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MSc International Business

Start date
September
Duration
1 year full-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

For 2024-2025:
£15,030 (UK)
£30,330 (International)

MSc International Business at Birmingham

Launch your global career by studying on our research-informed, practical-focused International Business MSc programme.

As the business sector continues to undergo a digital transformation, it has become even more important that the next generation of leaders understand the challenges facing international business. Through this research informed and practice-orientated programme, you will develop your problem solving and decision-making skills to ensure you are ready to handle the fast pace of global business. 

On our MSc in International Business programme, you will consider the latest practical issues facing international firms. These include the multifaceted concept of responsible business, trade-offs in operations, cooperative strategies, and new approaches to enhancing competitiveness. With responsible and ethical business practices embedded at its core, this programme will enable you to become part of a new generation of leaders who can make positive and sustainable changes to the industry. 

The programme is designed around a pathway-to-practice approach that focuses on developing key skills including understanding the latest business models, international competition, optimising modern technology, innovation, and data analytics. 

You will have the opportunity to learn and work with our staff and students from our Dubai and Singapore campuses, allowing you to gain international experiences from an educational and practical point of view. There will also be opportunities to work on company projects that tackle issues global firms are experiencing in real life.

On the MSc International Business programme you will benefit from these international industrial links and will join an innovative community of learners studying International Business.

Who is this course for? 

This programme is for those interested in current international issues and who want to start a global career in business management. 

Why study this course at Birmingham?

  • Join an international cohort of students with access to a diverse learning community and opportunities to study abroad at our Dubai and Singapore campuses. 
  • Birmingham is the UK’s second city and is located at the heart of the country, making it a well-connected business hub to some of the largest global companies. 
  • Our International Business programme is a pathway-to-practice, co-created by employers, alumni, and academics, to ensure you are well-equipped to take on lead roles once you graduate. 
  • The University of Birmingham is a globally-ranked, world –top 100 university and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group. 
  • Birmingham Business School is part of an elite group of global business schools that holds the Triple-Crown accreditation from leading bodies AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.   

Discover our unique scholarship offers

Students walking on University campusAt Birmingham Business School we offer a wide variety of scholarships for our new MSc students in 2024.

These awards are available to both UK and international applicants and range in value from partial to full tuition fee support.

Find out more about our scholarship offers

Dubai Campus

Study in Dubai 

Places are also available on the MSc International Business degree at our campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). Our leading academic staff teach to the same standards as our UK based programmes and you will graduate with the same MSc degree from the University of Birmingham. Dubai is a rapidly developing, cosmopolitan city that offers an exciting experience and a world of opportunity to students. 

Study MSc International Business in Dubai

Study in Singapore 

view of some of the campus buildings at the Singapore Institute of ManagementDelivered in partnership with the Singapore Institute of Management, the MSc International Business degree draws on the talents of internationally respected scholars and highly respected teachers whose expertise covers all areas of the discipline.

Study MSc International Business in Singapore

Celebrating 20 years

My connections from the MSc International Business have opened doors to international opportunities and provided insights into different markets and industries.

Irmak Yolcu, Senior Business Development Manager

2023-2024 marks the 20th anniversary of our MSc International Business. Our graduates are working across the globe in a variety of organisations, industries and positions. Read about their journeys here.

 

 

Modules

Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024.

Core modules

You will then choose 3 optional modules from the list below. Each module is worth 20 credits.

Depending on availability, you may be able to apply to study abroad (e.g., Dubai campus, or the Singapore Institute of Management) for one of your second semester 20 credit modules. 


Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Fees for 2024 - 2025

  • £15,030 (UK)
  • £30,330 (International)

Please note that you will be required to pay a £50 non-refundable application fee for all of the above courses.

  • For further information on programme fees and information please visit our Fees and Financing page.

Scholarships

  • For information on scholarships you may be eligible to apply for, please use our PG Funding Database.
  • Business School Scholarships may be available, find out more about our scholarships.

Additional Course Costs

  • In addition to the Tuition Fees you will need to consider accommodation, living expenses and daily costs. You can find financial advice and support on our Finance pages.
  • For information on our accommodation and services, including the support we offer to students wanting to rent privately, please visit the Accommodation pages.

