In this course you will gain a solid foundation in a broad range of social science research methods as well as basic research skills.
You will acquire a general overview of the philosophy of social research, and understand how this informs research design, methods of data collection and analysis. You will also develop an ability to use a range of research methods, to communicate research findings effectively and an understanding of the potential use of and impact of your research within and beyond academia.
In this course you will gain a solid foundation in a broad range of social science research methods as well as basic research skills.
You will acquire a general overview of the philosophy of social research, and understand how this informs research design, methods of data collection and analysis. You will also develop an ability to use a range of research methods, to communicate research findings effectively and an understanding of the potential use of and impact of your research within and beyond academia.
Many core elements of the programme are delivered by the College of Social Sciences, so you will be undertaking the modules with other students from across the College. However, your dissertation will be undertaken and supervised within the Department. In addition, there is an induction programme during the first two weeks of the term, which is compulsory, but non-assessed and a programme of skills training which is delivered at University-level, mainly by the Staff Development Unit, throughout the year. You are encouraged to attend all the modules in the programme which are appropriate to you. You must discuss your skills training needs with your designated supervisor in the first week of the first term.
This MA is recognised by the ESRC for the provision of research methods training as Year 1 of a '1+3' programme of doctoral study. It is also available as a stand-alone Masters. Home/EU students may enter into a departmental competition to be nominated for the ESRC open competition for '1+3' or '+3' funding (the '1+3' award covers the MA and provides three years' further funding for PhD research; for '+3' funding you must already have an ESRC-recognised research methods MA degree or equivalent).
The International Business and Management MA and the International Business and Management MSc are two courses which are designed to advance your knowledge and develop the analytical and evidence-based skills that are needed in your future professional life. In terms of knowledge, the focus is on a range of business and management disciplines. In terms of skills, you will be helped in building up critical thinking, presentation, negotiation and communication skills, sound decision making and evidence based problem solving skills, all of which are desirable for effective business personnel and leaders in a fast changing global business context.
A highlight for many students is the study trip and company visits. The course team will continue to develop this kind of experiential learning that fosters an application-orientated approach.
The courses place much emphasis on the integration of theory and practice within an international environment and this is reflected in the teaching and learning strategies. A variety of teaching methods aim to enable you to master the key concepts in the business and management field and to achieve a deeper understanding of these. You will be encouraged to be proactive in your approach to learning, by undertaking research and working in teams. You will also be expected to spend an appropriate amount of time in private study.
Students are supported via the Virtual Learning Environment accessing their study materials and supporting resources on the Blackboard site. Each student has a personal tutor, who will provide you with academic support and guidance throughout your university journey so that you can achieve full academic and personal potential. Employability and career development is an important part of both courses. Our graduates have developed their careers in a wide range of multinational corporations, management consultancies, financial services, government institutions and also family businesses around the world. A number of our graduates have moved onto PhD study, developing a research-focused career in academia.
The International Business and Management MA and International Business and Management MSc are differentiated by one core module and options. The MA and MSc Project modules are distinguished by the focus of topic, the type of research method(s) and the type of data analysis applied in the project.
Download a suggested timetable for International Business and Management MA.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules – MA and MSc
Core module – MA
Core module - MSc
Option modules - MA
Option modules - MSc
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
All students on our full-time Business Masters courses can apply to undertake the PG/MBA Internship Programme, which forms part of the Reflective Practitioner Module.
The internship allows you to test drive a career and explore one of your career interests before you complete your Postgraduate studies!
Completing an 8-12 week accredited internship helps students gain invaluable work experience. This fantastic work experience can be taken in addition to option modules. Students are responsible for finding their own internship with the support of the Business Experience Team.
To express an interest in the module, students must submit a completed application form and a copy of their updated CV. This will give students membership a dedicated website that offers exclusive access to internship vacancies, one to-one CV guidance appointments, mock interviews, employability workshops and much more.
Students can apply to London-based organisations and have the flexibility to take their internship in the summer period or alongside their studies.
Every year we receive very positive feedback from both postgraduate students and employers and expect that the internship programme will continue to remain popular amongst our students.
Find out about postgraduate internships
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.
The Big Data in Business pathway will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand and direct the strategic use of the vast amounts of information being generated by businesses today.
