International MBA (part time)
Strengthen your strategic, managerial, and leadership capabilities with an International MBA (IMBA) from International Business School Suzhou (IBSS). Study part-time, focusing on real-world applications and global perspectives in this innovative, rigorous programme.
February 2026 / September 2026
Part time
24 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 programme, you will have:
- a broad theoretical and practical understanding of management in a globalised and cross-cultural environment;
- strong awareness of how the external environment – including political, economic, social and technological factors – impacts organisations at a national and international level;
- a responsible management mindset that integrates sustainability, CSR (corporate social responsibility) and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles while balancing profit with people and the planet;
- the ability to research, analyse and find solutions to problems in both domestic and international companies, drawing on data to support sound decision making;
- critical thinking, problem-solving, report writing and business presentation skills; and
- essential soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, negotiation, leadership, and people management.
The IMBA programme can fast-track your career as a global leader, giving you more confidence to operate internationally and improving your all-around understanding of business. You will be guided by our expert international staff, learning from both theory and practice, and enhancing your impact as a manager and leader internationally.
Dr Nuno da Camara
IMBA 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
Semester 4
The IMBA has enhanced my leadership and strategic thinking skills, enabling me to manage more complex international projects. Personally, it has broadened my perspective and improved my ability to collaborate with diverse teams. Furthermore, I was promoted to my current role during the programme.
Miladin Stijakovic
IMBA Alumnus, 2025
Careers
The IMBA opens doors to rapid career progression and new opportunities. Many of our graduates secure promotions soon after completing the programme, while others successfully transition to new roles or industries. Some set up their own companies, often within Suzhou’s high-tech and knowledge-intensive industries.
Whatever your ambition, the IMBA has witnessed significant growth in students’ personal and professional development. Of our IMBA graduates:
- 83% expanded their network during IMBA study;
- 57% moved up their career ladders after graduation;
- 36% got international job opportunities after IMBA study; and
- 31% received new job offers within three months of graduation.
Coaching
The IMBA programme provides free one-to-one professional coaching from the Institute of Strategic Leadership and Coaching (ISLC), based in Shanghai. This invaluable tool helps you develop your self-awareness and reflect on your leadership abilities and career direction. You can also receive career consultation from IBSS’s in-house Work Placement, Employability and Career Development Team.
Overview
The IMBA is a passport to senior leadership success for practising managers. The programme’s part-time format enables you to excel in your current role while developing management and leadership skills to accelerate your career.
Leading academics and expert practitioners from around the world deliver the IMBA entirely in English in an environment that combines Eastern and Western cultures. The programme blends British academic excellence with the dynamism of China’s Yangtze River Delta – one of the world’s most vibrant economic regions.
The curriculum bridges theory with practical projects. Studying the IMBA will strengthen your understanding of international business; give you the confidence to make bold, innovative decisions; and enable you to make a greater impact as a manager and leader in a globalised environment.
IBSS belongs to an elite group of business schools worldwide with “Triple Crown” accreditation, meaning accreditation from three leading organisations: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). This triple accreditation is the highest international benchmark of excellence in business education. Your degree will be granted by one of our founding partners, the University of Liverpool, a 144-year-old UK institution and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.
For questions about the programme, email our IMBA recruitment team at ibsspgrecruitment@xjtlu.edu.cn.
Who should join?
We designed the IMBA for leaders with proven management experience who want to deepen their understanding of global business environments, strengthen their leadership potential, and advance their careers with a genuinely international perspective. If you fit any of the following descriptions, this challenging, exciting programme will propel your career growth:
Why should I study the International MBA?
You will learn about various areas of business and management and gain a highly strategic view of organisations. This view will emphasise the challenges of leadership, responsibility, and ethics in a global environment. A wide range of internationally trained academics and professional colleagues from varied sectors and job functions will guide you through the curriculum. You will be able to apply this knowledge directly within your organisation and navigate international markets with clarity and confidence. Our IMBA graduates become more effective, braver, and more sustainable leaders.