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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 develop a career in an increasingly interconnected and complex business world.

A unique aspect of the programme is the range of embedded opportunities it offers students to engage with global business leaders through international internships and international consultancy projects. This modernised programme provides students with a diverse toolkit for tackling a wide range of global business issues from Doing Business in Emerging Markets, Analytics with AI, Marketing in the Digital Age, Global Innovation Management and Making Ethical Business Decisions.

With a focus on building students’ employability skills, the programme provides students with exposure to real-world business problems, professional connections with employers and alumni, a vibrant culturally diverse learning environment, and access to world-class facilities.

The International Business Capstone module is a distinctive feature of the programme that fosters a dynamic and practical learning experience in the final semester. This module involves an interactive strategy simulation where students work in teams to develop the global strategy of a firm in a game-based scenario. Students also engage in a Capstone Project to generate innovative solutions for real-world business challenges.

Recent graduates have progressed to work in global firms such as Meta, Dropbox, Google, Kellogg (Dublin); Moet Hennessy (New York); Deloitte, Citi, PwC, EY (Belfast); Oracle, BMW (Germany); Roche (Switzerland); Nestle (Panama and China); JP Morgan, HSBC (London); Cisco (Sao Paulo); SAP (Toronto); Acosta Group (Florida); Upaya (Nepal); InfoCentric (Melbourne).

Typical careers include Strategy Consultants, Global Portfolio Traders, Global Mobility Analysts, Head of Innovation, Global Marketing Managers, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Acquisition Executives, and Financial Managers.

Our recent graduates have progressed to develop successful careers in organisations such as Meta, Dropbox, Google, Kellogg, Moet Hennessy, Deloitte, Citi, PwC, EY, Oracle, BMW, Nestle and JP Morgan.

International Business highlights

Student Experience

Focuses on cutting-edge International Business Issues.
The programme focuses on understanding how global managers and organisations navigate grand challenges and megatrends.
Students will gain knowledge and develop skills in a wide range of cutting-edge issues like artificial intelligence, data analytics, sustainability, geopolitical instability, innovation, ethics, and doing business in emerging markets.

Career Development

Emphasis on Employability Skills.
A unique module on Developing Careers and Employability Skills is dedicated to enhancing students’ employability. Through an experienced careers team, students will build an awareness of relevant job opportunities and enhance critical skills for building successful careers. Valuable opportunities to engage with employers and alumni are embedded throughout the programme via employer insights, networking circles, LinkedIn workshops, and job talks.

Industry Links

The International Business Capstone: This is a final semester module that fosters capstone thinking and combines learnings from across the degree. This involves a dynamic online simulation where students work in teams to develop the global strategy of a firm in a game-based scenario.

Capstone Projects – applied practical projects where students work with real-world organisations to generate solutions to complex challenges.

There are 3 pathways to choose from:

a) Global Applied Project – proposing strategic solutions to a current grand challenge for an organisation of your choosing.

b) International Consultancy – working alongside a real-world global organisation and mentor to address a specific problem. Example consultancies include developing business model innovation for digital start-ups in Portugal, AI-enabled solutions for Fintech firms in Brazil, digitalisation block-chain initiatives for a US crypto finance firm, and a competitor analysis for a firm focused on digital sustainability entering eastern Europe.

c) International Internship – working in a global organisation for 9-12 weeks while carrying out an internship project on a problem the organisation faces. Students may work in a variety of roles and functions for firms locally or globally and these range from start-ups, multinationals, or non-profits. A dedicated placement office helps with sourcing and securing internships, with a strong network of industry connections. See here:
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. Students can choose to undertake these courses alongside the programme, usually in the summer period. 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 research partners across China, Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and Canada. See more here on the summer school opportunities available:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/international/go-abroad/

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 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.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/about/student-hub/

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

The MSc International Business is a one-year programme structured across 3 semesters.
Students who successfully complete eight taught modules (120 CATS) and an International Business Capstone module in semester 3 are awarded an MSc in International Business.

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

Introduction

This programme enables students to gain in-depth knowledge and develop critical skills for successful careers in business. The programme tackles a range of contemporary issues relevant for today’s complex global business environment. Such as sustainability, AI, ethics, analytics, resilience, leadership, and strategy.

A central focus of the programme involves enhancing students’ employability, skills, and career development. Through a module on Developing Career and Employability Skills and a dedicated Careers team, students will develop and enhance key skills and learn what employers want in International Business graduates.

Students will study a combination of cutting-edge modules that explore the increasingly integrated yet fragile nature of global business. Modules are focused on core theories and practical problems related to Global Innovation Management, Doing Business in Emerging Markets, Analytics with AI, Marketing in the Digital Age and Making Ethical Business Decisions.

The International Business Capstone is a unique feature of the programme in semester 3 that takes an applied, practical, and dynamic learning approach. This involves a strategy simulation where students guide the strategic growth of an organisation through an interactive game-based scenario. Students also choose between different capstone pathways in completing their final project on the programme.

Semester 1

The Global Business Environment
This module looks at how organisations understand and navigate a range of grand challenges in the global business environment such as geopolitical instability, economic turmoil, cultural intelligence, AI and technological disruption and the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.

