Undergraduate Programme in Business English (Integrated Programme)

Undergraduate Programme in Business English (Integrated Programme), Major in English Language, Minor in International Business

 

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAMME
2. Introduction to the Programme

The Undergraduate Programme in Business English, majoring in English Language with a minor in International Business, is organized under the FSEL learning model, with the following distinctive features:

• First, the programme provides a solid foundation in English Language and International Business. Specialized modules in both the major and minor equip students with knowledge in language, economics and business, finance, law, communication, marketing, corporate culture, and entrepreneurship. The objective is to enable graduates to work effectively in international environments, pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, and engage in lifelong learning.
• Second, the programme develops advanced skill sets in international business and transactions, alongside essential soft skills for professional and personal life. Students will be trained in presentation, meetings, negotiation, advanced note-taking, critical reading, business correspondence, academic writing, research, as well as teamwork, independent work, and lifelong learning.
• Third, the programme ensures English proficiency and a second foreign language aligned with national and international reference frameworks. Upon graduation, students achieve English proficiency at Level 5/6 (Advanced) according to the Vietnamese National Foreign Language Proficiency Framework, equivalent to C1+ CEFR or IELTS 7.5+. Business English proficiency is benchmarked against Cambridge Linguaskill Business at C1. The second foreign language is achieved at Level 3/6 (Intermediate).
• Fourth, the programme applies project-based learning. Students undertake projects as follows:

• FSEL 0: Professional Planning & Skills Development – building a career portfolio that integrates theory and practice, equipping essential career development skills and a professional profile.
• FSEL 1: Language, Culture and Communication Project – applying linguistic, cultural, and communication knowledge to real-life social contexts.
• FSEL 2: Business Solutions Project – internship at enterprises, analyzing real-world problems and proposing solutions.
• FSEL 3: Graduation Thesis – internship at enterprises and thesis defense before an academic committee.

FSEL: Foreign Trade University Smart English Learning

• Fifth, the programme maintains close collaboration with enterprises, involving them in curriculum design, review, and teaching, while organizing site visits for students.
• Sixth, students have opportunities to participate in international exchange and internship programmes, gaining exposure to academic and cultural environments in developed countries.

 

 

2. General Information about the Programme

Item	Information
Degree Awarding Institution	Foreign Trade University
Academic Unit in Charge of the Programme	Vietnamese name: Khoa Tiếng Anh Thương mại English name: Faculty of Business English
Major	Vietnamese name: Ngôn ngữ Anh English name: English Language
Major Code	7220201
Programme Title	Vietnamese name: Chương trình đào tạo Tiếng Anh Thương mại (Chương trình tích hợp), Ngành đào tạo Ngôn ngữ Anh, ngành phụ Kinh doanh Quốc tế English name: Undergraduate Programme in Business English (Integrated Programme), Major in English Language, Minor in International Business
Qualification Level	Undergraduate
Total Credit Hours Required	138
Mode of Study	Full-time
Language of Instruction	English, Vietnamese
Standard Duration of Study	4 years
Most Recent Programme Review and Revision	2025

 

3. Educational Philosophy

Proficient in Language – Knowledgeable in Business – Connected to Practice – Secured Future

 

4. Programme Objectives

4.1 General Objective

To train high-quality human resources capable of undertaking positions requiring advanced English proficiency in domestic and international organizations and enterprises.

4.2 Specific Objectives

The programme aims to develop high-quality graduates who:

• PO1: Possess sound political qualities, professional ethics, and good health.
• PO2: Acquire knowledge and skills to use English proficiently, particularly in the field of international business.
• PO3: Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of society and international business culture.
• PO4: Attain foundational knowledge and skills in international business.
• PO5: Communicate independently in a second foreign language.
• PO6: Exhibit problem-identification and problem-solving skills; autonomy and accountability; adaptability to global changes; creativity; and capacity for lifelong learning.

5. Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

5.1 Knowledge

• PLO1: Apply foundational knowledge of political science, social sciences, and humanities to study and professional practice.
• PLO2: Apply comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of language and culture to diverse communication in international contexts. Achieve English proficiency at Level 5/6 (Advanced) according to the Vietnamese National Foreign Language Proficiency Framework (Circular 33/2026/TT-BGDĐT), equivalent to C1+ CEFR or IELTS 7.5+.
• PLO3: Apply advanced English for specific purposes and professional English skills (Advanced level) in planning, organizing, and implementing activities in international business, meeting labour market requirements. Attain Business English proficiency benchmarked against Cambridge Linguaskill Business at C1, equivalent to Level 5/6 in the Vietnamese framework.
• PLO4: Apply foundational knowledge creatively in management and operations within international business.

5.2 Skills

• PLO5: Demonstrate critical thinking, problem identification, and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
• PLO6: Apply innovative and entrepreneurial skills to lead, create employment opportunities for oneself and others.
• PLO7: Communicate issues and solutions effectively in the workplace; disseminate knowledge and defend viewpoints logically, scientifically, and persuasively.
• PLO8: Use independently a second foreign language at Level 3/6 (Intermediate) according to the Vietnamese framework.
• PLO9: Attain advanced information technology skills as stipulated in Circular 03/2014/TT-BTTTT (March 14, 2014) of the Ministry of Information and Communications; achieve Digital Competence Level 4/8 across all domains of the Digital Competence Framework (Circular 02/2025/TT-BGDĐT, January 24, 2025).

5.3 Autonomy and Responsibility

• PLO10: Work independently and collaboratively in diverse conditions; assume personal and group responsibility; evaluate the quality of one’s own and others’ work; guide and supervise colleagues in defined tasks.
• PLO11: Proactively self-direct, plan self-study and research, coordinate and manage resources, evaluate and improve professional effectiveness.

 

1. CREDIT DISTRIBUTION

The total number of credits required for completion is 138 (excluding Physical Education and National Defence Education), comprising:

* General education: 46 credits (33.3%).

* Professional education: 80 credits (57.97%).

* Mid-course internship (Business Solutions Project): 3 credits (2.17%).

