MSc International Business with Extended Professional Practice

Why choose Herts?

Outstanding student experience: Ranked 5th overall in the UK for Postgraduate Taught Experience (PTES 2024), with top rankings for support, skills development, and community.

Real-world learning: A unique two-year structure combining academic study with a 30+ week professional placement, giving you hands-on experience in global business environments.

Global recognition and innovation: The only UK university in 2024 to receive the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, and one of just 20 with University Enterprise Zone status.

Applicants should hold a good honours degree (2:2 or above) in any subject. Those with relevant professional experience or qualifications may also be considered. International applicants must meet English language requirements, such as an overall IELTS score of 6.5.


Institution code	H36
Course length	Sandwich, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability
Careers

You’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills, including strategic thinking, digital marketing, financial analysis and cross-cultural communication. The extended placement year provides valuable industry exposure, helping you build a professional network and gain insights into real-world business challenges. Many students secure graduate roles with their placement employers, and some are even offered Skilled Worker visas, supporting international career progression.

Job roles of previous graduates include:
- international business development manager
- global strategy consultant
- international marketing manager
- global supply chain manager
- sustainability & ESG consultant
- international HR manager.

About the course

The MSc International Business with Extended Professional Practice is a two-year postgraduate programme designed for students who want to combine academic study with meaningful industry experience. It offers a comprehensive exploration of global business operations, preparing you to navigate complex international markets with confidence. In the first year, you’ll develop a strong foundation in key business disciplines, while also tailoring your learning through optional modules that reflect emerging trends and technologies. The second year is dedicated to a substantial industry placement, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting and complete a research project based on your experience. This structure ensures you graduate with both the theoretical insight and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s global business environment.

Why choose this course?

This MSc stands out for its strong industry alignment and future-focused curriculum. Developed in collaboration with business leaders and employers, it’s designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Course designed to meet the current industry needs: The course content reflects current and emerging trends in international business, including digital transformation, sustainability, and ethical leadership. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills that employers are actively seeking.

Graduate with skills that matter: You’ll develop advanced critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities—essential for navigating complex global business environments.

Take part in collaborative learning: The programme fosters a dynamic, inclusive learning environment. You’ll work alongside peers from a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds, gaining valuable experience in cross-cultural teamwork and communication.

Learn to see things from a global perspective: With a curriculum grounded in international contexts and a diverse student cohort, you’ll build the global mindset needed to thrive in multinational organisations.

Facilities

You’ll study at the Hertfordshire Business School on our de Havilland Campus, where you’ll have access to modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, computer labs, and a dedicated postgraduate centre. The Enterprise Hub provides a collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship, while the Learning Resources Centre offers extensive academic support and digital tools to enhance your studies.

Industry links

You’ll benefit from strong industry connections through guest lectures, live projects, and business competitions. Events like hackathons and sustainability challenges give you the chance to work on real-world problems and pitch to professionals. Site visits and networking opportunities with employers help you build valuable contacts and gain insight into global business practice.

What will I study?

The course is structured to provide a balanced mix of academic depth and applied learning. In your first year, you’ll explore a range of subjects, with modules including Principles of International Business, Digital Marketing and Consumer Insights, Financial Management for International Business and International Enterprises and HRM. Alongside these, you’ll choose two optional modules from a selection that includes Supply Chain and Negotiation Analysis, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, Artificial Intelligence in International Business and Leading Innovation and Change.

Your second year centres around a 30+ week full-time placement, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a professional business environment. This combination of academic study and extended professional practice ensures you graduate with a well-rounded, career-ready profile.

Who will I learn from?

Dr Christina Wolf, Senior Lecturer in Economics

Christina’s research focuses on sustainability transitions, industrial policy, and global value chains. She brings a critical perspective to international business, exploring how firms and economies adapt to geopolitical and environmental challenges. Her work is widely published, and she teaches with a strong emphasis on global integration and inclusive economic development.

