International Business MSc

MSc International Business will equip you with the skills and know-how needed to secure highly coveted roles with leading international firms. The programme will provide you a comprehensive understanding of international business, whilst developing your ability to think strategically and deliver successful international business strategy. You’ll also gain transferable skills which are highly valued by employers.

This stimulating course will equip you with a detailed knowledge and deep understanding of today’s global commercial environment. It will explore how business is conducted across borders, examine various business functions and their role in international commerce, whilst looking at strategic management and economics in an international business context. You’ll also develop key transferable skills which, when combined with your well-rounded business education, will enable you to embark upon a variety of different career paths and help prepare you for management positions in global companies.

The programme begins by covering the fundamentals of international business. You’ll examine its evolution from rudimentary overseas trading to the integration of markets and increasing globalisation we see today. We discover the various theories and concepts related to international trade, examine how companies structure their overseas operations and look at foreign direct investment and how it impacts host countries.

In the second term, we explore more advanced topics in international business. You’ll analyse various international business strategies and appreciate how they’re determined and delivered. You’ll look at the implications of doing business within developing economies and how this compares to more economically developed countries. We also examine certain factors which may influence international business strategy, such as economic, management and policy issues.

The course will develop your ability to think strategically and deliver successful international business strategy. We look at theories, concepts and frameworks associated with competitive and corporate strategy. You’ll discover how analysis of the external environment and companies’ strengths and weaknesses can be used to guide strategic decision making. We use a series of case studies to develop practical skills in assessing strategic opportunities and potential threats.

We also study the economic environment which international businesses operate in. We cover the key theories of economics in an international business context and look at the impact economic shocks or events can have on companies and their overseas activities. You’ll learn how to assess the economic climate by using key economic indicators and tools.

You’ll have the chance to shape this course to your specific interests and career goals. With a wide-ranging choice of elective modules, you can examine international business from different perspectives and gain an advanced-level understanding of subject areas, such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. This will enable you to pursue roles in a variety of different business functions. You’ll also develop critical-thinking, cultural and economic awareness and general business acumen skills throughout the programme. These skills can be applied to a range of roles and will help you to gain a competitive advantage when applying for graduate roles.

You’ll be taught by leading academics, who are at the cutting-edge of research into international business, strategy and economics. The School is also made up of skilled and experienced practitioners, who’ve worked with leading international companies and have a unique insight into how international business works in real-life. Our teaching staff use a mix of teaching methods to accommodate all learning styles. As well as providing you with theory, there’s a focus on applied-learning techniques and innovative teaching practices. This will give you a deeper understanding of the subject.

Modules

Core Modules

• International Business 
• Advanced Topics in International Business
• Strategic Management 
• Economic Environment of Business 
• Dissertation Project 

Optional Modules (a choice of four of the following)

• Intellectual Property Strategy and Management
• Business Finance
• International Finance
• Accounting for Non-Financial Managers
• Strategic Business Sustainability 
• People and World Organisations
• Marketing Management
• International Marketing Management
• International Operations
• Strategic Global Outsourcing and Offshoring
• Operations Management
• CSR, Sustainable Development and Public Policy
• Entrepreneurial Strategies
• International Business Strategy
• Entrepreneurial and Innovation in Emerging Economies

The Professional Development Programme (PDP) is an integrated module which runs throughout the course and focuses on your professional development and employability, giving you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key skills you gain throughout the year. You'll have the opportunity to develop your academic skills, build a portfolio of professional business skills, or study abroad at one of our international partners, undertake an internship placement in the UK, or overseas, or get involved in a global business challenge simulation.

This course offers a double degree option - achieve two degrees for the price of one as well as study abroad at one of our partner institutions.  

Visit the International Business MSc page on the Aston University website for more details!