Masters degrees in International Business equip postgraduates to understand the impact and development of global commerce across diverse marketplaces.
Courses range from taught MA and MSc degrees, to professional MBA programmes and research-based MRes degrees. Entry requirements normally include an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as Business Studies.
Our one year, full-time MSc in Management programmes are designed to provide you with the tools, techniques and knowledge to succeed in business.
One of the few certainties in an ever-evolving commercial world is that business is becoming increasingly international. That’s why our MSc Management (International Business) focuses on equipping you with an in-depth understanding of the realities of management in a global context.
The programme consists of a set of core and elective modules, culminating in a practice-based business project or a research-based dissertation.
You will study:
In addition, you will choose two electives to complement your core modules. The list of modules may vary from year to year, but has typically included Competitive Strategies and Organisational Fitness, Corporate Governance, East Asian Business and Management, Financial Management, New Venture Creation and Employee Relations.
During term 3 you will complete a final project under the supervision of a faculty member, either in the UK or abroad through an international partner institution. Designed to develop your business insight and research skills, and help you to present your analysis and ideas in a rigorous, systematic and professional manner, it takes one of two forms:
International Experience
Our strong international connections and activities aim at providing you with an inside perspective of global business. During the International Study Tour elective, we take a group of students to a European destination, typically Geneva for a week. This self-funded competitive activity has given our students the opportunity not only to visit a series of prestigious global businesses but also to analyse them using a structured learning approach. As such this activity provides an excellent opportunity to be exposed to the challenges of global business, make new contacts, to stand out in the competitive jobs market, while having fun. Our expanding global network of University and business partners also gives you the opportunity to undertake part or all of your dissertation or business abroad.
Guest Speakers
As part of your programme, you will be invited to presentations by leading international academics and practitioners within your chosen area of interest. Past speakers have included representatives of major global multinationals and leading scholars combining critical and progressive thinking with practical insights.
Dragons’ Den and Blueprint
You can become your own boss on our programme. The School’s heritage as a centre of expertise in entrepreneurship is reflected in two competitions seeking ideas for new businesses. Students on the Masters programme compete to win the School’s Dragon’s Den-style competition to pitch for investment, as well as the University’s Blueprint competition.
The programme is mainly delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars, and practicals. Lectures provide key contents of a particular topic. Occasionally lectures might be delivered by guest speakers who are internationally recognised academic experts or practitioners in their field. Students can also attend the Durham Speaker Series, providing the opportunity to network with senior business leaders, staff and alumni.
Seminars provide the opportunity for smaller groups of students to solve problems and discuss and debate issues based on knowledge gained through lectures and independent study outside the programme’s formal contact hours. Practicals are medium sized group sessions, where students practice computer software, applying topics from lectures and seminars.
Students study 7 core modules including the dissertation, and select 2 elective modules which enables them to undertake more in-depth study of particular topics. The 12,000 word dissertation allows students to carry out independent research and develop their skills in analysis and scholarly expression, using an appropriate theoretical framework. They are supported in writing their dissertation through the study of research methods, and attending individual meetings with an allocated supervisor, who monitors their progress and provides advice.
Academic Support:
Throughout the year, students may have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. They also have the opportunity to attend an International Study Week at an overseas location at the end of Term 2, which gives students the opportunity to learn about the business, economy and culture of another country, gain an ‘insider perspective’ on international businesses and network with key business staff.
Learning Resource:
Outside of timetabled contact hours, students are expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study in preparation for teaching sessions, assignments and other forms of assessment including exams, and general background reading to broaden their subject knowledge. All students have an Academic Adviser who is able to provide general advice on academic matters. Teaching staff are also available to provide additional support on a one-to-one basis via weekly consultation hours.
Students also have access to the facilities available at Mill Hill Lane including dedicated postgraduate working spaces, an onsite library and IT helpdesk.
Accredited by the Association of MBAs and the Chartered Management Institute
This course combines forward-thinking theory with practical skills. You’ll study general management principles with a focus on international business activities across national boundaries. When you graduate, you’ll be ready for work as a manager in the global market.
You can apply to do a project-based dissertation, working with an external organisation. We also offer you the chance to spend summer at another leading university overseas. Recent dissertation projects include a feasibility study for a diet food programme with a national firm.
One of the following:
We teach management from a truly global perspective, and our courses are based on pioneering research into the challenges faced by businesses everywhere. We use a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, group work for collaborative learning, and web-based discussion groups. You'll be assessed through Individual assignments, group projects, end-of-semester examinations and a dissertation.
