International Business MSc

About the course

With increasing globalisation, a degree in international business will make you a valuable asset, especially for multi-national companies.

You will benefit from our expertise, our many international connections and our excellent links with businesses.

As the globalisation of trading and financial activities continues to grow, a Master's degree in international business is an increasingly valuable asset in the development of your career in large or small firms.

This course is intended for those with a substantially business related degree. It will particularly interest you if you wish to pursue a career in companies where international activities play an important part.

Through our extensive international connections in many countries of the world, we have developed considerable expertise in international business studies. Visiting professors from international universities and the diverse cultural mix of students make us the ideal location to study international business.

The MSc International Business is also taught in Canada at Vancouver Island University as part of a combined MBA/MScIB programme.

Why choose this course?

• Benefit from our fantastic international connections.
• Gain the skills and knowledge needed for a successful management career within an international environment.
• Work on a live business case to complete an integrated research project.

Study routes

• Part Time, 3 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

This course prepares you for a career with a multinational firm, You will go on to work in a variety of management roles both in the UK and overseas

Teaching methods

We offer a varied programme of teaching that includes facilitated seminars, practical workshops, web-based learning, case study analysis and traditional lectures. We also provide sessions by visiting staff, practitioners and consultants to give a varied perspective of the topics covered.

You will be assessed through a variety of coursework including presentations, reports and projects. You will also be required to complete a dissertation and will be supported by a dissertation supervisor.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Business Research Methods

  Business Research Methods is designed to support the students’ business research and analysis capabilities and to underpin the two research vehicles: the International Business Report (IBR) and the Business Plan (BP). The module begins with how business phenomena can be explained, different methodologies and bibliographic search strategies. It then develops a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques for collecting, analysing and presenting data.

• Finance for International Business

  This module aims to set financial management within an international context to allow students to explore the financial issues specific to business entities that engage in international business. It will examine the theory associated with these issues and the techniques employed by business entities that engage in international business in their financial management.

• Global e-Business

  This content is illustrative and may be changed. - Development of e-commerce components - E-commerce as part of the total company profile - E-commerce marketing - Internal and external effects of e-commerce - International methods of e-commerce - Strategic advantage through e-commerce - Payment Systems - Privacy and Security

• International Business Report

  The International Business Report is an independent piece of work incorporating research, study and evaluation. It is the culmination of a successful Masters programme. It is underpinned by the taught module Business Research Methods, by research support material available on-line through the Academic Support Unit (ASU), by introductory workshops and by the other taught modules on the programme. Each student will be allocated a report supervisor. The International Business Report may focus on any aspect of international business justified as relevant for research. It will adopt a similar structure to that of a dissertation but will have a more applied orientation and a less broad literature review

• International Business Strategy

  This module explores the challenges faced by international firms in building and sustaining competitive advantage within a complex, uncertain and rapidly changing global business environment. It will use a range of theoretical tools and concepts to explore the meaning of both quantitative and qualitative case study evidence. Students will examine how and why firms develop a range of strategic approaches to international business challenges, balancing a consideration of internal organisational influences and stakeholder pressures against an evaluation of the impact of competitive rivalry and broader environmental forces. A range of theoretical perspectives and debates will highlight the conflicting tensions felt by managers engaged in the international business strategy process, particularly the tension between demands to be responsive to national differences and economic pressures while also becoming more efficient and globally integrated. Students will generate and critically assess a range of strategic options available to managers in specific case situations.

• International Supply Chain Management

  This module offers students the chance to study this new and exciting area of business and management. The focus is on the theory and practice of international supply chain management in the context of organisations. Topics to be covered include: logistics, supply chain strategy, performance and structure of supply chains; purchasing considerations in supply chain management; supplier relationships; managing quality; matching supply and demand and the concept of lead-time in the supply chain; inventory control, sourcing and managing suppliers; buying considerations; the role of e-business in the supply chain; risk management in supply chains, supply chain integration, and future challenges of supply chain management. The module will introduce the students to the main methods and techniques commonly used in the management of international supply chains. These include techniques such as simulation, forecasting, optimisation, distribution, network analysis, and so on.

• International Supply Chain Management B

• Managing in International Business

  The module explores a range of management attributes and skills, and their application to people, projects and business management in a multicultural and international business context. Management theory, models and styles are analysed, including their impact on individual and team performance. Key concepts of leadership, management, teambuilding, group behaviour, communication, feedback, power and conflict are explored and presentation, communication, critical thinking and self-assessment skills are developed. The content of the module may include: 1. Leadership and Management theory in an international context 2. Roles and Styles of an International Business Manager 3. Communication and Negotiation across cultures 4. Networking skills 5. International Team Management 6. Giving and Receiving Feedback 7. Conflict and Co-operation 8. Power; Individualism; Group Orientation 9. Stress and Work/Life balance 10. Practical self-development and self-diagnostic tools, including an understanding of continuing professional development.

