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International Business

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Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2024 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2024.

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Bachelor of Arts

A Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

Our International Business programme is designed to help you navigate through the complexity of the international business environment and will enable you understand the benefits and challenges of globalisation for local communities.

The University of Liverpool Management School Business, Management and Marketing subject area is ranked 25th from 119 providers, a rise of 10 places from last year. (Times Good University Guide 2023).

*based on subject area.

Introduction

Our International Business programme has an internationally focused curriculum aimed at helping you to analyse, understand and act on the global challenges and opportunities. By final year, you will have developed a sound understanding of many topics such as the functional elements of international business and management, knowledge of the global economic environment, the main ethical problems facing international organisations plus the ability to critique critical issues in international business.

During your time at Liverpool, we plan to go on a field trip to a European city to experience and analyse first-hand another country’s economy. You also have the opportunity to study a modern language, including; Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian Spanish (various levels available) alongside your studies.

What you'll learn

  • Fundamentals of marketing
  • Introduction to accounting and finance
  • Management theory
  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
  • International development in the global economy
  • Identify key issues in international business
  • Global strategic management
  • Explore the business environment in emerging markets

Accreditation

The University of Liverpool Management School holds accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This makes it one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard triple accreditation.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), our International Business programme is delivered with excellent teaching and quality content by expert academic staff who regularly publish high quality research used by global practitioners and policymakers.

Accreditations in detail

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Accreditations

The University of Liverpool Management School holds accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This makes it one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard triple accreditation.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), our International Business programme is delivered with excellent teaching and quality content by expert academic staff who regularly publish high quality research used by global practitioners and policymakers.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In your first year, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of management studies and the basic concepts and skills necessary for a broad understanding of the international business environment. You will also begin to explore the concepts relevant to International Business and the differences between the business systems of the world’s leading economies plus develop your employability skills and attributes.

Additionally, in your second semester, we plan to go on a field trip, usually to a European city to experience and analyse first-hand another country’s economy.

Compulsory modules

FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING (MKIB153)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module is an introduction to the fundamental principles of marketing. The module aims to bring contemporary marketing perspectives to life for students new to the concept of marketing. The content of the module is underpinned by marketing theory, with an emphasis on application.

GLOBAL CAPITALIST SYSTEMS (MKIB160)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module introduces students to the growth of international business and the unevenness of capitalism. The course examines different regional and national variations of capitalism. The national economies are discussed in detail. There is a particular focus on trade, global financial institutions and other economic units. The course is assessed through individual assessed seminars, a group presentation and a group report (in which students have to pinpoint their own contribution to the project).

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT (MKIB152)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This course examines the international business environment through a combination of theoretical instruction and empirical (real-world) case studies. Students will be introduced to the key theories used to explain how and why internationalization occurs. Half the course is also devoted to the examination and discussion of real business cases. Students will gain a solid understanding of the international business environment and be able to apply theory to practice. This module aims to provide students with a foundation in the theory and practice of international business and the global business environment. The module equips students with the knowledge and understanding of the extant international business theories, research and practice, which are needed to appreciate the internationalization strategies of firms and the global business environment within which firms operate.

INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE (NON-SPECIALIST) (ACFI107)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

Whether pursuing a career in marketing or in supply chain management, modern business professionals have to be well versed in the language of accounting and finance. This module aims to equip a non-specialist audience with a solid understanding of the key principles of financial reporting and management accounting. Students will first learn how firms measure and report their financial position and performance, and then engage in analysis and visualisation of real data using financial ratios. The module will also introduce students to a number of fundamental managerial decision-making techniques, such as cost-volume-profit analysis, simple costing models, budgeting, and capital investment appraisal methods.

ORGANISATIONS AND MANAGEMENT (ULMS151)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module provides students with a grounding in practical and theoretical perspectives on historical and contemporary forms of management. It explores how organisations address their major challenges by drawing from tried and tested methods, as well as more innovative practices. Students are encouraged to question common sense assumptions about management, and to identify creative and sustainable practices in organisations.

PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC SKILLS FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDENTS (MKIB116)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

​This module aims to introduce students to the academic and professional skills they will require in university and beyond. Students will examine the tools and techniques needed to use both qualitative and quantitative data and gain an understanding of how these are relevant in the modern business environment. The module will also provide an opportunity to develop key professional skills needed in the corporate environment. 

Optional modules

BUSINESS STATISTICS (ECON154)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

The purpose of the module is to provide an introduction to business statistics for the non-specialist. The course aims to provide a broad understanding of the nature of variability and why it is an issue for managers. It will also provide students with the ability to derive and understand a variety of graphs and statistics which can be produced in Excel and which provide a means for managers to make intelligent use of statistics in the process of management and decision-making.

ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES FOR BUSINESS AND MARKETS (ECON127)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The aim of this module is to introduce the core principles of economics (both micro and macro), to develop models and economic perspectives relevant to business students and demonstrate how modern economics can illuminate the problems that businesses face on a day-to-day basis.

