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Online MBA with International Business and Strategy

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Lead global teams and solve complex business challenges

Apply a systems thinking approach to understand and solve complex business challenges with an AMBA-accredited, global top 10 Online MBA (Financial Times 2024).

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  • Duration 24 months
  • Cost per module £1875
  • Credit hours 180

Degree Benefits

  • Flexible, 100% online modules
  • Transparent tuition – no hidden fees
  • Early bird and alumni discounts available
  • #4 in the UK for online learning2

Become a strategic leader in international business

Enrol in the University of Birmingham’s online MBA with International Business and Strategy programme to gain skills in change management, cooperative strategy, entrepreneurship and more. Guided by distinguished faculty experts, you’ll build the expertise you need to stand out as a transformative leader with the ability to make a lasting impact on the future of business.

Develop advanced expertise in international business strategy

2 years

180 credits

Through 13 convenient modules and a 40-credit project or research dissertation, you’ll gain the expertise you need to advance as a leader in international business and strategy. This online degree programme also empowers you with opportunities to expand your professional network while learning alongside a diverse, global coalition of students during group assignments, lecture sessions, roundtable discussions and optional residencies.

Graduate from this online programme in just two years with advanced expertise in business strategy from a curriculum that emphasises curiosity, thought leadership and global perspectives.

Core Modules:

The online MBA with International Business and Strategy requires the core modules listed below:

This is a reflective and developmental module for students to explore their leadership and career aspirations in relation to their purposive values. The module will include four types of learning engagements:

  • An examination of current values-based and purpose-led theories of leadership. Students will be encouraged to critically examine theories they study, and apply them to their own contexts and experiences;
  • Critical reflective practice about how they enact and embody purposeful/values-based leading and aspects of their organizational context which impacts on their ability to lead from this orientation;
  • Professional skills development activities, including coaching to enhance their capacity to lead effectively that will be coordinated and delivered by the BBS Career team;
  • The development of reflective practitioner and associated research skills, culminating in the creation of a plan for undertaking a project to underpin career aspirations.

Students will be expected to keep a portfolio of reflective practice on their purposeful leadership approach throughout the module, and how what they have learned on different modules is influencing this.

This module engages students with ethical principles and approaches underpinning what it means to be a responsible business in theory and practice from a variety of contexts across the Globe; including the promotion of sustainable development. The module will help students: 1) assess their own values and position as responsible managers with regards to principles and approaches, and 2) assess how their values and positions can be integrated into activities depending on contexts (economic, social, cultural, geographical, legal, policy and regulatory) and 3) develop competencies in managing organisations responsibly.

Specifically, the module starts with irresponsible business practices, identifying organisational structures and incentives and external factors that can lead to these. The module moves on to responsible business alternatives taking into account the social, environmental, and economic spheres in local, regional and national contexts. It critically explores the potential of organisations as catalysts for change, how to manage inclusively and responsibly and make significant social and environmental contributions (with sustainability in mind) within organisations in context. Finally, it discusses the opportunities and the challenges and the intended and potential unintended consequences of responsible business for a variety of stakeholders.

The module follows a reflexive experiential learning approach. It uses cases from around the globe that challenge students to scope and identify ways to tackle “wicked problems”, design and implement responsible solutions true to their values, and emergent contextual approaches that fit with their organisations.

This module aims to provide students with a critical awareness, understanding of, and ability to interpret relevant and fundamental issues in the economy. Throughout this module students will explore key theories, concepts, and frameworks, applying them through contemporary case studies and group work to develop a critical understanding of current issues in the global economy.

Starting from the definition of cornerstone concepts in economics, the module will look in more depth at major economic issues shaping businesses’ local and global environment and landscape trends.

In terms of micro-economics, the module will analyse how markets operate and evolve in view of the current green transitions, and what challenges in terms of production, costs, revenue, profit, and social value responsible businesses face within global value chains to address environmental and social impacts.

On the macro-economy, the focus will be on current issues in global trade and globalisation; economic development; and transversally, on the systemic green transition to address the climate crisis. It will also consider green and inclusive growth, unemployment and inflation and the role of governments in managing the economy with monetary, fiscal and industrial policies.

The module introduces students to the concepts, principles and major approaches that contribute to an analytical understanding of the uncertain environment in which strategies are formulated. Through interactive learning approaches based on cases and problem-based learning, you will develop and enhance your practical skills to design and execute purpose-led organisational strategies that meets social, environmental, and financial goals.