Commercial focus
Our students learn to develop a strategic approach to managing Big Data in business, through the analysis of business problems as well as understanding different approaches to business intelligence. Through this, they are able to create usable business intelligence to create competitive advantage for their organisation.
After you’ve graduated
Our graduates have will leave us with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse and manage Big Data to benefit business in a variety of sectors.
Not sure which pathway to choose from 3 choices? Apply for the one that you feel fits you better and you will be able to change the pathway within the first few weeks from your arrival to the university.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
In addition students must choose two optional module from the list below.
Please note there is no guarantee that in any one year all modules will be available.
A holistic approach
Effective leadership requires more than first-class business acumen. It also requires a degree of self-awareness and sensitivity. Henley is renowned for its well-researched, professional approach to this aspect of business education and all our postgraduate programmes examine this aspect of leadership - helping to create emotionally intelligent graduates who can be fully effective in their chosen careers.
How you will learn
Henley Business School enjoys a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts, underpinned by academic excellence and the strength of our research. We offer high-quality technical skills training as well as a deep understanding of the importance of personal development for leaders, a thread that runs through all of our Masters programmes.
Our postgraduate masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, allowing you to tailor your degree towards your individual personal development needs and career ambitions. You will complete up to 10 taught modules during your programme, totalling 180 credits. One module usually equates to 20 credits or 10 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures, tutorials, workshops and personal study, with each accounting for 25% of your time on average. This stimulating mix of lectures and interactive tutorials provides you with the opportunity to discuss and explore the subject material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students. You will be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings and be able to challenge some of those that have created it. You will also explore real-world issues and tackle current business challenges, and interact with guest lectures and speakers from industry, giving you the opportunity to test, extend and refine your knowledge and skills.
How we assess you
You will learn and be assessed through a wide variety of teaching methods which vary depending on your chosen Masters programme. These include online materials and multimedia content, guest lectures, individual and group assignments, case studies, field visits, dealing room simulations, presentations, applied projects, consultancy work and examinations.
On average examinations form around 70% of the assessed work with the remaining 30% coming from coursework, including a written dissertation or project depending on your chosen programme. The exam period falls between April and June in the summer term, with students taking an average of 5 or 6 exams. Graduation normally takes place in December.
Ongoing support
While postgraduate students are self-motivated and determined individuals, study at this level can present additional pressures which we take seriously. Lecturers are available to discuss the content of each module and your personal tutor can meet with you regularly to discuss any additional issues. Full-time support staff are also available to help with any questions or issues that may arise during your time at Henley
Each pathway of our MSc Information Management is designed to give a rigorous academic understanding of real-life and current business issues. Graduates of the Big Data in Business pathway will be equipped to develop strategies to manage Big Data. These skills are much in demand, in a variety of fields.
A number of our students join our PhD programmes each year.
Students who pass the module – Business Domain and Requirements Analysis with a mark of 60 or above will be eligible for the British Computer Society Professional Certificate in Business Analysis Practice.
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 programme provides theoretical knowledge and practical methodologies and techniques via case studies and tutorials that enable students to specify and design technology solutions for business managers and organisations.
You will learn about informatics, business systems, processes and architecture necessary to understand the digital business environment. Students develop analysis, problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills necessary for creating effective business solutions. Students also learn the consulting principles and behaviours necessary for consulting.
A one week residential course at our beautiful Greenlands campus in Henley-on-Thames enables students to experience our world-class executive training environment with other business executives and consultants.
A 10-12 week consulting project enables students to apply their knowledge to real-life cases in a structured and systematic manner, with many projects involving work with and for consulting organisations.
Our graduates are pragmatic problem solvers able to bridge the gap between business and technology, who are often highly sought after by industry. Many of our graduates join consultancies or businesses as analysts, solution architects or project leaders.
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 two optional modules from the list below.
The MSc Business Technology Consulting programme provides the foundations for a career in technology and management consultancy as well as the skills and behaviours necessary for analysing and solving the type of business and technology problems encountered by all major businesses. This course is a must for those interested in business problem-solving and consulting activities.
Many of our alumni have been recruited by management consultancies or analytical and consulting units of major businesses.
Successful completion on the compulsory module Business Domain and Requirements Analysis can lead to the BCS Professional Certificate in Business Analysis Practice.
