International Business BA (Hons): XJTLU 2+2 programme
Course details
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.
It is an exciting time to join us, our Business, Management and Marketing programmes are ranked 14th from 118 providers (up 10 places from last year), for Times Good University Guide 2025. We are ranked 18th (up from 29th last year) for our Business and Management programmes, for Guardian University Guide 2025 and we outperformed the sector in 6/7 question themes for NSS 2024.
*based on subject area.
Course overview
Our International Business programme has an internationally focused curriculum aimed at helping you to analyse, understand and act on the global challenges and opportunities faced by advanced economies of Europe, Asia and North America as well as emerging markets of Asia, Latin America and Africa.
During your time at Liverpool, you will have the opportunity to visit a continental European city to experience and analyse first-hand another country’s economy in your first year in addition to having the opportunity to study a modern language such as Catalan, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish (various levels available) alongside your studies.
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.
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.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
Tuition fees
All XJTLU 2+2 students receive a partnership discount of 10% on the standard fees for international students. We also offer 50 XJTLU Excellence Scholarships providing a 25% discount on tuition fees to the students that score most highly in stage 2 at XJTLU across the different subject areas. Allocation is based on the number of applications received per programme.
The net fees (inclusive of the discounts) can be seen below.
XJTLU 2+2 fees
2025 tuition fee (full)
£25,000
2025 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students (inclusive of 10% discount)
£22,500
2025 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students qualifying for Excellence Scholarship (inclusive of 25% discount)
£18,750
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Course content and modules
Year two
In your second year of study, you will continue to be familiarised with the main management functional areas and extend your knowledge of international business as well as exploring entrepreneurship and innovation.
Upon successful completion of your second year, you will be able to further understand concepts relevant to International Business and International Management and interpret and analyse introductory statistical techniques appropriate to understanding international commerce. You will also be able demonstrate the link between entrepreneurship, innovation and business creation from start-ups right up to large multinational organisations.
On the 2+2 programme, you'll study your third and fourth years at the University of Liverpool. These will be year two and year three of the University of Liverpool's programme of study.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Compulsory
Business Analytics and Digital Tools (MKIB216)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
As the digital landscape evolves globally, widespread use of digital data is reshaping businesses, guiding research, and influencing policies. We have witnessed businesses harnessing ‘big data’ to counter the effects of COVID-19 on their supply chains, the utilization of satellite imagery with ‘deep learning’ to pinpoint areas of extreme poverty, and the deployment of mobile data to track disease outbreaks like malaria and Ebola. Moreover, social media analytics have played pivotal roles in improving disaster responses. As the world progresses towards a digital-intensive era, it is important for students to possess the necessary data analytical skills allowing them to engage with groundbreaking academic research and policy developments in international business. This module aims to acquaint students with the opportunities and challenges that participate to data-driven approaches in international business and equip them with the skills that will enable them to harness modern technological tools with the view to become future global business trailblazers.
International Development (MKIB261)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the intertwined concepts of capitalism and international development in the global economy. The module is divided into 2 parts; (1) international development of developed economies and (2) international development of developing and emerging economies. Capitalism has played a significant role in international development- however, this has generated positive and negative effects. On one hand, we see how capitalism has led to substantial economic growth and better standards of life in countries that are now developed. On the other hand, capitalism is also associated with the increase in inequality and other societal and environmental issues.
The module will enable an in-depth analysis of the central issues associated with the economics and policies of international development and will provide an insight into problems, challenges and recent trends in international development as well as i dentify future policy directions.
International Management (MKIB253)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
In a globalised world, companies of all kinds are no longer limited to producing and selling their goods and services in domestic markets. They explore global markets and operate across national borders. What challenges do companies face as they operate in multiple nation-states? How are they different from the domestic companies? How can multinational companies (MNCs) be managed effectively in order to stay competitive in the global market? This module aims to produce the knowledge and skills for students to address these questions. The module is structured into three parts. The first part discusses globalisation and MNCs, providing an overview of the changing landscape of the global economy. The second part focuses on the challenges that faced by MNCs with an analysis on the complex and often conflicting external environmental factors that shape the strategy and management of MNCs. The third part discusses how MNCs manage these challenges, exploring different strategies and practices that managers could consider in managing operation, talents and knowledge across borders.
Optional
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Organisations (ULMS226)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module provides an overview of what workforce equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are and their relevance and usefulness in improving the understanding and management of people at work. Today’s workplace is changing due to a number of factors including an ageing population and increases in the number of women and ethnic minorities. As a result, there is a need to effectively understand and manage EDI in organisations in order to create an inclusive workplace that meets organisational outcomes. A number of issues that managers of a diverse workforce face are explored. In particular, issues such as gender, age, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation and intersectional identities are discussed. Two key approaches towards EDI are reviewed: the social justice case and the business benefits case. The module also explores a range of EDI related concepts and topics such as social identity, stereotyping and discrimination. It also considers the protected rights of employees covered by UK legislation as well as international legislative drives and policies.