This module specifically addresses how organisational purpose can enhance the strategic focus of business, by acknowledging the influence of values and stakeholder expectations on decision making. This approach to strategy formulation encourages systems thinking that seeks ambitious, creative and sustainable solutions beyond the strict boundaries of the organisation as a new path to competitive advantage. The module explicitly incorporates an understanding of the social, environmental and financial impacts of the organisation on stakeholders into corporate and business-level strategy formulation. The module develops critical strategic thinking skills that take a long-term perspective. It encourages students to develop innovative strategies that maintain a congruence between the firm and in the context of the organisation’s particular competitive environment and the ever-changing, uncertain general environment of business.

This module provides an understanding of decision making of corporate policies and how organisations are financed and valued. In doing so, it offers students a foundation on the role, techniques, limits and context surrounding financial decision-making and analysis. 

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of, and ability to apply the tools and methodologies of contemporary finance theories. This module also aims to provide students with the ability to interpret and analyse the information contained in the financial statement and reports of a corporation.  

The module provides students the opportunities to explore the financial decision-making processes of organisations. In so doing the module will look at the role of financial managers, the scope / remit and implications of their decision-making for both profitability and sustainability, and how it affects shareholders, stakeholders and society. Financial decisions are complex, and so the module will explore methods for evaluating and presenting choices in an accessible manner. 

The module takes a practical perspective; it is theoretically robust but rooted in application. 

This core module aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge relating to the function of contemporary marketing and its role in society. Major concepts, theories and frameworks of marketing will be introduced and analysed throughout this module.

Marketing is of great significance to private, public, and third sectors. As a result, there is a need to understand how marketing has to be adapted to meet the demands of these sectors. Moreover, given the importance of marketing in the contemporary world, it becomes necessary to comprehend its societal consequences.

This module will introduce the key foundational concepts relating to marketing. Students will evaluate contemporary challenges that organisations face and critically analyse available solutions. The module will also explore the complex relationship between ethics, markets and the activities of responsible marketing practitioners. Students will develop an understanding of a marketer’s role and responsibilities and how they impact contemporary society.

On completion of this module students will have gained a deep understanding of how marketing contributes to developing organisations’ long-term success, as well as its consequences for society.

The module will help students to develop their people management knowledge, personal skills and values in light of contemporary organisational challenges and international or global contexts. Person-centric (micro and meso-level) management topics may include, for example: employee motivation and engagement; recruitment and selection; equality and diversity; interpersonal communication, teamworking and intercultural awareness. In fast a changing business world, the module also explores macro-level topics and issues associated with people management and organisations more broadly. These may include, for example: the future of work; organisational governance and ethics; leadership, responsible business and human resource management (HRM).

In recent years, companies are interested in managing corporate social responsibility and sustainability as part of their operations management. Whether you are a major manufacturer, a policy maker, a public sector organisation or a small business owner, understanding the principles of operations management is critical to success. These companies also realise their operations management practices must respond to demands to address sustainability. This response is triggered by climate change and environmental concerns, the well-being of employees and communities. This module introduces a range of issues in sustainable operations management for both manufacturing and service industries. In this module, you will learn about the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing- and service-focused organisations. You will learn and practise the use of decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at strategic, tactical and operational levels. Different aspects of OM are considered from a sustainability perspective. These aspects encompass product design and eco-design, adoption of environmental and social standards, process improvement and lean operations, purchasing, supply chain management (SCM), logistics including recycling and closed-loop systems, performance measurement and risk management.

This module aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of how organisational performance and ‘success’ can be measured. To facilitate this, the module examines various visions of organisational accountability and sustainability, and equips students to be able to interpret and analyse accounting information. In doing so, the module offers students a foundation on the role, techniques, limits and context surrounding financial and non-financial decision-making, leadership and analysis. The module takes a practical perspective; it is theoretically robust but rooted in application.

This module will develop students’ understanding and knowledge of the changing landscape of the global business environment and apply such knowledge to inform the development of strategy for managing in dynamic global markets and contexts. The module will explore how global environmental changes affect the ways in which organisations respond strategically both within regions and countries, and across borders. It will also focus on the role of trade, FDI and MNEs in sustainable economic development. The module will develop the link between the theories and international business practices. Specific areas covered in the module include international business environmental analysis, such as political, economic, financial and cultural environments, international trade and international business theories, internationalisation strategies and organizational structures, MNEs from emerging markets and international corporate social responsibility and sustainability development.