* Graduation component: 9 credits (6.52%)

 

	Credits	Percentage
1. General education	46	33.33%
2. Professional education	80	57.97%
2.1. English Language major	62	44.93%
2.1.1. Foundational disciplinary knowledge	9	6.52%
2.1.2. Disciplinary knowledge	23	16.67%
2.1.2.1. Compulsory disciplinary courses	17	12.32%
2.1.2.2. Elective disciplinary courses	6	4.35%
2.1.3. Business English specialisation	30	21.74%
2.1.3.1. Compulsory specialisation courses	21	15.22%
2.1.3.2. Elective specialisation courses	9	6.52%
2.2. International Business minor	18	13.04%
2.2.1. Compulsory courses	12	8.7%
2.2.2. Elective courses	6	4.35%
3. Business Solutions Project	3	2.17%
4. Graduation component	9	6.52%
Total	138	100%

 

III. PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

 

1. Curriculum framework

 

No.	Course Title	Course Code	Credits	Time Allocation				Prerequisites
				Class Hours		Essays, Major Assignments, Fieldwork (3)	Guided Self-Study (4)
				Lectures (1)	Practical Sessions and Discussions (2)
1	General Education Knowledge		46
1.1	Political Theory		11
1	Marxist – Leninist Philosophy	TRI114	3	27	18	30	75	None
2	Marxist – Leninist: Political Economy	TRI115	2	21	9	15	55	None
3	Scientific Socialism	TRI116	2	21	9	15	55	TRI114, TRI115
4	History of the Communist Party of Vietnam	TRI117	2	21	9	15	55	TRI114, TRI115
5	Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology	TRI104	2	21	9	13.5	56.5	TRI114, TRI115
1.2	Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Mathematics and Information Technology		26
1.2.1	Compulsory Courses		20
6	Microeconomics	KTE201	3	45	0	22.5	82.5	None
7	Macroeconomics	KTE203	3	45	0	22.5	82.5	None
8	Research Methodology for Economics and Business	KTE206	3	45	0	22.5	82.5	None
9	Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Applications	TIN210	3	30	30	0	90	None
10	Mathematics, Probability and Statistics in Economics	TOA102	3	15	60	0	75	None
11	FSEL 0: Professional Planning & Skills Development	TANE123	2	21	9	15	55	None
12	Design Thinking and Innovation	DTI100	3	30	15	15	90	None
1.2.2	Elective Courses (Select 2 of the following 3 courses)		6
13	Introduction to Law*	PLU111	3	30	15	25	80	None
14	Innovation	TMA319	3	30	15	25	80	None
15	Psychology	TLH102	3	30	15	22.5	82.5	None
1.3	Second Foreign Language		9
16	Second Foreign Language – Part 1	TTR163	3	0	90	0	60	None
		TNH163		0	90	0	60	None
		TPH163		30	60	0	60	None
		SPA161		…	…	…	…	None
17	Second Foreign Language – Part 2	TTR164	3	0	90	0	60	TTR163
		TNH164		0	90	0	60	TNH163
		TPH164		30	60	0	60	TPH163
		SPA162		…	…	…	…	SPA161
18	Second Foreign Language – Part 3	TTR165	3	0	90	0	60	TTR164
		TNH165		0	90	0	60	TNH164
		TPH165		30	60	0	60	TPH164
		Code not yet assigned		…	…	…	…	SPA162
1.4	Physical Education
1.5	National Defense and Security Education
2	Professional Education Knowledge		80
2.1	English Language Major		62
2.1.1	Foundational Knowledge		9
19	English Phonetics and Phonology	TANE106	3	27	18	30	75	None
20	English Semantics	TANE108	3	27	18	30	75	None
21	English Syntax	TANE107	3	27	18	30	75	None
2.1.2	Disciplinary Knowledge		23
2.1.2.1	Compulsory Major Courses		17
22	Advanced Listening	TANE101	3	15	30	50	55	None
23	Advanced Speaking	TANE102	3	15	30	50	55	None
24	Advanced Reading	TANE103	3	15	30	50	55	None
25	Advanced Writing	TANE104	3	15	30	50	55	None
26	Research Writing	TANE124	3	15	30	50	55	None
27	FSEL 1: Language, Culture and Communication Project – LCC Project	TANE314	2	15	15	25	45	None
2.1.2.2	Elective Major Courses (Select 2 of the following 3 courses)		6
28	British and American Culture*	TANE109	3	15	30	50	55	None
29	British and American Literature*	TANE111	3	15	30	50	55	None
30	Pragmatics	TANE315	3	27	18	30	75	None
2.1.3	Business English Specialization		30
2.1.3.1	Compulsory Specialization Courses		21
31	Translation	TANE317	3	15	30	50	55	None
32	Interpretation	TANE414	3	15	30	50	55	None
33	Business English: International Business	TANE403	3	27	18	30	75	None
34	Business English: Business Communication	TANE407	3	15	30	50	55	None
35	Business English: Principles of Marketing	TANE408	3	27	18	30	75	None
36	Business English: Principles of Finance	TANE410	3	27	18	30	75	None
37	Business English: Contracts in International Business	TANE409	3	15	30	50	55	None
2.1.3.2	Elective Specialization Courses (Select 3 of the following 7 courses)		9
38	Introduction to Business*	TANE400	3	21	24	40	65	None
39	Business English: Principles of Economics*	TANE402	3	30	15	25	80	None
40	Public Speaking*	TANE313	3	15	30	50	55	None
41	Advanced Translation	TANE415	3	15	30	50	55	TANE317
42	Advanced Interpretation	TANE416	3	15	30	50	55	TANE414
43	Business English: Principles of Accounting	TANE417	3	27	18	30	75	None
44	Intercultural Communication	TANE112	3	30	15	25	80	None
2.2	International Business Minor		18
2.2.1	Compulsory Courses		12
45	International Business	KDO307	3	30	15	25	80	None
46	Marketing in International Business	MKT306	3	30	15	25	80	None
47	International Finance	TCH414	3	30	15	25	80	None
48	International Trade Transactions	TMA302	3	30	15	25	80	None
2.2.2	Elective Courses (Select 2 of the following 14 courses)		6
49	International Business Law	PLU410	3	30	15	15	90	PLU111
50	Supply Chain Management	TMA313	3	30	15	22.5	82.5	None
51	International Trade Policy	TMA301	3	30	15	25	80	None
52	Logistics and international transportation	TMA336	3	30	15	25	80	TMA302
53	International Payment	TCH412	3	30	15	25	80	None
54	Leadership	QTR203	3	30	15	25	80	None
55	Business Ethics and CSR	KDO305	3	30	15	22.5	82.5	None
56	Entrepreneurship	BUS405	3	30	15	25	80	None
57	Negotiation and Conflict Management	KDO302	3	30	15	25	80	None
58	Fundamentals of Management	QTR303	3	30	15	25	80	None
59	Human Resource Management	QTR403	3	30	15	22.5	82.5	None
60	Business Economics	KTE312	3	30	15	22.5	82.5	None
61	International Investment Project Management	TMA315	3	30	15	22.5	82.5	None
62	Business Creativity	TMA327	3	30	15	25	80	None
63	International Business Communication	MKT408	3	30	15	25	80	KTE203
3	Mid-Program Internship		3
64	FSEL 2: Business Solutions Project	TANE502	3	30	15	25	80
4	Graduation Requirements		9
65	FSEL 3: Graduation Thesis	TANE522	9	90	45	75	240