Dr Nataliia Klietsova, Lecturer in Human Resource Management

Nataliia has over 17 years of experience in comparative HRM and labour relations. Her research focuses on inclusive employment practices, particularly for refugees and vulnerable groups. She integrates real-life case studies into her teaching and has worked extensively with SMEs and professional associations in both the UK and Ukraine.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Preparation for the Workplace	0 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to support postgraduate students in their search for work placements and their applications. Students are given an overview of the employment market, and information on what employers will be looking for when selecting. During their study, students will analyse current recruitment and selection methods used, and the module provides students with support to prepare for these.
Work Placement Portfolio	0 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a sandwich placement provides students with the opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context. It also provides an opportunity to gain practical experience of the professional workplace, and to strengthen key employability skills. The Work Placement Portfolio module requires students to reflect on the learning gained throughout their placement, both in relation to their personal development, and their learning from their programme of study.
Professional Work Placement	60 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a placement year provides students with the opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context, to gain practical experience of the workplace, and to strengthen key employability skills. The Professional Work Placement module provides opportunities for students to reflect on the learning gained throughout their placement, and to prepare themselves for articulating their experiences and enhanced skills when applying for future employment.
Principles of International Business	30 Credits	Compulsory
The Principles of International Business introduces the complex processes, patterns, and institutional context in which international businesses operate. The module content focuses on the nature of economies and the changing balance of economic and political power; interaction through trade, financial flows, labour and information; the role of states and businesses in orchestrating the economy, in allocating resources and shaping patterns of development; the strategic aims of business organisations and the sustainability of the modern economy in the face of climate change.
Financial Management for International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to introduce students from all backgrounds to the fundamental concepts of financial and management accounting within an international context. It provides a solid understanding of key concepts such as financial statements, investment appraisal, budgets and budgetary control, sustainability, and the risks associated with international business, including exchange rate transactions and translations. Additionally, students will develop the skills necessary to analyse, evaluate, and effectively communicate business performance to relevant stakeholders using appropriate financial information.
Digital Marketing and Consumer Insights	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module covers the role of digital marketing in a global business context. Key topics include digital marketing strategy development (SEO, SEM, social media, content marketing), consumer insights and data analytics, e-commerce, and digital branding. Students will explore tools for understanding consumer behaviour, campaign planning, and measuring ROI. Practical applications include group projects, presentations, and the ethical and legal aspects of digital marketing, with a focus on data privacy and cultural sensitivity in global markets.
International Enterprises and Human Resource Management	30 Credits	Compulsory
Through studying this module, you will gain an understanding of the international business and cultural factors that influence the strategic development of International Human Resource Management. You will examine both the significance of strategic macro frameworks and explore the complexities and challenges associated with HRM in international enterprises. Through the understanding of the different cultural, economic, legal and ethical challenges you will develop the ability to identify and design people management solutions to meet the business need and enhance organisational effectiveness.
Leading Innovation and Change	15 Credits	Optional
Today, as never before, the world is experiencing a dynamic change in technology, economics and societies. Business leaders must both understand and have the capacity to engage with all kinds of change and innovation. The module will explore the complex nature of innovation and change in social, organisational and societal contexts, by considering the role of leaders and managers in these processes. Students will critically engage with different theoretical approaches that can inform perspectives on, and approaches to, change and innovation. Areas covered will normally include understanding New Realities Force for Change and contemporary business issues; examining different approaches for change management; Considering an appropriate leadership stye for continuous innovation.
Supply Chain and Negotiation Analysis	15 Credits	Optional
You will learn about the theory and practice of international supply chain management in the context of organisations. Topics covered include supply chain strategy and agility, performance and structure of supply chains, supplier relationships, negotiations, sustainability in supply chain, technological trends, corporate social responsibility, humanitarian supply chain integration and future contemporary challenges of supply chain management. You will be introduced to the complexity in supply chain negotiations and cross-cultural negotiations. Moreover, different tactics/strategies to tackle supply chain negotiations are covered, thus increasing your negotiation skills.
Artificial Intelligence in International Business	15 Credits	Optional
This module develops students' understanding of AI in international business, covering foundational topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, and ethical considerations. Students will explore real-world applications across global industries and gain strategic insights for integrating AI into international business operations. Note: Topics will evolve in response to the rapid advancements in AI.
Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation	15 Credits	Optional
This module covers the entrepreneurial process, beginning with the identification of business opportunities and extending to the development, launch, and growth of new ventures. Key topics include entrepreneurial theories, opportunity recognition, market research, business model development, financing strategies, risk management, legal aspects of new ventures and explore exit processes. Additionally, students will explore team building, leadership, and the creation of a comprehensive business plan.
Industry Research Project	60 Credits	Compulsory
This module allows students to understand and carry out a research process as appropriate for a master's degree. It will allow them to work independently while being supported on their research journey by a dedicated supervisor. The research skills developed will help them make effective critically evaluated decisions. They would also develop their discussion and presentation skills within a group of their peers preparing them for future success in research or a workplace environment.
PG CPD for MSc International Business	0 Credits	Compulsory
Success at university requires a full understanding of institutional expectations as well as the development of key academic skills needed to enable students to fulfil their potential. This module will provide a structured step-by-step guide along the student journey to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to best achieve their goals. Using engaging and interactive content, this module aims to provide students with all the tools and a strong foundation upon which to build successful academic and professional experiences.

Further course information

Programme specifications
MSc International Business - Extended (Revised 2025)	Download
MSc International Business with Extended Professional Practice - Full Time, Sem A	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

Funding and fees
Other financial support

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

Fees 2026
UK Students
Full time
- £16505 for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £21450 for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £21450 for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

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

Read more about additional fees in the Programme Specification.
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
22/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
2027
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
22/09/2027 31/05/2028 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

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MSc International Business with Extended Professional Practice

Why choose Herts?

Careers

About the course

Why choose this course?

Facilities

Industry links

What will I study?

Who will I learn from?

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2026

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2026

2027