and teaching on your study abroad placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded in the learning agreement signed by you, the host University, and the University.
How will I learn on this module?
The learning and teaching on your study abroad placement will be dependent on the partner and the course of study and will be recorded in the learning agreement signed by you, the host University, and the University.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You are supported by host university staff and a dedicated Study Abroad team in the Faculty, including both academic and professional support staff. The nature of academic support at your international partner institution will depend on the partner as well as modules undertaken during the international exchange.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Goal 1: Knowledge & Understanding:
• To acquire a broader, international and inter culturally informed understanding of their subject discipline.
Goal 2: Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• To experience different cultural approaches to learning, study and academic development.
Goal 3: Career progression:
• To develop intercultural skills.
How will I be assessed?
1. Formative Assessment process: Varies according to host University.
2. Summative Assessment process: Transcript of Results.
This module is assessed on a pass/fail basis. In order to pass the module, students have to take the equivalent of 120 Northumbria credits at the host institution, and successfully pass all these modules abroad as documented by the transcript from the host institution. *This satisfies all learning outcomes.
Resit opportunities will be offered, where appropriate, by the host institution or by Newcastle Business School.
The study abroad year will not contribute to classification or designation.
*All students will submit the summative assessment set by the partner institution. Students are required to demonstrate, via the transcript issued by the host institution, achievement of an equivalent of 40% (Northumbria) average across modules studied (equivalent to a full course load of 120 credits) at the host institution in order to be awarded a Pass for this 120 credit module.
3. Feedback process: Varies according to host University.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
In an increasingly competitive graduate recruitment market you’ll need more than a good degree to get the job you want. A year out studying abroad at one of our overseas partners (in Europe and beyond) enhances your employability prospects, making you more appealing to graduate employers. Participation in study abroad has been shown to significantly increase student employability and is positively linked to academic performance.
Most of our programmes now include a work placement or study abroad year as standard, but even when they don’t, we strongly recommend that you consider taking up a year-long placement. So what are you waiting for?
Course info
UCAS Code N1NS
Credits 120
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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