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

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 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

All modules are delivered 'executive style' in a flexible 6 week block format and can be paced to individual needs.

The part-time MSc is completed in 2-3 years. Full-time participants can also exit with a PgCert after successful completion of one semester (four modules) or alternatively exit with a PgDip after successful completion of two semesters (eight modules).

PT: MSc 2-3 calendar years

Start dates

• September 2025
• January 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Assessment is 100% coursework assessed

This Masters offers various methods of teaching and learning to address the needs of industry and the economy in today's fast-changing world.

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 masters degree offers directed tutor and peer learning, providing guidance and support throughout the entire programme, in addition to technical assistance.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

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).

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants 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

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

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

Awarded annually to the student with the Highest overall average.

Testimonials

Graduate of MSc International Business : Ursula Henderson

Multi Property Director of Human Resources, for Marriott International (which has 3500 hotels in 65+ countries)

Why this programme of study?

I wanted career advancement and knew I needed a different perspective. I looked at many courses and this one ticked all the boxes - flexible, working remotely, challenging and covered both international businesses and international human resources. Working for Marriott International across three continents in some very diverse environments, I needed to develop my strategic outlook and hoped to obtain an even better understanding of how changes in one country can affect business in another. I wanted to be able to make better business decisions and believed that this masters offered the appropriate level of education to build upon my achievements and further enhance my career.

I wanted the security of a quality-assured qualification from a renowned university but also wanted to be comfortable that the distance learning delivery mode would offer similar content to a classroom-based course. Both of these requirements were fulfilled in this MSc International Business programme.

Diverse student base and ongoing support

I found the online discussions boards where I could contact others students and tutors, to ask questions and read their comments, immensely supportive, interesting and inclusive. The diverse range of people on the programme was definitely positive.

Career Benefits since Graduation

I have already utilised this qualification in my job, as the company is expanding in the UK and Europe, with a significant on recruitment and diversity policies. This programme has helped me to devise suitable strategies to develop talent moving into international management positions and to work with individual hotels to ensure international transfers are seamless. Additionally, it has also raised my profile within the company and enabled me to take on additional projects

Overall experience with the Ulster Business School

It has been very good. I have enjoyed working with the lecturers, some were more challenging than others and occasionally it was difficult to see why we needed to complete some tasks, such as a group assignment, when we were all working in different time zones, but ultimately I would recommend Ulster University.