We’ll teach you how to identify opportunities, solve problems and inspire others. Many of our teaching staff are world-class researchers working in policy-relevant areas. Our courses are based on their research. We also bring in guest speakers from business, local government and industry. You can apply to carry out a project with an external organisation as part of your course. We also offer you the chance to spend the summer at another university overseas.
At Sheffield University Management School, we are committed to focusing on employability and our postgraduate students’ future career prospects. We have two specialist careers advisors in the School, dedicated to providing full-time career support throughout your course.
You will have many opportunities during your course to engage in personal and professional development. Our courses are designed to enable you to acquire the transferable skills essential for employment: communication, organisation, and the ability to deal with complex issues creatively and systematically.
Our dedicated Employability Hub acts as a key interface between students and employers. Its staff will help you access employability support, skills development and opportunities throughout your masters.
Our graduates work for companies such as Adidas, ASDA, Boots, ExxonMobil, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Pepsico International, Sainsbury’s and Vodafone. Their job titles include Head of Business Enhancement, Management Consultant, Product Marketing Manager, Web Marketing Consultant and Campaign Manager.
This multidisciplinary programme will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between areas of finance and the global economy as they play out in a rapidly evolving international environment.
This programme examines key issues from both a business and economic perspective, including how multinational corporations leverage financial markets when seeking to exploit international business opportunities, the management challenges presented, and the relevance of these to financial and capital markets.
Students will gain an understanding of the international business environment and its competitive and investment climate. Using frameworks and methodologies, students will also investigate the interaction between firm strategies, economic policies and the changing international environment.
Module descriptions are correct for modules taught in the academic year 2017/18. Optional module listings are indicative, and may be subject to change.
Compulsory Modules
Optional Modules
In addition students must choose optional modules up to the value of 60 credits. Students must choose at least 20 credits from section B and section C from the lists below and a further 20 credits from either section B or C.
Section B:
Section C:
Exams, applied project and individual and group assignments
Graduates of the MSc International Business and Finance follow a variety of career paths upon graduation. These include roles in finance or general management, working for a range of employers such as large corporations or multinational enterprises, financial institutions, banks, securities companies or government agencies.
Our graduates tell us that the programme gives them the key skills and knowledge required to build a career in finance in multinational enterprises, financial institutions or government agencies.
This industry-accredited Masters prepares you to conduct business in a global context.
Our cutting-edge research will feed into your learning, allowing you to consider the latest critical thinking and emerging issues in international business, such as the rise of emerging market multinationals and global innovation.
You’ll identify the motives and means of servicing foreign markets, address controversial issues in international business, formulate your own international and strategic business plans and appreciate the factors that drive performance in the global economy. In addition, you’ll explore how the rise of emerging economies affects businesses and their international strategies.
With our strong corporate links you’ll have a range of opportunities for practical development, including work-based research and consultancy projects in the UK and overseas. You’ll gain hands-on, analytical and problem solving skills relevant to a wide range of careers.
Academic excellence
Teaching on the course is informed by our leading research expertise and specialist knowledge in international business, providing you with the latest thinking and developments in international strategy.
The Centre for International Business at the University of Leeds (CIBUL) is recognised as the world’s leading research centre for international business. We unite leading global experts and work alongside major private companies and public sector bodies.
Our research identifies the latest critical understanding and trends in the fast-changing global landscape, giving you access to cutting-edge knowledge as it unfolds.
The course is ranked 2nd in the world and 1st in the UK for International Business teaching and research (Financial Times Masters in Management 2016).
MSc International Business is accredited by the Institute of Export (IOE), the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. Students receive IOE membership for one year, providing access to a database of networking and job opportunities.
The course is also accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), who named this “a world-leading programme”. AMBA accreditation recognises the high quality levels of teaching at Leeds in line with their independent standards.
The course starts with an intensive two-week induction to introduce you to the methods of teaching, course content and relationship between the course and your career aspirations.
From there, you’ll build your knowledge of international business theory and improve your confidence using quantitative methods. You’ll gain a good grounding in economics for business and think about important debates in international business, such as those around intellectual property, labour issues and sustainability.
You’ll explore topics such as strategic management and entering foreign markets. At the same time, you’ll build research skills and learn about the different methodologies used to research international business.
Throughout the year you’ll take core modules which develop your professional skills for the workplace and prepare you for the challenges of managing organisations and individuals across different cultural contexts. You’ll also select optional modules on topics that suit your interests or career plans, from business ethics to intellectual capital.
By the end of the course, you’ll also submit an independent project. You can either research a topic in-depth and submit a dissertation, or gain practical experience through a consultancy-style project working with an external organisation.
Compulsory modules
You’ll study ten compulsory modules including your dissertation.
Optional modules
You’ll take two optional modules, normally one in each of the two teaching semesters.
