Full-time (16 months)
Full-time (2 years) with Placement
Full-time (28 months) with Placement
Part-time (2 years)
Course overview
Take your career global with an MA International Business degree at Leeds Trinity University. Develop your knowledge and skills with a focus on international business operations to kick-start your career as a manager and business specialist.
This MA is also suitable for experienced managers who lack a theoretical and applied understanding of the wide range of factors that underpin the modern environment of international business. We’ll guide you through the fast-paced world of International Business by exploring three key themes: the global/local marketplace, international customers and international strategy development.
You can choose from five different study modes:
Full-time, 1 year (September start)
Full-time, 16 months (January start)
Full-time, 2 years with Placement year (September start)
Full-time, 28 months with Placement year (January start)
Part-time, 2 years (September start)
About this course
This programme aims to offer the essential knowledge and understanding, skills and experience required for you to operate effectively and successfully in an international business environment. The key themes of the programme are embedded in all of the modules studied:
- The increasing significance of the global/local marketplace, including international supply chains, export/import operations, international expansion and e-commerce.
- Understanding of international customers and their requirements, focusing on the major role played by “customer relationship management” and the pivotal role played by customer service, which should be underpinned by an understanding of cross-cultural management issues associated with diverse international business teams/employees.
- Learning International Business strategy development, including international finance, mergers and acquisitions, international partnerships, global supply/distribution chains and joint ventures. Issues of sustainability, corporate social responsibility and business ethics will also be explored.
The core modules cover all the key functional areas including the principles of international business, corporate and international strategies, international operations and global supply chain management, retailing and services marketing, as well as leadership and professional development.
The subject is taught with an international perspective to ensure relevance in today's global economy. Non-UK students are particularly valued for enriching the overall international learning experience.
The full-time Professional Placement option offers you the chance to enhance your qualification by spending a year completing an industry placement or engaging with a research project at the University. Although we cannot guarantee placements for students, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your placement.
On successful completion of this degree, you'll be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of organisations, the international context in which they operate and how they are managed. You will be able to understand, respond to and lead change and be able to demonstrate intellectual breadth by making integrative links across these functional areas of international business.
Why study with us
- Learn from business experts. Our lecturers have extensive industry experience. They will use their knowledge and connections to ensure you’re prepared for a career in business and management.
- Tailor your assessments towards your career aspirations while gaining a broad understanding of business and management to keep your career options open.
- Make connections with the Leeds Trinity Business Network. You’ll have the opportunity to raise your profile, make connections, expand your knowledge and grow your own business.
- There are various start dates to suit you. Please refer to the course structure tables below.
- Choose to study the MA International Business with a Professional Placement and you will acquire experience in the workplace relevant to your future career, giving you a distinct advantage over other graduates.
Course Modules
You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Core modules
You will study the following modules throughout your degree. View the Course Structure tables relating to the different start dates.
International Business
A range of topics will be covered where you will understand the complexities of conducting business across borders. You'll be introduced to the environmental factors that impact international business decisions and operations and will learn about the various forms of international market entry strategies and the impact of environmental factors on: Global trade, finance and investment, the role of multinational corporations, exchange rates, exports/imports and the ethical and social responsibility implications of international business practices will be explored. Throughout the module, you'll develop critical thinking and analytical skills as you apply theoretical and practical knowledge to real-world challenges in the field of international business.
Professional Development and Leadership
This module aims to equip you with the soft skills in decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, conflict-resolution and critical thinking in leadership and team roles. This is the knowledge necessary to be successful in the workplace and in your career planning. Taking charge of your own professional development, you'll practice and evaluate communication and collaboration methods in a variety of individual and team challenges.
Different leadership styles and their effectiveness in different business contexts will be developed and you'll learn how to communicate effectively with team members and how to inspire and motivate others.
By the end of the module, you should be able to demonstrate proficiency in leadership, teamwork and digital skills, and be able to choose appropriate approaches and tools for your own development and for workplace activities.
International Management and Marketing
International Management and Marketing is an exciting and challenging field that is becoming increasingly important in today’s global business environment.
Key topics such as international management, global business strategies, marketing for international business, marketing in the global business environment and the international marketing mix will be covered. You'll develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by organisations operating in the global marketplace. Cross-cultural management, global human resource management and the importance of adapting marketing strategies to different cultural, political, economic and legal environments will also be explored.
