International Business BSc
Year of entry 2025
2024 course information- UCAS code
- N120
- Start date
- September 2025
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAA
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- ABB
Full entry requirements - Accredited
- Yes
- Contact
- lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
![Students in the Charles Thackrah building](http://courses.leeds.ac.uk/images/resized/1600x520-0-0-1-80-International_Business_1.jpg)
You’ll study your industry accredited International Business degree at the world-renowned Leeds University Business School. This flexible course includes the opportunity to develop your practical skills during an optional year in industry, or to experience another culture by studying a year abroad at one of our many partner universities.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade and will provide you with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the core theories, practices and techniques of managing international business.
You’ll develop the knowledge, analytical and interpersonal skills needed to manage complex organisations across national borders, especially in international trade, foreign direct investment, licensing and franchising and international supply chain management.
Optional modules include managing global value chains and management decision-making, as well as a range of beginners’ languages modules.
Shape your learning with pathways
This course offers pathways from year 2, which allow you to tailor your course to your specific interests or professional aspirations. The pathways provide modules that can be taken in particular areas and can be followed through to your final year. This unique level of personalisation and self-direction provides you with flexibility to meet your career goals, whilst helping you stand out from the crowd when you graduate.
The pathways available on this course are:
- Analytics
- Consulting
- Economics
- Enterprise and Innovation
- Marketing
- Ethics and Sustainability
Course highlights
- Choose to take an optional year in industry to gain valuable practical experience, or immerse yourself in a new culture by spending a year studying in a different country at one of our many partner universities across the world.
- Develop important research and analytical skills and apply these in your final year to a year-long project on an international business topic of your choice.
- In your final year, you'll gain essential practice for your career in the interactive International Strategic Management module, where you’ll put your learning into practice and make strategic decisions while taking part in live business simulations.
- Benefit from research taking place at 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.
Supporting your personal development
Throughout your studies, you'll benefit from the support of your Academic Personal Tutor who will work in partnership with you to maximise your personal and professional development.
You’ll also have access to support from the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity team who will help you explore opportunities to develop your professional network and gain work experience.
Read more about personal development support within the Business School.
Why study International Business at Leeds University Business School?
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Accreditation
Our International Business degrees are accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade, which allows you to acquire an exporting qualification after your studies and strengthens your job prospects.
Course details
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 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 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 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
Year 1 gives you a firm grounding in the different disciplines that relate to international business. You’ll explore the key concepts and theories in the subject and put them into context with an understanding of entrepreneurship, organisational behaviour and economics. Optional modules allow you to explore topics such as economic controversies, effective decision-making and the relationships between businesses and societies. You will also have the option to develop new language skills with a choice of several modern languages.
Year 2
In the following year you’ll learn more about how international firms operate and go into more depth on the challenges and strategies related to managing across cultures and international boundaries. The range of optional modules available means you can also explore aspects of business that interest you such as decision-making, organisational behaviour and how firms internationalise.
You’ll also have the option to select pathway modules allowing you to broaden your study of business to include areas such as marketing, consulting, analytics, ethics and sustainability or related areas of economics. A choice of discovery modules will also be offered.
Final year
Your final year brings you closer to the very latest research in international business through compulsory modules that will develop your knowledge of international strategic management and transnational corporations. 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.
You will have the choice of optional modules in areas such as European business, managing social media and the management of global value chains. You can also choose to continue to study topics via pathway modules exploring areas such as data analytics, enterprise and innovation, environment economics, international marketing and diversity management. A choice of discovery modules will also be offered in your final year.
The course culminates with an independently researched dissertation on an international business topic of your choice, which you’ll submit in your final year to showcase the knowledge and skills you have 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 International Business (20 credits)
- Principles of International Business (20 credits)
- Global Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
- Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
- Economics for Management (20 credits)
Optional modules
- Economic Institutions: Labour (10 credits)
- Understanding Statistics in the Social Sciences (10 credits)
- Economic Perspectives and Controversies (20 credits)
- Introduction to Sports Analytics (10 credits)
- Business and Society: Combined (20 credits)
- Introduction to Effective Decision Making (10 credits)
- Starting your own Business (10 credits)
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A (10 credits)
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B (10 credits)
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Cross-Cultural Management (20 credits)
- Research Methods in International Business (20 credits)
- Managing International Business (20 credits)
Optional modules
- From Study to Work (10 credits)
- Small Business Internationalisation and Growth (10 credits)
- Advanced Management Decision Making (10 credits)
- How Managers Make Decisions (10 credits)
- Business and the Legal Environment (20 credits)
- Contemporary Topics in International Business (10 credits)
- Organisational Behaviour in Practice (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)
Economics pathway
- Industrial Economics (10 credits)
- Business Economics (10 credits)
- Intermediate Microeconomics (10 credits)
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (10 credits)
- The International Economic Environment (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)
Marketing pathway
Marketing (20 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Corporate Social Responsibility (10 credits)
- Leadership Ethics (10 credits)
Final year
Compulsory modules
- Transnational Corporations in the World Economy (10 credits)
- International Business Dissertation (40 credits)
- International Strategic Management (20 credits)
Optional modules
- Managing Social Media and Digital Work (20 credits)
- Global Perspectives on Work and Employment (20 credits)
- European Business (10 credits)
- Managing Global Value Chains (10 credits)
- Freight Transport, Logistics and the Environment (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)
Economics pathway
- Environmental Economics (10 credits)
- Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy (20 credits)
Enterprise and Innovation pathway
- Critical Perspective in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
- Innovation Thinking & Practice (10 credits)
Marketing pathway
- International Marketing (10 credits)
- Marketing Strategy (20 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Business Ethics (20 credits)
- Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective (20 credits)
- Diversity Management (20 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 our virtual campus tour.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA
GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade B/5 and English Language grade B/6 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification.* *If you have a B/6 in GCSE English Literature we will accept a Grade B/5 or C/4 in GCSE English Language.