Questions about funding? Use our Student Help knowledge base to find the answer.

How To Apply

7 May 2024 is the application deadline for international students applying through the student route who wish to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2024 made after this date. The deadline for Home students is 30 August 2024.

Before you submit your application, you should have the following supporting documents:

  • Evidence of your academic and/or professional qualifications
  • An up-to-date copy of your resume or CV
  • One academic reference, and one work related reference (if you don't have an academic reference, we will accept two work references)
  • Your personal statement, including why you wish to apply to the MBA course, why you have chosen to apply to the Birmingham MBA in particular, highlights of your career to date, examples of managerial responsibility, and your career aspirations for the future (maximum 2 pages)

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

In order to be considered, applicants will have or should be expecting to achieve an Honours degree (2:1 or higher) or postgraduate diploma from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in any subject.

Applicants who demonstrate being able to exceed the minimum entry requirements will be given preference.

International Requirements



International Students

Standard English language requirements apply (IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band).


  • IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band)
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced or Proficiency – minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

If you are currently studying at a Chinese university, please view our specific entry requirements including our list of acceptable universities for further study at Birmingham.

English Presessional Programmes 

If you’re looking to improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham, our pre-sessional English courses are for you. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications. Find out more 

Birmingham has strong links with industry meaning your academic study will be combined with a real practical focus, leading to excellent job opportunities.  

A high-class learning environment

Students outside the Alan Walters BuildingAs a postgraduate student, you will have access to our award-winning £10 million postgraduate teaching space, the Alan Walters Building. This will provide you with access to facilities of the highest quality, including a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, dedicated computer clusters and seminar rooms as well as communal areas for studying and group work, which look out over the University's ambitious Green Heart development, which was completed in 2019.

Assessment Methods

Taught modules contribute towards two thirds of your final assessment. The dissertation contributes one third. Modules are assessed using written examinations and coursework. Coursework can take a variety of forms, including reports, essays, group presentations and practical assignments. Some coursework is group based.

Get prepared for the real world of business 

This programme will ensure you are practice-ready and able to tackle real-life challenges in international business. Working with real databases and business case studies, this programme will support you to develop the key skills that are in demand by organisations across the world. 

Be part of an international learning community 

Gain experience of working in a diverse team by working closely with our student cohorts at our Edgbaston, Dubai, and Singapore campuses. This programme also provides students with the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities. 

Employability is placed at the forefront  

The programme is designed to enhance your employability by building your knowledge in key areas of international business such as cooperative strategy, global operations, business analytics, marketing, and global responsibility. 

You will also have the opportunity to draw on the talents of our alumni who are very much integrated into the programme. With their expertise, combined with the breadth of the syllabus, this Masters programme will prepare you for a successful international career. 

Our graduates have gone on to have careers in the following roles: 

  • Marketing Executive 
  • Financial Auditor 
  • Project Manager 
  • Digital Marketing Specialist 
  • Operations Manager 
  • Communications Analyst 
  • Human Resources Advisor 
  • Management Consultant 
  • Cyber Security Analyst 
  • Risk Advisory Consultant 
  • Assistant Brand Manager  
  • Strategic Projects Analyst 

BBS Careers and Careers Network

As a Birmingham Business School student, you will benefit from two award-winning Careers teams.  

Careers Network is the University of Birmingham careers and employability team offering: career fairs, employer events with top firms across the UK, start-up and entrepreneurial activities, and support. Internships and bursaries are also available exclusively to University of Birmingham students.   

BBS Careers is a dedicated service for Birmingham Business School students. The team provides guidance, support, and work experience opportunities, tailored to business school students, to help you succeed during and after university. We offer workshops, alumni and employer events, and 1-to-1 consultations. These will help you to develop your skills and learn how to submit high-quality internship and graduate applications.  

BBS Careers is one of a few, if not the only business school career service to offer life-long support.  

We are here to support you! Whether you are applying for postgraduate end-of-study internship, a graduate job, or applying for a management role five years after graduation.  

Visit the BBS website for more details