Program Overview

International Business (Extended) – MSc

Overview

Prepare students 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.

The Extended MSc in International Business aims to provide an alternative route to postgraduate study at Ulster via the Graduate Certificate in Business. The pre-masters model has been designed essentially as a bridging mechanism for home and international students to progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study at Ulster and will lead to a distinct award, the Graduate Certificate in Business.

About this course

About

The Extended MSc International Business programme consists of 11 taught modules and an applied piece of work in the form of a Dissertation/Applied Research Project (worth 60 credit points). The programme is normally delivered over 4 semesters and will carry 240 credits, 60 at level 6 and 180 at level 7.

• Three 20 credit modules delivered at level 6 (Research Methods for Postgraduate Students – BMG575; Academic Essentials – BMG625; Enterprise Development – BMG626)
• Eight 15 credit modules at level 7 (Global Business in Context – BMG705; International Finance – BMG704; Global Marketing & Sales Development – MKT744; The Digital Landscape – BMG814; International HRM – BMG935; International Business Research Skills – BMG871; International Entrepreneurship – BMG936 and Global Strategy Development & Implementation – BMG872)
• Students must successfully complete the 11 taught modules (3 at level 6 and 8 at level 7) before they can progress to the Dissertation – BMG847/International Business Project – BMG858 (worth 60 credit points) in their final semester.

Attendance

• All 3 Graduate Certificate modules are delivered over a 12-week teaching block in each semester.

Start dates

• September 2025
• January 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

• Assessment is 100% coursework assessed

Additional Information

• Classes may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers.
• Teaching and learning may be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course.

Standard entry conditions

Entry Requirements

• A third class, pass or ordinary degree, or equivalent from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body or from institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard.
• In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative, 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.

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.

Professional Recognition

• 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

• Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees: £7,240.00
• International Fees: £17,810.00

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.
• The University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ulster University Business School - Sustainability in Focus

• Ulster University Business School (UUBS) aims to be a thought-leader for sustainable business futures.
• Our mission is to embolden staff, students and all our stakeholders to become sustainable business futures leaders.