Other course specific tests:
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Typically, we consider the Access to Higher Education Diploma to be suitable for UK applicants who will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must complete a Business-related diploma of 60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3. A minimum of 30 Level 3 credits must be awarded at Distinction level and 15 at Merit. Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Maths and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
Please note that applicants presenting this qualification may be called for interview (where they must also present a recent piece of academic writing for review) - this requirement is assessed upon receipt of the application.
BTEC
We will accept the RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business with Distinction*Distinction Distinction (an academic A Level is not required). For the QCF BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business, or 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 including 5 in Standard level Maths courses or 4 in Higher level Maths courses, and 5 in English (Standard or Higher Level), with 17 points from Higher Level subjects.
For those candidates who meet our Maths or English requirements through another qualification, these minimum points for Maths or English in the IB Diploma do not apply. If you are presenting Literature and Performance as one of your International Baccalaureate subjects, you will need to present a separate English qualification.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
Applicants must obtain 6 H2 grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level). Maths and English Language will be accepted at Ordinary level in lieu of GCSEs. A grade of f O3 is required for GCSE B/5 (Maths) 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 (taken across Levels 5 and 6) or one Advanced Higher at A with five Highers at AAABB, or two Advanced Highers at AA with five Highers AABBB. We will also accept three Advanced Highers at AAA. National 5 Maths and English are acceptable in lieu of GCSE requirements on a grade for grade basis.
T-Levels
We welcome applications from candidates offering T levels. Applicants would be expected to achieve an overall Distinction from one of these subjects; Digital Business Services, Digital Support and Services, Accounting, Finance, or Management and Administration (the subject Human Resources may be considered in the future).
Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Maths and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
Welsh Baccalaureate
Applicants offering the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (SCC) must obtain a grade A alongside AA at A level (excluding 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.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
A level: ABB
GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade B/5 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4
Access to Leeds: Pass
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Read more about International Entry Requirements for Leeds University Business School on our 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: To be confirmed
International: £28,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
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 tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
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
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. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Leeds University Business School awards a generous range of scholarships.
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.
This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
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.
We aim to make offer decisions as quickly as we can but sometimes we may need to put applications for a course on hold until after the UCAS January deadline. This ensures that we recruit a balanced student population with the greatest potential.
If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will let you know. Although in this case you may have to wait a little longer than usual to receive a decision, this does not impact on your other applications and other university offers will not change simply because you are waiting for our offer.
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 2025
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Leeds University Business School Course Enquiries Office
Email: lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
Our International Business degree offers an excellent route into employment.
Plus, the University of Leeds is the 4th most targeted UK university by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report, meaning our graduates are highly sought-after.
Watch our video: Prepare for your Graduate Career at Leeds University Business School.
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Where will your International Business degree take you?
Whether your career aspirations lie within government departments, consultancy firms, small and medium-sized enterprises or large multinational enterprises, this course will give you a vital understanding of the challenges, opportunities and processes of international business.
This course is designed to prepare you for roles in a range of international business settings, with emphasis placed on export management, supply chain management, strategic analysis, business development, business and foreign market analysis, and a variety of marketing management positions.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. Leeds University Business School is one of the few universities in the UK with a dedicated Employability and Opportunity team. You’ll be supported throughout your studies with one-to-one support, workshops and events from graduate employers, helping you develop the professional skills and experience that top employers are looking for.
Find out more about the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity support.
Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme
You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for our competitive Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, exclusive for Business School students. We’ll connect you with an industry professional who will support you on your career path as you are mentored on a one-to-one basis for one academic year.
The Careers Service work 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.
During your time at Leeds, you’ll have full access to the University Careers Service and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend an additional academic year studying abroad. The University has partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include the USA, Canada, Australia, countries in Asia and countries in Europe.
You can also apply to take part in a short-course summer school at one of our overseas partner institutions. A summer school can be taken as part of a three-year degree, or in addition to a study year abroad or year in industry.
Read more about studying abroad.
Work placement
Work placements can help you decide on your career and improve your employability prospects. You’ll have the opportunity to put theory from your course into practice whilst gaining practical work experience and transferable skills sought after by graduate employers.
On this course you have the option to apply to spend a year in industry working within an organisation in either the public, private or voluntary sector, in the UK or overseas. If you take this option, your degree will be extended to a four-year course with the third year spent on placement.
Support to find shorter summer internships and part-time or voluntary work is also available.
Learn more about work placements.
Student profile: Ziying Gong
I have gained a rich multidisciplinary business knowledge, both inside and outside the classroom. I believe it will be easier for me to spot potential markets and industries in the future.Find out more about Ziying Gong's time at Leeds