MSc International Business

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

For 2023/24:
£14,490 (Home)
£26,640 (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.   
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

I chose to study at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham as it has a good international reputation.

Marcelo Oliveira Altoé, MSc International Business - Fundacao Dom Cabral

Modules

Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2023.

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

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

Find out more about fees.

Postgraduate Taught Scholarships in Birmingham Business School

We have a number of scholarships available for students joining us in September 2023 on our 12-month MSc programmes. Full details regarding eligibility and application can be found on our Business School scholarships page.

Other sources of funding may be available. Explore our Scholarship and funding database.

Postgraduate Loans for Masters students

UK and EU students (with settled or pre-settled status) looking to pursue a Masters programme in the UK can apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC).

Detailed criteria and information regarding the application can be found on our  postgraduate funding page

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

How To Apply

1 July 2023 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 2023 made after this date. The deadline for Home students is 31 August 2023.

Our staged admissions process

A staged admissions process is in place for this programme. This means that when you apply, your application will be considered with all others that have been submitted before the deadline. Therefore you might not hear from us with a decision on your application until a few weeks after the deadline has been reached. This enables us to ensure that all applications are considered fairly and equally. When you apply please ensure that you submit all of your supporting documents including an English language proficiency certificate (if English is not your first language) if you have one.

Further information and application deadlines

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 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band).


  • IELTS 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in any band)
  • TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced or Proficiency – minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 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

 

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