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Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc International Business

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc International Business Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code IBU-MSC-S UCAS Code HECoS Code 100080 - International business - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Queen's Business School

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Business and Management (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

The MSc International Business is based on the University wide modular framework. The class of degree awarded to the student (Fail, Pass, Commendation and Distinction) is based on his or her performance in eight modules plus (depending on the route chosen by the student for semester three) (i) a dissertation or (ii) a consultancy project or (iii) an academic research project.

Module marks are combined over the first, second and third semester and are used to produce an aggregate mark. Marking is based on the University agreed marking scale.

Level Information

Candidates will be assessed by coursework, class tests and a dissertation or consultancy based report or academic project in the third semester.

Students will be assessed by course work, presentations, class tests and, depending on their choice, a dissertation or a consultancy project or an academic research project. Students are only permitted to proceed to the dissertation module or consultancy based report or academic research project once they have successfully completed modules to the value of 105 CATS points, which must include MGT7158 Research Methods and Techniques

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

Within the context of striving towards the University’s mission statement the MSc International Business aims to:

•foster a stimulating and supportive learning environment which promotes intellectual, professional and personal development

•encourage critical thinking, independent enquiry, and an international outlook

•develop the skills necessary to undertake independent research and continuing professional development

•develop students' skills base, leadership capacity and connections with practice in ways which will enhance their ability to make valuable contributions to the economy and society

•promote engagement with issues of ethics, responsibility and sustainability, and maintain respect for social and cultural differences and openness, fairness, and equality of opportunity in relation to selection, learning, assessment, and support

•provide students with the opportunity to pursue appropriately demanding programmes of study focused on international business strategy, Human Resource Management (HRM), the multinational enterprise, accounting in international environment, international marketing, sustainable supply chains and networks, global innovation management, and research methods

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Problem solve

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. Students develop skills in problem solving and logical reasoning. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements within the programme. Self assessment, peer review and reflection are developed within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills occurs in the form of homework, oral presentations, project work, case study analysis, data interpretation and class tests.

Reason logically

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. Students develop skills in problem solving and logical reasoning. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements within the programme. Self assessment, peer review and reflection are developed within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills occurs in the form of homework, oral presentations, project work, case study analysis, data interpretation and class tests.

Conduct independent enquiry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. Students develop skills in problem solving and logical reasoning. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements within the programme. Self assessment, peer review and reflection are developed within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills occurs in the form of homework, oral presentations, project work, case study analysis, data interpretation and class tests.

Critically evaluate and interpret

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. Students develop skills in problem solving and logical reasoning. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements within the programme. Self assessment, peer review and reflection are developed within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills occurs in the form of homework, oral presentations, project work, case study analysis, data interpretation and class tests.

Self-assess and reflect

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. Students develop skills in problem solving and logical reasoning. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements within the programme. Self assessment, peer review and reflection are developed within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills occurs in the form of homework, oral presentations, project work, case study analysis, data interpretation and class tests.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Organise and manage their time

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. essays, PowerPoint, Excel and other data presentation packages, presentations, project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or consultancy based report develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Synthesise and evaluate information/data from a variety of sources including from databases, books, journal articles and the internet

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. essays, PowerPoint, Excel and other data presentation packages, presentations, project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or consultancy based report develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Work both independently and in groups

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. essays, PowerPoint, Excel and other data presentation packages, presentations, project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or consultancy based report develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Make effective use of information technology including relevant subject-specific packages

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. essays, PowerPoint, Excel and other data presentation packages, presentations, project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or consultancy based report develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Communicate ideas in both written and presentational forms

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. essays, PowerPoint, Excel and other data presentation packages, presentations, project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or consultancy based report develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Confidently engage with the world of practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. essays, PowerPoint, Excel and other data presentation packages, presentations, project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or consultancy based report develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Appreciate diversity and be capable of placing issues within their local and international contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The MSc in International Business follows a structured curriculum based upon modules which focus on the fundamentals of International Business Strategy, human resource management in a global context, managing global supply chains and understanding the international market place. Understanding the multinational enterprise and its global environment are integral in all of the teaching and learning opportunities.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