Successful students will develop their understanding of the field of EDI and their own personal position within it. They will also inform their practice as future managers from both research and practitioner perspectives.
European Union and Business (MKIB250)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The aim of this module is to develop awareness of the distinctive nature of the business environment within and around the European Union (EU). Students who complete this module will have an improved understanding of the role of the EU in relation to business. The key political and legal institutions and actors responsible for the formulation of policies that influence business practice in Europe will be examined and core academic debates about the form and function of the EU will be reviewed. The students will also be introduced to economic integration and the operation of the EU single market. In the second half of the module, we will explore specific EU business-related activities. There will be a case study of the UK’s EU membership.
Government and Business (ULMS205)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The core roles of government in relation to business are identified and evaluated and significant changes discussed. The module also explores the nature of the relationship between government and business, for example in terms of neo-corporatist structures and the role of business as an actor in the governmental process. These issues are also placed firmly within a wide-ranging international context and examples are drawn from a wide variety of countries. The module is assessed through an assignment and an unseen exam. Successful students will acquire an appreciation of the interactions between government and business, develop a strong critical awareness and be able to apply the general debates to a wide range of specific examples.
Identity, Culture and Wellbeing in Organisations (ULMS268)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Identity and culture are two very important phenomena in organisations. They help explain why organisations look and feel the way they do. They also help us understand why people in organisations often ignore and/or resist rational models and techniques; how these affect the ways employees see their identity at work and their sense of wellbeing; and how identity and cultural management at sectoral, occupational and organizational levels impact workers’ sense of self. Students on this module are encouraged to investigate culture and identity in relation to wellbeing in contemporary films, fictional narratives and social media, as well as in the academic literature.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ULMS259)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Innovation and entrepreneurship draw together key themes relating to the development of new products, new processes and new organisations in the business environment. Innovation is strategic when it is consistent with a corporation’s mission, vision and values and is created to enhancing the strategic positioning and/or competitiveness of organisations. This module deals with the principles underpinning innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of a global business environment.
In this module students will gain a deep understanding of the role of strategic innovation activities in various organisational settings as a tool to developing a longer-term entrepreneurial culture. It will focus on comparing methods of best practice for entrepreneurial innovation developments and how these are utilised in practice using case studies and simulated examples.
The module draws on both theory and practice from a range of sub-disciplines and areas of study, including examples of innovation within large public and private sector organisations as well as smaller technology-based organisations both local and international.
Whilst the module provides theoretical insight into innovation and entrepreneurship, students will also be encouraged to identify best practices in the management of innovation and entrepreneurship in organisations.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW (MKIB240)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This course is designed to give students awareness of the legal scope and character of the ways in which business is regulated in a global economy. As markets open up, supply chains become global, and business thereby becomes cross border in character, ethical considerations become significant, and the effective regulation of that business can become a serious challenge, both for regulators and the parties to that business. As a result, international business regulation has become a complex, ever-changing, and constantly evolving institutional environment, both at the national level, and the transnational. It covers a many legal fields, and affects multiple aspects of business organisation and operation. It impacts significantly on consumers and businesses, but also has profound implications for regulators – that is policy-makers, legislators and enforcement agencies, and the challenges of regulating corporate behaviour.
International Technology and Innovation Management (MKIB205)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to provide undergraduate international business students a broad overview of the core concepts in technology and innovation management, the dominant theories in it, innovation and technology management tools and frameworks that are employed by organisa-tions, international standards on innovation, ethical technology management practices and fi-nally practical evidences of the same. With the aid of lectures and experiential learning orient-ed seminars, the module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the current international innovation and technology management practices and a critical perspective in evaluating the innovation and technology management frameworks. The module prepares international business students for a career in international business with organisational roles related to new product development and the strategic management of technology, knowledge, and innovation.
Principles of People Management (ULMS207)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of what is expected of a manager and what is meant by managerial “effectiveness”. To do this, you need to be able to identify the role of a manager and those factors which influence a manager’s effectiveness – and these lie not only within yourself but also in your working environment.
International Finance (Non-Specialist) (ACFI260)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module delivers an outlook of issues of international finance, such as parity conditions, currency exposures/management and international capital markets; especially focusing on the financial management of multinationals. The groundwork is based on fundamentals of finance which provides an introduction to the core principles of finance, valuation and financial decision-making, within the domestic setting and then expands to the international setting.
Theory of the Firm (ECON254)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module gives an overview of some very basic economic principles as it applies to the firm and its environment. It equips the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and evaluate internal and external factors that influence the strategic decisions made by the firms. This includes the analysis of the nature and behaviour of firms in international markets. It is designed for non-economists such as Business Studies students . Explanations are sometimes based on very basic diagrams and students are expected to have GCSE level maths.
Year three
Your final year will consolidate your knowledge and understanding through a much greater opportunity for personal study and research, as well as study modules that probe more deeply into contemporary issues in global business. With more optional modules to choose from you are able to pursue areas of study of particular interest to you and your future career plans.
