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MSc|Postgraduate Taught

International Business

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2 (minimum 55%)
Duration
1 year (Full Time)
Places available
TBC (Full Time)

The MSc International Business is an exciting one-year full-time programme, furnishing students from all backgrounds with cutting-edge global leadership skills to advance their career in an increasingly connected business world.

One of the main highlights of the programme is the range of embedded international opportunities it offers students to engage with global business leaders through international internships, international consultancy projects and international summer schools. The programme draws on a wide range of global business topics from international strategy, business analytics, global innovation and global marketing while combining these with contemporary issues around sustainability, digitalisation, diversity and ethics.

With a focus on merging theory and practice, the programme provides students with exposure
to real world business problems, professional connections with global leaders, a vibrant culturally diverse learning environment, and access to world class facilities.

The programme serves as an excellent foundation for students looking to develop an international career working across a diversity of roles in global industries including technology, strategy, consulting, analytics and financial services. Our recent graduates have progressed to work in global firms such as Oracle, Google, LinkedIn, Deloitte, BMW, Citi, PwC, EY, CAPCO, Coca-Cola, Proximo, Nestle and many more.

International Business highlights

Internships

Students can choose to undertake international internships which involve working in a company of their choosing, both locally and internationally, for their summer semester. This usually involves students working, either fulltime or parttime, for a period of 12 weeks in a firm where they benefit from international exposure. Students will carry out a work-based action research project while on their internships producing a report and presenting their findings back to the company, which seeks to tackle a contemporary international business problem for the firm. Students can work in a variety of roles and functions for firms locally or globally and these range from start-ups, SMEs, multinationals or non-profits. The school has a dedicated placement office to help with sourcing and securing internship opportunities and a strong network of connections with firms in the local community.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/secure-placement/

Summer Schools

International summer school opportunities are available for students to spend short periods abroad studying specialist courses in partner universities. Although not embedded in the course, students can choose to undertake these courses alongside the programme, usually in the summer period. Most of these courses provide students with a specialist top-up on a topic related to the MSc IB programme and can relate to issues of sustainability, digitalisation, business analytics and more.
We have a range of partners across a broad network of universities globally that students can apply to such as Antwerp University in Belgium, Belmont University in Nashville, ESIC and IE in Spain, Excelia, Neoma and Strasbourg in France and wide network of research partners globally across China, Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and Canada. See more here on the summer school opportunities that students can avail of.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/international/go-abroad/

Consulting Projects

In the third semester of the programme, students have the opportunity to work alongside an international firm completing a consulting report to address a real-world business problem. Students have carried out consulting projects on a range of topics such as developing business model innovation for digital start-ups in Portugal, digitalisation block-chain initiatives for a US crypto finance firm, competitor analysis for a firm focused on digital sustainability entering eastern Europe and international market analysis for social enterprises.
These projects are carried out remotely but on occasion students have been asked to travel to the firm to collect data and work on their projects on site. These projects provide students with invaluable consulting experience, global leadership skills and professional industry connections. Although not embedded in the course, our students have also undertaken a range of other consultancy-based initiatives across the university alongside their studies such as the Real-world Consultancy Programme and Innovate Her for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/careers-events/Programmes/real-world-consultancy-programme/

World Class Facilities

Queen’s Business School (QBS) has recently undergone an innovative expansion that establishes a benchmark of global excellence for one of the top business schools in the UK and Ireland. A stunning new 6,000 square metre building, adjacent to the listed red-brick Riddel Hall has been designed with the latest digital infrastructure for media lecture capture, TED Talk provision and collaborative breakout sessions.

Fostering an enhanced social and educational experience the new state-of-the-art QBS venue boasts a 250-seat tiered educational space; 120-seat Harvard style lecture theatre; 150-seat computer laboratory; breakout study spaces; FinTrU Trading Room; a café, and a Business Engagement and Employability Hub.

Course Structure

The MSc International Business is awarded to students who successfully complete eight taught modules (120 CATS points) and a research dissertation/ consultancy project/academic research project (60 CATS points).

Exit qualifications are available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.

Introduction

This programme offers business students an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge with regard to global business. The modules undertaken in this programme reflect such a perspective with students best placed to take up employment within global organisations.

Students will study a combination of modules that address the increasingly integrated and interdependent global economy within which international business is conducted, and the core functional areas of business from an international perspective.

Modules are focused on core theories and contemporary issues related to international business strategy, global supply chain networks, human resource management, marketing, analytics, innovation. Key contemporary themes that underpin all of these modules include digitalisation, sustainability, leadership, culture and ethics in a global context.

Semester 1

International Business Strategy
This module aims to reflect on multiple theories in strategic management and evaluate several theoretical models and underpinning strategic management concepts. The module will help students understand strategy in global firms form a variety of perspectives such as analytical, structural, managerial and social.

Sustainable Supply Chains and Networks
The focus of this module is on the theory and practice of global supply chain management and logistics. In particular, course content covers the main managerial challenges in decision-making at strategic, tactical and operational levels.

The Global Business Context
This module looks at how broader changes in the global environment impact organisations and covers a wide range of contemporary issues related to geopolitics, sustainability, digitalisation and financial and economic trends.

Accounting in an International Environment
The aim of this module is to equip students to critically assess managerial control systems used in International and /or Multinational Companies (MNCs). The module also explores the impact of those control systems on management behaviour and effectiveness in domestic and foreign subsidiaries, looking at issues related to global financial systems, financial crises and short-termism.

