Course Overview
| Level of study: |
Postgraduate degree |
| Tuition Fees |
Fees and Finances |
| Entry requirements: |
A 2:2 honours 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: |
1 year |
| Assessment method: |
Coursework only (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 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.
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 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 Extended and Advanced Practice version of this programme. The Extended MSc International Business is the perfect preparation to make sure you can succeed in your postgraduate studies, while the MSc International Business with Advanced Practice will help you gain valuable workplace experience to kickstart your career.
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.
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 2:2 (second class) honours degree or International equivalent
Non-standard entry
If you have significant work experience, you may apply for a non-standard entry route. Please contact us and our team will be happy to discuss your options.
If you do not meet these entry requirements, have a look at our Extended MSc International Business, which allows you to develop from your undergraduate studies to postgraduate level.
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
International students:
- London: £15,450
- Birmingham: £13,800
- Manchester: £13,800
Tuition fees for 2026/27
International students:
- London: £16,200
- Birmingham: £14,550
- Manchester: £14,550
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 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
Additional costs
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 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 per year for the duration of your course.
Student Finance
Students from the UK may be able to receive financial support from the Government to help fund your studies, subject to your eligibility. You can learn more about Student Finance and check your eligibility on the Student Finance website.
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 on this can be found on our Finance page.
Scholarships and discounts
To support you in financing your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and fee discounts for self-funding students that you may be eligible for.
Need more help?
For more information on tuition fees, student finance, and payments, please visit our 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 MSc International Business via our online application form below.
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.