Key Info
Bachelor of Arts in International Business
If you wish to develop your knowledge of business while learning about the influence of politics, law, history and sociology on business decisions, then this programme might be for you. While other business programmes contain an international perspective, this programme provides an extensive international context that will drive your understanding and creativity. On graduation, you can expect to be well-positioned for a career in business, not just in Ireland but with overseas organisations.
This programme might be for you, if you want to:
- Discover a distinctive undergraduate experience
- Design your own degree programme
- Study and work abroad
- Enjoy a programme that puts business in an international framework
- Be prepared for rewarding graduate-level employment
Then this programme might be for you.
Why study International Business ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ?
The BA in International Business will provide you with a distinctive and challenging undergraduate experience. The programme is structured around a broad and flexible curriculum with subject choices that will help you to understand how business decisions are undertaken in a globalised world shaped by political, social and legal issues.
Under the ‘normal’ pathway, students spend years 1, 2 and 4 in UL. International study and work placements in Year 3 are a core part of the programme.  This international experience will allow you to attend university in Europe, the US, Latin America, Africa, Asia or Australia.
Dual Degree opportunity
In addition, students can avail of an amazing opportunity to earn a second degree from a leading international business school. Under this alternative ‘dual degree’ pathway, BA in International Business students spend their first two years studying in Limerick and their last two years studying at another Business School (while retaining an international work placement). Upon successful completion of their four years of study, students will receive both UL’s BA in International Business degree and an equivalent degree from the other business school.
Dual Degree partners:
- (Nantes, France)
- (La Rochelle, France)
- (Marseille, France)
- (Grenoble, France)
- (Warsaw, Poland)
- (Nagoya, Japan)
- l (Pforzheim, Germany)
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
What you will study
Electives within International Business
For your first semester, there is one mandatory module, so you will only need to choose 4 more. Your choices are outlined below.
| Category | Module Code | Module Title |
| Mandatory | BS4001 | |
| Business (min. 2, max. 4) | AC4001 | |
| EC4101 | ||
| IN4003 | ||
| MG4031 | ||
| MI4007 | ||
| CM4203 | ||
| Humanities (min. 0, max. 2) | LA4901 | |
| PO4051 | ||
| SO4001 | ||
| HI4071 | ||
| Languages (min. 0, max.1) | FR4921 | |
| GE4921 | ||
| JA4911 | ||
| SP4151 | ||
| SP4161 |
You can get more information on the Language options here
What you will study
Choice and flexibility are central to the BA in International Business. You will select modules from a business elective stream, a humanities elective stream, and a language elective stream – selecting from French (advanced), German (Advanced), Spanish (Beginners or Advanced), and Japanese (Beginners). The combination you choose will reflect your interests and help develop your understanding of international business.
There are three broad categories that you will study on this course:
- Business
- Humanities
- Languages
Each semester you will have the choice to study 5 modules across these categories. Certain restrictions apply for each category but the overall flexibility will allow you to study the areas of International Business that interest you.
By the end of the course, you will have:
- the ability to apply specialised technical, analytical and creative skills which are fundamental to problem-solving and decision-making in the business world
- the knowledge and skills to acquire information and engage with ideas and concepts that emerge from other business cultures
- an array of advanced skills needed to conduct guided research in a range of business contexts
- the capacity to effect change responsibly in business, professional and academic environments.
Set out below is the course structure for the ‘normal’ pathway:
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Credits | Semester 2 | Credits |
| CORE | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| ELECTIVE A | ELECTIVE A | |||
| Choose - Min 2 Max 4 | Choose - Min 3 Max 4 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| ELECTIVE B | ELECTIVE B | |||
| Choose - Min 0 Max 2 | Choose - Min 0 Max 2 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | ||||
| ELECTIVE C | ELECTIVE C | |||
| Choose - Min 0 Max1 | Choose - Min 0 Max 1 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| ELECTIVE D | ||||
| Choose - Min 0 Max 1 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 6 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Credits | Semester 4 | Credits |
| ELECTIVE A | ELECTIVE A | |||
| Choose - Min 3 Max 4 | Choose - Min 3 Max 4 | |||
| 6 | ||||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| ELECTIVE B | ELECTIVE B | |||
| Choose - Min 0 Max 2 | Choose - Min 0 Max 2 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| ELECTIVE C | ELECTIVE C | |||
| Choose Min 0 Max 1 | Choose - Min 0 Max 1 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 |
|
Year 3 |
Semester 5 |
|
Semester 6 |
|
|
|
International academic placement |
30 |
International work placement |
30 |
| Year 4 | Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| CORE | CORE | |||
| International Business | 6 | International Business | ||
| 6 | ||||
| ELECTIVE A | ELECTIVE A | |||
| Choose - Min 2 Max 4 | Choose - Min 2 Max 4 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | ||||
| ELECTIVE B | ELECTIVE B | |||
| Choose - Min 0 Max 2 | Choose - Min 0 Max 2 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| ELECTIVE C | ELECTIVE C | |||
| Choose - Min 0 Max 1 | Choose - Min 0 Max 1 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 | 6 | |||
| 6 |
| 6 |
Entry requirements
| CAO points history |
544
|
|---|---|
| Minimum grades |
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. |
| Subject requirements |
In addition, applicants must hold at least an O4/H7 grade in Mathematics. Students wishing to take a language option must have a H4 in that language, with the exception of Japanese or Beginners Spanish where a H4 in a language other than English is required. |
| Additional considerations |
Mature StudentsWe welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. |
| Non-EU Entry Requirements |
|
How to apply
| Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
| The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| The EU | EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
| Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, |
Fees and funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| SUSI pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €102 |
| Total | €5,660 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
| HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €102 |
| Total | €5,660 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €2,558 |
| Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €102 |
| Total | €5,660 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €16,798 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €102 |
| Total | €16,900 |
Student course fees are comprised of the following components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €102. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 years' duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the .