You must also choose one of the following:

This module will enable students to undertake an in-depth company project on a topical business issue. Students will have the opportunity to work with an academic supervisor who will act as a mentor, guide the student, and offer feedback on the assessment submissions.

Students will produce an executive summary that will offer a summary overview of the project and key findings, as part of a much longer piece of work which will deliver a consultancy-style report including, for example, literature, findings based on organizational data analysis, and recommendations. Such projects will enable students to develop managerial experience, knowledge across organisations, understand the complexities of organisational projects, project management skills, leadership and research skills.

This 40 credits module together with the 20 credits Purposeful Leader module make up 60 credits of independent learning based on student research within the MBA programme.

To take the Entrepreneurial Project, students must have previously taken Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

The Entrepreneurial Project module will enable students to undertake an in-depth entrepreneurial project focused on the student’s aspirations. Students will undertake a project focused on their own organisation, an intrapreneurship project (a novel development in a larger organisation) or an entrepreneurial project collaboratively developed with an organisation or mentor supported by UoB and BBS.

An Entrepreneurial Project provides students with the experience of developing a proposition while reflecting on the responsible business, entrepreneurship and innovation literature, confronting the tensions of theory meeting real world practice.

This 40-credit module together with the Purposeful Leader 20-credits make up the required 60-credits of independent learning based on student research required within the MBA programme.

The aim of this module is to develop students’ knowledge, skills, capability and competency in the development and execution of an individual research project. Students will have the opportunity to design, develop and implement a research methodology appropriate to the research being undertaken, and which draws upon and aims to contribute to a body of knowledge in business management. Students will be expected to draw upon research knowledge and skills developed during their overall programme of studies. Students can choose to develop their project and research with a focus on literature review and analysis combined with data analysis. Both primary data as well as secondary data are appropriate for the dissertation in this programme.

The Purposeful Leadership and the dissertation modules involve student research and, together, make up 60 credits of independent learning based on student research within the MBA programme.

And at least one of the following:

This module provides students with a critical awareness of major issues associated with entrepreneurship and innovation in the local and global context of technological change, new ways of doing business and opportunities related to social and sustainable entrepreneurship. From the new venture creation and innovation processes to corporate entrepreneurship in larger organisations, the module will combine theory, research and practice, discussing contemporary case studies of entrepreneurship and innovation across different contexts and sectors.

The module will explore definitions, frameworks and models of entrepreneurship, intra-firm and interfirm aspects of new ventures and small/medium enterprises. This will include economic, social and sustainability aspects of new enterprises. Students will also consider the entrepreneurial mindset, creativity and opportunity recognition, and the venture creation process. Changes in entrepreneurship, innovation, production and markets will be discussed in relation to the UN Sustainable Goals and in relation to responsible business priorities.

The change management module will introduce students to the key perspectives and constraints to organisational change and its significance for organisations, including sustainability, ethical, inclusive, innovative and supportive culture that generates continuous business improvement. This will be done through the discussion, evaluation and application of multiple models, frameworks and literature in the field of change management. Within the module, particular emphasis will be placed upon differentiating effective from ineffective change initiatives. Understanding what does not work and why is just as important as understanding what does work in organisational change programmes. The role of resistance, change agents, stakeholders and organisational culture in change will be of particular emphasis. The emphasis of the change management module could be summarised through the key themes of personal and organisational awareness, identifying a range of change management approaches and application through awareness of business constraints.

The module aims to develop students’ abilities to understand and solve complex business problems that require the skills of systems thinking, reflective practice and cultivating and maintaining relationships with multiple and diverse stakeholders. The importance of cooperative strategy has been highlighted in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as the means and mechanisms to deliver sustainable development and system change. This module focuses on the economic and social benefits that can be gained through cooperation within and between organisations and how to develop and manage the cooperation to realize them. Implementing cooperative strategy in the real world involves the ability to apply systems thinking and to work in cross-organisational, cross-sectoral and cross-cultural boundaries and teams. In addition to subject knowledge, this module aims to enable you to benefit from peer-to-peer learning and reflective engagement with your learning journey.

You can make up any remaining credits from the full list of optional modules. Only one immersive module may be chosen.

