Program Overview

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Overview

Study MSc International Business and Supply Chain Management and take the first step of your international career. You'll develop the knowledge, skills, and adaptability to work in a commercial or a not-for-profit organisation.

The course specialism enables you to focus on the area of supply chain management and logistics. You'll study how businesses align supply chains and their logistics with their corporate strategy, and gain understanding of key decisions driven from a supply chain perspective. You'll also explore different supply chain operations. Also, you'll study the core principles of Business and management to help you to take on a managerial position in an organisation.

You'll learn to identify, analyse, and assess business-related issues. You'll then build the skills and develop key responses to these issues. You'll then be able to then select the appropriate course of action. All these skills are essential for success in the corporate world.

You'll graduate ready to be:

• a supply chain analyst
• procurement manager
• logistics specialist
• or a management consultant.

Why Oxford Brookes University?

• Learn from experts

Professionally experienced tutors, and guest entrepreneurs and business innovation experts

• Support

You’ll receive academic support and guidance throughout the course

• Employability skills

Build your analytical and solution-focused skills through international case studies

• Real-world experience

Through Business Challenge week you meet and work with corporate professionals

• Accredited Course

Association of MBAs and the Chartered Management Institute.

• Accreditation(s)

Association of MBAs; Chartered Management Institute

Course Details

Course Structure

Through your learning, you'll develop relevant skills for your future employment. The course will help you develop the analytical skills to solve complex international business problems. You'll also have the opportunity for independent study to help you progress your research skills.

You'll have the opportunity to be part of the business challenge week. This is where businesses present real business issues for student groups to work on and present a solution.

Finally, as part of your Final Research Project module, you can carry out valuable independent work with an external business client or carry out your own research project.

Learning and Teaching

You'll learn through self-study time as well as face-to-face taught sessions. Your modules have specified times for scheduled learning, self-study, and teaching activities.

Your tutors are academic researchers and/or from an industry background. They have in-depth practical experience of business and management issues. Your studies will include:

• interactive workshops
• business simulations
• lectures
• guest corporate speakers
• experiential learning.

The theory you learn on the course will give you the working knowledge to put it into practice. You’ll also study international case studies which will inform your learning, and build your analytical and practical skills.

The Association of MBAs and the Chartered Management Institute recognise the high quality of teaching and learning that you'll experience. You'll graduate equipped ready to enter the corporate world.

Assessment

Your assessment on the course will help you develop your skills and knowledge for your employability. You'll have the support to overcome academic challenges and progress your learning. Your assessment is through:

• individual essays
• business reports
• group presentations
• oral exams
• online discussion forums
• and a written exam.

Most of your assessments will be through individual contribution, but there is also some assessed group work.

Inclusivity and diversity is embedded in all assessments throughout the course, which gives you the opportunity to select the focus of your assignments where appropriate.

Field Trips

Your optional International Business in Practice Study Trip module will help you experience ideas and practices of global business. On the trip, you'll interact with management executives and practices. You'll attend presentations from local management executives and experts. You'll also go on site visits to major corporations and agencies. The study trip is voluntary and you'll need to fund all associated costs for the trip. Recently, there have been study trips to Boston and Budapest.

Study Modules

You have the option to undertake an optional enterprise work placement which can be valuable and help you gain relevant industry experience and develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, networking, and problem-solving. A work placement can help you decide on your long-term career objectives and may lead to a job offer after graduation (would require visa sponsorship for international students).

The WAVES (Work and Voluntary Experience Service) or Careers Office will provide you with support and advice to get ahead in your career, and help you with your CV and applications. The team has access to a wide range of small, medium, and large employers that offer postgraduate student work placements.

If you wish to pursue a placement at a particular company, our WAVES team can support you in making an approach to the company. Our Careers Office can also provide you with advice on how to use professional social media channels to pitch yourself to prospective employers.

Taught Modules

Compulsory Modules

• Research Methods

This module helps to prepare you for completing high-quality, systematic business and management research. You’ll also gain the skills and knowledge to be successful in your Final Research Project.

You’ll learn how to undertake effective research, and draw upon a range of secondary and primary data sources. You’ll be introduced to a range of research tools that will help you build a strong base for research including methodological issues, data collection techniques, and study skills.

• Procurement and Supply Chain Management

In an increasingly globalised business environment, the ability of organisations to identify, and then to manage, supply networks and individual chains of supply has grown in its significance.

In this module, you will learn about the key elements and activities within procurement and supply chain management, how this function supports the wider organisation and its objectives, and how these activities can be managed to ensure the optimal outcome.

You will build your knowledge of upstream and downstream relationships with suppliers and customers are managed effectively to ensure value is added whilst controlling costs and ultimately satisfying the customer.

• Strategic and Sustainable Logistics

Physical logistics is concerned with managing and controlling the activities and processes along a chain of supply, and delivering finished goods that satisfy customer orders.

This often involves customised products and services, quick response deliveries, and state-of-the-art information systems. With a new era of customer ‘pull’ as well as the globalised business environment, alongside with the emphasis on sustainability, has led to the concept of ‘Strategic and Sustainable Logistics’.

You will evaluate how effective logistics and distribution systems can become key business enablers, and you’ll look at the importance of managing international logistics systems.

• Developing Skills for Leadership and Employability

You’ll develop self-awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses as an effective leader and team player. This module will help you develop and improve a range of definable skills which are pivotal to successful management practice and effective leadership.

You’ll progress essential skills such as the confidence and the ability to articulate your skills and attributes that are required for professional development, lifelong learning, and employment. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore different leadership perspectives on:

• ethics
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• sustainability
• technology
• and change.
• The Practice of Business and Management

This is a first-semester module and will help you build and develop your knowledge in the area of international business and management.

