MSc International Business
Our Masters course will help you to understand how international business is conducted, with a focus on developing the managerial skills needed to succeed in the global business world.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Start date January 2024, September 2024
- Application notes Applications for September 2024 entry will open in September 2023.
- Duration MSc full-time: 12 months
- Mode of study full time
- Delivery on campus
Overview
We are here to help you prepare for a flourishing career in global business and offer you the option to specialise in International Business and Marketing or International Business and Entrepreneurship.
Throughout this Masters in International Business, you’ll develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills within the context of trading across national boundaries. By the end of the course you’ll have an expansive knowledge of how organisations operate across economies, currencies and regulatory frameworks. You’ll also become an expert in engaging with stakeholders from different cultures and working effectively with a multi-location team.
If you want to start your own venture, to develop entrepreneurial capacity in an existing organisation, or to work in an international marketing function one of our optional pathways will target your skills.
The course covers core business subjects such as accounting, people management and strategy, in the context of international regulatory frameworks and business practices. It also emphasises ethical, environmental and sustainability issues, which are increasingly important within the global business environment.
Degree pathways
As part of our commitment to flexible learning this postgraduate course in International Business also offers two pathways, MSc International Business and Marketing, and MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship. To graduate with one of these degree students choose from a selection of core and option modules.
There’s also the opportunity to undertake a project/internship with external clients. This allows you to integrate the knowledge and skills from your master’s degree to solve a real business challenge.
Dual Degree – University of Porto or Budapest Business School
We’ve partnered with the University of Porto and Budapest Business School to offer students on this course the chance to gain two Masters degrees by undertaking additional study in either Porto in Portugal or Budapest in Hungary. Further information will be shared with students when they join Stirling. There are scholarships available which reduce course fees at Porto, along with a number of funded free places at Budapest Business School.
Preparing business leaders of the future
Postgraduate education at the University of Stirling Management School goes beyond text books and lecture rooms. We also focus on your personal and professional development.
Our unique Flying Start Leadership Programme equips you with the awareness, knowledge and techniques essential for building a successful career. These range from practical skills, like effective public speaking, to developing ways to work under pressure in difficult situations and managing conflict. Find out more about Flying Start.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
The course provides you with the key skills and experience you’ll need to forge your career in an international arena. You will:
- explore the relevance of international trade in today’s business environment
- understand the challenges and opportunities that result from globalisation
- develop different approaches to managing businesses in the global environment
- investigate the ethical and environmental issues that have emerged as a result of globalisation, and their impact on consumers
- cultivate management skills in report writing, networking, critical thinking and group working skills
- focus on personal and professional development to enhance your learning throughout the academic year
Research overview
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 23 August 2022
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
A research-based prize is open to all students undertaking the dissertation or consultancy project, and is awarded to the student who submits the best piece of work. The prize may be shared if more than one dissertation/consultancy project achieves the highest mark.
Degree pathways
As part of our commitment to flexible learning this postgraduate course in International Business also offers two pathways. To graduate with one of these degrees, students choose from a selection of core and option modules:
MSc International Business and Marketing
The MSc International Business and Marketing covers a comprehensive range of issues faced by marketing managers and provides a broad understanding of the operational areas of marketing and the functions within organisations. You will learn about consumer behaviour and be prepared to make an impact for an employer on graduation.
MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship
The MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship explores the theoretical and practical aspects of starting and developing businesses across borders and cultures. The creation of Start-Ups and new businesses will be explored along with the factors that enable successful businesses to launch and grow in an international setting. Throughout the course you will develop practical skills to prepare you to apply entrepreneurship in an existing company or launch your own venture.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2022). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
Teaching
Teaching is carried out through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, study visits, presentations and case study exercises.
When you successfully complete the taught element of the course you'll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. You can then continue for the award of the MSc by completing either a 10,000-word dissertation or undertaking a consultancy project.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams, including written assignments and presentations.
Course director
Key staff
Staff involved with the course are:
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK | £9,850 | £10,350 |
| Students from the Republic of Ireland | £9,850 | £10,350 |
| Overseas (non-EU) students | £19,145 | £19,645 |
| European Union students | £19,145 | £19,645 |
Students from the UK
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from the Republic of Ireland
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
European Union students
EU Postgraduate Scholarship
Eligible EU students will automatically receive our EU Postgraduate Scholarship, which provides a 40% fee discount on full-time, on-campus postgraduate degrees at the University of Stirling.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you will be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Overseas students (non-EU)
We offer a range of funding options for overseas students.
Course fees
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 from Student Finance NI.
Other sources of funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
MSc International Business graduates have forged successful careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors around the world. Employers include:
- The World Wildlife Fund
- Lufthansa
- RBS
- Proctor and Gamble
- Ernst and Young
- EBSCO Publishing
- Accenture
With knowledge and skills that are sought after by organisations with global operations, whichever pathway you select, you’ll be equipped to take on demanding leadership roles in general business areas or in the specialist areas of marketing and human resources.
From the beginning of our course, we help you to develop the skills you need for your future career:
- Our unique Flying Start Leadership Programme equips you with the awareness, knowledge and techniques essential for building a successful career.
- Stirling Management School is unique in having a dedicated employability manager. From the very beginning of the course, your career is our focus.
HigherEd Global Talent Portal
As a Management School student you'll have access to the HigherEd Global Talent Portal where you’ll find internships, trainee positions, apprenticeships and graduate positions from companies around the world. It helps international students looking for placements back at home and local students that want to explore an international experience.
The global talent portal is in addition to all other existing initiatives and resources available for you through the Careers and Employability Service, and the Target Connect vacancy and events system.
Employability skills
You’ll have the opportunity to gain first-hand practical experience by working on consultancy style projects with external clients.
Consultancy projects
Consultancy projects allow you to work with an organisation to investigate a ‘real-world’ issue, enhance your transferable business skills and make professional connections that may lead to a job offer in the future. Current clients range from start-up businesses to international organisations in public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
What our students said
Syria
MSc International Business
Read Heval's storyI believe in empowering people, showing them a better way of life and even showing them what I am passionate about. Just being genuine will take you a very long way. If you are passionate about something, people can tell.
India
MSc International Business
Read Raghav's storyThe Business Consulting module helped to enhance my problem solving and critical thinking skills as it was real world experience, solving real problems for businesses.
Argentina
MSc International Business
Read Nicolas's storyEngaging with local business was certainly the best part of the course. From these experiences I was able to not only understand how to put into practice all the theories that I had learnt, but also I could actually see if my ideas and solutions were meaningful for businesses’ owners.