Overview
International business is an exciting and rapidly evolving space as politics and economics shift, and societies and cultures evolve. On the course you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes of globalisation in the 21st century and the implications that these ongoing processes have for today’s business women and men – and indeed, for tomorrow’s leaders.
The International Business MSc is designed for those seeking to operate within an international business setting or within companies and jobs where an understanding of international business is an asset. The course will help you to develop a sound understanding of international business contexts and to make integrative links across various disciplines.
We will explore the impact of internationalisation on factors such as the management of resources and operations, the financing of business enterprise, and the management and development of people. Aspects of the course will focus on emerging markets. It will also focus on the development of appropriate business policies and strategies to help you put your learning into practice.
You will receive training in research methods with particular application to the empirical study of international management situations, issues and process.
What you learn on the International Business MSc will enable you to further develop transferable skills that can be used to address the challenges of working within an organisation or for yourself as part of the global economy.
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You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
This diverse course will give you a solid grounding in the basics of international trade, business strategy, and management. Optional modules can give you an insight into areas such as global HR, diversity management, business ethics and corporate governance.
A typical selection of modules can be found below.
Compulsory
- International Business Strategy
This module communicates the forces that shape the operating environments of organisations, nationally and internationally. Upon completing this module, students will be able to systematically apply business management theories, concepts and techniques to central international business activities such as foreign entry.
- International Management
This module examines the legal, cultural, economic, political, technological and ethical challenges in managing complex international operations across borders. It also explores managerial behaviours and organisational processes that are key when operating in a competitive global environment.
- Organisational Behaviour
This module equips students with the tools necessary to understand the dynamics of individual and group behaviour for the utilisation of human resources in organisations. It helps students understand and analyse individual needs, feelings and aspirations, develop skills needed to plan for the implementation of organisational change and identify and develop effective motivational and leadership skills.
- Global Business and Investments
This module identifies the main modes of internationalization, together with their underlying rationales. It also discusses the international monetary system, markets and global institutions.
- International Trade
This module covers the importance of overseas trade on the global and national economies. It introduces common barriers to trade, regional trading arrangements, and the case for and against the concept of free (unrestricted) trade.
- Understanding Business and Management Research
The module introduces the fundamentals of quantitative and qualitative methods in management research and how these are applied to solve complex problems in the field of international business. It also provides training on the most advanced statistical software packages used in management research and practice.
- Dissertation (International Business MSc)
This module provides the knowledge to conduct an independent piece of research in the international business field. It includes training on how to identify a research problem, collect and analyse data and present the results to the highest standards in management science. It also includes a series of one to one supervision meetings with an academic member of staff.
Optional
- International Marketing
This module discusses the key aspects of international marketing in management science and practice such as the standardization/adaptation debate, the crucial role of culture and politics and how to develop successful product and branding strategies in global markets.
- International and Comparative HRM
This module examines human resources strategy and practice for organisations operating across national boundaries, including the EU and its member states, the USA, Japan and South East Asia.
- Global Diversity Management
Training and development activities for diverse workforces with different socio-economic backgrounds, interests, beliefs, value systems.
- International Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
This module focuses on business ethics, sustainability and corporate governance in internationally operating organisations. These areas are addressed from the perspective of the dual ‘business’ models of the shareholder and the stakeholder approaches. The broader societal impacts of business activities are discussed by using concepts from moral philosophy, CSR, sustainability and corporate governance.
- Knowledge Management, Social Networks and Innovation
This module introduces the global knowledge-based economy, its key aspects and the wider socio-economic factors conditioning fundamental knowledge processes such as knowledge transfer. It also covers contemporary issues such as the use of social engagement in international business.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
Your newly honed skills should open up opportunities for a successful career within the likes of a multinational corporation, an NGO, a multilateral international organisation such as the UN, international law, or academia.
Our programmes are built with input from business professionals with the specific aim of helping you enter the work place fully equipped and confident of your abilities. As a masters graduate you’ll be equipped to enter a number job roles, including: Business analyst; Business development manager; Corporate investment banker; Human resources officer; Logistics manager; Marketing executive; Product manager; Purchasing manager
Some of the well-known names who value Brunel BusinessSchool graduates include Accenture, Amazon, Barclays,British Airways, Capgemini, HSBC, Jaguar Land Rover,L’Oréal, McCann, Microsoft, PricewaterhouseCoopers,and Xerox.
UK entry requirements
A 2.2 (or above) UK Honours degree or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification in or a related or non-related subject. Work experience is not required.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£13,750 full-time
International
£27,000 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
At Brunel Business School (BBS), you will experience a rich and engaging on-campus learning environment. Our modules are delivered through engaging lectures, and in most modules, through seminars that allow for interactions in smaller groups. Additionally, you will have access to a wide range of resources on Brightspace, our online learning platform, including PowerPoint slides, video recordings, and peer-reviewed academic publications that align with the module learning objectives. Moreover, BBS students benefit from a range of support and opportunities from our dedicated staff and faculty, such as:
- Extra-curricular activities designed to enhance your skills and expand your network, such as social events, guest speakers and industry visits/field trips (please note these may vary within programmes)
- A dedicated Student Experience Team to provide pastoral care
- A dedicated ASK Academic Skills support team to help you understand and address coursework requirements
- Personalised tutoring and wellbeing advice to support your academic and personal development
- Employability guidance and career planning from our in-house director.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Teaching includes lectures, informal small study groups, and individual or group presentations using a laptop and digital projector.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
Modules are usually assessed by individual assessment or by examination in May.
Coursework and examinations give you a chance to demonstrate critical and constructive thinking and reasoning. Your dissertation is a 12,000 word document that will show your ability to conceive, design and execute a major project, which confidently substantiates your chosen line of enquiry.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.