 

2. Training Progression

The following table presents the sequence of modules by semester:

 

 

No.	Course Title	Course Code	Credits	Prerequisite(s)	Semester (1-8)
						1	General Education		46
						1.1	Political Theory		11
1	Marxist – Leninist Philosophy	TRI114	3	None	2
2	Marxist – Leninist: Political Economy	TRI115	2	None	1
3	Scientific Socialism	TRI116	2	TRI114, TRI115	3
4	History of the Communist Party of Vietnam	TRI117	2	TRI114, TRI115	4
5	Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology	TRI104	2	TRI114, TRI115	4
1.2	Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Mathematics and Information Technology		26
1.2.1	Compulsory Courses		20
6	Microeconomics	KTE201	3	None	1
7	Macroeconomics	KTE203	3	None	2
8	Research Methodology for Economics and Business	KTE206	3	None	3
9	Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Applications	TIN210	3	None	5
10	Mathematics, Probability and Statistics in Economics	TOA102	3	None	3
11	FSEL 0: Professional Planning & Skills Development	TANE123	2	None	2
12	Design Thinking and Innovation	DTI100	3	None	3
1.2.2	Elective Courses (Students select 2 of the following 3 courses)		6
13	Introduction to Law*	PLU111	3	None	1
14	Innovation	TMA319	3	None	4
15	Psychology	TLH102	3	None	2
1.3	Second Foreign Language		9
16	Second Foreign Language – Part 1	TTR163 TNH163  TPH163 SPA161	3	None	2
17	Second Foreign Language – Part 2	TTR164 TNH164  TPH164 SPA162	3	TTR163 TNH163 TPH163 SPA161	3
18	Second Foreign Language – Part 3	TTR165 TNH165  TPH165 …	3	TTR164 TNH164 TPH164 SPA162	4
1.4	Physical Education
1.5	National Defense and Security Education
2	Professional Education		80
2.1	English Language Major Courses		62
2.1.1	Foundational Major Courses		9
19	English Phonetics and Phonology	TANE106	3	None	2
20	English Semantics	TANE108	3	None	3
21	English Syntax	TANE107	3	None	2
2.1.2	Major Courses		23
2.1.2.1	Compulsory Major Courses		17
22	Advanced Listening	TANE101	3	None	1
23	Advanced Speaking	TANE102	3	None	1
24	Advanced Reading	TANE103	3	None	1
25	Advanced Writing	TANE104	3	None	2
26	Research Writing	TANE124	3	None	4
27	FSEL 1: Language, Culture and Communication Project – LCC Project	TANE314	2	None	3
2.1.2.2	Elective Major Courses (Students select 2 of the following 3 courses)		6
28	British and American Culture*	TANE109	3	None	4
29	British and American Literature*	TANE111	3	None	3
30	Pragmatics	TANE315	3	None	4
2.1.3	Business English Specialization Courses		30
2.1.3.1	Compulsory Specialization Courses		21
31	Translation	TANE317	3	None	4
32	Interpretation	TANE414	3	None	5
33	Business English: International Business	TANE403	3	None	6
34	Business English: Business Communication	TANE407	3	None	4
35	Business English: Principles of Marketing	TANE408	3	None	6
36	Business English: Principles of Finance	TANE410	3	None	5
37	Business English: Contracts in International Business	TANE409	3	None	7
2.1.3.2	Elective Specialization Courses (Students select 3 of the following 7 courses)		9
38	Introduction to Business*	TANE400	3	None	5
39	Business English: Principles of Economics*	TANE402	3	None	5
40	Public Speaking*	TANE313	3	None	3
41	Advanced Translation	TANE415	3	TANE317	6
42	Advanced Interpretation	TANE416	3	TANE414	6
43	Business English: Principles of Accounting	TANE417	3	None	3
44	Intercultural Communication	TANE112	3	None	3
2.2	International Business Minor Courses		18
2.2.1	Compulsory Courses		12
45	International Business	KDO307	3	None	7
46	Marketing in International Business	MKT306	3	None	7
47	International Finance	TCH414	3	None	7
48	International Trade Transactions	TMA302	3	None	5
2.2.2	Elective Courses (Students select 2 of the following 15 courses)		6
49	International Business Law	PLU410	3	PLU111	6
50	Supply Chain Management	TMA313	3	None	7
51	International Trade Policy	TMA301	3	None	4
52	Logistics and international transportation	TMA336	3	TMA302	5
53	International Payment	TCH412	3	None	7
54	Leadership	QTR203	3	None	7
55	Business Ethics and CSR	KDO305	3	None	6
56	Entrepreneurship	BUS405	3	None	7
57	Negotiation and Conflict Management	KDO302	3	None	7
58	Fundamentals of Management	QTR303	3	None	4
59	Human Resource Management	QTR403	3	None	7
60	Business Economics	KTE312	3	None	4
61	International Investment Project Management	TMA315	3	None	7
62	Business Creativity	TMA327	3	None	7
63	International Business Communication	MKT408	3	KTE203	7
3	Mid-Program Internship		3
64	FSEL 2: Business Solutions Project	TANE502	3		6
4	Graduation Requirements		9
65	FSEL 3: Graduation Thesis	TANE522	9		8