Upon successful completion of your final year, you will have developed a sound understanding and knowledge of management theory and practice as well as the functional elements of international business and management. You’ll develop a knowledge of the global economic environment and the main ethical problems facing international organisations. You will also develop your strategic thinking and the ability to critique critical issues in international business.
On the 2+2 programme, you'll study your third and fourth years at the University of Liverpool. These will be year two and year three of the University of Liverpool's programme of study.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Compulsory
Business in Emerging Markets (MKIB369)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module focuses on the business environment and practices in emerging markets, including the range from micro- small and medium-sized enterprises (‘MSMEs’) to multinational enterprises (‘MNEs’) based in these countries.
Global Strategic Management (MKIB351)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module gives students an up-to-date coverage of global strategy and hands-on experience putting theory into practice. It sets new approaches such as institutional analysis alongside more traditional approaches based in economics and management. It also gives considerable attention to competition in and from emerging economies. At the end of the module, students are able to critically analyse the challenges and opportunities that a multinational enterprise (MNE) faces and the context in which these organizations make decisions. Assessment is through an individual report submitted at the end of the module.
International Economic Relations (ECON354)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module provides a detailed coverage of the nature and determinants of the pattern of world trade and financial, capital and labour flows. The module also aims to provide students with a critical appreciation of why conflicts arise between nations due to international economic activity and what policy options are most appropriate for countries both individually and cooperatively to adopt. Throughout the module emphasis is placed upon the role of theory in enhancing understanding of the key issues in international economic relations.
Strategic Management and Business Policy (ULMS353)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module gives an overview of the subject from the perspective of principles and practice. The first part of the module provides an overview of perspectives and explains the centrality of strategic purpose. The second part is about strategic analysis and covers strategic objectives, and the analysis of the external and internal environments. The third part covers business, corporate, and global levels of strategy. Finally, the module explains implementation: covering strategic actions and performance management.
Optional
Corporate Governance (ACFI320)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module covers the history and development of corporate governance, and the key principles and systems that underpin corporate governance today. It also provides the opportunity to assess the practical application of corporate governance systems across major international organisations based on UK regulation.
International Business Dissertation (MKIB336)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: whole session
The independent study module (i.e Dissertation) is an individual piece of work, related to the specialist element within the International Business programme, undertaken by the student with supervisor support on an individual basis.
International Marketing (MKIB356)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
An understanding of international marketing is crucial in today’s increasingly international marketplace. International marketing activities must be planned, coordinated and integrated whilst recognising the need to understand the complexity of international environment when devising a strategy for market selection, market entry, and marketing mix. Graduates will often interact with international clients and therefore, this module aims to address the importance of having an international marketing understanding. It examines how a firm internationalises the marketing function, looking in detail at how to design and implement an international marketing plan including identifying the need for internationalisation, conducting global market research, selecting the international market, choosing effective entry modes, planning marketing mix in the target market, and coordinating global marketing program.
Managing Knowledge for Innovation (ULMS352)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module introduces students to core theories and current issues and developments concerning knowledge management with the aim of fostering innovation. Students will learn how to analyse and critically evaluate the subject matter and apply it to diverse organisational environments.
Psychological Approaches to Decision-Making (ULMS351)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
All decisions involving uncertainty run the risk of failure. This module examines why people and organizations sometimes make unwise decisions and how to make better decisions.
The Football Business (ULMS370)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The aim of this module is to develop and enhance students’ critical understanding of the key issues surrounding the contemporary football sector. Students will develop a critical understanding of how economics, finance, marketing and other business and management disciplines can be used to analyse features of the football business sector. Furthermore, various concepts and theories from the aforementioned disciplines will be used to analyse critically decision-making within the sector. Where appropriate alternative outcomes will be considered that might improve efficiency and effectiveness within the sector.
Management Accounting for Business (ACFI307)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The aim of the module is to build on the basic management accounting methods seen in ACFI 107 through coverage of a range of additional/more advanced techniques that aid costing, decision-making, planning and control. The module will also cover some of the contemporary developments within management accounting and performance measurement which have had a fundamental impact on the way many organisations are operated and managed.
Contemporary Issues in International Business (MKIB310)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The key focus of this module is for the students to build a strong understanding on contemporary issues concerning the International Business discipline as well as develop their critical thinking and critical discussion skills on a variety of controversial issues in IB. Through reading and interpretation of the academic international business literature as well as recent trends and developments in the global marketplace, students will be encouraged to analyse and debate the topics in order to form and express their own perspective in a structured and convincing manner. The module will draw on the research expertise of academic staff at ULMS and appropriate external speakers.
International Business Consultancy Project (MKIB306)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: whole session
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.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
What I love most is my teachers and the class atmosphere. For the classroom atmosphere, the teachers encourage us to share opinions freely. Students from all over the world have given me the opportunity to discuss and collaborate with people from different culture backgrounds.