The Business Analysis and Service Design pathway will give you the capability to use information and information management to design agile and innovative business services.
Commercial focus
Our students learn to apply their knowledge and skills to design technology-based solutions to application domains in business and management. They also gain a thorough understanding of management and leadership issues to enable them to work effectively within a variety of organisations.
After you’ve graduated
Graduates will be equipped for a variety of roles in the digital economy including business analysis, digital marketing, service development, strategic data analysis and consulting roles.
Not sure which pathway to choose from 3 choices? Apply for the one that you feel fits you better and you will be able to change the pathway within the first few weeks from your arrival to the university.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
In addition students must choose two optional modules from the list below.
A holistic approach
Effective leadership requires more than first-class business acumen. It also requires a degree of self-awareness and sensitivity. Henley is renowned for its well-researched, professional approach to this aspect of business education and all our postgraduate programmes examine this aspect of leadership - helping to create emotionally intelligent graduates who can be fully effective in their chosen careers.
How you will learn
Henley Business School enjoys a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts, underpinned by academic excellence and the strength of our research. We offer high-quality technical skills training as well as a deep understanding of the importance of personal development for leaders, a thread that runs through all of our Masters programmes.
Our postgraduate masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, allowing you to tailor your degree towards your individual personal development needs and career ambitions. You will complete up to 10 taught modules during your programme, totalling 180 credits. One module usually equates to 20 credits or 10 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures, tutorials, workshops and personal study, with each accounting for 25% of your time on average. This stimulating mix of lectures and interactive tutorials provides you with the opportunity to discuss and explore the subject material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students. You will be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings and be able to challenge some of those that have created it. You will also explore real-world issues and tackle current business challenges, and interact with guest lectures and speakers from industry, giving you the opportunity to test, extend and refine your knowledge and skills.
How we assess you
You will learn and be assessed through a wide variety of teaching methods which vary depending on your chosen Masters programme. These include online materials and multimedia content, guest lectures, individual and group assignments, case studies, field visits, dealing room simulations, presentations, applied projects, consultancy work and examinations.
On average examinations form around 70% of the assessed work with the remaining 30% coming from coursework, including a written dissertation or project depending on your chosen programme. The exam period falls between April and June in the summer term, with students taking an average of 5 or 6 exams. Graduation normally takes place in December.
Ongoing support
While postgraduate students are self-motivated and determined individuals, study at this level can present additional pressures which we take seriously. Lecturers are available to discuss the content of each module and your personal tutor can meet with you regularly to discuss any additional issues. Full-time support staff are also available to help with any questions or issues that may arise during your time at Henley
Each pathway of our MSc Information Management is designed to give a rigorous academic understanding of real-life and current business issues. Graduates of the Systems Analysis and Design pathway will be equipped to manage and utilize information resources in various business fields including business & management, construction management and healthcare through a thorough understanding of systems analysis and design methodology.
A number of our students join our PhD programmes each year.
Students who pass the module – Business Domain and Requirements Analysis with a mark of 60 or above will be eligible for the British Computer Society Professional Certificate in Business Analysis Practice.
The Digital Business MSc will allow you to develop the digital capabilities, theoretical background and management skills you need to pursue a career in digital business. The course responds to the increasing market need for degree holders who combine digital with business management knowledge and skills and is open to graduates from any subject area planning to acquire the digital competencies sought by the labour market. It is particularly aimed at graduates who want to enhance their skills and career prospects by becoming business orientated but with sufficient understanding of the latest technology capabilities to envisage, plan and manage digital initiatives.
The course draws on the University’s established expertise in the area of digital business and offers a stimulating and innovative knowledge platform that will help you acquire academically robust knowledge and cutting-edge capabilities in digital business and will enable you to manage digital business challenges and lead at the forefront of digital transformation.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
All modules in the course are core modules. Each contributes to the development of the core knowledge, subject-specific capabilities and transferable skills of Digital Business.
Core modules
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will have the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in Digital Business, working at the crossroads of business and technology as digital business analysts, consultants and innovators. Should they wish to, our graduates will have the necessary knowledge to pursue further qualifications and professional certification through professional bodies such as the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), British Computer Society (BCS), SAS Global Certification Programme and Mendix University.
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