INTRODUCTION TO THE GRADUATE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (ULMS170)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module aims to introduce students to the graduate recruitment process by providing them with the skills required to secure a work placement or summer internship. It also provides the opportunity to acquire, develop and apply these skills.   

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year in industry

Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.

  • Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
  • Experience and understand workplace culture and disciple
  • Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
  • Begin your professional network
  • Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.

If you'd like to undertake a year in industry, you can transfer to International Business with a Year in Industry BA (Hons) during your studies, subject to meeting the academic requirements of your course.

View International Business with a Year in Industry BA (Hons)

To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Study as part of XJTLU 2+2

Students studying International Business with a Language BA at XJTLU can study this course at the University of Liverpool. Read more about International Business BA (Hons) as part of the 2+2 programme.

The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.

  • Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
  • Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
  • Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
  • Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.

Read more about the 2+2 programme.

Your experience

Day-to-day teaching will take place in the University of Liverpool Management School; a world leading centre for management and leadership education and research and is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation. At the Management School, students have access to careers education, opportunities to work as well as excellent library and IT facilities, just one minute’s walk away.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

The pedagogy and practice of the Management School provided me with all the tools I needed to develop strong skills in many areas I use daily at the House of Commons from research to communication.

, BA (Hons) Business Management with Law 2018

Careers and employability

Throughout your time at the Management School studying International Business you will have a number of optional modules to choose from enabling you to pursue areas of study of particular interest to you and further your future career plans thus equipping you with knowledge and skills highly sought after by employers.

Recent positions taken up by International Business graduates include:

  • Campaign Manager
  • Digital Marketing Analyst
  • Business Development Manager
  • Project Analyst
  • International Recruitment Consultant.

Recent employers of International Business graduates include:

  • Dell
  • Pricewaterhouse Coopers
  • The National Trust
  • The British Council
  • The Independent.

You can also explore taught postgraduate opportunities in our management school including:

  • MSc Marketing;
  • MSc Economics;
  • MSc Project Management.

4 in 5 business and management students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fee covers almost everything, but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books or specialist equipment. In your first year we plan to go on a field trip, usually to a European city. For this field trip transport to/ from the city and accommodation costs are covered within your study fees. Students are responsible for other costs including the cost of a visa (if required), travel within the city and meals not included with the accommodation. Fees will not be refunded to students who do not participate in this field trip, or if the trip does not go ahead.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £23,200
Year abroad fee £11,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

All students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying overseas during their second year, subject to your year one performance. If you elect to study abroad you will need to cover associated travel and living costs. University travel bursaries and subsistence grants are available.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

All students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying overseas during their second year, subject to your year one performance. If you elect to study abroad you will need to cover associated travel and living costs. University travel bursaries and subsistence grants are available.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

AAB

Narrowly missed the entry requirements on results day?

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

T levels

Management and Administration considered is accepted with an overall grade of to include in the core.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE GCSE Mathematics at grade 6/B and GCSE English at grade 4/C required. Applicants with equivalent qualifications and applicants who do not meet the GCSE English requirements will be considered on an individual basis according to their circumstances.
Subject requirements

Some Level 3 qualifications are only acceptable alongside 2 A levels, please contact us for details.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

D*D*D

BTEC qualifications must be in a Business related subject:

  • Applied Law
  • Applied Psychology
  • Business
  • Business, Accounting and Finance
  • Computing
  • Creative Digital Media Production
  • Engineering
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
  • Health and Social Care
  • Hospitality
  • Information Communications Technology
  • Information Technology
  • Media
  • Public Services
  • Strategic Management and Leadership
  • Travel and Tourism
International Baccalaureate

35 points with no score less than 4 – International Baccalaureate Mathematical Studies is not accepted for any Management School programme in lieu of GCSE Mathematics, or Higher Level Mathematics where this is a requirement

Irish Leaving Certificate H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers at AAB

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Acceptable at grade A or B alongside 2 A levels at AB or AA
Access 45 credits at Distinction in graded level 3 units in a Business/Humanities/Social Science subject
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 162

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

Preferred subjects

If you narrowly miss the entry requirements, we may take your subjects into account when we have your results. Students with two or more of these subjects may be given preference if places are available.

  • Accounting
  • English Literature
  • Maths
  • Anthropology
  • English Language and Literature
  • Music
  • Archaeology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Ancient History
  • Further Maths
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Geography
  • Psychology
  • Business Studies/ Applied
  • Geology
  • Religious Studies
  • Classics
  • Government & Politics
  • Science in Society
  • Chemistry
  • History
  • Sociology
  • Computing
  • History of Art
  • Statistics
  • Economics
  • Languages*
  • World Development
  • English Language
  • Law

*Languages include modern foreign/community languages taken as individual subjects (e.g.French, Spanish, Urdu, Gujarati) and classical languages (e.g. Biblical Hebrew, Latin, Classical Greek).

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

  • If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
  • If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
  • Applications from mature students are welcome.

Changes to International Business BA (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

12 May 2023: Module changes

Optional module lists updated