Masters in International Business and Digital Transformation

Program Overview

This dual degree program in International Business and Global Operations Management, taught at Henley Business School and POLIMI Graduate School of Management, equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in the global economy. Combining interdisciplinary perspectives, it offers a holistic understanding of the international business environment and prepares students for leadership roles in multinational firms. With a focus on strategic choices, digital technologies, and cross-cultural agility, graduates are well-suited to drive innovation and competitiveness in an increasingly digitalized world.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Masters programme is a masters-level, dual degree programme in partnership with POLIMI Graduate School of Management. Students who successfully complete this programme will be awarded the Masters of Science (MSc) from the University of Reading and the Master di l livello from the POLIMI Graduate School of Management. This Masters programme will equip you with knowledge and skills to investigate, identify, and implement the strategic choices multinational firms need to make to compete in an increasingly digitalised global economy. This programme is an interdisciplinary programme that offers a unique opportunity to learn two different but interrelated fields in business, international business and global operation management in the context of digital transformation. In this programme, you will take a holistic view of the international business environment in the digital era, regarding the challenges and opportunities of internationalisation and how digital technologies can help firms to face these challenges.

Outline:

Semester 1

Studied at Henley Business School

Compulsory modules

• International Strategic Management
• The Evolution of Multinational Enterprises
Students can choose optional modules to the value of 20 credits.

Optional modules

• Managing People and Organisations
• Advances in Entrepreneurial Theory and Practice
• Strategic Marketing
• International Business and the World Economy

Semester 2

Studied at POLIMI Graduate School of Management

Compulsory modules

• Digital Technologies for Internationalization and Global Competitiveness (Milan)
• Digital Export and International Distribution (Milan)
• Cross-cultural and Digital Agility (Milan)
Students can choose three out of the five optional modules.

Optional modules

• Customer discovery and validation: Lean startup and Agile (Milan)
• Fintech in Banking (Milan)
• Digital Innovation in Supply Chain (Milan)
• Smart Manufacturing 4.0 (Milan)
• Product Strategy & omnichannel customer experience (Milan)

Semester 3

Studied at either Henley Business School or POLIMI Graduate School of Management

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Project

Assessment:

You will learn and be assessed through a wide variety of teaching methods depending on your chosen postgraduate course. These include online materials, guest lectures, group assignments, case studies, field visits, dealing room simulations, presentations, applied projects, consultancy work and examinations. On average examinations of core modules form between 15 - 50% of the assessed work. The remaining comes from coursework, including a written dissertation or project depending on your chosen programme.

Teaching:

Henley has a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts. We are underpinned by academic excellence and the strength of our research. We offer high-quality technical skills training as well as a deep understanding of the importance of personal development for leaders. This is a thread that is woven through all of our Masters programmes. Our Masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, tailoring your degree towards your needs and career ambitions. You will complete up to 10 taught modules during your programme, totalling 180 credits. One module usually equates to 20 credits or 10 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures, tutorials, workshops and personal study, with each accounting for 25% of your time on average. This provides you with the opportunity to discuss and explore the material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students. You will be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings then have the opportunity to challenge those that have created it. You will also explore real-world issues, tackle current business challenges, and interact with guest lectures and speakers from industry.