Engage with issues around ethics, responsibility and sustainability

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The MSc in International Business follows a structured curriculum based upon modules which focus on the fundamentals of International Business Strategy, human resource management in a global context, managing global supply chains and understanding the international market place. Understanding the multinational enterprise and its global environment are integral in all of the teaching and learning opportunities.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The nature of multinational enterprises - encompasses the various processes, procedures and practices for effective management of multi-national enterprises. It includes theories, models, frameworks, tasks and roles of managing organisations across borders

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The MSc in International Business follows a structured curriculum based upon modules which focus on the fundamentals of International Business Strategy, human resource management in a global context, managing global supply chains and understanding the international market place. Understanding the multinational enterprise and its global environment are integral in all of the teaching and learning opportunities.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The management of functional elements of the multinational firm -encompassing the different internal functions of multinational organisations, and how these functions interact with the firm and its external environment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The MSc in International Business follows a structured curriculum based upon modules which focus on the fundamentals of International Business Strategy, human resource management in a global context, managing global supply chains and understanding the international market place. Understanding the multinational enterprise and its global environment are integral in all of the teaching and learning opportunities.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

External environment –the interactions between firms, governments and society within an international context. This encompasses a wide range of factors, including economic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, sociological and technological, together with the effects of multinational enterprises at local, national and international levels

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The MSc in International Business follows a structured curriculum based upon modules which focus on the fundamentals of International Business Strategy, human resource management in a global context, managing global supply chains and understanding the international market place. Understanding the multinational enterprise and its global environment are integral in all of the teaching and learning opportunities.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

The ability to use decision support tools to analyse international business problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

International Business requires a range of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. These are provided through the delivery of modules that recognise both the skills the students wish to develop and those that they have acquired previously. Subject specific skills can provide a thorough basic grounding in areas that all international business professionals should know.

Teaching is provided through lectures, directed reading, group work and computer-based laboratory work.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment method is summative, involving end-of-semester class tests and continuous assessment in the form of class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations.

The ability to apply contemporary management tools and techniques to address international business issues

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

International Business requires a range of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. These are provided through the delivery of modules that recognise both the skills the students wish to develop and those that they have acquired previously. Subject specific skills can provide a thorough basic grounding in areas that all international business professionals should know.

Teaching is provided through lectures, directed reading, group work and computer-based laboratory work.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment method is summative, involving end-of-semester class tests and continuous assessment in the form of class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations.

The ability to gain a practical understanding of international business problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

International Business requires a range of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. These are provided through the delivery of modules that recognise both the skills the students wish to develop and those that they have acquired previously. Subject specific skills can provide a thorough basic grounding in areas that all international business professionals should know.

Teaching is provided through lectures, directed reading, group work and computer-based laboratory work.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment method is summative, involving end-of-semester class tests and continuous assessment in the form of class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations.

The ability to critically evaluate key international business issues and propose feasible solutions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

International Business requires a range of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. These are provided through the delivery of modules that recognise both the skills the students wish to develop and those that they have acquired previously. Subject specific skills can provide a thorough basic grounding in areas that all international business professionals should know.

Teaching is provided through lectures, directed reading, group work and computer-based laboratory work.

Methods of Assessment

The assessment method is summative, involving end-of-semester class tests and continuous assessment in the form of class tests, individual and group projects, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Dissertation - MSc International Business MGT7107 7 60 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
International Business Strategy MGT7100 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Academic Research Project MGT9203 7 60 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Sustainable supply chains and networks MGT7105 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Accounting in an International Environment MGT7103 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Research Methods and Techniques MGT7158 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Global HRM MGT7101 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 60% 40% 0%
The Multinational Enterprise MGT7102 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
International Marketing MGT7108 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Global Innovation Management MGT7174 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Consultancy Based Report MGT9202 7 60 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Students must normally have successfully completed all taught modules of at least 105 CATS which must include MGT7158 before progressing to the academic research project or dissertation or consultancy based report option stage of the programme.