International Business MSc

Course overview

Enhance your international prospects as you learn the skills to conduct business on the global stage.

With cultural differences, regulatory compliance and complex logistics to negotiate, international business can represent significant challenges.

However, conducting business across borders can allow companies to expand markets, scale growth, and boost revenue. And individuals who can master this discipline can tap into a range of rewarding careers that can take them around the world.

With this course, you’ll gain a broad international perspective and the skills to identify why and how firms operate in foreign markets, as you learn how to conduct business in a rapidly transforming global landscape.

You'll explore the latest developments and global challenges in areas like digital transformation, sustainability and emerging markets. You'll also learn how to develop your own strategic business plans.

Optional modules allow you to immerse yourself in a particular region or country. You could explore the growing importance of China on the world business stage, enhancing your employability with organisations with Asia-Pacific interests.

By studying this course, you’ll open the door to a rewarding international career, preparing you to become the type of global manager and leader the future world needs.

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.

Ziying Gong, BSc International Business

Why study at Leeds

• Expert tutors: Learn from academics from the Centre for International Business at the University of Leeds (CIBUL), the world's leading centre for international business. 
• Mentoring with real experience: Connect with industry professionals through our Global Connections Mentoring Scheme, providing you with insights, guidance and real-world perspectives to build career-ready knowledge. 
• Expert speakers: Gain the latest real-world insights thanks to our connections with global experts, major private companies and public sector organisations. Recent guest speakers have included executives from global firms including Vodafone, JT, Phillip Morris, and O2.
• Boost your international prospects: Apply for our Masters Beyond Borders scheme, where you could spend an additional semester studying at a partner university in Europe or Asia, boosting your employability with international exposure. 
• Immerse yourself globally: Gain international business exposure by applying for the optional Global Business Immersion module. Successful applicants have previously spent a week in Switzerland and visited organisations like Laderach, IWC, Buhler Group and Schindler Group.
• International study tours: On all Masters courses at Leeds University Business School, you can apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, which includes company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.
• Global partnerships: Our MSc International Business is in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade and is currently in the process of reaccreditation.

Guaranteed industry experience

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Accreditation

MSc International Business has a partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. You can apply for student membership during your course, giving you access to networking and job opportunities.

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from three leading bodies:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Association of MBAs (AMBA)
• European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)

This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives, while our diverse international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.

AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS

Course details and modules

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 2026

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: £32,500 (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

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

A postgraduate degree from Leeds University Business School is highly valued worldwide. Multinational organisations particularly favour employees who can work confidently across a range of different markets, and the internationally transferable skills you’ll acquire on this course will help you progress in your chosen career.

Skills for your future

Through professional development workshops, you’ll collaborate with peers from around the world to build essential professional skills. This is complemented by a series of reflections, deepening your understanding of your personal and professional growth. Key skills include:

• strong critical thinking
• quantitative and qualitative analysis
• clear written and oral communication and digital literacy
• time and project management
• teamwork and leadership
• adaptability and commercial awareness
• ethical judgment, cultural competence and sustainability-conscious decision making
• a broad international outlook
• personal resilience

Links with industry

Our partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, the UK’s leading international trade association, gives you access to industry leaders, networking opportunities and careers.

Regular guest speakers from global firms share trends and insights, and our mentoring scheme gives you invaluable personalised guidance.

In addition, our corporate membership of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) creates opportunities for MSc International Business students, which have previously included company-based dissertations and summer internships.

Where this degree could take you

Previous graduates have gone on to diverse careers in top firms worldwide, including:

• Sky
• Bank of England
• HSBC
• EY
• BiliBili
• Amazon
• Accenture
• Tencent
• PwC
• L’Oréal

They have worked as business analysts, country managers, product managers and trading executives. Some have even gone on to internationalise their own family business. The MSc International Business programme also offers an excellent grounding for a research degree.

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.

Study abroad and work placements and industry experience

Study abroad

As a student on this course, you may have the exclusive opportunity to apply for our extended programme, MSc International Business (Study Abroad).

Successful applicants will study for an extra semester outside the UK as part of our Masters Beyond Borders scheme. If you’re accepted, you'll study at one of our highly-rated partner business schools, located across the world.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

Work placements

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.