The International Business and Finance BSc at the University of Leeds gives you the best of both worlds: you’ll explore how businesses operate globally while also building strong financial skills like accounting, corporate finance, and investment analysis. It’s perfect for curious, ambitious students who want to understand the international business landscape and develop practical finance expertise that’s highly valued by employers.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll lay the foundations for success. You’ll get to grips with the basics of finance, economics, and international business through modules like Introduction to Finance, Principles of International Business, and Introductory Financial Accounting. You’ll also start thinking like an entrepreneur with optional modules such as Global Entrepreneurship or Starting Your Own Business, giving you a taste of practical business creativity.
Year 2
Year 2 builds on this foundation and gets more applied. You’ll study modules like Corporate Financial Management, Cross‑Cultural Management, and Managing International Business, which bring together finance knowledge with real-world business strategy. Optional modules let you dive deeper into areas like Banks and Banking Systems or Intermediate Management Accounting, while research skills and ethical awareness are developed through Research Methods in International Business and pathway modules.
Final Year
The final year is where you really make the degree your own. You’ll tackle advanced topics like International Strategic Management and Advanced Finance, and complete an International Business Dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about. Optional modules give you the chance to specialise in areas such as Private Equity, Behavioural Finance, Forensic Accounting, or International Banking, while continuing optional pathways or discovery modules to broaden your experience.
Focus areas
International trade & investment, cross‑cultural management, strategic business decision-making, finance and accounting, advanced financial topics (derivatives, private equity, forensic accounting), ethics & sustainability, with opportunities for work placements or study abroad.
Learning outcomes
By the time you graduate, you’ll be confident analysing global business challenges, applying finance tools in real-world situations, conducting independent research, and making informed, ethical decisions in a business context. You’ll have practical skills, cross-cultural awareness, and analytical thinking that employers value highly.
Professional alignment (Accreditation)
The degree is accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade, giving you an edge for roles in global trade. Leeds University Business School also has triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), reflecting its international reputation for quality business education.
Reputation (employability rankings)
Leeds is the 4th most targeted university in the UK by graduate recruiters, so you’ll be in front of employers who are actively looking for top talent. Being part of Leeds University Business School also connects you to world-class research and global business networks.
At Leeds, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. On this course, you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience, helping you develop the practical skills employers love. From real-world finance simulations to international placements, you’ll see how business and finance work in practice while using some of the best facilities the university has to offer.
Some of the ways you’ll gain practical experience include:
Year in Industry – Spend 9–12 months in a paid work placement in the UK or abroad, getting real experience, building your network, and seeing how businesses operate day-to-day.
Study Abroad – Explore global business first-hand, learn from different markets, and develop your cross-cultural understanding.
Trading Room – Practice virtual trading in a state-of-the-art simulated financial market, honing your decision-making and financial analysis skills.
Collaborative Teaching Spaces – Work on group projects and interactive tasks in modern, tech-equipped seminar rooms designed to encourage teamwork and communication.
Behaviour Lab – Take part in research projects exploring human behaviour and decision-making, a unique perspective for business and finance.
Fintech Centre – Get exposure to the latest financial technologies and innovations shaping the future of banking and investment.
Mentoring Programs – Connect with industry professionals for guidance, advice, and networking opportunities.
Summer Internships – Gain short-term work experience that complements your studies and strengthens your CV.
Discovery Modules – Explore topics outside your core studies to broaden your skills and interests.
Computer Clusters and Study Areas – Access modern PCs, software, and quiet spaces to support your independent work.
Graduating with an International Business and Finance BSc from Leeds opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Many of our students go on to become financial analysts, international trade consultants, investment bankers, or corporate finance managers, roles where they can put both their business insight and financial skills into practice. With a combination of hands-on experience, industry connections, and strong academic foundations, Leeds graduates are well-prepared to make an impact from day one.
Here’s how Leeds supports your career journey and opportunities:
Graduate Support Services – Our dedicated Careers Centre offers one-to-one guidance, workshops, networking events, and help securing placements or internships.
Employment Stats & Salaries – Around 91% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, with an average starting salary of £31,500.
Industry Connections – Alumni have landed roles with top employers like Deloitte, EY, Amazon, and Google, thanks to strong university–industry links.
Accreditation & Professional Value – The degree is accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade and the Business School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), giving your qualification lasting global recognition.
Graduation Outcomes – You’ll graduate ready to take on challenging roles in finance and international business, equipped with analytical, strategic, and practical skills that employers value.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to continue learning after your BSc, there are several options:
Master’s Degrees – Specialize further with MSc programs in International Business, Finance, or Economics.
Professional Qualifications – Enhance your career prospects with credentials like the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or ACCA.
Doctoral Studies (PhD) – Pursue research in business, finance, or economics, which can open doors to academic or high-level consultancy careers.
Leeds provides the support, resources, and guidance to help you move confidently from your degree into either professional roles or further study.
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