 

1. COURSE SUMMARY

No.	Course Content
1	Marxist – Leninist Philosophy
Course Description: This course provides students with foundational knowledge of the philosophical worldview and methodology underpinning Marxism–Leninism. It examines the dialectical materialist conception of (1) matter, consciousness and their relationship; (2) materialist dialectics as the science of universal interconnections and development in nature, society and thought, including its principles, laws and categories; (3) dialectical materialist epistemology; (4) historical materialism as a system of dialectical materialist perspectives on society, clarifying the origins, driving forces and general laws governing the movement and development of human social history; and (5) the philosophy of the human being.
2	Marxist – Leninist: Political Economy
Course Description: This course equips students with knowledge of the nature of fundamental economic issues in a freely competitive market economy; the relationship between competition and monopoly; and theories of monopoly and state monopoly, thereby identifying the laws governing economic phenomena and processes. It also examines the distinctive characteristics of Vietnam’s market economy, including the socialist-oriented market economy, the reconciliation of interests, industrialization and modernization in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Vietnam’s current international economic integration.
3	Scientific Socialism
Course Description: This course systematically introduces the origins and stages of development of scientific socialism; the Marxist–Leninist view of humanity’s inevitable transition from capitalist to communist socioeconomic formations and the historical mission of the working class; socialism and the transition to socialism; socialist democracy and the socialist state; and approaches to class, ethnicity, religion and family issues during socialist construction. Students are expected to apply this knowledge to explain political and social issues and to develop confidence in socialism and Vietnam’s path towards socialism.
4	History of the Communist Party of Vietnam
Course Description: This course provides a systematic understanding of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s history of leadership, struggle and governance, and of the Party as a political organization leading the working class, working people and the Vietnamese nation. It strengthens students’ political awareness and understanding of major national issues in their relationship with contemporary global developments. The course also fosters patriotism, national consciousness and pride, and a spirit of independence, self-reliance and resilience.
5	Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology
Course Description: This course develops a systematic and scholarly understanding of Ho Chi Minh’s comprehensive and profound thought concerning the Vietnamese revolution, especially his ideas, ethics and cultural values. It contributes to developing students’ competencies, working methods, convictions and revolutionary commitment while strengthening their perspectives and positions on the foundations of Marxism–Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought.
6	Microeconomics
Course Description: This course introduces the fundamental tools used to study the behavior of individuals, firms and governments under conditions of resource scarcity. Students learn to explain and quantify relationships among economic variables and to understand optimal production and consumption decisions. By the end of the course, students are expected to understand supply, demand, markets, prices, costs, profits, consumer and firm behavior, market structures and the role of government; explain how market economies operate and how consumers and firms respond under different market structures; and apply economic theories to explain real-world market phenomena.
7	Macroeconomics
Course Description: This course introduces the fundamental principles of macroeconomics and their practical applications. Students first study key concepts, including output, unemployment, inflation and exchange rates, before exploring foundational macroeconomic models. They learn to apply these models to analyze macroeconomic shocks and the government’s policy responses over both the short and long term.
8	Research Methodology for Economics and Business
Course Description: This course introduces research methodology to students specializing in economics and business. Upon completion, students understand research philosophy and can apply the stages of a research project: identifying a research topic, reviewing the literature, understanding philosophical foundations and approaches to theory development, designing research, addressing research ethics and data access, collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, and reporting research findings. These skills support students’ academic study and research during university and after graduation.
9	Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Applications
Course Description: Upon completing this course, students will be able to understand the core concepts of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI); develop competencies in using digital tools, working with data and applying AI to solve problems; practice using digital tools, exploring data and applying AI tools to real-world challenges; and comply with ethical and legal standards governing AI and digital data in contemporary society.
10	Mathematics, Probability and Statistics in Economics
Course Description: This course provides fundamental knowledge of advanced mathematics, probability and statistics as applied to economics. Mathematical topics include matrices, determinants, systems of linear equations in economics and mathematical analysis for economic applications. Probability and statistics topics include single-parameter estimation and hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, simple two-variable regression models and an introduction to economic simulation.
11	FSEL 0: Professional Planning & Skills Development
Course Description: This course develops essential career development skills through the preparation of a comprehensive Career Portfolio Project. Combining theory and practice in project-based learning, it involves research, instructor-guided assessments, workshops, company visits and hands-on activities. Students identify potential career paths and the competencies required for positions relevant to Business English; identify transferable workplace skills and plan their development, including teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and digital presence; undertake self-assessment and career planning in response to changing labor-market needs; and create a personalized portfolio documenting career exploration, job-shadowing experiences, short- and long-term plans and evidence of development. The portfolio includes digital and physical components, such as reflective journals, videos, certificates and a personal website. On completion, students will possess foundational career-planning knowledge and a professional portfolio demonstrating readiness for post-graduation employment.
12	Design Thinking and Innovation
Course Description: Design Thinking and Innovation is a compulsory first-year course for students across all programs at Foreign Trade University. It provides fundamental knowledge and practical skills in design thinking and innovation. On completing the course, students should have a foundation for academic study, research and career orientation; be able to use design-thinking tools and techniques to identify, analyze and propose solutions to practical problems; develop problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking and reflection skills; and cultivate creativity, openness to new ideas, readiness for change, adaptability, independent learning and the capacity for continued personal and career development.
13	Introduction to Law*
Course Description: A compulsory course in various undergraduate programs at Foreign Trade University, Introduction to Law provides fundamental knowledge of the state and the law. Upon completion, students will be able to: (Objective 1) understand and apply essential concepts concerning the state, law, civil and criminal legal relations, human rights, public international law and private international law; (Objective 2) address basic issues concerning the state, the law and selected legal relationships; and (Objective 3) demonstrate independence and initiative in improving their understanding of legal and state affairs in the context of international integration, and apply acquired knowledge to analyze and resolve related problems.
