International Business MSc

Overview

It will allow you to respond to the growing internationalisation of business and management practice.

You'll focus on the skills and knowledge needed in today's global business environment.

The opportunities and challenges facing international businesses are increasingly complex. Greater mobility and the globalisation of populations create new market opportunities and product possibilities.

Businesses want responsible managers who can:

• work across cultures
• capitalise on opportunities presented by a dynamic and evolving business landscape

The course combines subject-specific and practice-focused modules with an individual project.

You'll:

• develop your knowledge and experience of thinking and working as an international manager
• gain a rich introduction to the complexity of globalisation and cultural difference
• develop effective international strategies and approaches to managing change
• cultivate a greater understanding of contemporary business issues

You'll enhance your management toolkit through:

• our links with industry
• the employability strategy running throughout your Master's
• engagement with international collaboration and exchange opportunities

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation review and recognition of professional qualifications in Europe

Professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by professional bodies to ensure they meet the latest industry practices and regulatory standards. This keeps your degree rigorous, relevant, and highly valued by employers, providing a clear pathway into your chosen career.

If you are studying an accredited degree and considering a career in Europe after graduation, it is important to stay informed about international standards. The best resource for current information is the UK Government's guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states.

This official resource provides essential details on:

• whether your profession is regulated in another country.
• the specific steps you need to take to practice abroad.
• which organisations you should contact to begin the process.

What you'll learn

You'll develop your knowledge and experience by working and thinking as an international manager does. You'll also gain an introduction to the complexity of globalisation and cultural differences.

You'll progress to:

• develop effective international strategies
• manage change
• cultivate a greater understanding of contemporary business issues

Modules

The module information on our course pages is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

International Business MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Managing Across Cultures	10
Research Methods for International Business	10
International Management Practitioner	20
Strategic Business Analysis and Decision-Making	10
Financial Analysis and Markets	10
The International Business Environment	20
International Business Strategy	20
International Business Programme Community	0

Optional Modules	Credits
International Marketing	10
Global Perspectives on Human Resource Management	10
International Entrepreneurship	10
Current Issues in International Business and Management	10
Managing Change in Organisations	10
Data Analytics for Managers	10
Managing Organisations and People	10
Role of Business in Society - Issues and Challenges	10
Research-based Dissertation for International Business	50
Practice-based Dissertation in International Business	50
Introduction to Sustainability Management	10
Applied Research Project	50
Postgraduate International Experience	10
The Moral Limits of the Market: Public Policy Projects	10

Semester of Exchange

If you successfully pass all taught elements of the course, you may be eligible to take part in a semester of study abroad at one of the Business School's exchange partner institutions.

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

This course is modular, comprising 180 credits. Complementing the core and compulsory modules (90 credits), you will choose 30 credits of optional modules from a set of choices linked to international business.

You will be taught using a range of methods, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• workshop sessions
• group work

Our links to industry allow you to cultivate a greater understanding of contemporary business issues.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral presentation
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Additional assessment information

Choose your capstone/dissertation module:

• a research-based dissertation that allows you to investigate an international business-related topic
• a practice-based project working with a company known to the Business School
• an applied research project that allows you to analyse an international business of your own choice

Our staff

View profiles of the module leaders for this course:

• Dr Johannes Schmalisch (Degree Programme Director)
• Dr Mayank Sewak (Deputy DPD)
• Dr Susan Addison
• Dr Kristina Humonen
• Dr Amy Nguyen
• Professor Andrea Whittle
• Professor Susan Kirk
• Dr Patricia Prado
• Dr Sawlat Zaman
• Dr Mingchu Wang
• Dr Rany Salvoldi

 

Your development

Professional development

You'll develop your management toolkit to support your professional transformation. Upon graduation, you'll be able to manage and lead with practical skills development.

Our links to industry mean that we also have an employability strategy running throughout the course. You'll have the opportunity for international collaboration/exchange, enhancing your toolkit.

