International Business Management MSc

Key Facts

  • Level

    Postgraduate

  • Duration

    Full Time: 1 Year

  • Starting

    September, February

  • UK Fees 24/25

    £8,250

  • International Fees 24/25

    £16,995

  • Location

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview


In the emerging borderless global economy, do you have a degree in a non-business subject but aspire to a managerial role in business? Are you looking to enhance previous business studies with a greater knowledge of international business?

Our MSc in International Business Management is designed for people from a diversity of backgrounds, so you won’t need to have specific work or academic experience in business and management.

Our international business management course offers a variety of modules covering a wide range of topics that equip you with the practical skills you need to excel in business management or consultancy, from international logistics and cross-border investments to the cultural and ethical issues involved the practice of international business.

This MSc in international business management prepares you to learn how business can adapt to the rapid change and uncertainty of the modern business environment. It develops your cross-cultural skills to be flexible and effective in different international markets and contexts.

Updated 05/03/2024

Highlights


  • Assessments that reflect real business situations including undertaking a professional practice in International Business project
  • Staff and students from all over the world with a variety of backgrounds and cultures
  • An opportunity to gain expertise and professional practice in business disciplines without in anyway limiting your employment options
  • Benefits from an international curriculum means by the end of your master of international business management, you will have an international network of contacts

Course Content


  • The international business management course is relevant to those with or without a business degree, although a minimum of a 2:2 classification is required and will prepare you for managerial roles across this emerging global economy.

    The master of business management will build upon your existing capabilities from your first discipline and will develop your conceptual and theoretical understanding of business and management issues, problems and opportunities.

    As well as developing your research and reflection skills at postgraduate level, you will be able to link theory and practice throughout each module which include a variety of study methods such as case studies, business simulations, the completion of an applied research project related to real ‘live’ business issues and in some cases by means of a work-based learning component.

    Dynamics of Strategy (STRM083)

    The module helps students develop a broad knowledge and understanding of strategy development in organisations, the external context in which they operate and how they are managed to pursue strategic goals, helping students to develop intellectual and professional breadth by making integrative links across the various functional areas of organisations whilst taking into account the social, environmental and ethical elements required of leaders today.

    Strategic Marketing Management (MKTM044)

    This module aims to examine the principles and practice of marketing management.  The core principles of the marketing concept will be established and major decision areas for creating and delivering customer value will be explored and evaluated in the context of current theory and practice. Moreover, we will evaluate the inter-relationships of marketing management with other business functions and how marketing decisions at the strategic level affect organisational profits or other measures of success. We will explore the marketing challenges faced by organisations attempting to develop and grow in international markets.

    Accounting and Finance for Decision Makers (FINM050)

    The purpose of this module is to provide future managers and business leaders with strategic knowledge and capability in the concepts and applications of financial accounting, management accounting, financing, and investment decisions. It will prepare students to critically interpret accounting and financial information for decision making purposes. We will critically appraise a range of approaches to corporate governance, accountability and regulatory environments across different countries and cultures.

    International Logistics and Supply Chain (BSOM034)

    Businesses recognise that Supply Chains are sources of competitive advantage; in the same way that we might consider competition between brands. Improved performance in Logistics and Supply Chain management leads to lower operating costs, shorter lead times and better value for customers.  Developments in the last two decades have seen huge investments into technologies, infrastructure, staff and processes which necessitates further practitioner education. This module is designed to focus on the many different elements that make up a holistic view of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

    Managing Across Cultures (STRM089)

    Due to the increase in organisations operating globally, this module has both a theoretical and practical focus. The module explores different business cultures from across the world and considers their impact on individuals when working in environments that are not native them. There is a strong emphasis on developing personal adaptability in cross cultural work environments which is a strong requirement for leading and managing other people internationally.

    Business Strategy Simulation (STRM086)

    This module is based on a Blue Ocean business strategy simulation game which develops key strategic and business management skills. An innovative, fun and highly effective practical way to learn, it provides the opportunity to manage a business and apply business strategy concepts, in a way that brings together and highlights the integrative nature of the programme and business management.

