Study International Business in the UK

International business is a dynamic field that covers the economic, political, cultural, and legal aspects of doing business across borders. It is also a highly sought-after area of study for students who want to pursue a global career in management, trade, finance, marketing, consulting, and more. The UK is home to some of the most prestigious and renowned universities and business schools that offer a wide range of international business programs.  According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there were over 63,000 students enrolled in international business courses in the UK in 2019/2020, making it one of the most popular subjects among domestic and international students alike. The UK is one of the world’s leading trading nations, with a total trade value of over 1.4 trillion GBP in 2020. According to a survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR), international business was among the top 10 most sought-after degrees by employers. Therefore, it can be a life-changing decision to study international business in the UK.  

Studying international business in the UK is an excellent option for students who want to broaden their horizons, enhance their skills, and prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities of the global economy. In this article, we will look at some of the best international business programs in the UK, entry requirements, fees, and more. 

Overview of International Business in the UK 

Why Study International Business in the UK?

High-Quality Education: The UK is renowned for its world-class education system, with numerous universities consistently ranking among the top institutions globally. The best universities in the UK for international business provide high-quality education and exposure to cutting-edge business concepts and practices.  

International Outlook: International business programs in the UK are designed to provide students with a global perspective on business and trade.  

Multicultural Environment: The UK is a diverse and multicultural country, and its universities reflect this diversity. Studying in the UK allows you to interact with students from all around the world, gaining valuable cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.  

Global Business Hub: London, in particular, is a major global business and financial hub, making it an ideal location for studying international business. Many universities in the UK, especially those in London, have strong connections with industry and offer opportunities for internships and networking.   

Employability: UK universities often have strong links with businesses and offer career services that help students find internships and job opportunities. The UK is home to numerous multinational companies, providing ample prospects for international business graduates. The UK also offers post-study work visas that allow international students to work in the country for a certain period after completing their studies. Students can also work and study in the UK during their stay. 

Research Opportunities: The UK is a leader in academic research and innovation. Students studying international business can benefit from research opportunities and access to the latest trends and developments in the field.  

Best International Business Programs in the UK 

University of Birmingham 

The University of Birmingham is a public research university in Birmingham, England. It was established in 1900 as the first English civic or ‘red brick’ university to receive its own royal charter and the first English unitary university. It is a founding member of both the Russell Group of British research universities and the international network of research universities, Universitas 21. The Department of Management is one of the largest and most diverse in the Business School, with over 80 staff members and four subject groups. It offers a range of programs in the field of international business. The BSc International Business is a four-year program that includes a year abroad at one of the university’s partner institutions, which are highly regarded and compatible with the curriculum. The program covers the core modules of the BSc Business Management degree but also specializes in options that have an international focus. Students can choose from a variety of subjects, such as international economics, international marketing, international human resource management, and international business strategy.  

Suggested Reading: Best MBA Universities in the UK

Heriot-Watt University 

Heriot-Watt University is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was established in 1821 as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, the world’s first mechanics’ institute, and subsequently granted university status by royal charter in 1966. It is the eighth-oldest higher education institute in the UK. The university offers two international business management programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These programs are designed to prepare students with the necessary skills to make a difference in global companies. Students can choose from various specializations such as HR, Operations, Marketing, or Consumer Behaviour. They are delivered by the Edinburgh Business School, which is known for its pioneering research, applied learning, and employable graduates. The Edinburgh Business School is one of the largest and most respected business schools in Europe. It has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. It has been accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, which are the leading international accreditations for business education. 

Suggested Reading: Study BBA in the UK: Top Universities, Programs, and Fees

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is a public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It offers over 500 undergraduate and more than 200 postgraduate degree courses. The University of Leeds is ranked in the top 100 universities in various league tables. The International Business programs at the University of Leeds are offered by the Leeds University Business School, which is a leading, full-service business school, and one of a small number of schools worldwide to be triple accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. The programs are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the core theories, practices, and techniques of managing international business. The programs are also accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade. They also offer a range of optional modules, such as managing global value chains, management decision-making, and beginners’ languages. 