14	Innovation
Course Description: This course introduces creativity-related knowledge, tools and processes for developing an innovative idea into a business and for enabling established businesses to innovate within their organizations. Students learn foundational theories of innovation and creativity alongside practical approaches and skills for sustaining and enhancing innovation in business.
15	Psychology
Course Description: This course provides foundational knowledge of psychology, including essential concepts and theories; cognition, emotion, feelings, volition and personality; and skills for analyzing psychological processes, behavior, character, motivation, stress, psychological disorders and social behavior, as well as managing emotions. Drawing on psychological theory, students learn to understand human mental life and behavior, explain phenomena in individual and social life, and address challenges encountered in their personal and professional lives.
16	Second Foreign Language – Part 1
Course Description: Japanese: The course introduces approximately 1,000 vocabulary items, 200 kanji and 80 sentence patterns, and develops elementary listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Lessons based on an elementary Japanese textbook cover new grammar and vocabulary, basic and applied exercises, and the reading and writing of kanji. Chinese: For beginners, the course introduces Chinese phonetics, characters, basic grammatical structures and approximately 400 vocabulary items. Students practice elementary communication using these structures and words as a foundation for subsequent courses. Teaching primarily emphasizes practice and drills. French: As part of the general education curriculum, this course provides foundational knowledge of French language and culture, particularly workplace culture. It develops practical French-language skills for daily life and business settings, aiming for A1-level professional communication under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
17	Second Foreign Language – Part 2
Course Description: Japanese: Building on Part 1, the course introduces approximately 1,000 additional vocabulary items, 300 kanji and 100 sentence patterns and develops listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at elementary to lower-intermediate levels. Lessons based on elementary Japanese materials cover new grammar, vocabulary, basic and applied practice, and kanji reading and writing. Chinese: Building on Second Foreign Language – Part 1, this course further develops all four language skills. Students learn to communicate about simple topics such as travel and shopping, participate in everyday exchanges, and improve listening, writing and recognition of Chinese characters. The course also introduces HSK 3 test-taking skills and related knowledge. French: The course develops knowledge of French language, culture and business workplace practices and strengthens practical communication skills for daily and professional situations, targeting A1-level professional communication under the CEFR.
18	Second Foreign Language – Part 3
Course Description: Japanese: This course develops integrated Japanese-language proficiency at the early intermediate level across listening, speaking, reading and writing. As a bridge between elementary and intermediate study, it also begins incorporating economics-related content. Chinese: Continuing from Second Foreign Language – Part 2, the course strengthens the four language skills. It covers grammatical complements and selected sentence patterns and emphasizes HSK 3 test-taking skills and exercises. Students learn to understand the main points of clear standard texts and speech on familiar topics such as work, school and leisure, working toward Level 3 of Vietnam’s six-level foreign-language proficiency framework or the equivalent HSK 3 level. French: As part of general education, the course develops knowledge of French language and culture, particularly workplace culture, alongside practical French for everyday and professional communication, with the stated aim of achieving B1 under the CEFR.
19	English Phonetics and Phonology
Course Description: Designed for students at B1 under the CEFR or Level 3/6 of Vietnam’s foreign-language proficiency framework, this three-credit course introduces the English sound system and the characteristics of English phonemes for application to pronunciation, speaking and listening. It covers basic theories and concepts in English phonology, pronunciation principles used by native speakers in everyday life, and similarities and differences among English sound systems in different English-speaking regions. Students learn to use this knowledge to improve listening and speaking in a variety of contexts.
20	English Semantics
Course Description: This course introduces the principles of linguistic semantics and explains how language organizes and expresses meaning through words and sentences. It also examines linguistic and nonlinguistic context in analyzing sentences, utterances and propositions. Topics include reference and meaning, lexical semantics and semantic relations, thematic roles, presupposition, entailment, speech acts, conversational implicature, propositions, referring expressions, discourse scope, synonymy, antonymy, hyponymy, homonymy, polysemy, derivation and participant roles. Through inquiry-based learning, clearly illustrated concepts and application exercises, students learn to analyze appropriate examples systematically and apply semantic knowledge to English listening, speaking, reading, writing, translation and interpreting.
21	English Syntax
Course Description: This three-credit course combines theoretical instruction and practical exercises. The theoretical component establishes systematic knowledge of English grammar and syntax, from parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and others) and their grammatical categories to phrases, clauses and sentences. Students then complete diverse application exercises to identify, distinguish and analyze grammatical phenomena and their similarities and differences. The practical component applies grammatical theory to improve English proficiency, especially writing and translation.
22	Advanced Listening
Course Description: This course develops academic listening, note-taking and discussion strategies to help students meet the demands of academic study. Designed for intermediate through advanced learners, it teaches effective lecture listening and note-taking and communication in group discussions. Students develop the ability to apply these strategies independently and confidently. Lecture topics include advertising, leisure, gender-related spending patterns, work habits, pollution, high-tech devices and marketing. The course prepares students to study other subjects delivered in English.
23	Advanced Speaking
Course Description: This course develops students’ spoken English through learning and practicing effective presentations and meeting facilitation. Practical activities, simulated videos and audio materials build communication skills and linguistic knowledge. Students learn to deliver clear, well-structured presentations in English and gain the competence and confidence to participate actively in most types of meetings across a range of professional situations.
24	Advanced Reading
Course Description: This course develops critical reading so that students can evaluate information rather than passively accept everything they read. It introduces critical reading and questioning techniques essential for successful university study, particularly advanced academic writing, speaking and presentations, as well as report and thesis writing. The course also aims to develop reading proficiency toward the upper end of C1 by expanding vocabulary and turning passive vocabulary into active use. Activities include extensive reading, summarizing and synthesizing texts, comparing authors’ perspectives, discussing their positions and assessing the evidence supporting their arguments.
25	Advanced Writing
Course Description: Advanced Writing – Academic Composition introduces academic discourse and strengthens writing skills for success in higher education and beyond. The course emphasizes writing for varied rhetorical situations and developing effective writing processes. Students learn to engage responsibly with others’ ideas and recognize themselves as active participants in knowledge creation, using sources not merely to report information but also to construct and defend arguments about important academic and cultural issues.
