Course Details
About
Get the expertise to drive success on an international scale.
By studying MSc International Business you will gain a business and management qualification with a global perspective, equipping you for roles involving international engagement, supply chain management, and global client interactions.
- Develop the cultural insights and practical skills needed to excel in a global business context, including leadership, management, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Learn about the role of business in contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preparing you to lead in a responsible manner.
- Enhance your teamwork, pitching, presentation, and communication skills, and become an independent thinker through research-led projects.
- Acquire a knowledge and understanding of the political, social and cultural aspects of different trade blocs, particularly the European Union, Asia and the USA.
- Analyse core management techniques from varying perspectives to understand their application on an international scale.
- Studying and interacting with students and academic staff in an international setting, creating a network of contacts and links to local knowledge on an international stage.
Career Opportunities
Covering in demand and relevant topics for todays global business context, you will be equipped for employment in a wide range of international roles within the public and private sectors.
A sample of graduate employers from this degree include:
- Marriott Hotel Group
- PWC
- KPMG (Germany)
- Deloitte
- Laterooms.com
- Halfords
- Smile Communications
- The European Space Agency
- NI Civil Service
- ONeills International Sports Ltd
- First Derivatives PLC
Course Duration and Delivery Format
The course will start in w/c 22 September 2025. You may need to be available the week before for induction. Dates TBC.
This full-time Masters degree will be taught over one year in three semesters with teaching take place over 2 days per week.. All modules will be delivered in a six-week block during Semester one and two. Semester three is independent study. Final timetabling information TBC.
By applying for a DfE-funded place on the MSc International Business course, you are committing to full-time study. This means engaging actively with your learning through regular class attendance (at least 80% attendance is expected), preparation for weekly sessions, and timely submission of assessments. The course is structured to support your development, but success will depend on your commitment to the workload and your willingness to participate fully in both in-person and independent learning.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The course will be taught face-to-face on Derry~Londonderry campus and is assessed via 100% coursework.
Campus
Derry~Londonderry
Module details
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand.
International Finance
Semester 1
The module aims to provide students with an overview of financial theory and techniques required within the context of entrepreneurship and managerial decision-making in the international business environment.
Global Business in Context
Semester 1
Businesses now operate in a globalised, highly connected multi-layered business environment that presents many challenges, and is typified by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity to the firm. As the leaders/managers and decision makers of the future, this module will help students understand key concepts and current trends in Global Business, prepare for work in multi-layered environments, and to understand the need for flexibility and adaptability, both in the domestic and regional and global contexts.
Global Marketing and Sales Development
Semester 1
This module explores the complexity of forces that underpin international marketing decisions made by organisations. In particular, it aims to understand the impact of these forces on the marketing and sales activities of organisations, and the nature of the decisions that organisations must take if they are to survive and prosper in a dynamic international marketing environment. The module will focus on the regional, national and global contexts and provide students with practical and academic knowledge where they will have an opportunity to showcase their ability to interpret, synthesise, apply and evaluate knowledge and understanding on a developing and contemporary business phenomenon. In addition, this module will allow students to become critical thinkers in this contemporary and growing business discipline and better understand the complexities, challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed, embraced and capitalised upon to support successful international marketing choices, decisions and development.
The Digital Landscape
Semester 1
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of e-business and its practical application in a range of different contexts. On successful completion of this module students will have an in-depth knowledge of e-business; will be able to evaluate current practice on creating and managing an e-business; understand the implications of e-business for international business and analyse how an organisation can apply e-business technologies to support its competitive strategy in an international business context.
International Business Research Skills
Semester 2
This module provides students with an adequate knowledge of international business research skills. It will equip students with an in depth understanding and ability to critique and appreciate the qualitative and quantitative techniques that are relevant for international business research projects.
Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Semester 2
This module focuses primarily on the strategic management of SME's engaged in international business and marketing. Different perspectives, such as core competencies and country-based sources are analysed to assess competitive positions and then to formulate strategies. Key international theories are presented and applied through case study analysis and discussions.
International Entrepreneurship
Semester 2
This module provides students with an appreciation of the growing importance of international entrepreneurship, and rapid internationalisation by small firms. It develops appropriate enterprise knowledge and skills among students to foster international entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviour. A variety of teaching methods are used including, formal lectures/tutorials, group and individual work, guest lectures, and so on. This module will assist students to develop their personal international entrepreneurial effectiveness and to think creatively with regard to problem solving and possible future scenarios, as well as assist them on their global citizenship journey.
International HRM
Semester 2
In the competitive global economy, human resources are arguably an organisation's main source of competitive advantage. This module introduces students to the concept of managing global talent, regarded as an important strategic area of business activity. Learning will be by teaching, discussion and independent study. Assessment is by coursework only.
Applied Research Skills for International Business
Semester 3
This module is designed to support students in the transition from theoretical research design to practical research implementation. It provides an intensive foundation in the application of research techniques necessary for students to initiate their final project, whether that takes the form of a dissertation or a market research paper. The focus is on research instrument development, data collection planning, and the initial stages of data analysis.
Independent Project
Semester 3
This module forms the final component of the MSc International Business programme, providing students with the opportunity to undertake a 45-credit Independent Project. Students may choose to complete either a traditional Dissertation or a Market Research Report, enabling them to pursue an academic or applied route based on their interests and goals. The module consolidates previous learning and allows students to apply research techniques in a sustained piece of independent work relevant to the field of international business.
Course Entry requirements
This degree is open to students with a second class honors degree in any background – no prior business experience needed.
Applicants must:
(a) have gained
(i) a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body or from an institution or another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard, or
an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;
and,
(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); the minimum English language requirements for non-native English speakers, are IELTS 6.0 (with no contributing band at less than 5.5).
or, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b):
(c) in exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
Fee Funding Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are over 18 years of age;
- are eligible to work in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland (ROI);
- are ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK or ROI for at least three years; or
- are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK or ROI.
- meet the course specific entry requirements as detailed above.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements
- this programme is not available to applicants with the following residency:
- GB and Islands
- EU excluding ROI qualifying residents
- International students
Terms and Conditions
- Fee funding is only available for the September 25/26 intake and cannot be deferred to future intakes.
- Fee funding is paid directly by the Department for the Economy to Ulster University.
- Students cannot redeem the funding for an alternative programme nor redeem the cash value.
- Students cannot redeem this funding in conjunction with any other course fee funding.
- Students can redeem funding for up to three courses, which equate to no more than 60 credit points in total (with the exemption of MSc, which is 180 credit points).
Apply now
There are a limited number of places on the course.
Offers will be made to those applicants who meet the entry requirements, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come , first served basis.
Therefore, when creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence on meeting three year residency in NI/ROI
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
- BRP - If applicable
No business experience required
This degree is open to students with a UG second class honours degree in any subject.
