International Business - MSc

MSc International Business focuses on the links between major business functions and their role in international business and commerce. You will develop knowledge of the special requirements for conducting business activities across national boundaries, relevant theories and their application in business. You will also have the opportunity to study at one of our European partner institutions and visit international companies through our integrated Study Abroad programme.

You will develop expertise in core areas of international business, strategic management and business economics. The wide range of elective modules will enable you to develop skills in a specific business function linked to international business (finance, marketing or operations management) or pursue related areas such as entrepreneurship and business sustainability.

Subject guide and modules

Core Modules:
-International Business
-Advanced Topics in International Business
-Strategic Management
-Economic Environment of Business
-Professional Development Programme
-Ethics in Academic Practice

Optional Modules - Choose four modules from the following list, subject to pre-requisites and restrictions on some modules and combinations:
-Intellectual Property Strategy & Management
-Business Finance
-International Finance
-Accounting for Non-Financial Managers
-Strategic Business Sustainability
-People & World Organisations
-Marketing Management
-International Marketing Management
-International Operations
-Strategic Global Outsourcing and Offshoring
-Operations Management
-CSR, Sustainable Development & Public Policy
-Entrepreneurial Strategies
-International Business strategy
-Entrepreneurial & Innovation in Emerging Economies

The programme then concludes with a dissertation project.

In addition to your Aston degree, you will have the opportunity to participate in our international study exchange programme. Studying with one of our partner institutions, the programme will enhance your international experience and communication skills, preparing you for a career in the international business environment.

Learning, teaching and assessment

The taught modules are assessed through a mixture of examinations and coursework. The taught element of the programme is complemented by a substantial piece of research leading to the completion of a dissertation.

Career opportunities

This degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in businesses and organisations engaged in international activities, including consultancy, business analysis, marketing, business development, sales management, finance and purchasing. Recent graduate positions include:
-Assistant Advisor – Ernst & Young (Zimbabwe)
-Marketing Specialist – Bosch (China)
-Relationship Marketing Professional – IBM (India)
-Senior Analyst – Deutsche Bank (UK)
-Trainee Buyer – Tesco (UK)

Our international alumni ambassadors share their experiences of studying at Aston Business School with students all over the world who consider applying for a course at Aston.

Personal development

You will acquire skills in the following areas:
-Giving presentations
-Team working
-Report writing
-Negotiation
-IT skills

Core modules taught on this MSc will enable you to develop a wide range of business and transferable skills and knowledge demanded by graduate employers. These include:
-Interpreting financial statements covering income, balances and cash flow
-Budgetary control and analysing business costs using Cost Volume Profit and contribution analysis
-Econometric modelling of stochastic trends and performance forecasting
-International HRM including: cross-cultural communication; diversity management; and HR issues in expatriation/repatriation, acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures
-Developing marketing and pricing strategies, plans and marketing mix policies; international promotion strategies and distribution channels
-Internationalisation of production and trade, including: the international product life cycle; forms of international business activity; national competitive strategies; and economic integration
-International sectors, emerging and transition economies, cultural differences, international business strategies and strategic alliances
-Operational planning and management including: product, service and process design; choice of layout and technology; statistical stock control and MRPI
-Strategy processes and techniques including: value chain analysis, ‘make or buy’ decisions; implementing and managing strategic change in an international environment
-Innovation processes, innovation-based strategies and creating competitive advantage through innovation
-Multi-cultural teamwork and presentation skills developed through group-work
-Analytical skills developed through research dissertation

The wide range of elective modules available on this programme enables you to develop skills across a range of business functions including: marketing; HR; finance, investment and business law; operations; and international markets and investments.

A good UK honours degree (minimum lower second class) OR Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University. As well as: Two professional references – at least one must be from an academic referee; An official academic transcript of your university grades to date; A completed application form. For International Students: An official academic transcript, with an official English translation, of your university grades to date.Students whose native language is not English will also need to satisfy our English language requirements Pre-sessional English language programmes are available for good applicants whose English qualification falls just short of these requirements.