International Business Management MSc

The course focuses on managing international organisations in a rapidly changing, global, business environment. It is for those who have previously studied a business-related subject and/or have business work experience.

We equip you with the necessary skills to work at a managerial level in an international organisation and to work effectively in more than one country. You have the opportunity to develop cultural intelligence and work in multicultural teams. This course has a diverse mix of cultures with students from China, Russia, Indian subcontinent, Africa, SE Asia and the EU.

Your studies involve a mixture of knowledge-based learning such as understanding the dynamics of business in different parts of the world and skills-based learning including work experience. Both are underpinned by rigorous application of current academic theory.

You gain

• knowledge and understanding of how businesses work in different regions of the world
• practical techniques to support international management, such as country evaluation, methods of international market entry, market development planning and strategic analysis
• international management skills including multicultural group work, making decisions in different cultural environments and leadership skills for international management
• knowledge of the role of the internet and e-commerce as tools for international managers
• an understanding of the management of global alliances, supply chains, exporting and the development of international trade and investment policies

The work experience part of the course includes • business simulations • an international consultancy project • visits to companies and organisations • guest speakers. These opportunities give you the chance to develop your practical skills in a real world setting.

Previous consultancy clients have included • the BBC Worldwide • Marshall Aerospace • Sheffield Forgemasters Ltd • British Telecom • Stanley Hand Tools.

Your dissertation, which is a major project, is usually on an issue of strategic importance geared to your interest. It can be based on a live issue identified by an international company.

Professional recognition

We are one of just nine UK business schools to secure EPAS accreditation for masters-level courses, which means you can be confident that this degree is of a high standard compared to other courses around the world. Our International Business Management MSc is accredited by the Brussels-based European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). Its EFMD Programme Accreditation System (EPAS) award recognises the academic rigour, employability, internationalisation and research that underpins the course. The continuous improvement that EPAS requires means that you will benefit from international partnerships, and more opportunities to work study and aboard. 

Course structure

September start – typically 12 months

January start – typically 15 months but you can complete it in 12 months

Work experience route:

September start – typically 18-24 months

Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma

Core modules

• principles of international business
• contemporary international management practices
• international strategic management
• global supply chain management
• international financial management
• international consultancy project
• international entrepreneurship 

Options

• global marketing
• managing international alliances
• export management
• global human resource management
• foreign language (choice of Spanish, French, German, Italian)

MSc

You will also study:

• Research methods

This module is designed to provide postgraduate students of international business and with a useful and practical introduction to research methods, which allows you to develop the necessary research and academic study skills and also select the appropriate method required to undertake your Masters dissertation.

• Dissertation

This module enables you to develop a deeper insight in a chosen area of study within the field of international business. You demonstrate critical thinking, originality and independence of enquiry to produce a comprehensive piece of original research within an appropriate area.

Assessment

You complete a range of assignments during and at the end of each semester.

Employability

Graduates from this course have an impressive record of securing employment with well-known multinationals and international SMEs.

Companies include • Phoenix Precision technology, Taiwan • IQPC, Singapore • UBIFrance • Sika Ltd, China • Sheffield Forgemasters International, UK • ARGOS logistics, Shanghai • Nissan, UK • Brunei Shell petroleum, Brunei • Pryas Consulting, India • GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Netherlands.

Successful graduates work in business areas such as • business development • marketing • human resource management • project management • consultancy • trade

Some students return home to apply their expertise in family firms, A small number of the highest academic achievers may continue their education through PhD study.

Visit the International Business Management MSc page on the Sheffield Hallam University website for more details!