Global Innovation Management
The main aim of this module is to explore how different forms of innovation contribute to tackling global problems. It focuses on understanding how firms leverage advanced technologies to improve societal and ethical challenges.

Marketing in the Digital Age
This module considers how firms leverage a variety of digital tools and AI-enabled solutions to enhance marketing channels by engaging customers, shaping brand conversations, building brand awareness, experiences, and community.

Global Human Resource Management (HRM)
This module explores the rapidly evolving nature of the future of global work and how managers and firms make sense of global jobs, work, and careers in the face of significant technological, societal and ethical changes.

Semester 2

Doing Business in Emerging Markets
This module explores the unique ways that business is conducted in developing and emerging markets. It explores innovative approaches to issues like digital commerce and social innovation in the context of complex challenges like a lack of infrastructure, limited affordability, volatile economies, political risk, and poverty alleviation

Analytics with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This module focuses on the way in which data and analytics are inherently interlinked with rapidly evolving artificial intelligence solutions. Students will enhance their research skills by using cutting-edge analytics software to synthesise, analyse and present different data types in visual formats

Making Ethical Business Decisions
This module evaluates the ethical responsibilities of managers and organisations. It considers a range of topics such as ethical issues regarding employees (whistleblowing, codes of ethics, corporate governance), ethics and consumers, social responsibility, and ethical dilemmas from artificial intelligence.

Developing Career and Employability Skills
This module engages students in their own employability journey to help develop the skills to compete confidently. It will develop students’ understanding of their personal skills, strengths, identity, and motivations to improve their employability skills and career prospects.

Semester 3

International Business (IB) Capstone
This module integrates learnings from across the programmes through practical and applied based learning. It involves a dynamic online simulation where students work in teams to develop the global strategy of a firm in an interactive game-based scenario. Students complete the module through capstone projects where they choose between a Global Applied Project, an International Consultancy, or an International Internship.

People teaching you

Senior Lecturer in Innovation

Queen's Business School
Email: c.rupietta@qub.ac.uk

Lecturer in International Business

Queen's Business School
Email: h.cha@qub.ac.uk

Reader in International Business

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

Teaching Times

For semesters 1 and 2, students will have 4 classes per week, all 3 hours long.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

  • Teaching Methods

    Classes will be delivered as a mix of seminars, lectures and workshops and they will be interactive and discussion-based blending theory with practical examples.
    Learning and engagement approaches will involve a range of styles such as case studies, software demonstrations, practical workshops, role plays, groupwork, scenario discussions and organisation visits.
    Semester 3 is structured around independent and applied learning through the capstone projects where students choose between different pathways. Students are assigned dedicated academic support for these projects and company mentors where relevant.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

  • There is an emphasis on assessments that are applied and practical in focus where students are encouraged and supported to produce actionable recommendations to address real-world scenarios and problems.
    There is a broad range of assessment types including presentations, reports, podcasts, game-based simulations, analytics practicals, teamwork and business plans. This variety is balanced with a streamlined approach to assessment submissions and feedback across the programme that is manageable for students. Feedback which is tailored and timely is provided to students on all assessments.

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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.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

The programme provides a wide range of opportunities for graduates to work across various kinds of organisations, industries, roles, and careers. Most of the opportunities will carry a degree of international exposure in the work that graduates engage in.

Previous graduates have gone on to work for start-ups, SMEs, multinational enterprises, trade or business solutions, manufacturing companies, international institutions, NGOs, and government agencies responsible for trade and investment.

Graduates have secured successful careers in a diverse range of roles related to consultancy, strategy, HRM, technology, finance, sales, and analytics. Typical roles include Strategy Consultants, Global Portfolio Traders, Global Mobility Analysts, Group Head of Innovation, Global Marketing Managers, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Account Executives, Senior Consultants, Sales Directors, HR Managers, Market Analysts for FDI, M&A Executives, and Financial Managers.

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

Our recent graduates have progressed to work in global firms such as Meta, Dropbox, Google, Kellogg, Zapier (Dublin); Moet Hennessy, Natilik (New York); Deloitte, Citi, PwC, Danske Bank and EY (Belfast); Oracle, PWC, Kingspan, BMW (Germany); Roche (Switzerland); CAPCO (Edinburgh); Nestle (Panama and China); JP Morgan, CapGemini, HSBC, Wells Fargo (London); Cisco (Sao Paulo); SAP (Toronto); Acosta Group (Florida); Expeditors (Seattle); Upaya (Nepal); InfoCentric (Melbourne).

Others have successfully pursued PhDs before becoming academics.

For further information please see the careers, employability and skills section of the website:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Prizes and Awards

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

2. Sponsored by Randox Laboratories - prize for the MSc International Business student achieving the highest mark in the "International Business Capstone"

3. Sponsored by EY – prize for the Best MSc International Business Dissertation.

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 Programme.

There are many prizes on offer for students in the programme. The prizes are 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 (less a £6,000 discount for 2024 entry)
International £25,800 (less a £6,000 discount for 2024 entry)

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.

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Apply

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.

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