Course Overview
| Level of study: | Pre-Masters |
| Tuition Fees | Fees and Finances |
| Entry requirements: | A third class, pass or ordinary degree, or equivalent
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| 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.
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| Mode of study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 15 months |
| Assessment method: | Coursework (may include class tests) |
| Student finance: | Available |
| Locations: |
London
Birmingham
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| Start dates: |
January, May, September |
| Application deadline: | Next application deadline
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About this course
The Extended MSc International Business integrates the Graduate Certificate programme with our standard MSc International Business programme to allow entry for students with qualifications equivalent to a standard degree (third class, pass or ordinary).
It is a preparatory course that will provide you with a solid foundation in the skills needed for progression onto the MSc International Business stage. Students, who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate stage with a minimum overall average mark of 50%, will be in a position to progress directly to the MSc International Business stage.
This programme is also available as Extended MSc International Business with Advanced Practice, which includes either an internship or project.
Successful completion of the eight taught modules will allow you to acquire mastery of both the macro and micro contexts of international business, specifically the ability to acquire, develop, and integrate international business theory whilst developing the skills to apply such theories in terms of international business practice.
The Master’s Dissertation option, provides the opportunity to conceive, design and satisfactorily implement a substantial research project within the broad subject area of international business, whilst the Applied Research Project option enables students to apply the theoretical concepts encountered on the MSc International Business program.
Teaching methods
- We employ a wide variety of teaching and learning methods including seminars and lectures, across the various modules of this course, depending on the nature and priorities of each module, totalling around 12 hours per week.
- In addition to your time in class, you will be expected to engage in approximately 30 hours of self-study time per week.
- You’ll be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their experience to demonstrate how the theories you will learn translate into real International Business scenarios.
- You will have access to Blackboard, our online learning environment, where you can access module resources and reading lists that will assist your preparation for classes and self-study.
Assessment
All modules are 100% assessed by coursework (may include class tests).
Response to Covid-19: Our focus is on providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for our students. More information about our response to Covid-19 and FAQs are available here.
Progressing on to MSc International Business
The pass mark for the Graduate Certificate modules is 40% in each module. Upon successfully completing the Graduate Certificate with an overall minimum average mark of 50% across all modules studied and passed, you will be guaranteed progression onto the MSc International Business.
Careers and postgraduate opportunities
Student and employer needs are reflected in the development of this programme and evidenced in the career destinations and further development of our graduates. The nature of the provision is such that it equips individuals for employment in a wide range of international roles within the public and private sectors and a number of graduates are successful in gaining promotion in their chosen fields or alter their career paths on successful completion of the MSc International Business.
A number of graduates from the MSc International Business programme have progressed to undertake doctoral studies.
Related reading
International Business reading:
Masters study:
Modules
All modules are core and 15 credits unless specified.
Graduate Certificate
Research Methods for Postgraduate Studies (20 credits)
The module will be of benefit to those international and home students whose research skills need to be enhanced and/or evidenced before progressing on to Masters level education. It will provide the relevant underpinning knowledge and understanding of research-related topics in business. Drawing on enhanced knowledge and understanding, students will also identify the range of research methods available before defining specific research aims and objectives.
While addressing philosophical issues and conceptual aspects underlying management research, it also focuses on quantitative as well as on qualitative research methods and techniques involved in practical application. In order to facilitate student learning and development, there are both theoretical and practical elements to this module. It is expected that students will carry out an in-depth literature review to demonstrate academic crafting and writing skills, as well as advanced knowledge within the chosen discipline and appropriate research scope.
Academic Essentials (20 credits)
Academic skills differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. The skills required for academic study in English present challenges for students of business and management. This module is designed to support students’ transition in the use of academic writing conventions, critical thinking and effective presentation skills. It uses students’ existing knowledge and experience of English to explore techniques for reading academic texts in a range of areas of business and management.
Enterprise Development (20 credits)
This is a dynamic module which provides students with an opportunity to develop their capabilities in recognising, assessing and planning a new enterprise with a focus on the consequences of decision making in all aspects of enterprise development including marketing, sales, human resources, finance and operations.
MSc International Business
Level 7 MSc Workshop (0 credits)
This module aims to review and enhance participants’ existing academic writing skills in contexts relevant to the modules it complements. It will also introduce skills and frameworks specific to postgraduate study, with weekly opportunities for participants to transfer these elements to their own assignments and to obtain feedback on their progression. As it provides the skills required to succeed in all written assignments, this module is compulsory
Global Business in Context
Businesses now operate in a globalised, highly connected multi-layered business environment, where global, regional and local firms are increasingly intertwined. Such an environment presents many challenges and is typified by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. As the leaders/managers and decision-makers of the future, this module will help students understand key concepts and current trends in Global Business, prepare for work in multi-layered environments, and to understand the need for flexibility and adaptability, both in the domestic and regional and global contexts.
