Degree course
International Management and Intercultural Studies (IMIS)
The IMIS double degree is a unique course available in conjunction either with the Ecole de Management in Strasbourg, France, or the University of Passau in Bavaria, Germany (the latter is open to native speakers of German only).
In either version, the course leads to the award of a degree from Stirling and also a degree from the partner institution.
In each case, the degree course involves the study of three subjects. Students studying for the double degree with Strasbourg take French, Business Studies or Marketing, and have a choice of third subject, which can be either Spanish, Economics or Politics.
Native speakers of German studying for the double degree with Passau take French or Spanish, Business, and History or Politics.
Degree structure and study abroad
The double degree with EM Strasbourg has a five-year course common to the degree in International Management Studies in Semesters 1 – 4, after which it has two variants. Students taking only one language, French, spend Semester 6 at another French business school, and Semesters 9 and 10 at EM Strasbourg. Students studying two languages spend Semester 6 in Spain, return to Stirling for Semesters 7 and 8, then go to EM Strasbourg to study there for two further semesters.
The double degree with Passau also has two variants. Variant A, for native or near-native speakers of German who begin their studies at the University of Stirling, involves five semesters of study in Stirling, followed by a semester studying in France or Spain and then a year studying at Passau. You then return to Stirling to complete your degree and graduate from both universities on completion of your degree at Stirling. Variant B, for students who begin their studies in Germany, involves six semesters of study at Passau or another German University, two semesters at Passau, followed by a final two semesters in Stirling.
European Union applications
Applications are encouraged from students from throughout the European Union. As well as native speakers of German enrolled on the Passau degree, there are a number of EU students enrolled on the EM Strasbourg version of the degree, which is also open to native speakers of German.
If you decide at any point that you do not wish to take up the option of a double degree, you have the option to transfer to the related degree programme International Management Studies.
International Management Studies
All students study three subjects during their degree. There are two compulsory pathways, namely a language (either French or Spanish) and a Business/Marketing pathway. In addition, a third pathway is chosen from a second language, Politics, Finance, Business Law or Economics. Each pathway contains modules with an international or European content.
Semesters 1 - 4
You will take the following subjects:
- French or Spanish
- Business or Marketing
- One of: a second language, Politics, Finance, Business Law, Economics
Semesters 5 - 8
In Semesters 5, 7 and 8 you will follow the same pathways but have an increasing choice of options within those pathways.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching combines a mixture of lectures, tutorials and small group language classes. In addition, the use of information technology and native language assistants encourages rapid progress. Assessment focuses on a variety of skills gained across the modules studied and ranges from translations to essays, from grammar tests to oral exams and presentations (in both English and the appropriate target language). We use both continuous assessment and final examinations.
I chose Stirling University because of this degree. I had trouble finding a course that would allow me to take business with two languages and give me the opportunity to spend time abroad for each of these as this is the best way to learn them properly and gain great cultural understanding of the people and place. But Stirling has it all. I recently came back from a semester in Santiago de Chile, which was one of the best experiences in my life. I also lived in Marseille, France for a year as an English Teaching Assistant. And because it is a double degree, I will be spending my Year 5 in Strasbourg, France to get my Master’s. The travel and learning opportunities this degree offers are incredible. And it goes without saying that Stirling itself, its beautiful campus, strong community feel, interesting classes where you really feel engaged, are all part of this amazing adventure.
Studying French at the University of Stirling was a rewarding experience. My skills in the language grew through excellent teaching and my ability to form arguments and debate in French is excellent. I found the topics studied in culture classes fascinating- especially ethnic minority cultures in France.