Course Overview
| Level of study: |
Pre-Masters |
| Tuition Fees |
Fees and Finances |
| Entry requirements: |
A third class, pass or ordinary degree, or equivalent
|
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
Other English language tests are accepted, click here to find out more.
|
| Mode of study: |
Full-time |
| Duration: |
15 months |
| Assessment method: |
Coursework (may include class tests) |
| Student finance: |
Available |
| Locations: |
London
Birmingham
Manchester
|
| Start dates: |
January, May, September |
| Application deadline: |
Next application deadline
|
About this course
Do you wish to make an impact in the world of business?
Do you dream of working in a global industry?
This programme is specifically designed to enable you progress towards the next steps in your career, equipping you with key skills so you can become a leader in tomorrow’s global business world.
With an integrated Graduate Certificate programme, this extended route is the perfect preparation to make sure you can succeed in your postgraduate studies.
Become an expert in the macro and micro contexts of international business, developing highly employable skills such as strategic management, leadership, business development and more. With global trade projected to reach US$86.6 trillion between 2023 and 2035 (Frost & Sullivan, 2025), the growing role of international markets is creating greater demand for professionals with international business knowledge and skills.
With this programme, you will learn about international business theory and how to put it into practice for the best possible outcomes. You will become an expert in international business practice and develop all the crucial skills needed to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers with practical business-related experience
- Develop skills in financial theory, decision-making and strategy development
- Boost your employability by exploring global marketing and international entrepreneurship
- Make the most of technology through Blackboard, our online learning environment, allowing you to access module materials and reading lists
We also offer an Advanced Practice version of this programme. The Extended MSc International Business with Advanced Practice will provide you with the perfect preparation to make sure you can succeed in your postgraduate studies, whilst allowing you to gain valuable workplace experience to kickstart your career.
Extended Route
The Extended MSc International Business integrates the Graduate Certificate programme with our standard MSc International Business programme, allowing you entry with qualifications equivalent to a standard degree (third class, pass or ordinary).
- Gain a solid foundation in the skills needed for postgraduate studies
- Progress straight into the MSc International Business after passing the Graduate Certificate stage with a minimum pass mark of 50% in each module
Teaching and Assessment
| Lectures and seminars: |
12 hours per week |
| Independent study: |
38 hours per week |
| Assessment: |
Coursework (may include class tests, presentations and online tests) |
Careers and progression
Businesses are increasingly conducted on a global scale, making this future-focused course ideal if you wish to progress in a business or international career and achieve your ambitions.
Developing skills that are industry-focused and transferrable, you will be the ideal candidate for jobs in a variety of fields and sectors.
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Planning
- Finance
- Marketing
- Sales
- Project Management
| Competitive job roles this programme might open up for you: |
| Business Development Manager |
Management Consultant |
Human Resources Officer |
| Marketing and Sales Director |
Project Manager |
Account Manager |
| Marketing Executive |
Business Analyst |
Data Analyst |
Related reading
International Business reading:
Masters study:
Modules
Please note this programme is currently under review for the September 26 intake and modular content is likely to change in line with industry and academic developments. Please refer to this course page for the most up-to-date information.
All modules are core and 15 credits unless specified.
Graduate Certificate
Research for Business
The Research for Business module will be of benefit to those international and home students whose research skills need to be enhanced and/or evidenced before progressing onto Masters level education.
- Develop valuable teamworking, visual/verbal presentation and reflective writing skills to research the key external factors that influence businesses and organisations
- Gain an understanding of researching a specific business or organisation using appropriate research models.
- Explore the factors used in the environmental scanning component of strategic management.
Academic Skills for Business
Academic skills differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support students’ transition in the use academic writing conventions, critical thinking and effective presentation skills.
- Develop the ability to communicate in an academic context
- Gain the skills in analysing and using source material in assignments
- Apply academic English to a higher level of study
Entrepreneurial Business
This is a dynamic module designed to provide you with an opportunity to develop your capabilities assessing the potential success of a small business described in a provided case study.
- Explore elements of enterprise development including marketing, sales, human resources, finance and operations
- Learn to assess the immediate environment and factors that may hinder or facilitate the potential success a new enterprise.
- Understand the consequences of decision making in all aspects of the early stages of an enterprise and demonstrate an understanding of such topics as human resource management, supply chain & logistics, marketing, sales, finance and operations.
MSc International Business
Academic and Professional Development (0 credits)
Gain a fundamental introduction to skills and frameworks specific to postgraduate study, to help you make the most of your postgraduate degree.
- Assess and develop your academic writing skills
- Practise through weekly tasks and receive regular feedback for your improvement
- Become confident in the skills you will need to succeed in written assignments
Global Business in Context
Gain insight into the current uncertain and complex global context and the many challenges faced by businesses today.
- Understand what it takes to become the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow
- Study key concepts and current trends in global business
- Get ready for a career in a multi-layered and international environment
- Develop flexibility and adaptability skills, and understand their importance both in the domestic, and regional and global contexts
International Finance
Become an expert in key business theories and skills within an international business context.
- Gain an introduction to financial theory
- Explore techniques for entrepreneurship and managerial decision-making
- Develop skills for planning, control and funding throughout the business cycle
Global Marketing & Sales Development
Global markets and export-led growth are expanding, while regional markets shrink – what does this mean from a marketing and sales perspective?
- Develop the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for international marketing
- Explore the marketing needs of SMEs and MNEs
- Understand the complexities of marketing internationally
- Learn how to make informed decisions to lead market development and growth through global sales development
The Digital Landscape
Explore e-business and its practical application in a range of different contexts.
