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: | 24 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?Â
Do you dream of working in a global industry?Â
This programme will help you take the next step towards your career goals, equipping you with key skills so you can become a leader in tomorrow’s global business world. Â
The Extended route is the perfect preparation to make sure you can succeed in your postgraduate studies, while the Advanced Practice will help you gain valuable workplace environment experience and kickstart your career.Â
Become an expert in the macro and micro contexts of international business, developing highly employable skills such as management, leadership, business development and more. With careers in international business expected to grow by 8% between 2016-2026 (Collegefactual, 2023), now is the time to pursue the career of your dreams.Â
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.Â
- Learn from expert lecturers with practical business-related experienceÂ
- Develop skills in financial theory, decision-making and strategy developmentÂ
- Boost your employability by exploring global marketing and international entrepreneurshipÂ
- Choose between a Dissertation or Applied Research Project optionÂ
- Make the most of technology through Blackboard, our online learning environment, allowing you to access module materials and reading listsÂ
Extended route and Advanced Practice
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). Â
With the Advanced Practice option, after completing your postgraduate modules, you will undertake a 15-week long internship, or applied consulting project, working with a real organisation on a live business problem.Â
- Build a solid foundation in the skills needed for postgraduate studiesÂ
- Progress straight into the MSc International Business after passing the Graduate Certificate stage with a minimum overall average mark of 50%, and a pass mark of 40% in each Graduate Certificate moduleÂ
- Gain experience of a workplace environment and ‘real world’ issues Â
- Get career-ready by putting your learning into practice Â
Please note if you undertake an internship this may be paid or unpaid.Â
Course Duration
On successful completion of each stage of this programme of study, the duration will be 24 months, according to the following specific intake schedule:
September Start
| Â Â Â Â Â Sept-Jan |
  Jan-May |
 May-Sept |
 Sept-Jan |
     Jan-May |
 May-Sept |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Year 1 |
                          Year 2 |
|
Semester 1
Graduate Certificate stage
|
Semester 2
Masters stage
|
Semester 3
Masters stage
|
Autumn break
|
Semester 4
Advanced Practice stage
|
Semester 5
Masters stage
|
January Start
| Â Â Â Â Â Jan-May |
 May-Sept |
 Sept-Jan |
 Jan-May |
    May-Sept |
  Sept-Jan |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Year 1 |
                          Year 2 |
|
Semester 1
Graduate Certificate stage
|
Semester 2
Masters stage
|
Semester 3
Masters stage
|
Spring break
|
Semester 4
Advanced Practice stage
|
Semester 5
Masters stage
|
May Start
| Â Â Â Â Â May-Sept |
  Sept-Jan |
 Jan-May |
 May-Sept |
    Sept-Jan |
 Jan-May |
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Year 1 |
                          Year 2
|
|
Semester 1
Graduate Certificate stage
|
Semester 2
Masters stage
|
Semester 3
Masters stage
|
Summer break
|
Semester 4
Advanced Practice stage
|
Semester 5
Masters stage
|
Teaching and Assessment
| Lectures and seminars: |
12Â hours per week |
| Independent study: |
30Â hours per week |
| Assessment: |
Coursework (may include in-class 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. Â
Developing skills that are industry-focused and transferrable, you will be the ideal candidate for jobs in a variety of fields and sectors.Â
- 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:Â
Masters study:
Advanced Practice study:
Modules
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 with Advanced Practice
Level 7 MSc Workshop (0 credits)
Gain a fundamental introduction to skills and frameworks specific to postgraduate study, to help you make the most of your postgraduate degree.Â
- Assess and develop your academic writing skillsÂ
- Practise through weekly tasks and receive regular feedback for your improvementÂ
- Become confident in the skills you will need to succeed in written assignmentsÂ
Global Business in Context
Gain insight into the current uncertain and complex global context and the many challenges faced by businesses today.Â
- Understand what it takes to become the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrowÂ
- Study key concepts and current trends in global businessÂ
- Get ready for a career in a multi-layered and international environmentÂ
- Develop flexibility and adaptability skills, and understand their importance both in the domestic, and regional and global contextsÂ
International Finance
Become an expert in key business theories and skills within an international business context.Â
- Gain an introduction to financial theoryÂ
- Explore techniques for entrepreneurship and managerial decision-making Â
- Develop skills for planning, control and funding throughout the business cycleÂ
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?Â
- Develop the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for international marketingÂ
- Explore the marketing needs of SMEs and MNEsÂ
- Understand the complexities of marketing internationally Â
- Learn how to make informed decisions to lead market development and growth through global sales developmentÂ
The Digital Landscape
Explore e-business and its practical application in a range of different contexts. Â
- Gain in-depth knowledge of e-businessÂ
- Learn to critically evaluate current practice on creating and managing an e-businessÂ
- Understand the implications of e-business for international businessÂ
- Analyse how to apply e-business technologies for a competitive strategy in an international business contextÂ
International HRM
Explore multinational companies’ approach to people management and the issues related to it.Â
- Learn about key topics such as comparative employee relations, compensation, performance management and managing diversityÂ
- Boost your career prospects with highly sought-after skills including communication and managementÂ
