MSc-PGDip-PGCert in International Business Management
ObjectivesThe process of internationalisation together with continuous technology improvements, especially in the last three decades, have brought unprecedented flows of goods, services, labour and capital across national boundaries. World trade has become increasingly important, foreign direct investment is growing, and the competitive pressures on many industries and firms have intensified. There are big challenges for companies which operate internationally. They are becoming engaged in modes of business that are different from those they are accustomed to domestically. Therefore, it is important to develop a better understanding of how these multinational firms are managed and controlled. This programme will enable students to understand how firms become and remain international in scope. They will learn to apply management theories and techniques important in an increasingly multinational business environment. New research findings, case studies and comparative perspectives on the management of internationally operating firms will help students to understand these issues in more detail, and that the local adaptation of business and management concepts developed elsewhere is crucial. This programme aims to prepare students for careers requiring global business awareness and to develop skills required to work in internationally operating companies and organisations. It provides the students with many opportunities, both to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during the modules, and to develop a more in-depth understanding of common problems emerging in an international business environment. It is especially suitable for those students interested in international trade, international business and management, international human resource management and marketing.
Entry requirementsTypical entry requirement sApplicants should usually hold a bachelors degree (UK Lower Second/2.2 or above, or equivalent qualification) from a recognised British/overseas university. However, every applicant is assessed individually on their own merit. Higher level professional qualifications may also be accepted. Relevant work experience could be an additional benefit where applicants have not reached the standard entry requirements, although it is not an admissions requirement for this particular degree programme. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will normally be required to have taken an English language test and achieved a score of either: TOEFL - 550 or above/213 or above in the computer-based test or 79-80 points for the Internet-based test; IELTS - 6.0 or above; or Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English - Grade C or above. This test must have been taken within two years prior to the start of the programme you are applying for. The School also assists students whose first language is not English through close cooperation with the University's Language Centre.
Academic titleMSc/PGDip/PGCert in International Business Management
Course descriptionMSc/PGDip/PGCert in International Business Management Module overview
This programme consists of seven compulsory modules, one module from a range of six elective modules, and a dissertation.
Compulsory Modules
International Business Management
This module gives an overview of key topics in the areas of international business and international management. It pays special attention to issues such as globalisation, FDI theory and patterns, the role and importance of the multinational company (MNC), managing human resources within the MNC, and comparative studies of cultural and institutional influences on the management of MNCs.
Managing Human Resources
This module provides a firm basic grounding in the 'people management' aspects of managerial roles. It draws on literature and theory from the fields of psychology, sociology, economics and political science. It provides a sound conceptual framework for the management of human resources within the organisation.
Marketing
This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive framework for understanding marketing at both strategic and operational levels within various contexts.
Research Methods
Introducing the process of research project formulation and the key elements of research design, this module should prepare students to design and execute their research study for their dissertation in a systematic and scientific manner.
International Human Resource Management
This module provides an understanding of the management of human resources in an international context, examining the political and economic factors which influence the decision-making processes of multinational organisations, and the way these affect HR strategies and policies.
International Trade
This module considers issues of international trade from the theory and policy perspective. In particular the module considers how these issues affect the behaviour of firms and the relationship between theory, practice and policy.
Strategy
This module is intended to provide students with a holistic understanding of the most relevant theoretical approaches to strategy formulation, implementation and control, either in the context of a single-business organisation or a multi-business organisation.
Elective Modules
Consumer Behaviour
This module develops an understanding of the many variables that, through complex interaction, determine consumer choice behaviour.
E-business
This module identifies contextual influences and industry developments in e-business, as well as mapping various business models and analysing how the electronic platform can transform businesses.
Other elective modules include:
-Financial Management
-Innovation Management
-International Business Investigations
-Marketing Research