Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc International Business Programme

The MSc International Business programme at Aston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the global business landscape. This programme is tailored for both recent graduates and working professionals from local, national, and international backgrounds.

Programme Overview

The MSc International Business programme provides in-depth insights and understanding of the contemporary business landscape. It covers the fundamentals of international business, including international trade, foreign direct investment, multinational enterprises, and international business strategy. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, group seminars, and workshops, led by experienced academic staff who are experts in the fields of international business.

Programme Objectives

The programme objectives are to:

1. Prepare future leaders to make strategic, informed decisions in complex global environments, through acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of the global business landscape.
2. Develop graduates to analyse shifting competitive advantages and the effects of economic, political, social, and technological trends in international business.
3. Provide a learning environment that effectively blends academic study with practical insights, leveraging Aston University's industry connections and academic expertise.
4. Encourage graduates to reflect on and develop their knowledge and skills, emphasising corporate responsibility, ethical decision-making, effective governance, and sustainability.
5. Enhance research and critical-thinking skills to enable graduates to leverage data effectively in international business, empowering them to make data-driven strategic decisions that contribute to success in the global market.

Modules

The programme consists of a range of modules, including:

• International Business Strategy
• Principles of International Business
• Enterprise Trends and Opportunities
• International Corporate Governance
• International Marketing
• International Economics Environment
• The Aston Global Advantage
• Enterprise Experience
• Applied Research Methods and Skills

Dissertation Stage

In the dissertation stage, students will study the following core module:

• Independent Project

Programme Outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stages, students will be able to:

• Critically analyse and apply core theories of international business to the global business landscape to make strategic, informed decisions in complex international environments.
• Critically evaluate the impact of economic, political, social, and technological trends on international business operations and competitive strategies.
• Reflect on and explain corporate responsibility and ethical decision-making, designing initiatives that promote sustainability and governance in international business.
• Rigorously assess business opportunities, develop innovative strategies, and apply entrepreneurial principles used to launch and manage sustainable ventures in diverse markets.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, students must have:

• A 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
• Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University
• A professional reference or an academic reference if the student is a current student or recent graduate
• An official academic transcript of university grades to date
• A completed application form

Fees and Scholarships

The annual tuition fees for the programme are:

• Ł12,000 for UK students (2025/26)
• Ł23,500 for international students (2025/26) Aston University offers a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Career Prospects

The transferable skills provided by the programme mean that graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles, including management consultant, strategy consultant, recruitment director, management trainee, international manager, research analyst, marketing manager, sales manager, and entrepreneur. Graduates have gone on to work at companies such as HSBC, IBM, Unilever, Vodafone, Hertz-Bosch, PwC, KPMG, Barclays, and Tesco.