International Business MSc

Course overview

Learn to conduct business in a rapidly transforming global landscape with this industry-accredited Masters.

On this course you’ll consider the latest emerging issues in international business such as the rise of emerging market multinationals. You’ll also explore challenges to global innovation management and trade-offs in nurturing commercially sustainable international businesses.

You'll learn to identify the motivations and methods for firms to enter and operate in foreign markets and address controversial issues in international business. You'll also develop your own international and strategic business plans.

On completion of the course, you’ll be able to appreciate the factors that drive performance in the global economy and understand how the rise of emerging economies affects businesses and their international strategies.

As a Leeds University Business School student, you'll join a diverse community of staff and students from across the world. This will expand your networks and perspectives as a global citizen.

Our links with a variety of organisations, networks and alliances provide valuable global experiences which extend beyond the classroom.

Opportunities for extracurricular business experiences include our Masters Beyond Borders scheme. This allows you to spend a semester abroad at a partner university in Europe or Asia.

Course Highlights

• The course is informed by specialist knowledge from our links with global experts, major private companies and public sector bodies, providing you with the latest insights and thinking in a fast-changing global landscape.
• This course is delivered by staff from the Centre for International Business at the University of Leeds (CIBUL), the world's leading centre for international business.
• Gain valuable, real-world insight from guest speakers from all over the world. Recent speakers have included key executives from Versace, Piaggio, Mercado Libre, and TWE.
• Make valuable connections with alumni of the MSc International Business course and hear how their learning experience has impacted their careers.
• In your final semester, you’ll work on a research dissertation project. This will allow you to conduct hands-on research that can be applied to address real-world business challenges.
• On all Masters courses at Leeds University Business School you’ll have an opportunity to apply for a place on a week-long international study tour which will include company visits, guest lectures and networking events, as well as an opportunity to visit local places of interest. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.

Find out more about studying your Masters at Leeds University Business School.

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Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS

Course details

The course begins with an intensive two-week induction which will introduce you to the methods of teaching, course content and academic best-practices.

The induction will also showcase the relationship between the course and your career aspirations and provide an opportunity to familiarise yourself with your peers.

You’ll then build upon your knowledge and perspectives of international business and improve your confidence in using analytical skills. This will include qualitative and quantitative methods.

You'll also develop in-depth understanding across issues related to global economic coordination and governance and reflect upon some of the central debates in international business. These include intellectual property, labour issues and sustainability.

You'll also explore topics such as strategic management and entering foreign markets. Alongside this, you’ll build research skills and learn about the different methodologies used in international business research.

Compulsory modules will develop your professional skills for the workplace and prepare you for the challenges of managing organisations and individuals across diverse cultural contexts. You'll also select optional modules on topics that suit your interests or career plans. These include Global Business Immersion, Foreign Market Entry Strategy and Chinese Business.

At the end of the course, you'll submit an independent research project, where you will research a topic in-depth and submit a dissertation. You may have the opportunity to gain practical experience through a consultancy-style project working with an external organisation.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read International Business MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Students must choose 30 credits (15 credits in Semester 1 and 15 credits in Semester 2).

Learning and teaching

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in any subject. You should have an interest in the subject, although you don’t need any prior experience or qualifications in this area.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Documents and information you need

• a copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
• contact details for two academic references
• a personal statement
• an up-to-date CV
• your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• a letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £17,500 (Total)

International: £35,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

Optional Institute of Export (IOE) student membership. See IOE website for details.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

We’re offering over 100 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2025. These scholarships offer up to a 50% fee reduction and will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.

Find out more about scholarships at Leeds University Business School:

International Excellence Scholarships (International applicants)

Masters Excellence Scholarships (UK applicants)

Read more about Masters Funding and Scholarships at the University of Leeds

Career opportunities

A postgraduate degree from Leeds University Business School has a high value out in the world. The transferable skills acquired on this course will help you to secure and progress in your chosen career.

Multinational organisations particularly favour employees who can work confidently across a range of different markets.

Previous graduates have gone on to diverse careers in top firms worldwide, including as business analysts, country managers, product managers and trading executives. Others have sought to internationalise their own family business.

The MSc International Business also offers an excellent grounding for a research degree.

Careers support

As part of this course, our dedicated Professional Development Tutor will provide tailored academic and careers support to help you achieve your career ambitions.

You can expect expert advice and guidance on your career choices, help in identifying and applying for jobs and support to boost your employability. You’ll also receive support to develop the professional skills you'll need to start a successful career and how to evidence these to prospective employers.

You’ll also benefit from the University’s Careers Service, where you can access a range of support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions, even after you graduate.

Read more about our careers and professional development support

Study abroad and work placements

Students who have formally started their study on the course may have the exclusive opportunity to apply for our extended programme, MSc International Business (Study Abroad).

You’ll have the chance to study for an extra semester outside of the UK as part of our Masters Beyond Borders scheme. If you’re accepted on to the scheme, you'll study at one of our highly-rated partner business schools, located across the world. More information about the scheme will be provided after the course induction. Application criteria and briefings are released towards the end of the first semester.

Places are limited and highly sought after. Students accepted onto the scheme will graduate with the degree title MSc International Business (Study Abroad).