Course overview
Harness creativity and business to create cross-border demand for global organisations.
Marketing is much more than just ads and web pages – it’s how companies present themselves to the world and generate demand for their products and services. Study this degree and become an expert in this creative profession, learning how to communicate with customers across the world and accessing exciting careers in the process.
You’ll learn about the core concepts and practices of international business while specialising in marketing topics. The course is fully accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, helping you stand out in a graduate job market and gain a head start for your career.
What could that career look like? Well, through exploring topics like managing across cultures, branding, digital marketing, and organisational and consumer behaviour, you’ll gain analytical and practical skills to enter a range of roles. Business development, export management, market analysis, enterprise – this degree gives you the skills needed to enter a wide scope of career pathways at global organisations of all shapes and sizes.
Why study at Leeds?
- Shape your learning: Pathways give you the chance to hone your skill set to suit career goals in analytics, consulting, economics, enterprise and innovation, marketing, and ethics and sustainability.
- Practical, career-focused teaching: The final-year interactive International Strategic Management module lets you put your learning into practice and make strategic decisions through live business simulations. You’ll also develop important research and analytical skills and apply these to a year-long project on an international business topic of your choice.
- Study in a city of industry: Leeds is a national hub for business, home to the Bank of England, Sky, PwC, NHS Digital and KPMG. Our relationships with industry translate directly into opportunities for our students.
- A hub for research: We’re home to the world’s leading research centre for international business, the Centre for International Business at the University of Leeds (CIBUL). Here, we unite leading global experts and work alongside major private companies and public sector bodies.
- Support your future career: Access to support from the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity team, who'll help you explore opportunities to develop your professional network and gain work experience.
- Study abroad or in industry: Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes at one of our many partner universities across the world.
Why study Economics at Leeds University Business School?
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Accreditation
Our International Business degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, which allows you to acquire an exporting qualification after your studies and strengthens your job prospects.
Course details and modules
Our degrees have a modular structure. This means that the theoretical and applied content within our compulsory modules provide you with the core knowledge and skills that you need.
Alongside these compulsory modules, you’ll also have the opportunity to shape your course through optional, pathway and discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out in a competitive graduate job market.
- Optional modules are related to the field of international business and marketing enabling you to deepen your knowledge and skills within this area.
- Pathways are optional modules which you can study in your second and final year. These are themed around key business disciplines, designed to complement your core knowledge and skills in international business and marketing and broaden your expertise. You can choose to study modules from up to two pathways during each year, with the opportunity to continue, choose a different pathway* or return your focus to optional international business and marketing modules as you progress between years.
- Discovery modules give you opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside your subject area. They are categorised into Discovery Themes ranging from arts to sciences, and from theory to practice.
Whether you choose optional, pathway or discovery modules, you’ll be shaping your course to suit your personal interests and career aspirations. In all years, you will be able to choose from a selection of modules that reflect the research interests and expertise of staff at Leeds.
*Subject to prerequisites in year 2.
Year 1
Your first year will give you a firm grounding in key areas of international business through compulsory modules. At the same time, you’ll learn the basic principles and concepts in marketing and how they are applied in different sectors and situations. Optional modules allow you to explore topics such as global entrepreneurship, sports analytics and effective decision making. You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge by selecting discovery modules.
Year 2
In the following year you’ll learn more about research methods in international business and the challenges and strategies related to managing across cultures and international boundaries. In marketing, compulsory modules will give you an understanding of consumer behaviour and the marketing research which helps organisations to reach their target audiences more effectively. You’ll be able to pursue specialist interests through optional modules related to international business and marketing.
You’ll also have the option to broaden your study of business and marketing through pathway modules to include areas such as consulting, analytics, enterprise and innovation and sustainability and ethics. A choice of discovery modules will also be offered.
Final year
You’ll engage with the very latest research in international business in your final year while developing your knowledge of international strategic management. You’ll compete in an international business simulation, giving you the opportunity to develop and apply your knowledge of business strategies and theories in a practical team-based environment.
Compulsory modules will build your knowledge of marketing strategy and promotional management, as well as the challenges and opportunities of marketing on an international level. Through your choice of optional modules, you could explore topics such as European business, managing social media and freight transport, logistics and the environment. You’ll also have the option to continue to study topics via pathway modules in enterprise consultancy, business ethics, innovative thinking and data analytics. Discovery modules will also be available for you to choose from.
The course culminates with an independently researched dissertation on an international business topic of your choice, which showcases the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired.