If a module is highlighted with an asterisk (*), it means that the module is available 100% online only. All other modules are also available on campus in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and in Singapore. Students may take up to three modules on these campuses if their timetable permits.

View Curriculum

Compete for top jobs in international business

Pursue advanced leadership roles in the international business market with an online MBA with International Business and Strategy degree from the University of Birmingham’s triple-crown accredited business school. Learning from top experts in the field, you’ll build the skills you need to strategically implement the latest business techniques to achieve maximum impact in your organisation.

This online degree programme prepares you with the strategic business expertise employers are looking for, so you’ll be able to pursue top leadership roles in your industry with confidence. Birmingham alumni are among the graduates most sought-after by UK employers5 – our graduates currently work for companies such as Amazon, Citi Bank, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Estée Lauder, Shell and more.

Executive Director £88,061 per year6

Chief Operating Officer £88,823 per year7

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants with an appetite for learning. Since this programme combines modules from multiple disciplines, expect to cover mathematics, starting at secondary schooling level and above.

If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate. We accept an academic IELTS with a score of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any band. Other language test scores are accepted. Please speak with us to find out more.

View requirements

Customise Your Area of Study

Earn a personalised online MBA by choosing any of the five focus areas offered at the University of Birmingham.

Online MBA: MBA with Clinical Leadership

Develop the business management skills necessary to drive new solutions and improve public health outcomes.

Online MBA: MBA with Marketing

Hone your communication and marketing skills to become a more effective, strategic leader for this in-demand business sector.

Online MBA: MBA with Innovation and Business Transformation

Gain transformative skills in business improvement, digital finance, entrepreneurship and more.

Online MBA: MBA with Engineering Leadership

Become a more ethical leader with deeper integrity, empathy and a commitment to sustainability in engineering.

Online Open Week | 2nd – 6th December 2024

Find out everything you need to know about online postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. Register now to attend your upcoming online information session.

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Frequently asked questions

You may have some questions about the programme, the university or the online environment. Don’t worry; we’re here to answer them.

If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call +44 (0)800 032 7101.

An Online MBA is both an investment and a challenge. The value of an online MBA vs campus MBA is hard to fully quantify. Research by GMAC (2018) suggests that 79% of MBA alumni thought their degree was personally, professionally and financially rewarding. The findings did not find many differences between the modality of studies.

We have multiple intakes per year. Contact us to learn more about our upcoming start date.

Though the schedule varies by programme, most online classes, or synchronised tutorials, normally take place once every two weeks. These are often run multiple times during the day, so you can join at a time that suits you. You’ll receive a timetable of your synchronous session after you enroll.

Through our online learning environment, Canvas, you can contact your peers and tutors, use discussion forums, connect to live lectures and take part in group work. It’s a highly interactive environment, designed to make you feel part of a community.

Some students also choose to use Skype, WhatsApp or Google Hangout whilst studying, in addition to Canvas.

As well as learning from leading lecturers and industry speakers, you’ll have access to community boards, instant messaging services, live discussions and one-to-one support from a Student Services Coordinator. We also offer 24/7 technical support should you encounter any difficulties accessing the online platform.

Our online learning environment includes videos and interactive activities for you to learn from. You can also access the university’s online library, which includes e-textbooks, journal articles and specialist industry reports.

Find out more about our online learning environment.

Visit our FAQ page

References

  1. Financial Times. “Business school rankings: Online MBA 2024.” 10 Mar. 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024 from https://rankings.ft.com/rankings/2953/online-mba-2024.
  2. Beckett, Max. “Online Learning Index.” Uswitch. 2 Nov. 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024 from https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/cheap-broadband/online-learning-index/.
  3. Payscale. “Average Managing Director Salary in United Kingdom.” Retrieved 15 May 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Managing_Director/Salary.
  4. Payscale. “Average Project Management Director Salary in United Kingdom.” Retrieved 15 May 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Project_Management_Director/Salary.
  5. “The graduate market in 2023.” High Fliers Research Limited. Retrieved 15 May 2024 from https://www.highfliers.co.uk/download/2023/graduate_market/GMReport23.pdf.
  6. Payscale. “Average Executive Director Salary in United Kingdom.” Retrieved 15 May 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Executive_Director/Salary.
  7. Payscale. “Average Chief Operating Officer (COO) Salary in United Kingdom.” Retrieved 15 May 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Chief_Operating_Officer_(COO)/Salary.