ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade
The ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade is designed for learners who aspire to build successful careers in global commerce, cross-border trade, and international market operations. Whether you are a fresher entering the business world or an experienced professional aiming to expand your global expertise, this programme offers the knowledge and skills needed to excel.
This two-year qualification, structured around 240 credits, provides learners with a strong foundation in international trade principles, supply chain management, global finance, and cross-cultural business practices. It blends theory with applied learning, ensuring learners gain both academic understanding and practical insights into the complexities of international markets.
By completing this programme, learners develop expertise in negotiation, export and import operations, trade compliance, and international business strategy. These skills are highly valued by employers worldwide, making graduates well-prepared for roles in multinational corporations, trade consultancies, logistics firms, and entrepreneurial ventures.
The diploma emphasises professional growth, helping learners enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities. It equips individuals to adapt to the fast-changing dynamics of global business environments, positioning them for long-term career success.
Key benefits of this qualification include international industry relevance, career progression opportunities, and the ability to contribute effectively to organisations operating across borders. Learners gain not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to engage in complex trade negotiations, manage global operations, and drive business growth in competitive markets.
The ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade is an ideal pathway for learners who want to establish themselves as skilled professionals in the global business arena.
Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade, consists of 24 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation and Core International Business & Trade Principles
- Introduction to International Business
- Principles of Global Trade and Economics
- Business Communication in a Global Context
- Fundamentals of Marketing and Market Research
- Supply Chain and Logistics Management
- International Finance and Trade Payments
- Cross-Cultural Management and Communication
- Principles of Business Law and Trade Regulations
- International Sales and Export Management
- E-Commerce and Digital Trade Fundamentals
- Risk Management in International Trade
- Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility
Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic International Business & Trade
- Advanced International Business Strategy
- Global Market Development and Entry Strategies
- International Negotiation and Diplomacy
- Strategic Trade Policy and Global Governance
- Advanced Supply Chain and Operations Management
- International Financial Planning and Investment
- Global Marketing and Brand Management
- Leadership in International Business Environments
- International Trade Compliance and Documentation
- Business Analytics for Global Trade
- Entrepreneurial Approaches to Global Business
- Capstone Project: Applied International Trade and Business
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade:
Year 1 – Foundation and Core International Business & Trade
Introduction to International Business
- Understand the scope and significance of international business in the global economy
- Identify key drivers of globalisation and their impact on trade
- Apply basic international business concepts to real-world scenarios
- Recognise the roles of organisations in facilitating global commerce
Principles of Global Trade and Economics
- Analyse the principles of international trade and economic integration
- Understand comparative advantage and its role in trade decisions
- Examine trade patterns and economic policies influencing global markets
- Apply economic theories to evaluate trade strategies
Business Communication in a Global Context
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication in a business setting
- Adapt communication styles for cross-cultural contexts
- Use digital tools to enhance global business communication
- Apply negotiation and presentation skills in international trade scenarios
Fundamentals of Marketing and Market Research
- Understand the principles of marketing in an international context
- Conduct basic market research to identify global opportunities
- Apply segmentation, targeting, and positioning strategies
- Evaluate consumer behaviour across different cultures
Supply Chain and Logistics Management
- Understand the structure of international supply chains
- Analyse the role of logistics in global trade operations
- Identify challenges and solutions in managing cross-border logistics
- Apply supply chain strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs
International Finance and Trade Payments
- Understand the role of finance in international trade transactions
- Evaluate different payment methods in global business
- Identify risks in international financial operations
- Apply financial tools to manage currency and credit risk
Cross-Cultural Management and Communication
- Recognise cultural differences and their impact on business relationships
- Apply strategies for effective cross-cultural team management