- Gain in-depth knowledge of e-business
- Learn to critically evaluate current practice on creating and managing an e-business
- Understand the implications of e-business for international business
- Analyse how to apply e-business technologies for a competitive strategy in an international business context
International HRM
Explore multinational companies’ approach to people management and the issues related to it.
- Learn about key topics such as comparative employee relations, compensation, performance management and managing diversity
- Boost your career prospects with highly sought-after skills including communication and management
Global Strategy Development & Implementation
Develop an understanding of the strategic management of an SME engaged in international marketing.
- Understand the importance of analysing structure, country-based sources of advantage and unique qualities for achieving a competitive position in international markets
- Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the many organisational processes used to get to a competitive position
- Explore how to use these insights to translate strategy into organisational action
Research Design in International Business
Research is imperative in making successful business decisions and is a key transferrable skill, sought by employers.
- Become confident in your research skills, even if you don’t have much research experience
- Gain fundamental knowledge, understanding and practical skills relevant to the international business research environment
- Boost your employability by developing highly desirable skills
International Entrepreneurship
Develop an appreciation of the growing importance of international entrepreneurship and rapid internationalization by small firms.
- Explore enterprise knowledge and skills to develop an international entrepreneurial attitude
- Develop your personal international entrepreneurial skills and understand what it takes to succeed
- Learn to think creatively and problem-solve possible future scenarios
- Receive teaching through a variety of methods including lectures/tutorials, group and individual work and guest speakers, and learn to become a global citizen
Independent Project (45 credits)
Carry out research on a chosen topic within the field of international business, using all the skills and knowledge developed on this course.
- Receive advice and guidance by your academic supervisor throughout the process
- After successfully completing your 9,000-word dissertation, you will be awarded your MSc in International Business
Applied Research Skills for International Business
Learn how to design, pilot and critically reflect on the tools and processes involved in collecting and analysing data.
- Utilise both primary and secondary data in an international business context
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2025/26. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Academic requirements
- A third class or pass in a bachelors degree in any discipline, or equivalent; or
- A pass in a non-honours degree with any classification in any discipline, or equivalent; or
- 3-year Diploma (DAZhuan) or equivalent (China only)
If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please contact us and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.
For country-specific entry requirements, please visit the entry requirements page.
English language requirements
- GCSE grade 4/C, or equivalent
- IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent
- HKDSE English Language Grade 4 overall, with no less than 3 in any of the 4 sub-skills
- Indian Standard XII English with a minimum of 70% (in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or Indian Certificate in Secondary Education (ICSE) only)
- WAEC C6
We accept other English language tests too, click here to find out more.
Tuition fees for 2025/26
This course is eligible for postgraduate government funding. Please contact us for details.
International students:
- London: £20,450
- Birmingham: £18,500
- Manchester: £18,500
Tuition fees for 2026/27
This course is eligible for postgraduate government funding. Please contact us for details.
International students:
- London: £21,200
- Birmingham: £19,250
- Manchester: £19,250
Deposit payments
All postgraduate students, including extended degrees (over 12 months), are required to pay a deposit of £250 towards their tuition fee. Home students using postgraduate loans will also need to pay a deposit. Reduced deposit rates are available for alumni continuing from our undergraduate programmes.
Student finance loan
If you’re a UK postgraduate student, you may be eligible for government-funded financial support, such as:
- Tuition Fee Loans: Paid directly to the university for undergraduate students or to you for postgraduate students, requiring you to transfer the payment to the university
Visit the finance page to find more information.
Living costs
Tuition fees cover registration, teaching, and access to learning resources and support services. However, students are responsible for covering additional living expenses, including books, stationery, accommodation, and travel.
International students must meet UKVI financial requirements for visa purposes:
- £1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
- £1,136 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside of London
For detailed information, refer to the UKVI financial requirements.
What do my tuition fees pay for?
The following is included in your tuition fees:
- Your teaching in class – this included seminars, lectures and tutorials
- Campus facilities and social spaces, including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers and multi-faith rooms
- The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who can support you with your studies and assignments
- Careers and Employability Service, which provides help with CVs, applications and interviews through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
- Facilities (computers, on-campus wi-fi, printers, vending machines)
- Library resources, both on-campus resources and an extensive online catalogue of resources
- Student Support, including the Welfare Team, Finance Team and more
- Students Advice & Support Centre (SASC), which is the first point of contact for all student support enquiries
Tuition fees do not cover the cost of subject books, stationery, printing and photocopying costs, accommodation, living expenses, travel, hobbies, sports or any other extracurricular activities.
Scholarships and discounts
For self-funding students, we also offer a range of academic scholarships and fee discounts.
If you completed your undergraduate degree at an Ulster University branch campus, you may be eligible for an alumni scholarship. Scholarship availability and eligibility requirements vary. Contact us to find out more.
Need more help?
If you have further questions or require additional assistance, visit the finance page.
How to find out more
To find out more about this course, we recommend that you complete our enquiry form and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.
How to apply
UK and International students can apply directly to study the Extended MSc International Business via our online application form below.
APPLY FOR JANUARY 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
*Please note: The Birmingham location is now closed to international students.
APPLY FOR MAY 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
APPLY FOR SEPTEMBER 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
Information for disabled applicants
At Ulster, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
If you’re not sure or have any questions about studying with us, please contact us and one of our team will be able to help.
