Discover how an international business degree or Masters qualification can develop your ability to conduct business across the globe, opening you up to a range of careers where this knowledge can be put into practice
What is international business?
International business involves transactions between countries for goods and services. These economic activities promote a greater cultural understanding between people from diverse backgrounds.
According to IMF (International Monetary Fund) data in October 2025, the following countries are now ranked among the world's top economies:
- China (2nd)
- Japan (4th)
- India (5th)
- Canada (10th)
- Brazil (11th)
- Mexico (13th)
- South Korea (14th)
- Australia (15th).
This reflects that most gross domestic product (GDP) is generated outside the USA and Europe, with these nations making the most of international trade deals for their goods and services.
Why choose an international business career?
International business is central to the success of many companies. The world is more connected than ever, so international trade and investment are crucial to more than just multinationals. Indeed, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also want to know how to trade and operate abroad to grow. Read more about working for a small business.
In summary, students need to develop a global perspective to be successful in business. Studying international business allows you to see how globalisation has increased the 'connectedness' of businesses, markets, people, and information across countries.
Many employers with an international outlook seek graduates with the skills developed through international business courses. See our 7 skills for a successful management career.
What do international business degrees involve?
International business programmes provide students with an understanding of business management practices worldwide and prepare them for graduate careers working abroad or in organisations that conduct business globally.
Most employers expect candidates to be educated to degree level when recruiting for business jobs. A Bachelors degree in international business opens doors to opportunities in a range of industries, including:
Popular international business degree courses
For example, the BA International Business at the University of Westminster takes three years to complete and requires grades BBC at A-level (112 UCAS Tariff points).
The course offers the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad and learn one of eight foreign languages alongside your degree through its Polylang (Modern Languages) programme.
You'll study compulsory modules, including:
- Communication for Global Business
- Global Business Environment
- International Business Practice
- International Organisational Behaviour
- International Economy
- Strategic Perspectives.
The University of Sussex Business School offers both the BSc International Business and the BSc International Business (with a study abroad year).
The three-year full-time degree prepares graduates for roles in a range of global-focused sectors, including:
The four-year programme gives you the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad in your second year, boosting your personal development and future career prospects.
You'll gain international experience studying in one of its partner universities based across the globe, including campuses in:
- Australia
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
- Spain
- United States.
Compulsory first year modules include:
- Business School Career Preparation
- Introduction to Accounting
- Introduction to Economics
- Introduction to International Business
- Introduction to Marketing
- Principles of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
- Sustainable Business Management.
In your first term, you'll also get the opportunity to customise your course and study your main interests. You may decide to pick an elective from the following:
- Digital and Data Futures
- Environmental Sustainability
- Human Flourishing.
Alternatively, you can choose to study a language or the 'English Language Teaching' module. The list of languages includes:
- Arabic
- British Sign Language
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish.
For entry onto both courses, the university typically requires ABB-BBB at A-level.
Other undergraduate course options
You can also consider these programmes, which are available across the UK:
- BA International Business - De Montfort University, Leeds Beckett University, Middlesex University and the University of Strathclyde.
- BA International Business Management - University of Liverpool, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and the University of Northampton.
- BSc International Business - Bayes Business School, Loughborough University and the University of Leeds.
Discover what you can do with an international business degree.
Should I do a Masters in international business?
Studying for a Masters degree in international business is becoming increasingly popular, and postgraduate courses are available throughout the UK.
While not an essential requirement to secure a graduate job in the business world, a Masters in international business:
- deepens your knowledge and understanding of global business markets
- builds on your experience in the field
- expands your network and list of contacts.
Studying the MSc International Business at WBS
If you opt to study the one-year MSc International Business at Warwick Business School (WBS), you'll cover core units such as:
- Fundamentals of Economic Behaviour
- International Business Strategy
- Marketing in an International Environment
- Work and Human Resources in a Global Context.
For entry, you'll need a 2:1 in any subject. In 2026/27, tuition fees for UK students are set at £29,200.
The course teaches how companies design, implement, and manage international strategies while helping develop a critical awareness of the issues. Students will also learn about the links between strategy and performance and gain an understanding of the latest academic research.
WBS also offers Business in Practice as an alternative route to a dissertation. This involves a large-scale simulation project where more than 500 MSc students are placed into groups and compete to achieve the best performance.
Postgraduate international business courses from Sussex
On the other hand, Sussex offers two one-year full-time Master of Science (MSc) courses that focus on international business:
- MSc International Management - if you want to join a traditional programme in management and have little to no prior knowledge or experience in management or international management.
- MSc International Business and Development - for those interested in a specialised programme and have prior knowledge (through their degree) or experience in management or international business. For example, you may have an environmental or development studies background and want to work on management or policy.
As a member of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact network, the business school has committed to working towards a sustainable and inclusive global economy.
Professor John Da Silva Luiz, professor of international management and strategy, explains, 'The call for multinational companies to become meaningful participants in achieving their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is more urgent than ever.'
The one-year full-time MSc International Business and Development is first in the world for 'Development Studies', according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
The course enables students to explore the link between economic policy and its impact on sustainability and development. On the programme, you'll get the opportunity to design and deliver a consultancy project that offers a solution to a real-world business challenge.
'Our offers the essential blend of international business knowledge and development insight, equipping you for a career that drives global change,' adds professor Da Silva Luiz.
You'll need at least a 2:2 to land a place on either of these Masters programmes, which cost £14,995 per year for full-time UK students.
Other international business Masters options
You can also study an MSc in International Business at:
- Newcastle University
- Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
- University of Birmingham
- University of Exeter
- University of Nottingham
- University of Salford
The MSc International Business Management is available at:
What jobs are available for international business graduates?
These courses will give you a great entry point into the corporate world or the tools to set up your business.
Previous graduates at WBS have gone on to work for multinational organisations such as:
- Accenture
- Airbus
- Deloitte
- EY
- IBM
- PwC.
These graduates have been employed as:
- business development managers
- client analysts
- marketing professionals
- project managers
- risk advisory associates
- technology researchers.
Other possible job titles for those involved with international business include:
- business adviser
- corporate investment banker
- human resources officer
- management consultant
- procurement manager
- product manager
- supply chain manager.
An international business degree can also launch your career in exciting, global locations such as:
You could also decide to continue your studies with a PhD before seeking a career in academia.
To stand out to employers, take advantage of all the opportunities your institution offers, including:
- attending business events
- gaining international experience
- using your careers service
- volunteering as a student ambassador.
Search for business, consulting and management jobs.
Find out more
- Learn about funding postgraduate study.
- Consider studying for an MBA.
- Gain an insight into the top UK business schools.