- Develop awareness of global business etiquette and practices
- Resolve conflicts arising from cultural misunderstandings
Principles of Business Law and Trade Regulations
- Understand the basics of international business law
- Analyse trade agreements and their impact on global markets
- Identify legal frameworks governing cross-border trade
- Apply compliance requirements to trade transactions
International Sales and Export Management
- Understand the process of managing export operations
- Apply strategies to build international customer relationships
- Analyse factors influencing international sales performance
- Develop export plans aligned with market opportunities
E-Commerce and Digital Trade Fundamentals
- Understand the role of e-commerce in global trade
- Apply digital tools to manage cross-border transactions
- Analyse the impact of technology on international business models
- Evaluate e-commerce strategies for international markets
Risk Management in International Trade
- Identify risks associated with global business operations
- Apply risk assessment techniques in trade activities
- Understand the role of insurance in international business
- Develop strategies to mitigate and manage trade risks
Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility
- Understand the importance of ethics in international business
- Apply ethical frameworks to trade-related decision-making
- Analyse corporate responsibility in a global context
- Develop responsible practices for sustainable international business
Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic International Business & Trade
Advanced International Business Strategy
- Apply strategic models to international business decisions
- Understand the role of strategy in gaining global competitive advantage
- Analyse environmental factors affecting business strategy
- Develop strategic plans for global operations
Global Market Development and Entry Strategies
- Understand key approaches to entering international markets
- Evaluate market selection criteria and entry risks
- Apply strategies for joint ventures, partnerships, and franchising
- Develop plans for expanding into global markets
International Negotiation and Diplomacy
- Understand principles of negotiation in an international context
- Apply diplomatic strategies to build business relationships
- Demonstrate effective communication during complex negotiations
- Resolve conflicts using international negotiation techniques
Strategic Trade Policy and Global Governance
- Understand the impact of global governance on trade policy
- Analyse the role of international organisations in trade regulation
- Evaluate national trade policies and their global implications
- Apply policy analysis to trade decision-making
Advanced Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Apply advanced methods for optimising global supply chains
- Analyse the impact of technology on operations management
- Understand strategies for sustainable supply chain practices
- Develop frameworks to improve global logistics efficiency
International Financial Planning and Investment
- Understand principles of financial planning in a global context
- Analyse international investment opportunities and risks
- Apply tools for currency and capital management
- Develop strategies for financial growth in global operations
Global Marketing and Brand Management
- Understand brand positioning in international markets
- Apply strategies for managing global marketing campaigns
- Analyse consumer behaviour across regions for branding decisions
- Develop global marketing plans to enhance brand value
Leadership in International Business Environments
- Understand leadership challenges in global contexts
- Apply leadership styles suitable for international organisations
- Demonstrate skills to motivate and manage diverse teams
- Develop strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness globally
International Trade Compliance and Documentation
- Understand compliance requirements in cross-border trade
- Identify key documents used in import and export processes
- Apply trade compliance frameworks to business operations
- Develop systems for managing regulatory requirements effectively
Business Analytics for Global Trade
- Understand the role of data analytics in global business decisions
- Apply analytical tools to interpret trade-related data
- Evaluate trends to predict global business opportunities
- Develop data-driven solutions for international trade challenges
Entrepreneurial Approaches to Global Business
- Understand the role of entrepreneurship in global markets
- Apply innovative approaches to developing international ventures
- Analyse opportunities for entrepreneurship in emerging economies
- Develop entrepreneurial plans for international business growth
Capstone Project: Applied International Trade and Business
- Apply knowledge and skills to a real-world international business project
- Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking in trade scenarios
- Develop strategic solutions to complex business challenges
- Present findings and recommendations effectively in a professional format
The ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade prepares learners for growth in both education and career. After completing the programme, learners can progress through several professional pathways that enhance their skills, qualifications, and opportunities in the global business environment.