Academic Skills
Dedicated weekly workshops are provided to students on improving essential academic skills related to critical analysis, logical thinking, communication styles and more.

School and Programme Inductions
School-wide inductions where students meet people from other programmes as well as programme-level inductions are organised at the start of the semester to orient students.

Development weeks
A dedicated week of employer workshops, skills development seminars, employer insight events, networking circles and more are organised for students to attend.

Semester 2

Global Human Resource Management
Global HRM is a module designed to give students an advanced appreciation of the changing nature of work, as well as key aspects of international human resource management.

International Marketing
The focus of the module is on the theory, practice and challenges faced by marketing managers working in a global/international environment and the concepts and theories that can be used to inform marketing decision-making in these contexts.

Global Innovation Management
The main aim of this module is to develop an insight into innovation and how it has developed in a globalised world. Some of the main themes explored in this module include; globalisation of innovation, innovation strategies, knowledge management, business model innovation, national innovation systems, managing the location of R&D, geography and space, technology and information management, and sustainable innovation.

Research Methods and Techniques
The aim of this course is to prepare students for conducting an independent and original research project. It will allow students to develop knowledge and skills in terms of qualitative and quantitative research methods, which have direct applicability in terms of future employment.

Academic Skills
Dedicated weekly workshops are provided to students on improving essential academic skills related to critical analysis, logical thinking, communication styles and more.

Development Weeks
A dedicated week of employer workshops, skills development seminars, employer insight events, networking circles and more are organised for students to attend.

Semester 3

International Internships
Students can choose to undertake international internships which involve working in a company of their choosing, both locally and internationally, for their summer semester. This usually involves students working, either full-time or part-time, for a period of 12 weeks in a firm where they benefit from international exposure.

International Consultancy
In the third semester of the programme, students can work alongside an international firm completing a consulting report to address a real-world business problem.

Dissertation
The dissertation gives students an opportunity to (demonstrate their ability to) conduct an independent research project on an agreed business and management topic. Students choose whichever topic they want for the literature review and are assigned an academic supervisor.

Academic Research Project
The major project is made of three components in the form of two core modules in Contemporary Issues in Management and Business Governance and Ethics, as well as a Critical Literature Review. The modules cover contemporary topics related to artificial intelligence, sustainability, digitalisation, diversity and more. Students choose whichever topic they want for the literature review and are assigned an academic supervisor.

International Summer Schools
International summer school opportunities are available for students to spend short periods abroad studying specialist courses in partner universities. Although not embedded in the course, students can choose to undertake these courses alongside the programme, usually in the summer period.

Student Testimonials

People teaching you

Reader in International Business

Queens Business School
Email: k.conroy@qub.ac.uk

Teaching Times

8 hours of lectures per week 4 hours of workshops per week

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

  • Teaching Methods

    Teaching methods employed across this programme typically include lectures, workshops, tutorials, case studies, organisation visits and software demonstrations. Lectures are also often interspersed with discussion, group exercises and case studies which allow students to engage with theories and concepts and reflect on their application in practice. In collaboration with the William J Clinton Leadership Institute, as well as guest lecturers from multinational companies, non-governmental organizations and local companies, our students are provided with regular insights into reality of business practices.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • Students may expect a variety of assessment types (reports, presentations, essays, exams) aimed to enhance skills development, critical analysis and capacity building. Students are also required to complete a dissertation of 15,000-17,000 words.

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Global HRM (15 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 honours degree (with minimum 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds so may consider previous managerial work experience alongside lower academic qualifications.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 16th August 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note:  international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Career Prospects

Introduction

This programme provides the knowledge and skills which are sought by employers including SMEs who are focused on business intelligence, trade or business solutions; and manufacturing companies, multinational enterprises, international institutions, NGOs and government agencies who are responsible for trade and investment. Our graduates have gone on to work in and develop successful international careers across a diverse range of roles and industries. They have secured successful careers across consultancy, strategy, HRM, technology, finance, sales and analytics.

For further opportunities to enhance your studies and career prospects please see the school website.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/

Employment after the Course

Graduates from this programme have secured roles with employers such as Deloitte, PwC , Citi, Motorola Solutions, XPO Logistics, Proximo Spirits, and many others. Typical roles include Business Analysts, Project Managers, Account Executives, Senior Consultants, Sales Directors, Global Marketing Managers, and Financial Managers.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Prizes and Awards

1. Sponsored by Randox Laboratories - prize for the MSc International Business student achieving the highest mark in Module MGT7100 "International Business Strategy"

2. Sponsored by EY – prize for the Best overall performance (highest overall average mark) by an MSc International Business student.

3. Sponsored by EY – prize for the Best MSc International Business Dissertation (highest overall mark).

The prizes award excellent performing students, usually with monetary benefits, but also with exposure to firms through networking opportunities. Below are examples of some prizes in the MSc International Business Program.

There are many prizes on offer for students in the program. These are all sponsored by corporate firms and awarded at graduation every year by a firm representative.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £8,800
EU Other 3 £25,800
International £25,800

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:

1.1  Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 
1.2  You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Leadership-and-structure/Faculties-and-Schools/Arts-Humanities-and-Social-Sciences/WelcometotheFaculty/AHSSPostgraduateTaughtProgrammes/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

When to Apply

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus