International BusinessMSc

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. 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. 

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.

• Join a diverse international cohort with opportunities to study at our Dubai and Singapore campuses, fostering a global learning community.
• Situated at the heart of the UK, Birmingham is a pivotal business hub with connections to major global corporations.
• Our International Business programme is a pathway-to-practice, co-created with employers, alumni, and academics, prepares you for leadership roles upon graduation.
• As a member of the prestigious Russell Group and ranked in the world’s top 100, the University of Birmingham offers a globally recognised education

The MSc International Business will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in international business. Through real-world case studies and practical experience, you’ll develop key skills that are highly sought after by organisations worldwide. The programme addresses intellectual issues and policy challenges in the field, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-life business challenges.

• Taught modules – these include lectures, workshops, seminars and blended learning support.
• Assessments - these will include group and individual projects, group presentations, individual reports, essays, videos, digital artefacts and creative responses.
• Dissertation Project - this provides students the opportunity to complete a traditional academic component or a sector based policy or strategy document.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Core modules

Optional modules

Choose one module from each of the following sets.

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

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

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Business School Masters Scholarships

Birmingham Business School Masters Scholarships are designed to empower the next generation of leaders who are passionate about advancing responsible business and driving positive change.

For 2025, we are offering several scholarships to invest in future leaders who will set new global standards for responsible business leadership through challenging the status quo to seek progressive solutions to complex global challenges.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

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. 

BBS Careers

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.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.