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees.
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| Brindle Foundation and Fidelis Partnership Scholarships | €5,000 a year for 2-4 years | 8 |
| Unijobs Scholarship | €2,525 | 2 |
These scholarships are available for all courses
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Bursary for my Future Scholarship | €2,750 one off payment | 4 |
| Civic Engagement Scholarship | €1500 | 1 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €1,500 | |
| Hegarty Family Access Scholarships | €5,000 for one year | 2 |
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Irish American Partnership Access Scholarships | €5,000 | 2 |
| Love Actually Charity (LAC) Scholarship | €1,000 | 3 |
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your future career
- Numeracy and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data
- Self-reliance, initiative and the ability to manage time, projects and resources
- Appreciating the causes and effects of economic and other external changes
Employability skills from this degree
- Understanding organisational behaviour and structure
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- A creative approach to problem-solving
- Decision making
- Persuasive written and verbal communication
- Numeracy and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data
- Self-reliance, initiative and the ability to manage time, projects and resources
- Appreciating the causes and effects of economic and other external changes
Further study options
- MSc in Economic and Policy Analysis
- MA in International Tourism
- MSc in International Entrepreneurship Management
- MSc in Marketing, Consumption and Society
- MSc in International Management Global Business
- MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology/Behaviour
- MSc in Human Resource Management
- MSc Accounting
- MSc in Risk Management & Insurance
Job titles for graduates with this degree
Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:
- Business Analyst
- Marketing Analyst
- HR Solutions Representative
- Bank Official
- Speciality Ingredients Buyer
- Trainee Accountant
- Trainee Auditor
- Multi Category Marketing Intern
- Corporate Sales Developer
- Commercial Insurance Broker
- Accounting and Finance Graduate
- Finance Analyst
- Trainee Auditor
- Sales Associate
- Community Support Representative
- Customer Support Specialist
- Supply Chain and Procurement Grad
- Hospitality Sales Executive
- Junior Auditor
- Trainee Chartered Tax Advisor
Student profiles
Evelyne Mancassola
My name is Evelyne Mancassola and as a fourth-year student pursuing an undergraduate program in International Business at the Kemmy Business School, my journey at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ has been nothing short of transformative. I have a huge passion for marketing and entrepreneurship where UL has provided me with an enriching academic environment that has nurtured my interests and fuelled my aspirations.
Throughout my time ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ, I've delved into a diverse array of modules spanning marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and accounting. These modules have equipped me with a robust skill set and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the business world, laying a strong foundation for my future endeavours.
One of the highlights of my academic experience ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ was the opportunity to embark on an Erasmus exchange program in Sweden for four months. This invaluable experience broadened my horizons, exposed me to new cultures, and enhanced my global perspective. Additionally, my eight-month placement abroad in Luxembourg further solidified my academic learning, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios. These experiences have not only enriched my academic journey but have also instilled in me a sense of confidence and resilience.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Kemmy Business School Ambassador, where I have had the privilege to showcase the exceptional business courses UL has to offer and share my passion for the university with prospective students. Being able to inspire others and contribute to the UL community has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
UL has fostered a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging me to think outside the box and explore my entrepreneurial instincts. It is this environment that inspired me to pursue my dream of establishing my own business - The Poppy Cup Coffee House in Adare. UL provided me with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to turn my vision into reality, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.
In essence, my journey at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ has been an enriching and transformative experience. From academic excellence to unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth, UL has truly empowered me to become the best version of myself. I am immensely proud to be a part of the UL community and am excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Corinne Drinan
From the moment I stepped onto the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ campus, I knew this was where I wanted to study. Growing up with two older brothers who had both graduated from UL as PE and Maths teachers, I had seen firsthand how vibrant and supportive the university community was. Paired with its beautiful campus and incredible facilities, UL felt like the perfect place for me.