26	Research Writing
Course Description: Research Writing is designed for students who have attained B2 under the CEFR (equivalent to Level 4 of Vietnam’s foreign-language proficiency framework) and aims for C1 (equivalent to Level 5) on completion. As the final course in the writing-skills sequence, it follows Advanced Writing, which emphasizes the literature review and establishes the necessary foundations. Students learn to conduct academic research and write scholarly papers. The course supports specialist study, graduation thesis preparation and future research in linguistics and economics. Its final product is a research proposal.
27	FSEL 1: Language, Culture and Communication Project – LCC Project
Course Description: The Language, Culture and Communication Project is intended for students who have completed the language theory and practice courses needed for the project. In teams of approximately ten, students choose a country of interest and use English to investigate its culture and communication practices. The final product is a Cultural Exhibition featuring each team’s work. Each team presents at least: (1) an information collection, possibly a travel guide, covering distinctive cultural features (religion and beliefs, festivals, social stratification, gender roles, cuisine, arts, communication styles, greetings, gift-giving etiquette, personal space and home visits), in-depth interviews with people from the country, and articles introducing scenic destinations; and (2) an approximately 30-minute entertainment program featuring a short play or musical scripted by students from a well-known literary work, and/or traditional dances, songs or poems arranged and performed by students. Incorporating traditional performances into the play or musical is encouraged. The exhibition is intended to give lecturers, guests and students an authentic and memorable journey through different countries’ languages, cultures, communication practices and landscapes.
28	British and American Culture*
Course Description: This course explores traditional and contemporary British and American cultural values. It introduces second-year students to the countries, peoples, values, attitudes, beliefs, political systems, governments and other cultural dimensions of Britain and the United States. Students compare these features with those of Vietnamese culture to enhance their understanding, communication and related competencies for studying and working in multicultural settings.
29	British and American Literature*
Course Description: This course introduces the concept of literature and the structure and elements of literary works. Students read British and American literature across centuries, mainly prose and poetry, to examine how major writers address these elements and themes. Through sustained attention to students’ writing and interpretive skills, the course prepares them to explore and contribute to the literary world. It supports advanced English studies and welcomes anyone seeking to become a better writer, reader and thinker.
30	Pragmatics
Course Description: This course builds understanding of the foundations of English pragmatics and develops pragmatic analysis skills; no prerequisite is required beyond strong English proficiency. Topics include context, deixis, reference, presupposition, entailment, conversational implicature, speech acts, politeness, conversational style and cross-cultural pragmatics. Instruction combines lectures, reading discussions, presentations and guided classroom practice. In most sessions, new terms are discussed and reinforced through quizzes or multiple-choice exercises. Students also investigate real-world applications of pragmatics through group reports and oral presentations.
31	Translation
Course Description: This course improves students’ English–Vietnamese and Vietnamese–English written translation competence at intermediate and upper-intermediate levels. It develops the knowledge and skills needed for translation, progressing from words to sentences and paragraphs. Topics include translating proper nouns, passive constructions, relative clauses and other features. Practical texts focus on business subjects such as marketing, human resources, international trade, foreign direct investment and sustainable development. Students also develop relevant vocabulary, grammar and independent-study resources. The course aims to support C1 English proficiency under the CEFR or Level 5/6 of VSTEP, or Linguaskill certification, and the ability to translate socioeconomic texts of 1,000–1,500 words.
32	Interpretation
Course Description: Designed for third-year students who have attained Level 5 (C1) under Vietnam’s English proficiency framework or the CEFR, this course introduces basic consecutive interpreting skills and techniques building on students’ previous English training. It emphasizes listening to and analyzing messages and consecutive interpreting without note-taking. Theory introduces core interpreting concepts, while practical sessions involve interpreting materials delivered live by instructors. Practice materials consist of simulated presentations or conference, seminar and discussion speeches on everyday subjects, including work skills, study skills and soft skills, at an intermediate level and approximately three to five minutes long. Students also take the role of presenters to deliver assigned speeches for classmates to interpret.
33	Business English: International Business
Course Description: This course is designed for students who have completed Level 5 (C1) of Vietnam’s six-level foreign-language proficiency framework. It provides an overview of international business, including its definition, distinctions from foreign trade, globalization and the factors driving it; the effects of national business environments, including cultural, legal, political and economic systems; theories of international trade; the reasons for government intervention in foreign trade; international investment; and government intervention instruments.
34	Business English: Business Communication
Course Description: This course develops effective business communicators who can express ideas, feelings, instructions and thoughts clearly. Covering written and oral communication, it introduces accepted practices in internal and external communication across business functions. Students learn and apply business writing principles by preparing memoranda, letters, emails and reports. Particular attention is paid to persuasive, audience-oriented communication strategies. Students also develop speaking skills through structured presentations appropriate to authentic professional settings.
35	Business English: Principles of Marketing
Course Description: This course develops in-depth knowledge of fundamental marketing principles in a globalized environment. Students explore market research, segmentation, targeting, positioning, product strategy, pricing, distribution and promotion. An important objective is to improve students’ fluent and accurate use of English to discuss, analyze and present complex marketing issues. Through applied exercises, case studies and group projects, students strengthen professional communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in international business, preparing for future marketing careers.
36	Business English: Principles of Finance
Course Description: This specialist course within the Business English program is designed for students who have reached Level 5 (C1) of Vietnam’s six-level foreign-language proficiency framework in practical language skills. It introduces specialist economics and business knowledge and foundational financial English relating to corporate financial management. Students acquire essential skills in analyzing corporate financial conditions and making sound investment decisions, with emphasis on managerial financial decision-making. Topics include finance and business, financial markets and interest rates, financial statement analysis, the time value of money, risk and return, capital budgeting and financial planning. The course also maintains and develops C1-level English proficiency tailored to Business English students.
37	Business English: Contracts in International Business
Course Description: This course is intended for students at Level 5 (C1) under Vietnam’s foreign-language proficiency framework. It provides essential knowledge of international sales contracts, including contractual language, style, format and basic drafting principles. Students develop skills in reading and interpreting international sales contracts, translating contracts, interpreting and analyzing sample contracts, and drafting international sales contracts based on International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) templates.
38	Introduction to Business*
Course Description: This course provides foundational knowledge of business fields, business organizations, company and personnel management, corporate ethics and social responsibility, management, human resource management, marketing and finance. Through topic-based activities and exercises similar to the B2 Linguaskill examination, it integrates listening, speaking, reading and writing practice to develop language skills aligned with the stated Level 5 of Vietnam’s foreign-language proficiency framework or B2 under the CEFR.
39	Business English: Principles of Economics*
Course Description: This course introduces microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis and their applications. The microeconomics component covers economic principles, markets, comparative and absolute advantage, market supply and demand and related government policies, types and calculation of costs, and consumer behavior theory. The macroeconomics component introduces the concepts, scope and objectives of macroeconomics; calculation of gross domestic product (GDP) and the consumer price index (CPI); and initial economic analysis of employment, inflation, interest rates and exchange rates.
40	Public Speaking*
Course Description: This skills-oriented course helps students become better public speakers through theory and, above all, practice. Students study communication concepts and models, adapt speeches to occasions and audiences, develop effective supporting material, select and organize content, and use multimedia in presentations. The course applies to academic, business and social settings. It also helps students become better speakers and listeners and develop ethical awareness and conduct.
41	Advanced Translation
Course Description: This course develops students’ written translation skills for economics, trade and socioeconomic texts, including economic integration, the World Trade Organization and free trade agreements. Students practice translating from English into Vietnamese and vice versa and learn to evaluate translations. They also acquire relevant vocabulary, grammatical structures and self-study reference materials. Upon completion, students are expected to reach C1+ English proficiency under the CEFR or Level 5/6 of Vietnam’s foreign-language proficiency framework and to translate socioeconomic texts of 1,500–2,000 words.
42	Advanced Interpretation
Course Description: Advanced Interpreting is intended for students who have reached C1 under Vietnam’s English proficiency framework. It aims to develop C1+ proficiency and advanced consecutive interpreting skills. The course introduces consecutive interpreting concepts and terminology, principles of note-taking, and interpreting practice with five-minute speeches designed for upper-intermediate learners. Compared with the introductory Interpreting course, both speech length and topic complexity increase. Materials comprise simulated presentations and conference, seminar or discussion speeches concerning economics, international business, banking and finance, education, culture, technology and other topics. Graduates are expected to have the basic capacity to begin working as interpreters. Students also prepare and deliver assigned speeches for classmates to interpret, thereby developing interpreting and other language skills.
43	Business English: Principles of Accounting
Course Description: Accounting is the systematic and comprehensive recording of financial transactions relating to business activities. This course introduces fundamental accounting principles and practices in business. Topics include debit and credit theory, the accounting cycle, accounts receivable and payable, accruals and deferrals, the measurement and valuation of assets and liabilities, managerial accounting concepts and terminology, and the preparation and analysis of basic financial statements. Homework, quizzes and examinations consolidate classroom learning and assess students’ understanding.
44	Intercultural Communication
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how culture shapes communication and interaction in an increasingly globalized world. It examines central concepts, theories and models of intercultural communication, emphasizing verbal and nonverbal communication across diverse cultural contexts. Students reflect on their own cultural identity, values and prejudices and learn to interpret communication from intercultural perspectives. Through case studies, simulations and collaborative projects, they develop skills to analyze and resolve communication challenges and demonstrate empathy, respect and adaptability in multicultural environments. The course promotes cultural relativism and effective, ethical cross-cultural communication.
45	International Business
Course Description: This course provides a theoretical framework and general knowledge of international business for analyzing international business situations involving multinational companies operating across different cultural, economic and political environments.
46	Marketing in International Business
Course Description: Designed for students in high-quality programs specializing in business languages, this course adopts a marketing perspective on international business. It provides an overview of marketing and develops students’ ability to analyze opportunities and challenges facing businesses through evaluation of the international business environment. Students also learn to assess company resources and apply appropriate marketing measures to exploit business opportunities in international markets.
47	International Finance
Course Description: This course introduces the macroeconomic dimensions of international finance for students from all specializations, focusing on the global environment in which multinational corporations operate. It examines international monetary relationships, macroeconomic interactions and cross-border capital movements and their application to real-world issues in Vietnam and worldwide. Students study exchange rates and exchange-rate determination and policy; the balance of payments and related theories; international financial markets; the international monetary system and international financial institutions; and financial and currency crises.
48	International Trade Transactions
Course Description: This course develops knowledge and skills relating to trade in global markets. It focuses on methods of conducting trade transactions in complex international environments marked by differences in politics, economics, trade policy, language and culture. Transactions are examined in accordance with international regulations and commercial practices, including direct trading, intermediary transactions, re-exporting, countertrade, auctions, competitive bidding and franchising. The course balances foundational theory, international trade practices and transactional skills while also preparing students for further study and research in Vietnam and abroad.
49	International Business Law
Course Description: This course provides foundational knowledge of legal issues in international business, including the concept and characteristics of international business law, major legal systems and conflicts of laws. It introduces general principles governing international business contracts, including definitions, applicable sources of law, and legal issues arising in contract formation and performance. Students develop essential legal skills for negotiating, concluding and performing common international business contracts, such as contracts for the international sale of goods, international service contracts and international investment contracts. Methods for resolving international business disputes are also covered.
50	Supply Chain Management
Course Description: This course introduces fundamental supply chain management theories. Key topics include an overview of supply chain management and core functional activities: forecasting, purchasing management, inventory management, distribution management and integration. Students apply theoretical knowledge to analyze supply chain management practices in firms and to assess related operational decisions.
