Online MSc International Business Curriculum

This module provides a critical introduction to international business, focusing on trade, geopolitics, and global risk. You will explore why firms internationalise, how international business is organised, and how geopolitical tensions shape global trade and investment. Drawing on theory and real-world case studies, the module examines international business across different countries, sectors, and organisational forms. Emphasis is placed on understanding how place, territory, and space influence international business practice, supporting the development of critical and comparative analytical skills.

Assessment highlights:
Assessment includes a digital artefact and a written case study analysis, supporting creative and analytical engagement with global issues.
Designed to test your ability to apply theory to contemporary geopolitical and trade challenges.

This module introduces the core concepts, tools, and frameworks of strategic management with a strong international focus. You will learn how organisations analyse their internal capabilities and external environments to formulate and evaluate strategy across diverse global contexts. The module develops your ability to critically assess strategic choices, competitive advantage, and organisational performance in international markets. Through applied analysis and case-based learning, you will strengthen strategic decision-making and cross-cultural skills relevant to international business leadership.

Assessment highlights:
Combines an individual strategic analysis assignment with a short group visual presentation, mirroring real-world strategic communication.
Focuses on your ability to evaluate, justify, and communicate strategic choices in international contexts.

This module examines the role of corporate governance and board-level decision-making in an increasingly complex global environment. You will explore how boards respond to geopolitical uncertainty, sustainability challenges, digital transformation, and ethical responsibilities. Through interactive, case-based learning, you will assume the role of board members and engage in strategic decision-making scenarios. The module develops critical judgment, leadership, and governance skills, with a strong focus on responsible business practices and long-term societal impact in international contexts.

Assessment highlights:
Assessment combines a written case study analysis with a creative group-based visual presentation, reflecting real boardroom decision-making.
Encourages you to demonstrate judgment, leadership, and responsibility when addressing complex governance challenges.

This module introduces you to contemporary global operations and supply chain management in international business. You will explore how organisations design, manage, and improve global supply chains to achieve competitive advantage. Key topics include sustainability, buyer–supplier relationships, offshoring and reshoring, digital technologies, and performance trade-offs in manufacturing and service contexts. Through applied case studies, you will develop an understanding of the complexity and strategic importance of global supply chains, while building essential project management and analytical skills relevant to international operations roles.

Assessment highlights:
Assessed by a single individual coursework assignment, focused on applying operations and supply chain theory to real-world global challenges.
Emphasises critical evaluation and problem-solving, rather than exams, supporting applied and practice-oriented learning.

This module focuses on entrepreneurship and marketing in international contexts, covering both multinational enterprises and international new ventures. You will examine foreign market entry strategies, international marketing approaches, and the cultural and institutional factors that influence entrepreneurial activity across countries. Using case studies, simulations, and real-world examples, the module develops your ability to design and evaluate international market entry and marketing plans. Emerging topics such as digital marketing and e-commerce are integrated throughout, preparing you for entrepreneurial and marketing roles in global environments.

Assessment highlights:
Assessed through an individual written report and a simulation-based presentation, reflecting entrepreneurial decision-making in international markets.
Strong emphasis on market entry strategy, innovation, and practical problem-solving.

This module provides foundational training in research methods and data analysis for international business students. You will explore research design, data collection, and qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, alongside the use of specialist software. The module also develops essential academic writing skills, including literature reviews and extended essays, preparing you for applied research projects or dissertations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, methodological rigor, and the practical application of business intelligence in international contexts.

Assessment highlights:
Assessed through a substantial individual written assignment, developing core research and analytical skills.
Provides strong preparation for extended projects, such as the dissertation or company research project.

This module introduces data analytics and data science as tools for strategic decision-making in international business. You will learn how to assess the quality of global data sources and apply analytical techniques, including advanced digital tools and artificial intelligence, to real-world business problems. The module emphasises ethical, cross-cultural, and practical considerations in data-driven decision-making. Through applied projects, you will develop skills in analysing, visualising, and communicating insights that support international strategy, market entry, risk assessment, and digital transformation.

Assessment highlights:
Assessed through an individual analytical report and an infographic-style presentation, developing both technical and communication skills.
Focuses on translating data insights into practical recommendations for international business decision-making.

This module explores how firms collaborate across borders through strategic alliances, partnerships, and joint ventures. You will examine why organisations cooperate, how partners are selected, and how alliances are designed and managed in international contexts. Using real-world case studies, the module highlights the strategic, organisational, and cultural challenges of cross-border collaboration. You will develop the ability to critically evaluate alliance performance, learning outcomes, and the factors that influence success or failure over time. The module also emphasises reflective learning and independent research skills, supporting your development as a strategic thinker capable of analysing complex international business relationships.

Assessment highlights:
Assessed through a substantial individual report, allowing you to demonstrate deep strategic analysis of international alliances.
Includes a reflective element, encouraging you to connect theory, case evidence, and your own learning journey.

The dissertation module enables you to undertake an in-depth, independent research project aligned with your academic and professional interests in international business. You will design and conduct original research, drawing on appropriate literature, data, and analytical methods. The dissertation may combine academic analysis with applied or practice-oriented components, such as policy recommendations or strategic evaluations. Throughout the module, you will develop advanced research, project management, and communication skills, culminating in a substantial written dissertation that demonstrates your ability to generate insights relevant to international business practice.

Assessment highlights:
Assessed through an 8,000-word independent dissertation, enabling you to explore a topic of personal and professional interest in depth.
Combines academic research with applied or practice-based insights, supporting progression into research, consultancy, or professional roles.

The Company Research Project is a practice-based alternative to the traditional dissertation, designed for students who want to apply academic research skills directly to a real organisation operating in an international business context. In this module, you will undertake an in-depth research project focused on a company of your choice, examining a strategically significant issue relevant to its international operations. You will design and manage an applied research project, drawing on academic literature, appropriate research methods, and company-level evidence to analyse challenges and opportunities facing the organisation. The project culminates in an extended written report that integrates theory with practice and reflects on the implications of your findings for international business decision-making. The module develops advanced research, project management, analytical, and communication skills, preparing you for professional or consultancy-oriented roles in global business environments.

Assessment highlights:
Assessed via an 8,000-word applied research report, focused on a real organisation operating internationally.
Designed to help you demonstrate consultancy-style analysis, linking academic research directly to business practice.

This module offers an applied, practice-based learning experience through participation in an international business simulation. Working within a simulated business environment, you will engage in strategic decision-making and problem-solving, supported by academic literature and reflective analysis. The module culminates in an extended written assignment that integrates theory, evidence, and reflection on your simulation experience. It is designed to develop applied research skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect simulated business practice with real-world international business challenges.

Assessment highlights:
Assessed through an extended individual essay based on participation in an international business simulation.
Strong emphasis on reflection, decision-making, and applied learning, bridging theory and simulated business practice.