International Business MSc

You will build expertise across the full breadth of international business, from cooperative strategy and global operations to governance, responsibility, and the entrepreneurial thinking that drives growth in international markets. Alongside technical knowledge, you will develop the ethical awareness and critical judgement to operate responsibly across diverse cultural, legal, and organisational environments.

As the UK's largest financial and professional services hub outside London, home to the largest regional offices of all four Big Four firms and a rapidly growing international business community, the city gives you direct access to the employers and networks that matter.

The programme is available with a September or January start date.

The January intake offers a smaller, more intimate cohort experience with closer access to staff and peers. January starters complete the same core modules, credits, and dissertation as September starters. International Entrepreneurship and Marketing forms part of the core curriculum, and you will choose one optional module in each semester from our specialist electives. 

September starters choose from the full optional module range, including Disruptive Innovation and International Business. 

• Learn from an internationally recognised faculty from the Department of Strategy and International Business, whose research shapes how global business is understood and practised
• Responsible and ethical practice runs through the entire curriculum, from governance and global responsibility to cooperative strategy and sustainable operations
• Connect with experts at the annual Birmingham Business School International Business Summit 
• Hear directly from industry guests like John Brothers, who shared his first-hand experience of conducting business in East Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Jack Kennefick, CEO and Co-Founder of Tagomics
• Build a truly global network by connecting with students studying our MSc International Business at Birmingham's Dubai and Singapore campuses, sharing perspectives across three international business hubs
• Study in Birmingham, the UK's largest city outside London and one of its most significant centres for international business, with strong established links to business communities across Asia
• Study at one of the top two UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market in 2026)
• Delivered by a triple-crown accredited business school, one of a small number worldwide to hold AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accreditation

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and case study analysis, drawing on real-world examples from international markets and organisations. Assessments are designed to reflect the challenges of working globally and developing your ability to analyse complex business environments, communicate across cultures, and apply strategic frameworks to live international business problems.

The programme culminates in a 60-credit dissertation - a substantial independent research project that allows you to go deep on an international business question that genuinely interests you, supervised by research-active faculty with expertise across global markets.

September intake

September starters choose three optional modules across three specialist sets covering areas including cooperative strategy, data analytics, disruptive innovation, entrepreneurship, global operations, and governance. This gives you significant flexibility to shape a programme that fits your career direction.

January intake

The January cohort will be a smaller, more intimate cohort. You will benefit from closer access to staff and a tightly-knit peer group from day one. January starters complete the same core modules, credits, and dissertation as September starters. International Entrepreneurship and Marketing forms part of the core curriculum, and you will choose one optional module in each semester from our specialist electives. 

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.

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 or a Presessional English course.

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

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• 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

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for September 2027 and January 2027 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.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

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 offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Our graduates secure diverse roles including international marketing directors, management consultants, business development managers, and financial controllers with leading multinational companies.

Whether you're drawn to strategic consulting, international banking, or executive leadership, you'll find opportunities in major business hubs worldwide - from Birmingham and Dubai to Singapore and beyond.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

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.