Progression to Higher-Level Diplomas
- Learners can move into advanced diploma programmes in international business, trade, or management
- These qualifications allow for deeper specialisation in areas such as global strategy, supply chain, and executive management
- Higher-level diplomas provide stronger academic grounding and advanced professional competencies
- This progression supports learners aiming for senior leadership or expert roles
Professional Certifications
- Completion of this diploma creates eligibility for professional trade and business certifications
- Certifications may focus on logistics, international trade law, global finance, or export management
- Such credentials help validate professional expertise and industry knowledge
- They also improve recognition and employability in global markets
Career Advancement Opportunities
- Learners gain the skills needed to progress into supervisory and managerial positions
- Career paths may include roles in multinational corporations, logistics firms, consultancy, or trade organisations
- The qualification supports transition into specialised fields such as risk management, compliance, or business development
- Progression may also involve moving into international assignments or cross-border projects
Pathway to Entrepreneurship
- The diploma develops entrepreneurial skills with an international focus
- Learners are equipped to design and launch cross-border ventures
- Knowledge of trade, finance, and market entry strategies supports business sustainability
- Entrepreneurship pathways allow learners to create opportunities in emerging and established markets
To deliver the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade effectively, approved centres must meet specific academic, operational, and resource requirements. These standards ensure that learners receive consistent, high-quality teaching and support throughout the two-year programme.
Academic Expertise
- Centres must employ qualified trainers and assessors with strong academic backgrounds in business, trade, and management
- Trainers should have practical industry experience to relate theory to real-world practice
- Continuous professional development should be encouraged to maintain subject expertise and teaching quality
- Assessors must be trained to evaluate assignments, projects, and portfolios in line with ICTQual AB standards
Learning Resources
- Centres must provide access to up-to-date learning materials, including textbooks, journals, and online resources
- Learners should be supported with digital platforms for e-learning, assessments, and feedback
- Case studies, trade reports, and global market data must be integrated into the curriculum
- Practical resources such as business simulation tools and trade documentation should be available
Infrastructure and Facilities
- Classrooms must be equipped with modern teaching aids such as projectors, whiteboards, and internet connectivity
- Centres should provide dedicated study spaces or libraries for research and independent learning
- Facilities must support both classroom-based and online learning environments
- Computer labs with access to business and trade software are recommended
Quality Assurance
- Centres must follow strict policies for fair and transparent assessment procedures
- Internal quality assurance processes must be in place to review teaching and evaluation methods
- Regular audits and monitoring should ensure compliance with ICTQual AB standards
- Learners should receive timely feedback and academic guidance to track progress
Learner Support Services
- Centres must provide orientation sessions to help learners understand course expectations and structures
- Academic advising should be available throughout the two years of study
- Career guidance and progression counselling should be offered to support learners’ future goals
- Centres should provide technical and administrative support for online platforms and resources
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This pathway is ideal for learners who are new to International Business & Trade and do have prior professional experience.
- Admission: Learners enrol at an ICTQual AB approved centre to begin the two-year programme.
- Training:The course runs for two years, covering 24 study units and 240 credits. It includes workshops, projects, case studies, and online support. Key skills include marketing strategy, sales, communication, customer management, and digital innovation.
- Assessment: Learners complete assignments, case studies, projects, and simulations. These test creativity, problem-solving, and practical application. Feedback supports ongoing progress.
- Certification: On completion, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For learners who already have substantial professional experience in International Business & Trade, a flexible route is available.
- Eligibility: Learner must have at least five years of verified experience in relevant roles. Evidence such as references, project documentation, or portfolios may be required.
- Assessment of Competence: Experienced learners are not required to complete the full programme. Instead, centres assess their knowledge and competence through professional discussions, interviews, or practical evaluations.
- Evidence Submission: Learners provide a portfolio of evidence such as sales reports, marketing strategies, campaign analysis, or business development projects. Centres may request additional verification to confirm outcomes are met.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Where skill gaps exist, centres may recommend short bridging modules to ensure learners meet all requirements.
- Certification: Once competence is verified, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in International Business & Trade. This pathway recognises prior experience while validating expertise with a respected international qualification.
This approach ensures that all learners, whether beginners or experienced professionals, can achieve a recognised qualification while gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in International Business & Trade roles.