• Marketing Across Cultures

  This module will explore key issues of cultural diversity and the process of formulating cross-border marketing strategy. Students will be introduced to key concepts, theories and models of cultural diversity and managing cross-border marketing, including some influential theories of consumer behaviour and marketing communications. The module seeks to analyse the process of cross-border marketing whilst critically evaluating strategies and processes adopted by leading global players. The module will explore relevant academic theory, whilst focusing on key subject areas such as understanding culture, cross-border marketing and managing marketing activities across borders.

• Marketing Across Cultures B

• The Global Economy

  The Global Economy introduces the complex patterns, processes and institutional context in which international businesses operate. It emphasises the importance of measurement and considers the concepts, theories and narratives used to explain the global economy, emphasising its dynamic nature, vulnerability to shocks and how businesses can gain from greater understanding to gain competitive advantage. The module is divided into four units: i) the nature of economies and the changing balance of economic and political power; ii) interaction through trade, financial flows, labour and information; iii) the role of businesses in orchestrating the economy, in allocating resources and shaping patterns of development; and iv) the political and regulatory framework within which businesses operate. The latter illustrates the challenges of working across a mosaic of cultures and regulatory regimes. There is also a critical assessment of the role of the state, of supra-national institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation, intergovernmental groupings, and of sub-national institutions such as regional and local political bodies.

• The Global Economy B

Optional

• Business Modelling Tools

  The module will develop knowledge and understanding of a range of management modelling tools used in business management today. Students will be presented with the importance of business problem formulation and will be guided to shape business problems as analytical models. The module will include a range of tools and techniques to solve the business analytical models with an emphasis on the interpretation of the results generated through the solution process. The difficulties and limitations associated with the formulation and solutions process will be presented including their implications to the business decision making process. Students will be encouraged to use appropriate software to solve the models. The modules include the following topics -Linear Programming -Dynamic Programming -Critical path Methods and PERT -Queuing Theory -Markov Process

• Business Plan

  The process of preparing a business plan requires some formal introduction/refreshment to the theories and practices of project management, social research, and business start-up and development. Students must attend the Research Methods module, which will provide this essential underpinning for the different sections and key areas to be developed as part of the business plan. Each student will be allocated an individual supervisor who will brainstorm the proposed business idea with the student and guide him/her through the viability of the project, the process of research, the development of the business plan and the consideration of appropriate and managerially-significant conclusions and recommendations. The completed work will comprise approximately 12,500 words and will demonstrate a rounded expertise in all the module areas within the MSc International Business.

• Business Research Methods

  Business Research Methods is designed to support the students’ business research and analysis capabilities and to underpin the two research vehicles: the International Business Report (IBR) and the Business Plan (BP). The module begins with how business phenomena can be explained, different methodologies and bibliographic search strategies. It then develops a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques for collecting, analysing and presenting data.

• Dissertation: International Business

• Dissertation: International Business (BCA)

• Global Logistics and Transport

  This module offers the students the ability to develop advanced knowledge in two important and critical areas of management and economics of international organisations: (i) global logistics and (ii) transport. The module covers a wide range of topics including the role of logistics in organisations, the global logistics environment, development of high quality logistics systems, warehousing and material handling, information systems in logistics, improving logistics performance, characteristics of different forms of international transport, economies of different modes of international transport, and development of transport infrastructure

• Information Management

  The purpose of this module is to provide Business students at Masters level with knowledge and understanding of the role and function of information in the decision and communication process of an organisation. It will develop an understanding of the role of computerised business information systems within the enterprise, an understanding of the activities involved in developing information systems and an appreciation of issues in relation to information systems strategy. It will also provide an understanding of how both data is gathered and how both data and financial measures are used to plan, monitor and control the progress of the organisation including specifying costing and accounting/financial information processes. The module will be a mix of theory and practice - this will be reflected in the delivery of the content and assessment. Typical topics covered on the module will be: BIS - definition and theoretical aspects Computerised BIS development - the traditional life cycle and alternative approaches to systems development Information systems/e business strategy But may include other relevant topics in response to current developments in the IS arena. Financial awareness Understand and interpret published accounts Use of financial data for planning, controlling and decision-making

• Integrated Research Project in International Business (ABC)

• Integrated Research Project in International Business (BCA)

• International Business Report

  The International Business Report is an independent piece of work incorporating research, study and evaluation. It is the culmination of a successful Masters programme. It is underpinned by the taught module Business Research Methods, by research support material available on-line through the Academic Support Unit (ASU), by introductory workshops and by the other taught modules on the programme. Each student will be allocated a report supervisor. The International Business Report may focus on any aspect of international business justified as relevant for research. It will adopt a similar structure to that of a dissertation but will have a more applied orientation and a less broad literature review

• International Business Strategy

  This module explores the challenges faced by international firms in building and sustaining competitive advantage within a complex, uncertain and rapidly changing global business environment. It will use a range of theoretical tools and concepts to explore the meaning of both quantitative and qualitative case study evidence. Students will examine how and why firms develop a range of strategic approaches to international business challenges, balancing a consideration of internal organisational influences and stakeholder pressures against an evaluation of the impact of competitive rivalry and broader environmental forces. A range of theoretical perspectives and debates will highlight the conflicting tensions felt by managers engaged in the international business strategy process, particularly the tension between demands to be responsive to national differences and economic pressures while also becoming more efficient and globally integrated. Students will generate and critically assess a range of strategic options available to managers in specific case situations.