51	International Trade Policy
Course Description: This course introduces the foundations of international trade and trade policy instruments. Building on this knowledge, students begin to research and analyze international trade and trade policies in different countries, including Vietnam, with reference to relevant multilateral trade rules and commitments.
52	Logistics and international transportation
Course Description: This course provides foundational theories of logistics and international transportation. It studies the movement of goods through logistics activities to improve efficiency and the organization of freight transportation by sea, rail, air, container transport and multimodal transport.
53	International Payment
Course Description: This course provides in-depth knowledge of payment operations in international transactions. Topics include exchange rates, currencies used in international payments, commonly employed payment instruments worldwide, methods of payment in international trade, and international banking standards for preparing and examining payment documents. It also introduces knowledge relevant to professional international qualifications such as the Certificate in International Trade and Finance (CITF) and the Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS), awarded by the UK’s London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF).
54	Leadership
Course Description: This course increases students’ awareness of different theoretical approaches to leadership, leadership styles and basic leadership practices. It prepares students for current or future leadership responsibilities while improving teamwork skills. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, assessments, readings, classroom discussions and experiential activities.
55	Business Ethics and CSR
Course Description: Business ethics and social responsibility are presented as two behavioral pillars of corporate operations. Business ethics comprises the principles and standards of conduct established and observed by organizations to ensure humane and consistent behavior across operations and among individual employees. Social responsibility reflects societal expectations that businesses should not act against cultural and social values and norms. The course addresses the theoretical foundations and practical application of business ethics and corporate social responsibility principles and standards at both organizational and individual levels.
56	Entrepreneurship
Course Description: This course introduces entrepreneurship and helps students identify business opportunities. Foundational topics include opportunity recognition, industry and competitor analysis, and business growth strategies. Students engage with selected readings, individual and group exercises, and business-plan development. At the end of the course, groups with strong business plans present their proposals and receive feedback from classmates. The course seeks to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and mindset, chiefly from a start-up perspective.
57	Negotiation and Conflict Management
Course Description: This course provides the theories and practical skills needed for negotiation and conflict management, emphasizing international trade and multicultural settings. Students learn to apply negotiation strategies, tactics and styles to resolve disputes and build collaborative relationships. Through analysis and simulation, they develop skills to assess negotiation scenarios, design effective approaches and evaluate outcomes across diverse business environments.
58	Fundamentals of Management
Course Description: This course introduces fundamental business and management knowledge. It focuses on foundational management theories, business environment analysis, decision-making, planning and strategic management, organizational structure design, leadership and employee motivation. Students are encouraged to apply management concepts and skills in practice to deepen their understanding of management and strengthen the skills needed to manage their studies and personal lives.
59	Human Resource Management
Course Description: This course provides an overview of foundational human resource management knowledge. It examines core HRM theories and more specialized topics, including labor-market conditions, the legal environment, recruitment, employee training and development, compensation and benefits, and labor relations.
60	Business Economics
Course Description: Building on introductory economics, this course provides essential knowledge for business students. It introduces basic information about company structures and examines the application of economic principles to business, particularly for students majoring in business.
61	International Investment Project Management
Course Description: This course provides fundamental knowledge of managing investment projects involving foreign elements. It covers general theories of international investment projects and project management, and managerial activities from project preparation and implementation through ongoing operations and closure. Particular emphasis is placed on preparing and implementing project plans. Students are also introduced to management practices for selected types of international investment projects.
62	Business Creativity
Course Description: This course provides knowledge and skills relating to social business models and fundraising for project implementation. Students learn to develop and implement business models in practice and to engage stakeholders and community resources within the social business ecosystem to mobilize capital and develop their ventures.
63	International Business Communication
Course Description: Communication in international business connects actors from different countries and cultures in pursuit of economic objectives and positioning within the global business community. This course introduces the nature, significance and methods of international business communication, providing theoretical knowledge and practical communication skills for international business participants. Students discuss and apply communication theories as guidelines for achieving business objectives while building corporate reputation and image in international markets. The course also strengthens theoretical knowledge, awareness of advances in information technology and practical communication skills through exchanges, negotiations, corporate image-building, product promotion, market searches and other international business activities.
64	FSEL 2: Business Solutions Project
Course Description: The Business Solutions Project is a mid-program internship that provides practical experience and insights into business operations. Students work in a business environment for five weeks and apply a range of skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, research and writing. During the internship, students work individually or in groups of up to three and participate actively in business activities under the supervision of an assigned academic adviser. They observe and assess challenges and (in)efficiencies in their assigned tasks and the broader operations of their host department. Each student or group selects a specific operational problem for in-depth investigation, analysis and solution development. By the end of the internship, students complete their research project and present their findings as a business proposal.
65	FSEL 3: Graduation Thesis
Course Description: The Graduation Thesis Project serves both as career preparation and as an assessment of students’ readiness to graduate with the knowledge, skills, discipline, independence and maturity needed for professional life and/or postgraduate study. It also offers opportunities to expand personal and professional networks. Above all, it is an individual research project emphasizing students’ ability to identify a workplace problem relevant to their specialization during an 11-week internship, collect and critically read relevant literature, and synthesize the evidence into a sound basis for analyzing and evaluating the problem and proposing solutions. Problem identification, analysis, evaluation and recommendations are supported by face-to-face workplace discussions with an internship supervisor and individual consultations with an academic adviser. At the end of the internship, students complete the research project and submit it as a graduation thesis.