Program Overview

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 course

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.

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 2026
• January 2027

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

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;

and

• 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

Career options

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

Professional Recognition

• 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
• Tuition Fee Loans Available
• 2026/27 Fees: Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

Sustainability at Ulster

• Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
• At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
• We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships : Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Ulster University Business School - Sustainability in Focus

• Learning and Teaching
• Research and Knowledge Exchange
• Communications and Engagement