LN104: Business English for a Global Career

English is the global language of business, and excelling in it is essential for advancing your international career. To stand out in today’s competitive world, you need more than basic proficiency – you need the confidence and fluency to communicate effectively in any professional situation.

Over three weeks, you will develop your skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening, all tailored to real-world business contexts. You’ll learn the language needed for key business activities, gain insights from a uniquely British perspective, and engage in creative discussions on global topics.

Guided by LSE academic staff and experienced business practitioners, you will work on collaborative projects and tasks designed to strengthen your integrated language skills. Regular practice will help you refine how you use and adapt business English, so you can express yourself with clarity and impact in the workplace.

Prerequisites: Students should have a good level of English (minimum Cambridge English Scale 170, IELTS 6, TOEFL iBT 79-80, TOEFL computer 213, Pearson Academic 51) and be interested in a range of business subjects.

Level: 100 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Classes and Lectures: 54 hours of classes, lectures and tutorials plus two cultural visits. Classes are timetabled from 10am - 4pm.

Assessment: Coursework (40%), mid-term examination (10%) and a final examination (50%).

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

The course is designed for students who have learnt English as a foreign language. It is particularly relevant to those international students who wish to pursue a career in business.

This course may not be suitable for advanced speakers, or students who have already studied in a native speaking environment.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Communicate with greater confidence and fluency in professional English.
• Use business-specific vocabulary effectively in speaking and writing.
• Deliver persuasive presentations and participate in impactful discussions.
• Improve your ability to negotiate, network, and collaborate in a global setting.
• Understand and adapt to cultural nuances in international business communication.
• Write clear, professional emails, reports, business plans, and other business documents.
• Build the skills to succeed in English-speaking business environments worldwide.

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.