Bachelor of Foreign Trade
SwissUK™ Dual Qualification
Bachelor of Foreign Trade Top-Up and Second Degree
The Bachelor of Foreign Trade prepares learners for careers in import–export, international logistics, global payments, and cross-border trade. Many traditional graduates lack practical skills and struggle to navigate the modern international business environment.
The SwissUK Bachelor of Foreign Trade is the first programme integrating the National Competency Framework for Chartered Manager (average salary £72,623/year) and combining the excellence of Swiss private education with the UK RQF system recognised by Ofqual (UK Government).
By merging national competencies, a Swiss Private degree, and a UK-recognised qualification, both widely recognised by employers in the global job market—the programme empowers students to start building their careers with confidence even before they graduate.
Swiss Made. UK Government Recognised.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Foreign Trade from SIMI Swiss
- Level 6 Diploma in Business Management awarded by OTHM (recognised by Ofqual, UK Government)
Promotion
Delivery
Awarding
- Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI)
- OTHM (Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body)
UK ENIC Band
The Bachelor dual qualification is aligned with RQF Level 6 and has been assessed by UK ENIC as comparable to Band 9 within the UK qualification framework.
Recognised in the United Kingdom
The OTHM Level 6 Diploma is regulated by Ofqual (UK Government) and recognised as equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s Degree level.
Recognised in Switzerland
Bachelor graduates from SIMI Swiss can work in Switzerland immediately, as managerial roles are considered non-regulated occupations.
National Occupational Standards
Bachelor of Foreign Trade Dual Qualification aligned with the Chartered Manager framework — leading to Chartered Manager status with a UK median salary of £72,623 per year.
Recognised internationally
Recognised under UK RQF Level 6, the Bachelor of Foreign Trade Dual Qualification is accepted as equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in over 180 countries and territories.
Quickly Learn a New Major
With its unique structure combining a UK-recognised qualification and Swiss private higher-education excellence, learners can switch majors quickly without starting over.
Programme Details
The Bachelor of Foreign Trade Top-up or Second Degree programme includes 7 compulsory modules + 1 Capstone Project in the Foreign Trade major.
A. Compulsory Modules:
- Leadership and People Management (20 UK Credits)
- Business Research Project (20 UK Credits)
- Operations Management (20 UK Credits)
- Financial Decision Making (20 UK Credits)
- Sustainable Business Practices (20 UK Credits)
- Strategic Human Resource Management (20 UK Credits)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (20 UK Credits)
B. Capstone Project in Foreign Trade major (40 UK Credits):
The Capstone Project serves as an integrated assessment of all knowledge and competencies gained throughout the programme. Students are required to:
- Analyse international markets, B2B behaviours, and global trade data.
- Design and evaluate import–export systems, global supply chains, and market-entry strategies.
- Manage risks in logistics, transportation, and cross-border operations.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of distribution channels and trade promotion activities.
- Ensure compliance with international commerce standards, customs regulations, taxation rules, and contract management requirements.
- Apply digital tools—Digital Trade, e-Logistics, CRM, Data Analytics, and AI—to enhance forecasting, supply-chain operations, and business competitiveness.
The Capstone reflects and consolidates all learning outcomes embedded within the programme’s modules.
Upon graduation, students will receive:
- Level 6 Diploma in Business Management from OTHM (UK government-recognized, equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the UK ENIC/NARIC Band 9).
- Bachelor of Foreign Trade from SIMI Swiss.
- Applicants who have completed two years of a university bachelor’s programme or hold a Level 4/5 Diploma in economics, management, finance, marketing, business, logistics, import–export, international trade, or related fields, seeking to complete a Top-up Bachelor’s degree.
- Graduates of a Bachelor’s degree in a different discipline who wish to obtain a second degree to strengthen their knowledge and career prospects in foreign trade.
- Applicants without a College or Higher Education qualification, but with at least 5 years of professional experience in import–export, logistics, international trade, global business operations or a related field, may apply through the APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) process.
- English proficiency must be at least CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level B2 or IELTS 5.5
The programme is delivered through a real-time online Live Class model, where learners study and interact directly with SIMI Swiss lecturers via a live training platform.
It follows the SIMI Swiss Direct™ model — meaning learners study directly with SIMI Swiss, without any partnerships, franchising, or intermediaries. This ensures full access to the original programme content, without modification, while eliminating third-party risks and issues related to unauthorised local training.
Accredited & Recognized
- Strong dual recognition: Swiss Private Degree + UK National Qualification
- Enhanced employability in Switzerland and the UK within the field of foreign trade
- Eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, based on the RQF Level 6 qualification officially recognised by the UK Government
- Global recognition through compatibility between RQF/EQF frameworks and other national qualification systems(*). See more HERE
- UK Chartered Manager Competency Standard: Easily demonstrate professional competence and meet job requirements with an average salary of £72,623 per year. See more HERE
- Expanded opportunities for Master’s-level study internationally
(*) All qualification recognitions, top-ups, or transfers under the Swiss and UK education systems are subject to the specific policies of the receiving institution or relevant authority — verification should be conducted in advance where applicable.
About the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss)
SIMI Swiss is a SwissUK™ Higher Education Institute that unites the excellence of Swiss Private Higher Education with the nationally recognised qualification framework of the United Kingdom Government, regulated by Ofqual (UK.Gov). SIMI Swiss holds full international accreditation and awards dual qualifications, combining a Swiss Private Degree with a nationally recognised qualification from the United Kingdom, upholding globally recognised academic standards.
