International Business (MSc - Postgraduate Diploma)
ObjectivesThe aim of this MSc is to incorporate the new dimensions of international business competencies. It is an innovative, rigorous and challenging programme that will give you a comprehensive grounding in the theoretical and empirical knowledge of International Business. The International Business programme is specifically designed to achieve the following: An understanding of the relevance of International Trade in today’s business environment. An understanding of the challenges and opportunities that result from globalisation. A knowledge of the different approaches to managing businesses in the global environment. An awareness of the emergence of new trading blocs and the pressures they inflict on business and managers. An awareness of the ethical and environmental issues that have emerged as a result of globalisation and its impact on consumers.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements A good Honours degree in any discipline, or equivalent professional qualifications.
Academic titleInternational Business (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma)
Course description
Structure and Content
The programme consists of two elements: two 15-week semesters of taught modules and a three-month dissertation period.
In the Autumn Semester you take the following modules:
International Finance: The module will provide an understanding of the key areas of finance within an international environment, focusing on topics such as the operation of the foreign exchange market, country risk analysis and the use of the main derivative products in international finance.
Organisational Behaviour and Analysis: Understanding the complexity of organisational behaviour is essential for effective management. This module introduces the key concepts and theoretical approaches used in understanding social behaviour in organisations and models of organisational analysis. International Business: This module aims to provide you with the means to understand and manage changes in the international business environment. It considers macro and microeconomic, political and social issues currently affecting the competitiveness of international business.
Managing International Organisations: You will be introduced to the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of managing international organisations in a global market economy, including the context of international business, the range of strategic options open to companies and how the differences between societies and national cultures affect the various functional areas of management.
Research Methods and Dissertation Planning (Part 1): This is a two-semester module in which you will be introduced to research methods in the field of business and management and be shown how these methods can be used in practice in preparing for your dissertation. The module covers the basics of both qualitative and quantitative research, as well as practical issues of topic selection, data collection and analysis and writing up a dissertation. It includes extensive workshop-based sessions.
In the Spring Semester you take the following core modules:
Research Methods and Dissertation Planning (Part 2): The second half of the module continues and develops the work of the first semester and includes the preparation and submission of an individual research proposal that may form the basis of your dissertation topic.
Strategic Management: The module provides an overall understanding of the needs, contexts and processes involved in strategic management within organisations. You will examine the main underlying approaches to strategic management, from prescriptive approaches and techniques to those which draw on observation and experience of real management issues.
You will then take three option modules from an approved list. You work on your dissertation from June to September.
Delivery and Assessment
This twelve-month programme is based on two taught semesters, followed by a dissertation phase over the summer. Teaching involves a mixture of lectures, seminars, case studies and presentations. You are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination, including written assignments and presentations.
Successful completion of the taught element of the programme leads to the award of Diploma or allows you to continue for the award of MSc in International Business by completing a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed with the Programme Director. This must be submitted by the end of August following completion of the taught element of the programme.