International Business with Chinese

International business is the study of commerce across national borders, and combining it with the Chinese language creates one of the most strategically valuable degree combinations available to students today. China has one of the world's largest economies, plays a central role in global supply chains, manufacturing, technology, and trade, and its continued growth makes Mandarin Chinese a language of real professional significance in business, diplomacy, and international affairs. Understanding how Chinese businesses and institutions operate, and being able to communicate in Chinese, sets graduates apart in a competitive global job market.

At Edinburgh you will follow a four-year full-time programme that gives serious weight to both elements of the degree. The business curriculum equips you to understand how organisations operate across different national contexts, covering topics such as international trade, global strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and the social, political, environmental, and cultural challenges that contemporary businesses, governments, and non-profit organisations face. The language strand takes your Chinese to a high level of academic and professional proficiency, developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills alongside cultural knowledge that helps you engage authentically with Chinese-speaking contexts.

You will develop strong analytical skills, cross-cultural competence, and the ability to think strategically about complex global challenges. The combination of rigorous business training and deep language study produces graduates who are genuinely equipped to operate in international environments rather than simply understanding them in the abstract.

Graduates move into careers in international trade and commerce, consulting, financial services, diplomacy, international development, journalism, and roles with multinational corporations operating in or with China. Government departments, trade bodies, international organisations, and the growing number of firms with significant Chinese business partnerships all value this combination of skills. Postgraduate study in international business, Chinese studies, or related fields is also a route pursued by those who wish to specialise further.