Loughborough University

What you'll study

The International Business degree provides a broad business education with a specific emphasis on international markets, cross-cultural management and the strategic challenges of operating globally. Year one typically covers core foundations such as accounting, economics, organisational behaviour, marketing and quantitative methods to give you the essential tools for business analysis.

In subsequent years you build on these foundations with modules in international strategy, global supply chains, international finance, cross-cultural marketing and international entrepreneurship. You can expect to study topics such as:

• Global Strategy and International Business Environment – analysis of multinational firm behaviour and country-level influences on business.
• Cross-cultural Management and Organisational Behaviour – managing teams across borders and understanding cultural frameworks.
• International Marketing – adapting marketing strategy for different countries and consumer segments.
• International Finance – foreign exchange, international investment and risk management.
• Global Operations and Supply Chain Management – designing and managing international production and logistics.
• Business Research Methods and Data Analytics – quantitative and qualitative techniques for business decision-making.
• Language modules and Area Studies – optional language study and modules focused on specific regions or markets.

The programme typically offers optional routes including a professional placement year in industry or a year abroad at a partner university, enabling practical experience and international exposure. Assessment methods include exams, coursework, group projects, presentations and a final-year dissertation or consultancy project.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance and an interest in international business. Typical offers refer to high grades at A-level, Advanced Highers or equivalent qualifications; international applicants are assessed on comparable secondary or post-secondary credentials. Loughborough also accepts UK vocational qualifications such as BTECs where these are taken alongside appropriate A-levels or equivalents.

Other common expectations include:

• A good command of English demonstrated by qualifications or an approved English language test if English is not your first language.
• Evidence of numeracy and analytical ability; many applicants will have studied mathematics to A-level or an equivalent level.
• Successful applicants often show engagement with business or international issues through work experience, extracurricular activities, or relevant personal statements and references.

Applicants with non-standard backgrounds, mature students and those holding international qualifications are welcome and considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates from the International Business programme go on to careers across the public and private sectors where international knowledge and transferable skills are valued. Typical career paths include management trainee and graduate schemes with multinational companies, roles in international marketing and brand management, global supply chain and logistics, international finance and banking, consultancy, and business development.

Other career outcomes include working in export/import operations, government and trade bodies, international non-governmental organisations, and entrepreneurship. The degree equips you with analytical, communication and cross-cultural skills that are attractive to employers operating in global markets.

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough combines a strong academic reputation in business and management with a practical, employability-focused approach. The School of Business and Economics offers research-informed teaching, smaller-group teaching opportunities and access to staff with international business expertise.

Students benefit from well-established industry links, guest lectures from practitioners, and a careers service that supports CV development, interview preparation and recruitment events. The option to take a placement year or study abroad is well-supported through the university’s global partnerships and employer networks.

Beyond the academic offer, Loughborough’s campus environment provides extensive facilities for student life, societies and networking, creating opportunities to build leadership and intercultural experience alongside your studies.