For more information on typical modules, read International Business MSc in the course catalogue
Many of our academics are experts in their fields, and their up-to-date research informs teaching on the course. We use a range of teaching methods so you can benefit from their expertise including lectures, workshops, seminars, simulations and tutorials. Company case studies, projects and business plan competitions provide an opportunity to put your learning into practice.
Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.
Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too.
They include formal exams, group projects, simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs. Optional modules may also use other assessment methods, depending on what you choose.
Career opportunities for international business graduates are vast. Multinational organisations particularly favour employees who have the ability to work confidently across, and within, a range of different markets.
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to diverse careers in top firms worldwide, including as business analysts, country managers, product managers, trading executives, buyers, business development managers and roles in financial services. Others have sought to internationalise their own family business.
The MSc International Business also offers an excellent grounding for academic studies at PhD level.
Throughout the course you will be supported by a dedicated Professional Development Tutor. They work in partnership with our academics to help you translate theory into practice and develop your interpersonal and professional business skills.
They contribute to an interactive Professional Skills module, helping you develop the transferable skills that will greatly enhance your employability. They also develop and manage relationships with international employers and alumni, to provide you with tailored support for your career.
You can expect support to produce your own professional development plan, guidance on career choices, assistance in identifying and applying for jobs, coaching on interpersonal skills and exposure to international business practitioners.
This Masters programme in international business addresses key issues such as how multinational firms decide where and when to invest internationally, and how firms evaluate the opportunities and challenges they face in different countries.
Students will examine the strategies multinational firms use to compete in a global economy, as well as the development and policy challenges they create, from the perspectives of both developing and developed countries.
In addition to learning how firms are organised internally, students will take a holistic view of the international business environment, in terms of the competitiveness of firms and industries. Students will therefore be able to connect the 'micro' firm view with the 'macro' view of countries and regions.
Compulsory Modules
Optional Modules
In addition students must choose 2 optional modules to the value of 40 credits from the list below.
Exams, applied project and individual and group assignments.
Graduates of the MSc International Business follow a variety of career paths upon graduation. These include roles in business development or general management, with a range of employers including large corporations or multinational enterprises or government agencies.
Our graduates tell us that this programme gives them the key skills and knowledge required to build a career in multinational enterprises or government agencies.
The MSc in International Business and Management is specifically designed for those who plan a professional or managerial career in an international business environment.
International business management disciplines are central to this postgraduate course which aims to provide a rigorous postgraduate business and management education.
UCLan’s postgraduate International Business and Management degree offers access to one of the leading university research institutes – the Institute of International Business, based at Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise, and provides the opportunity to undertake an overseas study visit to examine international business in action.
In summary, you will all learn about:
In addition you will be able to take one of the following options:
This intensive 12 month programme offers you a range of key benefits, each of which will contribute to your development into an effective business executive operating in an international context:
The university is located on a compact campus near the centre of the busy city of Preston in the northwest of England. Preston is a major administrative and commercial centre which benefits from good road and rail links to the rest of the country.
The Business School's state-of-the-art Greenbank and Brook buildings offer a comprehensive range of study, learning and social facilities including a postgraduate study room, cybercafé and easy access PC workstation rooms.
The Library and Learning Resource Service (LLRS) provides a library of books, journals, and other media as well as study facilities, including bookable rooms for group use. The LLRS also provides access to electronic journals and electronic information services, via the University's PC network, while document delivery services make it possible to get hold of published texts which are not in our collections.
Students completing postgraduate courses within Lancashire Business School have acquired the key skills, knowledge and competences required by modern day professionals in the business world. Our former students are currently engaged in an extensive range of executive and professional positions across the world, with some going on to further studies.
During two semesters you will be able to gain a thorough grounding in the key aspects of operational and strategic management within the context of international business as well as the main business functions to be found in such organisations. In summary, you will all learn about:
In addition, you will be able to take one of the following options:
Finally, during Semesters 2 and 3, you have the opportunity to complete a Masters dissertation which will involve you in planning and implementing a research study on an approved topic within the area of international business and management. This provides an ideal opportunity to personalise your study programme reflecting your own interests and career aspirations.
The programme reflects the University's commitment to active education and involves you in a challenging and participative range of learning processes right from day one. With a busy induction week involving you in meeting with the staff team and your fellow students, exploring the learning resources available to you in the University and taking part in a research symposium led by the Institute of International Business, the programme expects you to discuss and debate the key issues, both in the subject itself and in the dynamic world of international business. There will be many opportunities to examine what is actually happening in the business world around you as you progress through the programme.
Get a Masters degree from Leeds University Business School and prepare for a rewarding career