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.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Academic and Professional Development for Studies in Marketing (20 credits)
- Principles of International Business (20 credits)
- Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
- Fundamentals of Marketing (20 credits)
- Economics for Management (20 credits)
Optional modules
- Social Media, Content, and Influencer Marketing (10 credits)
- Starting your own Business (10 credits)
- Global Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
- Introduction to Sports Analytics (10 credits)
- Understanding Statistics in the Social Sciences (10 credits)
- Introduction to Effective Decision Making (10 credits)
- Creativity and Marketing (10 credits)
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Consumer Behaviour (20 credits)
- Cross-Cultural Management (20 credits)
- Research Methods in International Business (20 credits)
- Marketing Research (20 credits)
- Managing International Business (20 credits)
Optional modules
- From Study to Work (10 credits)
- Building and Managing Brands (10 credits)
- Contemporary Topics in International Business (10 credits)
- Small Business Internationalisation and Growth (10 credits)
- Advanced Management Decision Making (10 credits)
- How Managers Make Decisions (10 credits)
- Experiencing the World of Work (10 credits)
Pathway modules
Analytics pathway
- Visualising and Analysing Data Effectively (10 credits)
- Understanding Data in the Social Sciences (10 credits)
Consulting pathway
- Evidence Based Consultancy (10 credits)
Enterprise and Innovation pathway
- Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice (10 credits)
- New Enterprise Planning (20 credits)
- Managing Innovation in Business (10 credits)
- Leading and Managing Small Businesses (10 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Corporate Social Responsibility (10 credits)
- Leadership Ethics (10 credits)
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- International Marketing (10 credits)
- International Business Dissertation (40 credits)
- Advertising and Promotional Management (10 credits)
- Marketing Strategy (20 credits)
- International Strategic Management (20 credits)
Optional modules
- European Business (10 credits)
- Transnational Corporations in the World Economy (10 credits)
- Managing Social Media and Digital Work (20 credits)
- Global Perspectives on Work and Employment (20 credits)
- Managing Global Value Chains (10 credits)
- Freight Transport, Logistics and the Environment (10 credits)
- Sustainable International Business (10 credits)
- Customer Relationship Analytics and Management (10 credits)
- AI in International Business (10 credits)
Pathway modules
Analytics pathway
- Data Analytics for Business (20 credits)
- People Analytics: Strategy and Practice (20 credits)
Consulting pathway
- Contemporary Management Consulting (20 credits)
- Enterprise Consultancy (20 credits)
Enterprise and Innovation pathway
- Critical Perspective in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
- Innovation in Practice for Change and Impact (20 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Business Ethics (20 credits)
- Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective (20 credits)
- Diversity Management (20 credits)
- Sustainable Business Futures: Policy and Practice (20 credits)
- Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (10 credits)
Learning and teaching
You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your course and modules.
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
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a range of transferable skills that you’ll need in professional life. These are likely to include coursework, exams, oral presentations, group reports and dissertations.
Specialist facilities
At Leeds University Business School, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including state-of-the-art lecture theatres, collaborative learning and teaching spaces with the latest interactive technology and modern study spaces with dedicated computer clusters. Read more about our Business School facilities.
Explore more of our facilities through our 360 virtual experience.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA
GCSE: Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education with acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, including Mathematics grade B/5 and English Language grade B/5 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification. If you have a B/5 in GCSE English Literature, we will accept a Grade C/4 in GCSE English Language.
Other course specific tests:
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.
Alternative qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can consider this qualification from UK applicants only, who must complete a Business-related diploma of 60 credits to include 45 credits at Level 3. A minimum of 30 Level 3 credits must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
BTEC
Applicants declaring a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business or Enterprise and Entrepreneurship or Marketing must achieve Distinction* Distinction Distinction (an A-level is not required).
For other BTEC qualifications alongside academic A-levels, please see our BTEC entry requirements.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 or D2, M1, M1. Please note that this requirement excludes the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in Global Perspectives and Independent Research. We also consider applicants who offer a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Plus Mathematics can be met via a 5 at Standard Level or a 4 at Higher Level. English Language can be met via a 5 at Standard Level or Higher Level English A, or a 7 at Standard Level English B, or a 6 at Higher Level English B.
For those applicants who meet our Mathematics or English Language requirements through another qualification, these minimum points for Mathematics or English Language in the International Baccalaureate Diploma do not apply.
Literature and Performance or English ab initio are not accepted for English Language, and a separate English Language qualification is required.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level)
Applicants must achieve six H2 grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level).