• International Finance

• International Finance B

• International Supply Chain Management

  This module offers students the chance to study this new and exciting area of business and management. The focus is on the theory and practice of international supply chain management in the context of organisations. Topics to be covered include: logistics, supply chain strategy, performance and structure of supply chains; purchasing considerations in supply chain management; supplier relationships; managing quality; matching supply and demand and the concept of lead-time in the supply chain; inventory control, sourcing and managing suppliers; buying considerations; the role of e-business in the supply chain; risk management in supply chains, supply chain integration, and future challenges of supply chain management. The module will introduce the students to the main methods and techniques commonly used in the management of international supply chains. These include techniques such as simulation, forecasting, optimisation, distribution, network analysis, and so on.

• International Supply Chain Management B

• International and Comparative Human Resource Management A

  This module is designed to provide an in-depth and theoretically informed exposition of the human resource complexities in managing across borders as a primary strategic concern of multinational corporations (MNCs). It is organised around international and comparative themes on an integrated basis as follows: - International: insights are provided into the challenges of managing staff in home and host localities, including the selection, training and rewarding of expatriates. - Comparative: awareness will be stimulated of the diverse institutional and cultural environments providing the host destinations for MNCs, including North America, 'Western' and 'Eastern' Europe, Japan, China and a selection of emerging/developing countries.

• International and Comparative Human Resource Management B

  This module is designed to provide an in-depth and theoretically informed exposition of the human resource complexities in managing across borders as a primary strategic concern of multinational corporations (MNCs). It is organised around international and comparative themes on an integrated basis as follows: - International: insights are provided into the challenges of managing staff in home and host localities, including the selection, training and rewarding of expatriates. - Comparative: awareness will be stimulated of the diverse institutional and cultural environments providing the host destinations for MNCs, including North America, 'Western' and 'Eastern' Europe, Japan, China and a selection of emerging/developing countries.

• Managing Knowledge in Organisations

• Managing a Small Business

  This module addresses the small business and its management. Students will consider the entrepreneur; their nature and motivation, and the character of the small business environment. What are small businesses and how can survival and growth be addressed? The wide range of issues to be considered will include: consideration of opportunities and sources of new ideas; examination of legal forms available, including assessment of management buy-outs and the purchase of established businesses. We will consider finance including estimation of costs, and sources of finance such as banks, equity financing and other sources of finance; and move on to consider construction of business plans; failure and its causes; and sources of advice. We will also look at some of the broader themes such as family business and its importance; and examine aspects of marketing of special relevance to small business such as networking, word of mouth, and personal selling.

• Marketing Across Cultures

  This module will explore key issues of cultural diversity and the process of formulating cross-border marketing strategy. Students will be introduced to key concepts, theories and models of cultural diversity and managing cross-border marketing, including some influential theories of consumer behaviour and marketing communications. The module seeks to analyse the process of cross-border marketing whilst critically evaluating strategies and processes adopted by leading global players. The module will explore relevant academic theory, whilst focusing on key subject areas such as understanding culture, cross-border marketing and managing marketing activities across borders.

• Marketing Across Cultures B

• Mergers and Acquisitions

• Organisational Behaviour: Theory and Practice B

  The module begins by charting the epistemological and ontological foundations of the study of organisations, and then goes on to examine the development of organisational practice and organisational theory over time. The focus of the module then switches to examine a range of organisational issues such as: organisational structure; groups; control; conflict; motivation and personality; leadership and decision-making; technology and job design; culture and change. The role of actors and the relationships that occur between actors within the organisational context is an overarching theme, drawing on both the student's own experience and the theoretical perspectives introduced earlier.

• Postgraduate Research Methodology

• Postgraduate Research Methodology (BCA)

• Project Management B

• The Effective Manager

• The Effective Manager B

• The Global Economy

  The Global Economy introduces the complex patterns, processes and institutional context in which international businesses operate. It emphasises the importance of measurement and considers the concepts, theories and narratives used to explain the global economy, emphasising its dynamic nature, vulnerability to shocks and how businesses can gain from greater understanding to gain competitive advantage. The module is divided into four units: i) the nature of economies and the changing balance of economic and political power; ii) interaction through trade, financial flows, labour and information; iii) the role of businesses in orchestrating the economy, in allocating resources and shaping patterns of development; and iv) the political and regulatory framework within which businesses operate. The latter illustrates the challenges of working across a mosaic of cultures and regulatory regimes. There is also a critical assessment of the role of the state, of supra-national institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation, intergovernmental groupings, and of sub-national institutions such as regional and local political bodies.

• The Global Economy B

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £5,250 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,500 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply