International Business (MSc - MRes - Postgraduate Diploma)
ObjectivesOur International Business programme is designed for graduates who wish to develop a thorough understanding of key issues in international business and management, with a particular focus on how firms might internationalise and develop effective international business strategies to address business threats and opportunities on the international market. The programme draws on the strong expertise of Birkbeck’s International Business and Strategy research group, a leading centre in London for research, training and policy advice on foreign direct investment and knowledge diffusion, globalisation of innovative activities, comparative business systems and management, international human resource management and international business strategy. The research group organises regular seminars and publishes major books and academic papers in the world’s leading journals within its field of interest. The programme combines specialist taught courses with general training in management, business organisation, strategy and research methods. Students also complete a dissertation on a topic covered by the programme, supervised by a member of staff undertaking research within that area. Students completing the programme will develop knowledge, skills, and the competency to be able to analyse critical issues in international business with both qualitative and quantitative methods, and to design and implement international business strategy and policy development. The programme will be particularly relevant if you are, or would like to be, a manager with responsibility for international business and policy affairs in either a private or public sector organisation; or if you have a general interest in international business.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Good honours degree or equivalent. Two references: either from an academic source and a past or present employer, or two from an academic source. Non-native speakers need to provide proof of English language ability.
Academic titleInternational Business (MSc / MRes / Postgraduate Diploma)
Course descriptionContent
PgDip: two compulsory modules; three options from the international business core modules; and one other option module.
MSc: as above, plus a dissertation of 15,000 words.
MRes: three compulsory modules; one option from the international business core modules; and a 25,000-word dissertation.
The core elements of each programme provide training in the principles of international business management and research methods.
A wide range of option modules include: corporate governance; e-business; e-commerce; sport management; international human resource management; international business ethics; international finance; the economics and governance of professional football; international marketing; multinational enterprises; and strategic management.
Programme structure for MSc / PgDip:
Compulsory modules:
Principles of Organization and Management
Research Methods in Management I
Plus three from:
-International Business Strategy
-International Financial Systems
-International Marketing
-The Business Environment: Comparative and International Perspectives
-Theory of the Multinational Enterprise -International Business and Economic Development
-Globalization
-International Business Ethics
-European Management
-Innovation: Management and Policy
Plus one optional module (from a selection of management modules).
Plus 15,000-word dissertation (MSc only).
Programme structure for MRes:
Compulsory modules:
-Principles of Organization and Management
-Research Methods in Management I
-Research Methods in Management II
Plus one from:
-International Business Strategy
-International Financial Systems
-International Marketing
-The Business Environment: Comparative and International Perspectives
-Theory of the Multinational Enterprise
-International Business and Economic Development
-Globalization
-International Business Ethics
-European Management
-Innovation: Management and Policy