International Business

An International Business degree combines core business disciplines — such as management, marketing, finance, and strategy — with a modern European or world language and a strong focus on how firms operate across borders. You study topics like international trade, cross-cultural management, global supply chains, and foreign direct investment, with particular attention to Ireland's role as a hub for multinational companies (MNCs). Practical work is central: most programmes include a paid work placement, often abroad, and a compulsory year studying at a partner university in Europe or further afield through Erasmus+ or bilateral exchange agreements. In a typical week you might attend lectures in international marketing, a language tutorial, a strategy seminar using real MNC case studies, and prepare a group report on a current global trade issue.

Entry is through the CAO; you will typically need to meet Leaving Certificate minimum requirements of six subjects including English and Mathematics, usually at Ordinary level or above, though Higher-level Maths is advantageous and required by some programmes. Points demand is generally high, reflecting strong competition for places. A second language studied to Leaving Certificate level — French, German, Spanish, or Italian — is not always mandatory for entry but is a significant advantage and may be required in some programmes. QQI Level 5 or 6 FET/PLC awards in Business can provide a progression route onto Level 7 programmes, with subsequent transfer to Level 8 possible. Mature applicants (aged 23 or over by 1 January of entry year) may apply through the mature-student CAO stream, and HEAR and DARE schemes support applicants from socioeconomically disadvantaged or disability backgrounds.

Demand for graduates with international business acumen and language skills remains robust in Ireland, given the country's export-oriented economy and concentration of MNC headquarters. Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland consistently report skills needs in areas of international sales, market development, and cross-border operations. Graduates who combine business competence with fluency in a second language typically command a competitive advantage in the job market. Starting salaries in graduate roles in Ireland generally range from approximately €28,000 to €38,000, with experienced professionals in MNC or financial services environments earning significantly more.