Suggested Reading: Top Universities for Accounting and Finance in the UK

University of Manchester 

The University of Manchester is a prestigious red-brick university and a member of the Russell Group, a network of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university was formed in 2004 by the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). The university is ranked 32nd in the world and 6th in the UK according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in international business, finance, and economics, which are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a globalized economy. The courses are delivered by the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), which is one of the largest and most respected business schools in Europe. AMBS has a triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, which places it among the elite group of business schools worldwide. In the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS), AMBS scored 90% for overall student satisfaction. In the 2020 High Fliers Graduate Market Report, AMBS was the most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 recruiters. 

Suggested Reading: Best Cities in the UK for International Students

Lancaster University 

Lancaster University is a public research university in Lancashire, England. It is Lancaster is ranked 122nd out of more than 1,500 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2024. It has also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.  The MSc International Business and Strategy at Lancaster is endorsed by Ernst & Young (EY), a global professional services firm. The program is delivered by the Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, which is part of the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS). LUMS is one of the few business schools in the world to hold quadruple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, the Association of MBAs, and the Small Business Charter.

Suggested Reading: Best Universities to Study Political Science in the UK

Durham University 

Durham University is a public research university located in Durham, England. It was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and granted a royal charter in 1837. It is the third-oldest university in England and one of the leading universities in the UK and the world. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a network of research-intensive British universities.  Durham University Business School is the business school of Durham University and offers a range of programs in management, finance, economics, accounting, and marketing. It is one of the few business schools in the world to hold triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. The MSc Management (International Business) program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in global business environments. The program covers topics such as international business strategy, cross-cultural management, global marketing, international trade and finance, and global innovation. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad, link with global businesses, and network with people from around the world. 

Suggested Reading: Study Economics in the UK: Top Universities, Courses, and Fees

Admission Requirements for International Business in the UK 

Bachelor’s 

• A high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. Most universities will require good academic performance.  
• English language proficiency certification through a test like the IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90-100).
• Academic transcripts and references.  
• Some universities require a personal statement or statement of purpose explaining your interest in international business your career goals, and why you want to study at their institution. 

Master’s:  

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field, usually with a minimum grade or GPA requirement. Some universities may require a specific degree background or prerequisites in business-related subjects.
• English language proficiency certification through a test like the IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90-100). 
• Many programs require scores in standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT. 
• Some programs may require relevant work experience, particularly for MBA or executive master’s programs.
• A statement of purpose, academic references, and transcripts. 
• You may be asked to attend an interview, either in person or via video call, as part of the admission process.

Career Opportunities for International Business Graduates in the UK 

Career opportunities for international business graduates in the UK are diverse and rewarding, as the UK is a global hub for trade, finance, and innovation. International business graduates can work in various sectors and industries, such as banking, management consulting, marketing, advertising, public relations, auditing, and more. They can also pursue careers in international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, or the European Union.  Some of the most common job roles for international business graduates include 

• International business manager
• International marketing manager 
• International product manager
• Bank officer
• Public relations manager 
• Advertising manager

According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for an international business manager in the UK is 46,202 GBP per year, with a range of 36,000-60,000 GBP. However, this can be higher or lower depending on the size and reputation of the company, the scope and complexity of the projects, and the skills and qualifications of the manager.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, it can be extremely rewarding to study international business in the UK. The country is a great opportunity for students who want to gain a global perspective, develop valuable skills, and explore a diverse and vibrant culture. The UK universities offer a range of courses and degrees in international business, that cover topics such as trade, finance, marketing, management, and strategy. Students also benefit from the UK’s strong links with other countries and regions, as well as its reputation for excellence and innovation in education and research. By studying international business in the UK, you can prepare yourself for a successful career in the global market and make a positive impact on the world. While there are plenty of options in the UK, the entire process can be tiring and cumbersome. It’s also important to make an informed choice by considering factors such as living expenses, scholarships, student visa, etc. We understand the struggle and are here to help you out! Feel free to reach out to us at Gyanberry. Your free video call appointment is waiting!