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Course overview
Launch your global career by studying on our research-informed, practical-focused International Business MSc programme.
In response to the evolving digital transformation in the business sector, our programme integrates research and practical insights. Prepare to lead in international business with enhanced problem-solving and decision-making skills tailored for today's dynamic global environment.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
On our MSc in International Business programme, you will consider the latest practical issues facing international firms. These include the multifaceted concept of responsible business, trade-offs in operations, cooperative strategies, and new approaches to enhancing competitiveness. With responsible and ethical business practices embedded at its core, this programme will enable you to become part of a new generation of leaders who can make positive and sustainable changes to the industry.
The programme is designed around a pathway-to-practice approach that focuses on developing key skills including understanding the latest business models, international competition, optimising modern technology, innovation, and data analytics.
- Join a diverse international cohort with opportunities to study at our Dubai and Singapore campuses, fostering a global learning community.
- Situated at the heart of the UK, Birmingham is a pivotal business hub with connections to major global corporations.
- Our International Business programme is a pathway-to-practice, co-created with employers, alumni, and academics, prepares you for leadership roles upon graduation.
- As a member of the prestigious Russell Group and ranked in the world’s top 100, the University of Birmingham offers a globally recognised education
- Triple Crown
accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
- #1
most targeted university of top UK employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
- Accredited
by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
The MSc in International Business will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in international business. Through real-world case studies and practical experience, you’ll develop key skills that are highly sought after by organisations worldwide. The programme addresses intellectual issues and policy challenges in the field, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-life business challenges.
Course delivery
Our International Business Masters degree includes a wide variety of learning and teaching:
- Taught modules – these include lectures, workshops, seminars and blended learning support.
- Assessments - these will include group and individual projects, group presentations, individual reports, essays, videos, digital artefacts and creative responses.
- Dissertation Project - this provides students the opportunity to complete a traditional academic component or a sector based policy or strategy document.
Module information
The course comprises of 180 credits, taught through a series of 20 credit modules and a 60 credit Dissertation. Students will study three core modules and choose three optional modules.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Core modules
| Module title | Credits | Semester |
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Semester 2 |
| LM International Business | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM International Strategy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Practising and Managing International Business | 20 | Semester 1 |
Optional modules
Choose one module from each of the following sets.
Optional set 1
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Cooperative Strategy in International Business | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM International Business Data Analytics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Optional set 2
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | Semester 2 | |
| LM International Entrepreneurship and Marketing | 20 | Semester 2 |
Optional set 3
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Global Operations and Supply Chain Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Governance and Global Responsibility | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- Honours degree (2:1 or higher)
or oversea's equivalent
In order to be considered, applicants will have or should be expecting to achieve an Honours degree (2:1 or higher) or postgraduate diploma from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in any subject.
Applicants who demonstrate being able to exceed the minimum entry requirements will be given preference
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £16,860
(full-time)
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
The programme is designed to enhance your employability by building your knowledge in key areas of international business such as cooperative strategy, global operations, business analytics, marketing, and global responsibility. You will also have the opportunity to draw on the talents of our alumni who are very much integrated into the programme. With their expertise, combined with the breadth of the syllabus, this Masters programme will prepare you for a successful international career.
As a Birmingham Business School student, you will benefit from two award-winning Careers teams.
Careers Network is the University of Birmingham careers and employability team offering: career fairs, employer events with top firms across the UK, start-up and entrepreneurial activities, and support. Internships and bursaries are also available exclusively to University of Birmingham students.
BBS Careers is a dedicated service for Birmingham Business School students. The team provides guidance, support, and work experience opportunities, tailored to business school students, to help you succeed during and after university. We offer workshops, alumni and employer events, and 1-to-1 consultations. These will help you to develop your skills and learn how to submit high-quality internship and graduate applications.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.