Mathematics and English Language will be accepted at Ordinary level in lieu of GCSEs. A grade of O3 is required for GCSE B/5 (Mathematics) or GCSE B/6 (English).
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree programmes in the following combinations:
- six Highers at AAAAAA
- one Advanced Higher at A with five Highers at AAABB
- two Advanced Highers at AA with five Highers AABBB.
We will also accept three Advanced Highers at AAA.
National 5 Mathematics and English are acceptable in lieu of GCSE requirements on a grade-for-grade basis.
T-Levels
Applicants declaring a T-level are assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can only consider these subjects for entry to Business School courses; Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management and Administration, Digital Data Analytics, Digital Software Development, or Digital Support and Security.
An overall Distinction with grade A in the Core Component must be achieved.
Applicants are also expected to have met the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is acceptable in place of an A level. Applicants must achieve a grade A alongside AA at A level (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low-income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.
Find out more about access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
A level: ABB
GCSE: Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education with acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, including Mathematics grade B/5 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4.
Access to Leeds: Pass
Business Studies with Foundation Year
This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.
This course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Business Studies with Foundation Year.
Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students
If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.
Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk
International
We also accept a range of international qualifications. You can read more about these for your country on our International Entry Requirements page.
International foundation year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
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
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £10,050
International: £29,000 (per year)
The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Tuition fees for UK students
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2027/28 are £10,050.
Subsequent years
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.
From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.
Tuition fees for international students
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.
Read more about tuition fees.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement years on our tuition fees page.
Additional cost information
Optional Institute of Export (IOE) student membership. See IOE website for details.
Optional CIM Certificate in Marketing/ Digital Marketing. See CIM 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
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about undergraduate funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
The deadline for international students to apply to Leeds University Business School courses is 30 June.
Courses at Leeds University Business School receive a high volume of applications relative to the places available and this means that we cannot extend an offer to all applicants. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies and contribute to our community and make our offer decisions based on an overall review of your application. This includes predicted or achieved grades as well as the breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, the personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information.
Please see our How to Apply page, under “Application decisions” for details.
International applicants
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
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 2027
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Leeds University Business School Course Enquiries Office
Email: lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Career opportunities
Whether your career aspirations lie within government departments, consultancy firms, small and medium-sized enterprises or large multinational businesses, this course will give you a vital understanding of the challenges, opportunities and processes of international business. Our graduates have worked in sectors as diverse as the media, technology, retail, marketing, hospitality and government.
Where this degree could take you
Our courses are designed to prepare you for specialist roles across a range of international business settings, with an emphasis on export management, supply chain management, strategic analysis, business development, purchasing, foreign market analysis, and marketing management.
Previous graduates of the course have progressed into roles including:
- Sales Revenue Planner, Mondelez
- Marketing Executive, Disney
- Account Manager, Google
- Marketing Coordinator, Shiseido
- Associate Economic Affairs Officer, UN Conference on Trade and Development
This course is also an excellent choice if you want to pursue a postgraduate Masters or research degree.
Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read alumni profiles from Leeds University Business School.
The opportunity to get a strong foundation in business management knowledge, paired with a specialised focus on the marketing function, enabled me to explore a personal area of interest without losing awareness of the wider and interconnected world of business.
Valentina Vidal, Technology & Transformation Analyst, Deloitte
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK’s leading employers
Undergraduate careers and employability: hear from students and alumni
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Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team: Meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events: Get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training: We embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system: Access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities: Bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme
You’ll also be able to apply for our competitive Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, exclusive to Business School students. We’ll connect you with an industry professional who will support you on your career path, mentoring you one-to-one over the course of an academic year.
The Careers Service works with a large network of experienced professionals from companies such as Santander, M&S and KPMG, who volunteer as mentors on our Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme.
What’s more, you’ll also have full access to the University Careers Service and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects.
From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide for you to apply to, spanning some of the most popular destinations for students.
This course offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year, extending your studies by 12 months.
Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title, which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.
Work placements
Make connections, practice skills and build confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.
A work placement can be a great investment in your future:
- Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
- Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
- Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
- Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
- Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
- Improve your employability.
- All placements sourced by the University are paid positions
- We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.
Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.
If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.
If your application is successful, during placement you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company and an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.
On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:
- The Walt Disney Company
- AXA Investment Managers
- Bentley Motors Ltd
- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Bank of England
- Allianz
- Hilton
- HSBC
- L'Oréal
- BMW Group UK
- Deloitte
We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive, and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.