When it came time to fill out my CAO application, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to study. However, my love for accounting, business, and languages in secondary school, combined with my passion for travel, led me to put the Bachelor of Arts in International Business at the Kemmy Business School as my top choice. This programme offered a unique blend of business, humanities, and languages, allowing me the flexibility to tailor my studies to my interests. One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to learn a new language from scratch. I had always wanted to study Spanish but never had the chance in secondary school, and KBS gave me this opportunity. Starting as a complete beginner in my first year, I am now finishing my degree with a B2 (Intermediate) level of proficiency in Spanish—an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.
A standout feature of the International Business course that particularly intrigued me was the year abroad in third year, with the Erasmus Programme and Global Cooperative Work Placement. This incredible opportunity allowed me to spend four months studying abroad at the University of Deusto in San Sebastián, Spain. Immersing myself in a new culture, strengthening my Spanish language skills, and adapting to different learning styles—all while living in a stunning coastal city. It was an experience of a lifetime! Beyond academics, studying abroad enriched my personal growth, helping me develop lifelong skills and friendships with people from all over the world, all of whom I still stay in close contact with today.
Another significant reason I chose International Business ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ was the global work placement aspect of the course. Following my study abroad semester in Spain, I secured an eight-month work placement at CACEIS, a large investment bank in Luxembourg. This hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing me to apply my studies in a real-world financial setting. What made this experience even more special was the strong UL presence in Luxembourg—many fellow students and graduates were living and working there, creating a great sense of community, like a home away from home! I also joined the Luxembourg GAA club while working there, which gave me the opportunity to travel across Europe playing hurling and football—an experience I will always treasure.
Returning to campus after a year abroad, I found myself reflecting on just how much UL has shaped my journey—not only academically and professionally but personally as well. UL didn’t just provide a top-tier education; it introduced me to people who became lifelong friends.
From the very first day of an insurance class in first year, my best friends—fellow KBS students—have been by my side. The shared experience of studying business created an instant bond, one that has only grown stronger over the years. Some of my favourite memories ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ aren’t just the big milestones but the everyday moments: exploring campus as first years, visiting each other across Europe during our year abroad, and now, in our final year, sharing a house and making the most of our last months as UL students. Even simple routines—grabbing coffee between lectures or late-night study sessions in the library—have made this journey unforgettable. The best part? Knowing these friendships will last long after graduation.
Choosing International Business at Kemmy Business School was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The combination of academic excellence, international experience, and a supportive community has shaped both my education and my future. Now, as I apply for graduate jobs, I feel prepared to take the next step, knowing that my time ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ has given me both the skills and the confidence to stand out. For anyone considering their CAO choices, UL offers more than just a degree—it’s a place where you’ll grow, gain real-world experience, and build friendships that will stay with you well beyond your time on campus.
Rachel Frost
Choosing a college course can be easy, but the difficulty lies in selecting the RIGHT college course for YOU. I was one of those students who did not really know what direction I wanted to go in and once the CAO applications came around, I was still very indecisive. This is where the appeal of International Business (IB) lured me.
You see, the beauty of IB is that you can tailor your degree to your specific interests every step of the way. This was a godsend for me as it afforded me the opportunity to try a variety of modules and figure out what was best for me as time went on. This unique feature of the IB course meant that I was not restricted in terms of choosing a major/minor in second year and could create my own formulation of a degree, drawing on core business, arts and language modules. The dual degree opportunity available through the IB programme was also a deciding factor that largely enticed me.
Yet another appeal for me was the fully-international aspect of 3rd year, with both an Erasmus programme and a cooperative placement abroad. I can safely say, hand on heart, that it was the best year of my life. I spent the first semester in Nice in the south of France and the second semester alongside many of my friends working in Luxembourg. These amazing experiences provided me with many opportunities that I will never take for granted and often reminisce on. If, like me, you jump at the opportunity to travel, this course facilitates that and ultimately prepares you for an international career. The course not only allowed me to travel and experience different cultures but also provided me with valuable skills and knowledge that I can apply in my future career. I highly recommend IB to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and gain a competitive edge in the global job market.
Now in my final year, back on campus at long last, I have also begun to truly appreciate just how much the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ itself has to offer. From sporting facilities, clubs and societies to the grounds of the university itself, UL has a lot to give to its students. As my time here is sadly drawing to an end, I know that although I initially struggled to decide on a college course, I now know that I ultimately chose the right one for me. In addition to the course, the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ has provided me with a supportive community and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. My time at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ has been thoroughly enjoyable and to everyone who has shaped my experience, I am eternally grateful. Now it can be your turn to revel in it!