Business Research and Analytics
You will focus on a real-life business and management issue and present it in the form of a project proposal. Research, data analysis, communication and networking between the client/research sponsor are all focal points of this module. Learning how to combine and balance theoretical (academic) and practical/applied business requirements will also be taught.
The project proposal preparation will include a problem definition in the light of a business context/issue, potential client needs/benefits, business and research aims and objectives, a literature review and a research methodology.
Research Project
This module extends the Research module by focusing on an in-depth investigation of real-life business issues. You will critically analyse and present these findings in the form of a project proposal. The research project will build your in-depth knowledge and understanding in core subject areas depending on your area of interest as well as the practical application of methods and techniques relevant to your subject.
Placement year
You may choose to study this course with a Professional Placement.
Professional Placement
This module allows you to develop, practice and demonstrate skills relevant to your programme of study in a professional work environment.
You must select one of the following two options for your Professional Placement.
Industry Placement
Spend a year working full-time in industry. You will have an opportunity to apply to a range of advertised placements, which will offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in a professional workplace setting. Although we cannot guarantee placements for students, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your placement.
Research Project
Develop your research and academic skills by working as a member of a research team being led by one of our leading researchers. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in academic or industrial research or consultancy.
Course structures
Please see below the course structure tables for the different start dates.
If you choose to study the MA International Business with Professional Placement, your first year will follow either the Full-time one-year September or January start course structure tables below.
Your Professional Work Placement in industry or through a placement based at the University is equivalent to and replicates an authentic professional or research environment. You will carry out the Professional Placement across all three terms and will be worth 120 credits.
Course structure table
September - Full-time, 1 year programme
| Year | Term | Module | Credits | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | International Business | 30 | 10 x 4 |
| Professional Development and Leadership | 30 | 10 x 4 | ||
| 2 | International Management and Marketing | 30 | 10 x 4 | |
| Business Research and Analytics | 30 | 14 x 3 | ||
| 3 | Research Project | 60 | 6 x 1-hour supervisory meetings |
September - Full-time, 2 years with Professional Placement
| Year | Term | Module | Credits | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | International Business | 30 | 10 x 4 |
| Professional Development and Leadership | 30 | 10 x 4 | ||
| 2 | International Management and Marketing | 30 | 10 x 4 | |
| Business Research and Analytics | 30 | 14 x 3 | ||
| 3 | Research Project | 60 | 6 x 1-hour supervisory meetings | |
| 2 | 1, 2 and 3 | Professional Placement | 120 | TBC |
September - Part-time, 2 year programme
| Year | Term | Module | Credits | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | International Business | 30 | 10 x 4 |
| 2 | International Management and Marketing | 30 | 10 x 4 | |
| 2 | 1 | Professional Development and Leadership | 30 | 10 x 4 |
| 2 | Business Research and Analytics | 30 | 14 x 3 | |
| 3 | Research Project | 60 | 6 x 1-hour supervisory meetings |
January - Full-time, 16 month programme
| Year | Term | Module | Credits | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 (Jan - Mar) | International Management and Marketing | 30 | 10 x 4 |
| Business Research and Analytics | 30 | 14 x 3 | ||
| 2 (Apr - May) | Research Project module preparation and initial project proposal development | |||
| 2 (Sept - Dec) | International Business | 30 | 10 x 4 | |
| Professional Development and Leadership | 30 | 10 x 4 | ||
| 2 | 3 (Jan - May) | Research Project | 60 | 6 x 1-hour supervisory meetings |
January - Full-time, 28 months with Professional Placement
| Year | Term | Module | Credits | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 (Jan - Mar) | International Management and Marketing | 30 | 10 x 4 |
| Business Research and Analytics | 30 | 14 x 3 | ||
| 2 (Apr - May) | Research Project module preparation and initial project proposal development | |||
| 2 (Sept - Dec) | International Business | 30 | 10 x 4 | |
| Professional Development and Leadership | 30 | 10 x 4 | ||
| 2 | 3 (Jan - May) | Research Project | 60 | 6 x 1-hour supervisory meetings |
| 2 and 3 | 1,2 and 3 (May - May) | Professional Placement | 120 | TBC |
Learning and Teaching
At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.
Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:
- high quality teaching
- an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
- a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.
We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.