    Professional Practice in International Business (STRM090)

    In this capstone module, students investigate a real-world area of professional practice in international business from the perspective of a consultant. Drawing on relevant concepts, theories and tools, students research, analyse and propose innovative and sustainable solutions to address the complexity of operating in international markets. You will critically reflect on research findings in order to make informed judgements about complex and uncertain situations, as well as critically evaluate methods for problem-solving, adapting your own approaches to respond to identified issues and opportunities.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

      • Module code: BSOM034
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to focus on the different elements that make up a holistic view of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Supply Chains are sources of competitive advantage. The module evaluates the reasons by which improved performance in Logistics and Supply Chain management leads to lower operating costs, shorter lead times and better value for customers.
      • Module code: FINM050
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide future managers and business leaders with strategic knowledge and capability in the concepts and applications of financial accounting, management accounting, financing and investment decisions. It will prepare students to critically interpret accounting and financial information for decision making purposes.
      • Module code: MKTM044
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to examine the principles and practice of marketing management. The core principles of the marketing concept will be established and major decision areas for creating and delivering customer value will be explored and evaluated in the context of current theory and practice.
      • Module code: STRM083
        Status: Compulsory
        This module examines the strategic management process and how strategic thinking contributes to organisational performance. Learners explore the craft of strategy; how competitive positions are identified and selected, how complex strategic situations are analysed and how organisational context are created or changed to align with the chosen strategy.
      • Module code: STRM086
        Status: Compulsory
        This module is based on a business strategy simulation game which develops key strategic and business management skills. An innovative, fun and highly effective practical way to learn, it provides the opportunity to manage a business and apply business strategy concepts.
      • Module code: STRM089
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to enable learners to understand business cultures around the world, evaluating the impact that different cultural contexts have on individuals working in non-native cultures. Learners will reflect upon these issues to improve own professional effectiveness in management and leadership in international contexts.
      • Module code: STRM090
        Status: Compulsory
        In this capstone module, students investigate a real-world area of professional practice in international business from the perspective of a consultant. Drawing on relevant concepts, theories and tools, students research, analyse and propose innovative and sustainable solutions to address the complexity of operating in international markets.

    Uniquely, this business management masters offers you the opportunity to learn from the following distinctive modules:

    • Our innovative Business Strategy Simulation module – a highly practical and effective way to learn how to manage a business and apply business strategy concepts, with a focus on innovation and new markets
    • A final Professional Practice in International Business module, which will enable you to apply your new knowledge and develop your skills as a consultant and researcher of an international project of your choice
  • Candidates will normally hold a first or second class honours degree or equivalent.

    No work experience is required for admission onto the course.

    For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

    If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

    English Language Requirements

    If English is not your first language, you must meet the following English language requirements:

    IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skills.

    Equivalent qualifications are considered, for further information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our English Language Requirements page.

  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK: £8,250
    • International: £16,995

    To see what Scholarships and funding may be available to you, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK: £8,010
    • International: £16,500
  • Do I require a formal management qualification?

    Experience or qualifications in management are neither expected nor required for the masters of international business management.

    How I will be assessed?

    The international business management course has a mixture of assessment involving essays, research papers, case studies, portfolios, oral presentations and a final consultancy project .

    What is the schedule for this international business management masters course?

    For this international business management MSc, you can expect taught study to be a combination of sessions, seminars and workshops and usually 12 hours per week, we recommend that you spend approximately 20 hours per week in self-directed study time. You will attend sessions, seminars and workshops throughout two taught semesters (14 weeks each). Work on the dissertation normally commences in the second semester and is submitted at the 12 month point.

Staff


Adrian Pryce, Associate Professor in Strategy & International Business
Adrian Pryce

Associate Professor in Strategy & International Business


Faculty of Business and Law

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Placeholder image for Samer Mashlah, Senior Lecturer in Strategy & International Business
Samer Mashlah

Senior Lecturer in Strategy & International Business


International Business Management MSc

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Careers and Employability


MSc International Business Management aims to develop the managers of the future by providing a level of education to those seeking a generalist, broadly based management qualification. This business management masters is particularly relevant to those without a business background (either academic or employment) who have not previously committed to a specific/specialist career path.

The specialist pathways are designed to provide more focused routes for those who have more clearly defined career aspirations while still seeking to develop knowledge and skills in a broad range of business and management disciplines.

Campus Facilities


By studying our MSc International business Management degree, you will have the opportunity to use the University of Northampton’s on-campus facilities, services, and study areas.

Learning Hub


The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.

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Senate Building


The main reception for the University and additional teaching spaces.

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