References:
About the awarding body – OTHM, an Ofqual-regulated UK Government Awarding Organisation
- Institutional recognition: OTHM is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), the official education regulator of the UK Government. Ofqual recognition number: RN5284. View the official recognition information HERE.
- Programme recognition: The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management is Ofqual-regulated under qualification code 603/2179/9. View the official recognition information HERE.
References:
- Sample diploma and transcript of OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management HERE
- How to verify OTHM regulation and recognition: HERE
The SwissUK™ Bachelor of Foreign Trade programme from SIMI Swiss integrates the UK Government-regulated national competency framework for the Chartered Manager role (see more HERE). This integration not only enables learners to obtain a UK Government-recognised Level 6 national qualification but also offers the following advantages:
- Learn the competencies employers need: Beyond theory, students develop full KSBs (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours) aligned with the UK Government occupational standard.
- Easier competency verification for employment: Each Learning Outcome (LO) is mapped to professional criteria, enabling employers to assess and trust graduates’ abilities from the recruitment stage.
- Faster progression into management roles: Competencies are standardised at undergraduate managerial level, making graduates job-ready for frontline leadership and supervisory positions.
- Globally competitive earnings: Chartered Manager roles have an average salary of £72,623 per year in the United Kingdom.
- Internationally recognised employability profile: Competency standards are applied in multinational organisations, supporting global career mobility.
- Reduced unemployment and career-misalignment risks: Learners can enter employment early through the staged recognition and awarding of national qualifications.
- A strong advantage over traditional Bachelor programmes: While many graduates struggle to define their professional capabilities, SwissUK™ students graduate with a clear, internationally validated competency profile — and can fully evidence it.
Key advantage over traditional Bachelor’s programmes: While many graduates struggle to find direction after completing their studies, SwissUK™ students graduate with clearly defined professional competencies and the ability to demonstrate them confidently to employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The programme awards two qualifications:
- Bachelor of Foreign Trade – awarded by SIMI Swiss (Switzerland)
- OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Business Management – awarded by OTHM (United Kingdom)
These two qualifications are fully integrated, creating maximum strength and value for graduates upon completion.
Yes.
- The OTHM qualification is regulated by Ofqual (UK Government), ensuring national standards of quality, transparency, and compliance in the United Kingdom.
- SIMI Swiss is an international higher education institute operating under the Swiss Private HEI model, registered and governed in the Canton of Zug. It is responsible for the academic value of its Private Degree programmes in accordance with Swiss law.
- Check the programme on SVEB HERE.
Yes. The OTHM qualification is part of the RQF and regulated by Ofqual, and it is recognised at the Bachelor’s Degree Level within the UK education system.
References:
Yes.
The SwissUK degree awarded by SIMI is recognised for employment in Switzerland without any additional procedures, as positions within the Business and Management group fall under non-regulated occupations that do not require a professional licence.
UK ENIC benchmarks RQF Level 6 at Band 9, which is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree. See more details HERE
Yes.
According to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), RQF Level 6 is aligned with EQF Level 6. See more details HERE
Yes. It may be evaluated as equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor-level, depending on the individual application, through:
- CICIC (Canada)
- WES (USA/Canada)
The final outcome depends on the purpose of the evaluation and the independent assessment conducted by these agencies. See more details HERE
Yes.
The qualification integrates the competency standards for the Chartered Manager role – Occupational Code LAR402 under the UK occupational framework. See more details HERE
According to labor market data from the United Kingdom, the average annual salary for the Management and Administration group (which includes manager roles aligned with this programme) is £72,623 per year. See more details HERE
Yes.
According to the Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules (effective 2025), the minimum qualification level for the Skilled Worker Visa has been raised to RQF Level 6.
A qualification at RQF Level 6 meets the mandatory academic requirement.
See more details HERE
Yes. Learners are eligible to apply for postgraduate programs such as:
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- MSc in International Business / Global Trade / Supply Chain Management / Logistics Management
- MSc in Management / Leadership & People Development
Reference: Recognition of RQF/EQF Level 6 as a Bachelor’s degree under international education standards. See more details: HERE
Information relating to the programme, the qualification, its accreditation status, and any associated recognition frameworks is derived from official publications issued by the UK Government, statutory regulatory authorities, and other competent bodies. All information is accurate as of the date of publication; however, it may be amended, revised, or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, pursuant to updates in applicable policies, regulations, or statutory instruments.
Although recognition, cross-recognition, and equivalency frameworks are established on transparent, objective, and verifiable criteria, each country, ministry, governmental department, professional body, or receiving institution retains sole discretion and full adjudicatory authority to determine whether a qualification is recognised, accepted, or deemed equivalent under its internal regulations and legal jurisdiction. Accordingly, learners bear full responsibility for verifying recognition requirements directly with the relevant authority or institution before relying on the qualification for any legal, academic, or professional purpose.
In accordance with principles of transparency and jurisdictional compliance, SIMI Swiss, UKeU®, OTHM, and all related parties do not make any commitment or representation regarding qualification recognition, equivalency, immigration status, or professional licensing in any country, ministry, department, or regulatory body.
This information is provided to ensure accuracy and transparency in public communication, consistent with international standards and best practices in academic disclosure.