We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:
- Student Involvement and Engagement
- Inclusion
- Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
- Digital Literacy and Skills
- Employability and Enterprise
To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.
We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:
- Personalised support
- Expert lecturers
- Strong connections with employers
- An international outlook
- Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development
Assessment
You’ll be assessed on your ability to present an academic argument, the application of theory into practice and the demonstration of a practical and integrative approach to a problem or issue.
A range of assessment methods will be used, which may include:
• case studies, market analysis and business reports
• individual and team presentations
• business and marketing project plans
• business project portfolio
• research project report or dissertation
Entry Requirements
Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.
The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Admissions Office who will be happy to advise you.
- An honours degree (2:2 or above) in any discipline.
- Alternatively, we will consider applicants with significant professional/business experience (at least six years at management level).
For more information on meeting English language requirements and academic requirements by country, visit our International Applicants page.
Please contact us for personalised advice on 0113 283 7123 or at admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk
Fees and finance
Funding
UK Home Students:
For further information about our tuition fees please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.
Please note, if your course includes a Professional Placement, there is an additional £3,000 on top of the standard fee, which is payable in year one.
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Leeds Trinity University, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 50% on the cost of your tuition fees. Please note, the alumni discount does not apply to the additional £3,000 if your course includes a Professional Placement year.
International Students, including EU Students:
Visit our web page for international students.
Please note, if your course includes a Professional Placement, there is an additional £3,000 on top of the standard fee, which is payable in year one.
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Leeds Trinity University, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 50% on the cost of your tuition fees. Please note, the alumni discount does not apply to the additional £3,000 if your course includes a Professional Placement year.
Leeds Trinity Alumni Discount
Some Leeds Trinity graduates are eligible for a tuition fee discount on postgraduate courses of up to 50%, excluding PGCE Delivery Partner Model and Lead Partner Model, and Masters by Research courses. You will need to achieve a 2:2 or above in a Leeds Trinity undergraduate course to qualify.
| Postgraduate course | Leeds Trinity Alumni Discount |
|---|---|
| MA programmes | 50% for Leeds Trinity graduates with a 1st class honours degree |
| MA programmes | 35% for Leeds Trinity graduates with a 2:1 honours degree |
| MA programmes | 20% for Leeds Trinity graduates with a 2:2 honours degree |
How to apply
There is no official closing date for applications, but the course will be closed when it is full. We therefore encourage you to make your application as early as possible.
Please ensure you complete the application form in full and supply all the required supporting documentation when you make your initial application. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
If you need advice on your application, please contact our admissions team on 0113 283 7123 (Monday to Thursday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, or Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm) or admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk
Home applicants - How to apply
Applicants who require a Student Route Visa
Applications for September 2024 entry are now closed for students requiring a Student Route Visa in order to study in the UK. Applications for 2025 entry are due to open in early October.
For January 2025 entry, if you require a Student Route Visa in order to study in the UK, then you must apply to us by 16 October 2024.
Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa.
For additional information, including academic requirements by country, visit our country and region page.
What happens next?
Our admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. Where applications are submitted but references are still in progress, admissions will wait for the reference(s) to be received and then will process it, and forward to the relevant Programme Leader within five days of receipt of the reference(s).
The Programme Leader will make a decision based on your application. You may be asked to provide a reference to demonstrate your academic and non-academic experiences, or you may be invited to attend an interview. If you are successful and made an offer, the conditions will be outlined in your offer letter.
Applications will be acknowledged within five working days. Applicants will be contacted within 15 working days with a request for additional information, invite to an informal interview or an application decision.
Made an offer?
You should accept or decline your offer by emailing admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk.
If you accept, you'll need to prove you satisfy the conditions outlined in your offer letter.
You may be asked to present the relevant supporting documentation in person to the student information point on campus, if originals are not needed you’ll be contacted and given details of how to provide the supporting documentation.
Professional Memberships
Chartered Association of Business Schools
Leeds Trinity University Business School is a member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools.
The association supports its members to maintain world-class standards of teaching and research, and helps to shape policy and create opportunities through dialogue with business and government.
Small Business Charter Award
Leeds Trinity Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter (SBC) award in recognition of our support to small businesses, student entrepreneurship and the local economy.
Business Graduates Association
Leeds Trinity Business School is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA) an international membership and quality assurance body of world-leading and high-potential Business Schools who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning.
