Program Overview

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International Business - MSc

Overview

Prepare you with the knowledge and professional skills to lead and manage business towards a world of opportunities.

Summary

The MSc International Business aims to allow students to acquire mastery of both the macro and micro contexts of international business, and is designed to enable students to acquire, develop, and integrate international business theory, and develop the skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice. The Masters dissertation provides the opportunity to conceive, design and implement satisfactorily a substantial research project within the broad subject area of international business.

About

This programme will enable students to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the political, social and cultural aspects of different trade blocs, particularly the European Union, Asia and the USA.

This online programme is designed to provide a coherent academic progression for students who will explore the overall environment in which international business takes place. Core management techniques are analysed from varying perspectives to understand their application on an international scale.

The unique selling point of this programme is the richness that evident from the diverse student base which progresses through this programme of study. Sharing experiences from varied cultural, economic and employment backgrounds is invaluable.

Course Structure

The course is structures as follows:

YEAR ONE

Semester 1

• BMG705 Global Business in Context (15 credits)
• BMG704 International Finance (15 credits)

Semester 2

• BMG935 International HRM (15 credits)
• BMG936 International Entrepreneurship (15 credits)

YEAR TWO

Semester 1

• MKT744 International Marketing (15 credits)
• BMG814 The Digital landscape (15 credits)

Semester 2

• BMG871 Research Skills for International Business (15 credits)
• BMG872 Global Strategy Development and Implementation (15 credits)

Semester 3

• BMG847 Dissertation 60 credits
• or
• BMG858 International Business Project 60 credits

Attendance

Students are expected to login regularly & weekly each semester to participate in online discussions and collaborate with their peers and tutors. There is no requirement to attend live classes. There are no formal/fixed patterns of "attendance" as this is a fully online programme.

• FT: MSc completed within 1 calendar year
• PT: MSc completed within 2 calendar years (September/January start) or three academic years.

Participants can also exit with a PgCert after successful completion four modules or alternatively exit with a PgDip after successful completion eight modules.

Start Dates

• September 2025
• January 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

This Master's in International Business by E-Learning programme, offers various methods of on-line teaching and learning to address the needs of industry and the economy in today's fast-changing world. Additionally, there are two exit points from this master's - at Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma levels.

Studying and interacting with students and academic staff in an international setting creates a network of contacts and links to local knowledge on an international stage. This master's degree offers directed tutor and peer learning, providing guidance and support throughout the entire programme, in addition to technical assistance.

Assessment will be 100% coursework assessed. Typically this will include two formal written assignments per "taught" modules, plus contributions to regular discussion boards.

Standard Entry Conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must:

• have gained
  • a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body or from an institution or another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard or
  • an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;
• provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); the minimum English language requirements for non-native English speakers, are IELTS 6.0 (with no contributing band at less than 5.5).

or, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b):

• in exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

English Language Requirements

• The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Careers & Opportunities

Student and employer needs are reflected in the development of this programme and evidenced in the career destinations and further development of our graduates. The nature of the provision is such that it equips individuals for employment in a wide range of international roles within the public and private sectors and a significant number of graduates are successful in gaining promotion in their chosen fields or alter their career paths following completion of their programme of study.

A sample of graduate employers includes:

• Marriott Hotel Group
• PWC
• KPMG (Germany)
• Deloitte
• Laterooms.com
• Halfords
• Smile Communications
• The European Space Agency
• Ni civil Service
• O Neills International Sports Ltd
• First Derivatives Plc

A number of graduates from these programmes have also undertaken their doctoral studies, both within Ulster University and beyond.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

The Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE)

Accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE) for the purposes of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Fees and Funding

10% Alumni Discount

Are you a graduate of Ulster University? Did you know you could be eligible for a 10% fees discount.

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2025/26, the following fees apply:

Fees Credit Points	NI/ROI/GB Cost	International Cost*
5	£201.10	£494.70
10	£402.20	£989.40
15	£603.30	£1,484.10
20	£804.40	£1,978.80
30	£1,206.60	£2,968.20
60	£2,413.20	£5,936.40
120	£4,826.40	£11,872.80
180	£7,239.60	£17,809.20
240	£9,652.80	£23,745.60

*International student access to courses is subject to meeting visa requirements. More information can be found in the Visas and Immigration section.

Scholarships, Awards and Prizes

Bradley & McLaughlin Perpetual Globe - Highest overall average, annually.

Additional Mandatory Costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.