MA International Business and Global Affairs
September 2027
Full time
18 months
Suzhou
This programme leads to a University of Liverpool degree which is recognised by Ministry of Education, China.
Knowledge and skills
By the time you graduate from the MA IBGA programme, you will be able to:
- analyse international business decisions by drawing on political, economic and social evidence;
- evaluate different types of evidence using appropriate research methods, data analysis and responsible AI-supported approaches;
- assess cross-border risks, stakeholder interests and competing interpretations of international events;
- produce case analyses, policy and strategy briefs, presentations and research outputs for academic and professional audiences; and
- conduct independent research and communicate evidence-based recommendations in complex and uncertain contexts.
International business decisions are increasingly shaped by geopolitics, technological change and shifting relations between China and the wider world. The MA IBGA programme is designed for students who want to understand these forces and turn that understanding into sound professional judgement.
In our Suzhou-based learning community, students from China and around the world learn through case-based activities, discussion and engagement beyond the classroom. They use data analysis and AI-supported approaches critically and responsibly while retaining independent judgement, developing the analytical and communication skills needed for the changing global job market. I look forward to welcoming you to the programme.
Dr Esol Cho
Programme director
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
The university offers a broad range of activities aiming to enrich master students’ theoretical and experiential learning and professional development. Trainings, workshops and seminars, covering varieties of themes and topics, both generic and subject-specific, are often offered at both university and school/department levels. You may also be provided with opportunities to work as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or intern at XJTLU. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the Department of International Studies often invite scholars and professionals for featured lectures. Such activities will not only support you in your programme study, but also develop your personal and professional skills and enhance your overall employability.
Global learning community
Since 2020, the MA IBGA programme has brought together students from China and an increasing number of other countries, including Canada, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Norway, Romania, Russia, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Their varied cultural, academic and professional perspectives create a learning community in which students can examine China’s role in global business with classmates whose experiences span different markets and societies.
Read this student feature about three Norwegian students who found a new perspective in China at XJTLU while pursuing their master’s degrees in IBGA.
The MA IBGA taught me how to analyse business opportunities through changes in international relations. Following world events and geopolitics helped me understand international market change and gave me the confidence to move beyond a conventional career path and start my own business.
Jeff Yang
CEO, AI education technology company and media content creator
During his time at XJTLU, Kian gained experience through community engagement, serving as a global ambassador, intern, warden, and active volunteer. He also supported new students, represented XJTLU and received a Postgraduate Academic Excellence Award. After completing his MA IBGA, Kian moved into global sales at Pacific Prime.
Kian Vahedi
Global Sales, Pacific Prime
The MA IBGA gave me a detailed understanding of cross-border business challenges, Chinese companies going global and the impact of risks such as pandemics, natural disasters, and political change. That helps me better understand our clients’ needs in a very dynamic business-travel industry.
Hannah Murray
Marketing Manager, Trip.Biz / Trip.com Group
My work takes me from business documents and inspection records to project coordination, report support and client communication. The MA IBGA taught me to bring systematic thinking, rigorous analysis, close attention to detail, and cross-team communication into fast-moving international trade.
Sichun Li
Business Support Assistant, Alfred H Knight
Careers
The programme prepares graduates for roles that require an understanding of cross-border business, political environments and China’s relationship with the wider world. Potential career pathways include consulting and advisory roles, international trade and logistics, finance and banking, manufacturing and technology, energy and sustainability, public affairs and the public sector, education and research, media, and non-profit organisations.
Students can strengthen their career readiness through activities such as practitioner talks, company visits, professional workshops, and research seminars.
Examples of activities that connect students with business, policy and industry professionals and help them apply classroom learning to organisational and cross-border challenges include:
- a Career Talk in Suzhou with industry professionals;
- IBGA company visits to VEA Group, BYD and Modula; and
- a field trip to a local farm setting to examine climate policy.
Overview
The MA International Business and Global Affairs (MA IBGA) programme is offered by the Department of International Studies at XJTLU, with modules also delivered by China’s triple-accredited International Business School Suzhou (IBSS). It gives students an understanding of how political, economic and institutional change shapes international business.
The programme is designed for current and future managers, analysts and professionals who need to make informed decisions amid geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory change and evolving global markets.
Combining international business, global affairs and a focus on China, the programme helps students develop the analytical, research and strategic communication skills needed to assess cross-border risks and opportunities, understand the interests of organisations and stakeholders and translate evidence into practical recommendations.
Why choose the MA IBGA programme at XJTLU?