You'll experience the challenges of managerial decision-making through:

• case studies
• business projects
• visiting professionals

Research skills

You will develop a range of research skills over the course of the programme. These will allow you to develop critical insights for businesses and other organisations.

The Research Methods module provides the foundation for conducting your own Master's-level research. Other modules, such as International Business Strategy, will introduce you to various databases. They will challenge you to undertake your own analysis of real-world cases.

You will build on these skills with a major research project. You will undertake this for your chosen capstone or dissertation module. You will take on the role of a researcher, an analyst or advisor to a client company. It will require you to deliver research-based insights and recommendations.

Practical skills

You will gain many practical skills throughout the programme.

The International Management Practitioner module provides a clear pedagogic framework. It introduces a range of practical skills and challenges you to reflect on your experiences to realise your potential. You will develop important skills for your future career, such as:

• project management
• team working
• client communication

You'll also compete in our international business strategy simulation as part of a team . You'll put all of your new skills to the test by running an international business

Pre-Master’s and English Language courses

Need an alternative route to study this course? Our International Study Centre offers Pre-Master’s degrees and English language courses to prepare you for study. 

Explore these courses

 

Your future

Graduate destinations

Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles including:

• international account manager
• managing director
• business development manager
• relationship manager
• human resource manager
• personnel office manager
• investment analyst
• business intelligence analyst
• import and export specialist
• management consultant
• project analyst

Careers

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers with employers, such as:

• Hewlett-Packard
• EY
• Walmart Global Sourcing
• Volkswagen
• PwC
• Grundfos
• P&G
• China National Petroleum Corporation
• Kingsway Group
• Ingman Capital Partners Ltd
• People's Insurance Company of China
• Boston Consulting Group
• Virgin Money
• Caterpillar
• Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd

Careers support

Career development and employability are woven throughout our teaching, learning and student experience.

The School has dedicated employability support and career spaces to support you on your career journey, both during your studies and for up to three years after graduation.

Find out more about our employability offer

Business School students get access to both the wider University careers service and exclusive Business School events and resources for students. This means you'll have access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance your employability, including:

• one-to-one career support
• industry-specific career events
• online career learning tools
• career planning and information sessions
• an annual careers week, where careers activity takes place during reading week, where there is a gap in teaching
• networking opportunities
• specialist careers and business start-up support from the University's Careers Service and the Business School's career consultants
• the chance to apply for various work experience opportunities while studying with us

We're also one of 140 business schools worldwide to be accredited by the EQUIS scheme for our managerial and entrepreneurial skills development.

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.

You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.

We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 4,000 students from over 85 countries. This valuable community extends beyond our current students to include:

• regional, national and international leaders
• over 37,000 alumni in our network, spanning 152 countries
• leading professional and academics who are experts in their field
• businesses and partners in academe

The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix -  a landmark 24 acre hybrid city quarter. It brings together researchers, business and communities with the purpose of helping families, communities and cities around the world live healthier, longer, smarter, and easier lives.

We have two buildings – the Business School and the Frederick Douglass Centre. Both offer a range of purpose-build facilities, including.

• computer clusters housing over 120 PCs, plus open IT spaces for laptops
• seven large lecture theatres, plus a 750-seat auditorium – the largest in the University
• 25 seminar and teaching spaces, many with flexible furniture to accommodate learning
• a dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a mix of space for group work, individual study, or quiet study
• study pods, some with wall mounted screens, and bookable rooms for working in groups or individually
• a contemporary café, refurbished in 2025
• two dedicated hubs for employability support and events
• a Bloomberg lab with over 20 terminals, so you can experience a real trading room floor
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
• a flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city and St. James’ Park, which doubles up as a large flexible teaching space

Accessibility

The Business School values individual differences and the diversity this brings. Our buildings are accessible and user friendly. We have a range of adjustments that can support you when moving around our buildings, such as lifts and accessible toilets. We also have gender-neutral toilets in the FDC.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2027 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

How to apply

Open days and events

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Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events