International Business BSc

Course overview

Become an expert at navigating the global business environment and gain the skills and experience required to access in-demand careers.

Study International Business and develop the skills needed to manage complex organisations that operate globally. You’ll explore topics including international trade, foreign direct investment, licensing and franchising, and international supply chain management, unlocking great career opportunities once you graduate.

Once you graduate, you'll have the knowledge, analytical and interpersonal skills that global organisations look for when adapting to complex markets. You’ll explore the core theories, practices and techniques of managing international business and how these relate to real-world scenarios. You can also choose from a range of optional modules that teach you to think strategically and thrive across different cultures and legal frameworks.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, your degree will let you access careers in the UK and abroad. Consultancy, finance, supply chain management, entrepreneurship; if you see your future striding across borders, this degree could take you there.

Why study at Leeds?

• 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.
• Learn within a key research hub: 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.
• Study in a city of industry: Leeds is an economic hub, home to the Bank of England, Sky, PwC, NHS Digital and KPMG. Our relationships with industry mean better learning opportunities for our students.
• Prestigious triple accreditation: Our Business School is triple-accredited, and this course is supported by a partnership with the CQF Institute, the awarding body for the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF). 
• 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 in your final year to a year-long project on an international business topic of your choice.
• Your course, your choice: Pathways give you the chance to hone your skillset to suit career goals in Analytics, Consulting, Economics, Enterprise and Innovation, Marketing, and Ethics and Sustainability.

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 provides 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'll 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.

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

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 

• Institutions of Work and Employment (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)

Year 3

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)
• Sustainable International Business (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)

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 in Practice for Change and Impact (20 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)
• 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 A/7 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

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.

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 gone on to work in lots of highly competitive sectors, including:

• Financial services
• IT
• Logistics
• Aviation
• Software
• Marketing
• Accountancy
• Venture capital
• Consultancy.

Where this degree could take you 

This course is designed to prepare you for roles across a range of international business settings, with an emphasis on export management, supply chain management, strategic analysis, business development, business and foreign market analysis, and a variety of marketing management positions.

Previous graduates of the course have progressed into roles including:

• Assistant Manager Tax, KPMG
• Senior Partner Development Manager, Microsoft
• Consultant, BOC
• Assistant Brand Manager, Unilever
• Business Consultant, IBM
• Management Trainee, DHL
• Product Specialist, Tesla
• Executive Relations Officer, Apple
• Business Analyst, Accenture
• Accounting Assistant, BMW.

This masters is also an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to pursue a postgraduate Masters or research degree. 

Being able to choose elective and discovery modules meant I could shape my degree to suit my interests. The freedom to explore and apply my knowledge to other areas made my education well-rounded.

Gema Sancho-Minana Bertomeu, Alum, Environmental Policy Consultant, Asian Development Bank

Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read alumni profiles from Leeds University Business School. 

Viewing in China? Watch on Bilibili.

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 way 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 have the opportunity 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 for one 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.    

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. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website. 

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 is 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: 

• Airbus
• Bank of England
• EY
• GSK
• IBM
• Jaguar Land Rover
• Microsoft
• NHS Digital
• Samsung
• Unilever.

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. 

Find out more about industrial placements.