Major overview
Different countries and cultures have different ways of doing business, and multinational businesses need skilled business professionals to monitor and manage their overseas business operations.
For a successful career in international business, you not only need advanced business skills, but also the cultural competency to adapt to working in different countries.
In this course you will develop high-level skills in management, problem-solving, planning, organising and managing change, with a global business perspective.
You’ll learn how to analyse international markets and business systems and navigate your way around international business environments. You’ll also gain the communication skills that enable you to work in cross-cultural teams.
This course has a significant focus on practice and includes industry-based case studies. You also have the option of studying a cultural studies specialisation such as Asian Studies (which includes Chinese and Japanese languages), Korean Studies or Japanese Language.
The interdisciplinary nature of this course means you'll gain skills that can be applied across many different areas, including global business management, project management, marketing, business ethics and responsible business.
Parent degrees
You can study this major under the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Commerce (as a single or double major)
- Bachelor of Advanced Commerce (Honours) (as a single or double major)
- Bachelor of Innovation (as a single major)
- Bachelor of Arts (as a double major with an Arts major)
Your choice of parent degree can influence the type of career you might have.
Our Commerce degree also offers additional opportunities to customise your course by offering specialisations as well as majors.
Double degrees
You can increase your career opportunities by studying International Business as part of an Arts and Commerce or Law and Commerce double degree.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information on units and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Why study at Curtin?
Industry-aligned
Our business courses are reviewed by an Advisory Network, made up of more than 50 members of industry, ensuring that you’ll graduate with a skillset aligned with industry needs.
An elite business school
Curtin Business School is recognised as an elite global business school through accreditation by EQUIS, AACSB International and an EFMD Accredited MBA.
Professionally recognised
You may be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Management.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Some units vary between degrees but provide similar core knowledge and learning experiences.
Career outcomes
- Exporter
- Foreign investment analyst
- Foreign trade consultant
- Global supply chain manager
- Importer
- International development manager
- International marketing manager
- International sales executive
- International trader
What jobs can an International Business double major lead to?
- Foreign affairs and trade consultant (with Economics or International Relations)
- International policy analyst (with International Relations or Business Law)
- International risk analyst (Security and Strategic Studies)
- International trade specialist (with Law)
- Supply chain consultant (with Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
- International travel consultant (with Tourism and Hospitality)
- International marketing manager (with Marketing)
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Management.
Why study at Curtin?
Industry-aligned
Our business courses are reviewed by an Advisory Network, made up of more than 50 members of industry, ensuring that you’ll graduate with a skillset aligned with industry needs.
An elite business school
Curtin Business School is recognised as an elite global business school through accreditation by EQUIS, AACSB International and an EFMD Accredited MBA.
Professionally recognised
You may be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Management.
Course and career advice
Get guidance on choosing your course and planning your career with advice written to support your next step.
Capstone experience units explained
Build hands-on industry experience, from global study tours to real client consulting.
Which business degree suits you?
See how Curtin's business degrees differ to find the course that fits your goals.
Five steps to choosing your business degree
Learn how Curtin business degrees can be customised to suit your goals.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.