You’ll learn about four of the business functions:

• Operations
• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Managing information systems.

You’ll build a base of knowledge and understanding of how the business functions contribute to the success of an organisation and give a competitive advantage.

• Strategic, Change, and Innovation Management

You will develop knowledge in the area of strategic management, change, and innovation management. You’ll gain understanding of the organisation and the economic context of the business environment.

Through this module, you build your insight into a series of relevant and current topics that represent key issues around innovation and change and the organisational context in modern general management; strategic management, including the critical evaluation of the business and economic environment.

Optional Modules

• International Business in Practice: Study Trip

This elective study trip will give you a hands-on, intensive experience with the ideas and practices of global business. You’ll meet with leaders of global firms, receive presentations from global academic experts, and tour company facilities. You’ll also have direct interaction with management executives and practices through site visits to major corporations and agencies.

All costs associated with the trip will need to be funded by you. It is not linked to university assessments in any way. If you successfully complete this module, you will have it recorded on your transcript. As the destination and therefore precise costs vary from year to year, the programme fee of the study trip will be communicated to students before the application deadline.

Final Research Project

Compulsory Modules

• Final Research Project

Your final research project module runs over two semesters. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project by applying and extending the streams of study, knowledge, and practical skills you’ve gained in other modules.

You’ll be able to demonstrate a range of skills such as:

• researching
• critical thinking
• project planning
• problem-solving
• writing/oral skills.

You’ll be able to choose from different research project options, providing you with the opportunity to explore in detail an area of particular interest or relevance to you.

The options currently are Dissertation, Client Project, Integrated Business Research Project, and Business/Concept Development.

Work Placement

Optional Modules

• Enterprise Work Placement (Compulsory for Sandwich mode)

You'll expand your enterprise skills in the context of the workplace. The focus will be on building your intrapreneurial mindsets during your placement, helping you to develop the curiosity, creativity, vision, and resilience to be successful in a variety of organisations. You'll draw on the OBBS Golden Thread and Brookes attributes embedded within your degree, for you to be a change agent on your placement, so you drive innovation in one or more of the following areas: ethical business behaviour, inclusivity, responsible management, sustainability, digitalisation, and internationalisation. Drawing on your research skills, you'll propose evidence-based innovative solutions to your placement organisation’s challenges.

Research

Business School academics explore core issues facing contemporary societies, ranging from refugee entrepreneurship and internationalisation to sustainable tourism, security, and the changing world of work and organisations including the impact of artificial intelligence. We address questions such as:

• What characterises the interconnections of trade, transportation, and technologies?
• How do we organise for security?
• How can social media address well-being and social isolation?
• How can individuals be happier and navigate the increasingly complex world of work?

We also have an expertise in Coaching and Mentoring as well as in Diversity (such as examining pay gaps and gender and spin-outs) and we are always keen to include students into our projects where possible.

Please visit our research pages to learn more about the three research centres @ /business/research/. Being a master’s student at OBBS offers plenty of opportunities to be a part of our research culture.

Careers

The MSc International Business and Supply Chain Management will help you develop the knowledge and skills for roles that centre on managing supply chains, logistics, operations, or other functional areas of an organisation. Typical roles might revolve around:

• Supply Chain Analyst
• Procurement Manager
• Operations Manager
• Supply Chain Coordinator
• and general manager.

This may be in commercial, non-profit, or public organisations.

Many of our graduates find managerial positions at a wide range of organisations, including:

• companies producing fast-moving commercial goods
• consultancy firms
• financial institutions
• retail giants
• charities
• SMEs

Recent examples of these employers include:

• Amazon
• IBM
• Deutsche Telekom
• Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY
• Oxfam
• BASF Group
• Kautex Unipart
• Raiffeisen Bank
• Revolution Insurance
• American Business Conferences
• Consilio Global
• Or return to their family business.

Entry Requirements

Specific Entry Requirements

A minimum of a second-class honours degree (2:2) in any academic discipline, or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional or other qualification.

Applicants who possess a diploma rather than a degree may be eligible for entry provided they have compensatory work experience and can demonstrate career development.

This course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are welcome from those in work and seeking continuing professional development.

Entry will also be subject to one satisfactory reference (academic).

If you’re considering submitting an application for this course, but you have more than three years of relevant work experience, why not consider applying for our Oxford Brookes Global MBA (Master of Business Administration) course? Find out more about our MBA here.

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to satisfy the university's English language requirements:

• IELTS minimum level 6.0, (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing, and 5.5 in listening and speaking).
• If you have completed your undergraduate degree in the UK (at least one full year of study) you will automatically meet our English language requirements.

Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.

Pathways Courses for International and EU Students

We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.

Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills, and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.

If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.

English Requirements for Visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Credit Transfer

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

International Qualifications and Equivalences

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How to Apply

Application Process

Apply now

Tuition Fees

Please see the fees note

2025 / 26

2026 / 27

Home (UK) Full-time

£11,950

Home (UK) Part-time

£5,975

Home (UK) Sandwich (Placement)

£2,200

International Full-time

£18,350

International Sandwich (Placement)

£2,200

Home (UK) Full-time

£12,300

Home (UK) Part-time

£6,150

Home (UK) Sandwich (Placement)

£2,300

International Full-time

£19,600

International Sandwich (Placement)

£2,300

Questions about Fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)

Funding Your Studies

Financial Support and Scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Postgraduate Master's Loan - England

All Financial Support and Scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Programme Changes

On rare occasions, we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.

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