Global Strategy Development & Implementation
With 78% of small business owners saying their businesses are profitable (Guidant Financial, 2021) understanding the strategic management of an SME within an international market will bring you closer to achieving your career ambitions.Â
- Understand the importance of analysing structure, country-based sources of advantage and unique qualities for achieving a competitive position in international marketsÂ
- Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the many organisational processes used to get to a competitive positionÂ
- Explore how to use these insights to translate strategy into organisational actionÂ
International Business Research Skills
Research is imperative in making successful business decisions and is a key transferrable skill, sought by employers. Â
- Become confident in your research skills, even if you don’t have much research experienceÂ
- Gain fundamental knowledge, understanding and practical skills relevant to the international business research environmentÂ
- Boost your employability by developing highly desirable skillsÂ
International Entrepreneurship
The value was a record breaking 7.7 trillion US dollars in Q1 2022 (UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update, 2022). This makes international entrepreneurship and globalisation of small firms increasingly important. Â
- Explore enterprise knowledge and skills to develop an international entrepreneurial attitudeÂ
- Develop your personal international entrepreneurial skills and understand what it takes to succeed Â
- Learn to think creatively and problem-solve possible future scenariosÂ
- Receive teaching through a variety of methods including lectures/tutorials, group and individual work and guest speakers, and learn to become a global citizenÂ
For students undertaking an internship
Internship & Professional Development Project (60 credits)
This module will help you enhance your employability after completing your Master’s modules, while also giving you experience of a workplace environment. Â
- Produce reflective reports to boost skills such as research, communication and writingÂ
- Complete an internship project to apply the theory learned on the course to a ‘live’ management issueÂ
For students not doing an internship
Applied Consulting Project (60 credits)
Apply all the relevant theories studied in your Master’s modules to a practical and employability-focused consultancy projects for real-life case study clients.Â
- Apply theory to ‘real’ international business contextsÂ
- Deliver valuable project outcomes for client companiesÂ
- Enhance your development of a global citizenship perspective while gaining company and industry-specific insightsÂ
And one of the following modules
Dissertation (60 credits)
Carry out research on a chosen topic within the field of international business, using all the skills and knowledge developed on this course.Â
- Receive advice and guidance by your academic supervisor throughout the processÂ
- After successfully completing your 15,000-word dissertation, you will be awarded your MSc in International BusinessÂ
Applied Research Project (60 credits)
Apply the theories and concepts explored on this programme to a real-life management issue.Â
- Choose and justify appropriate research methodologies, gather data and make conclusions and recommendations to an organisationÂ
- After successfully completing your project, you will be awarded your MSc in International BusinessÂ
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. 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 equivalentÂ
- IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalentÂ
- HKDSE English Language Grade 4 overall, with no less than 3 in any of the 4 sub-skillsÂ
- Indian Standard XII English with a minimum of 70% (in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or Indian Certificate in Secondary Education (ICSE) only)Â
- WAEC C6Â
We accept other English language tests too, click here to find out more.Â
Tuition fees for 2024/25
UK/Home: £11,600
This course is eligible for postgraduate government funding. Please contact us for details.
International students:
- London: £24,550
- Birmingham: £22,700
- Manchester: £22,700
Tuition fees for 2025/26
UK/Home: £11,600
This course is eligible for postgraduate government funding. Please contact us for details.
International students:
- London: £25,050
- Birmingham: £23,200
- Manchester: £23,200
| Included in your tuition fees: |
| Academic Support, including the Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Team |
| Careers and Employability Service |
| Class hours (lectures, seminars and tutorials) |
| Facilities (computers, on-campus wi-fi, printers, vending machines) |
| Library resources, including a large online catalogue of books, journals and more |
| Online resources |
| Social spaces (quiet study spaces, multi-faith rooms and spaces to socialise) |
| Student Support (Welfare Team, Finance Team and more) |
| Students Activities Association (SAA) who organise events, trips and societies |
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.
The modules you will study may require you to purchase additional course textbooks and you should be prepared to buy some additional texts. We recommend allowing an additional £300 for the duration of your course.
Please note: UK/Home students who are financing their studies through the postgraduate loan, you will be required to make a deposit payment that will be deducted from the total tuition fee. This does not apply to progressing students who are currently studying at the undergraduate level with us. The deposit cannot be paid using student finance.
Deposit amounts:
• Extended degree (over 12 months): £1,350
• Postgraduate degree (12 months or less): £250
Information for international students
Ulster University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.
Scholarships and discounts
For self-funding students, we offer a range of scholarships and early payment fee discounts.
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 with Advanced Practice via our online application form below.
APPLY FOR JANUARY 2025
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
*Please note: Birmingham & London Daytime are now closed for International students
APPLY FOR MAY 2025
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.
