MSc International Business with Placement Pathway

Ongoing developments in IT, transport and communications have accelerated the pace of globalisation leading to increased interconnectedness of national economies and an integration of markets in the world’s economy. Employers, large and small, need managers who can see the big picture when it comes to spotting opportunities and solving business issues, who understand the impact of different cultures, markets and geographies.

Grounded in theory and practice, our MSc focuses on developing your understanding of business and management within a global context, offering a deep insight into areas such as strategic management, cultural management issues, ethical and environmental issues and international value chains.

Referring to real-life business examples and hearing direct from practitioners, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic and tactical challenges of operating internationally when confronted with, for example, mergers and acquisitions or foreign direct investment. We’ll also share our own research, for example, studying the role of Chinese trade union organisations on collective wage consultation and strikes, and the challenges of developing countries’ labour market, income and employment.

We’ll uncover some of the different and often fascinating trade practices that exist across continents and countries, such as the varying age restrictions on child labour, often influenced by historical, cultural and social background. You’ll also be exposed to the unique challenges of identifying, managing and training a global workforce with diverse staff of multiple nationalities and ethnicities, with the chance to take part in a practical mock interview scenario.

Your final project will give you the opportunity to directly transfer your learning to the workplace by researching a current topic, responding to a specific business issue or undertaking a ‘live’ work-based project. One student prepared a business plan for a Staffordshire-based SME which was seeking Chinese investment, investigating international business opportunities on its behalf and assessing challenges including local competition.

International business knowledge benefits employers in all types of jobs and industries – from sport and leisure, the arts and entertainment to social work, engineering and the natural sciences. We therefore welcome applicants from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines; past students have joined us having studied subjects as diverse as history, sociology, geography and law, as well as business.

Business today is global, which brings both opportunities and challenges that require managers and leaders who have an expansive awareness and understanding of operating businesses internationally. This exciting master’s course aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills and techniques to be able to understand how organisations operate across borders at both a strategic and operational level.

The programme covers core international business subjects such as international business context, international strategic management, international human resources, global operations and supply and accounting.

Depending on availability, you can also choose to study a modern language as your optional module, from absolute beginners to advanced level in British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Russian. Those for whom English is a second language may also choose Advanced Business English.