International Finance
Students will be provided with an introduction to financial theory and techniques for entrepreneurship and managerial decision-making within an international business context. Students will acquire skills for planning, control and funding throughout the business cycle.
Global Marketing & Sales Development
Given the need for export-led growth and the expanding global markets, coupled with shrinking and saturated local/regional markets, this module focuses on developing the student’s knowledge, skills and expertise in relation to the international marketing effort, through the lens of both SMEs and MNEs. The module attempts to better understand the complexities of marketing internationally across borders which is critical to inform decisions and choices to inform market development and growth through global sales development. The module provides a contemporary understanding of the importance and role of international marketing to support the growth, development and success of indigenous and international organisations in a global arena.
The Digital Landscape
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of e-business and its practical application in a range of different contexts. On successful completion of this module students will have an in-depth knowledge of e-business; critically evaluate the current practice on creating and managing an e-business; understand the implications of e-business for international business, and analyse how an organisation can apply e-business technologies to support its competitive strategy in an international business context.
International HRM
The module explores issues relating to multinational companies in their approach to people management, such as comparative employee relations, compensation, performance management and managing diversity.
Global Strategy Development & Implementation
The primary aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the strategic management of an SME engaged in international marketing. This includes understanding how the competitive position of a firm is devised based on analysing structure, country-based sources of advantage and their distinctive competencies. Further, translating strategy into organisational action requires an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the many organisational forms and processes that may be used to attain the desired competitive position.
International Business Research Skills
This module examines the vital role of research in international business decisions. It is designed for students who have minimal or no prior research experience, to gain appropriate knowledge, understanding and practical skills relevant to the international business research environment.
International Entrepreneurship
This module provides students with an appreciation of the growing importance of international entrepreneurship, and rapid internationalization by small firms. It develops appropriate enterprise knowledge and skills among students to foster international entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviour. A variety of teaching methods are used including, formal lectures/tutorials, group and individual work, guest lectures, and so on. This module will assist students to develop their personal international entrepreneurial effectiveness and to think creatively with regard to problem-solving and possible future scenarios, as well as assist them on their global citizenship journey.
And one of the following modules
Dissertation (60 credits)
The Master’s Dissertation enables students to carry out research on a chosen topic within the area of international business. Academic supervisors provide advice and guidance to students during their process. On successful completion of their 15,000 word dissertation students will be awarded their MSc in International Business.
Applied Research Project (60 credits)
The Applied Research Project enables students to apply the theoretical concepts encountered on the MSc International Business program to a real-life management issue. In doing so, they choose and justify appropriate research methodologies, gather data and make conclusions and recommendations to an organisation.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2022/23. 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)
For country-specific entry requirements, please visit the entry requirements page.
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.
English language requirements
Applicants must satisfy our general entry requirements as well as meeting specific requirements.
- You will need to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade 4 – previously grade C – or equivalent).
The general entry requirements are any of the following:
- 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 – Minimum of 70% (in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or Indian Certificate in Secondary Education (ICSE) only)
- WAEC – C6
If you do not have the required IELTS, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional programmes.
- If you have IELTS 5.5, with a maximum score of 5.0, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional Standard programme.
- If you have IELTS 5.0, with a maximum score of 4.5, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional Plus programme.
Tuition fees for 2023/24
This course is eligible for postgraduate government funding. Please contact us for details.
International students:
- London: £19,700
- Birmingham: £17,750
Please note: for UK/Home students who are financing their studies through the postgraduate loan, you will be required to make a deposit payment of £1,350 at enrolment, this amount will be deducted from the total tuition fee. This does not apply to progressing students who are currently studying at undergraduate level with us.
Please note that the fees outlined are for your tuition only and do not include the cost of any course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, accommodation etc. As an Ulster University London and Birmingham branch campus student you will also have access to our on-campus libraries and a range of e-learning resources.
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.
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.
What does my tuition pay for?
- Your teaching in class – this includes seminars, lectures and tutorials
- Access to facilities including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers, multi-faith rooms, quiet study space and social areas. To learn more about available facilities please visit our London or Birmingham branch campus pages
- Our library service – both on-campus and an extensive online catalogue of resources
- Careers and Employability Service which provides help with CVs, applications and interview preparation through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
- The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who are here to support you with your studies and assignments
- Students Activities Association (SAA) – who organise events on campus, discounted sightseeing trips and help students create and run societies
Scholarships and discounts
For self-funding students, we offer a range of scholarships and early payment fee discounts, you can find out more here.
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 SEPTEMBER 2023
APPLY FOR JANUARY 2024
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.
