Course description

• Focus on applied analysis in economics, strategy, law, finance, marketing and human resources– all with a global perspective
• Network with regional experts and international business leaders who provide guest lectures, consultancy projects, case studies and professional mentoring
• Enhance your CV and boost your employability with our unique Futures Award in Leadership in International Business
• Use real-world data from Bloomberg to add substance to your research into companies and markets across the globe
• You could also study MSc International Business and Finance, MSc International Business and Marketing or MSc International Business and HRM

Crucial knowledge for today’s business world

As a driving force for economic growth, globalisation has opened up exciting career prospects for high-calibre, forward-thinking and confident business professionals. We’ve designed this MSc International Business to help you make the most of the opportunities ahead.

We will help you develop a thorough understanding of the economic, financial, legal and cultural factors facing international business. Our course brings together disciplines such as international business strategy, management and marketing, international economics and international trade legislation.

Drawing on real-world case studies, you’ll hone your skills in quantitative analysis and applied research as you explore all aspects of business operations in an international context.

High-profile partnerships

Throughout the MSc International Business course you will meet industry experts from our thriving network of professional and business leaders. We collaborate directly with prestigious names such as Lloyds Bank Corporate, London; the Bank of England Midlands Office; HSBC Nottingham; Eversheds; Price Waterhouse Cooper; PKF Cooper Parry; Smiths of Derby; GI Insight, Leicester; and Kitchencraft. Many contribute to our MSc programme with thought-provoking guest lectures.

You will gain fresh insights through company visits, such as behind-the-scenes tours of the iPro Stadium, Derby Arena, Crown Derby and high performance engineering company epm:technology. You can also extend your contacts through networking at Institute of Directors workshops, company taster days and events held by the University’s own Network of Entrepreneurs.

Professional mentoring for career success

As you chart your career direction, you’ll have the opportunity to receive mentoring from influential business figures. Our mentors range from international trade advisors and banking specialists to senior managers from our partner companies – all are happy to share their experiences and insights with you.

Career development planning is an integral part of this course. Every student benefits from the support and advice of a personal tutor who is part of the programme team. You’ll also have access to our first class professional career service even after you’ve graduated.

Broaden your skills – and your horizons

We’re committed to delivering a stimulating learning experience which will help you build an impressive portfolio of transferable skills.

You will gain vital experience in using the Bloomberg database, an outstanding global business resource providing financial and company information, economic data and market analysis. Harnessed by companies worldwide, it is used extensively in our teaching and for student research and assessments. As part of your studies, you will be able to gain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate.

You are encouraged to take part in competitions such as the IBM University Business Challenge and the University Trading Challenge. You can contribute to specialist projects in the region: recent examples include an economic impact study of the Buxton Festival and the Derby Low Carbon Initiative. You could even publish your research in the College of Business monthly Economic Bulletin which is circulated throughout the region and in our academic journal, Critical Perspectives on Business Management.

Pursue your specialist interests

The culmination of the MSc International Business is your Independent Study where you select a theme which reflects your interests in international business and your career ambitions. This is your chance to gain in-depth research and critical thinking skills which will serve you well in your future career.

The range of topics covered is vast. Among recent examples, our students have investigated knowledge transfer in the South African hotel sector, consumer complaint behaviour in Chinese online shopping, leadership challenges in SMEs in the UK and USA, foreign market analysis for Spanish exporters, and social media in the beauty industry.

An extra award for your CV

In addition, you can work towards a special award which recognises your leadership abilities and enhanced consultancy skills. As part of the Futures Award in Leadership in International Business, you will undertake extra-curricular activities which strengthen your development as a business professional, including business consultancy work, volunteering, fundraising activities and networking opportunities.

Our Futures Award participants have had the chance to hear from regional industry leaders such as Mel Morris, Chairman of Derby County FC and an initial investor in King Digital Entertainment, the company behind the computer game sensation Candy Crush

How you will learn

We use a diverse range of teaching and learning methods to provide a motivating study experience. At each level we provide support to help you develop your academic and applied skills and to promote your personal development.

The MSc International Business course entails a combination of campus teaching with study support materials online and access to an extensive range of online journals through our library facilities. You’ll be inspired by a mix of lectures, group work, discussions, workshops, case studies, practical analysis and personal networking. We offer specific guidance on study texts, journals and online study materials.

How you're assessed

We use a wide range of coursework assessment methods, many designed to enhance your transferable skills. You may be developing strategy documents and international business analysis reports, creating presentations and videos, or evaluating information from Bloomberg on international markets and organisations. You may be working alone or as part of a team.

Assessments can also involve essays, building a portfolio of relevant work or computer-based assignments and you may be marked on elements of reflective practice. Some options may have a formal examination.

Who you will meet

You will be taught by an enthusiastic team who are experienced in all aspects of international business and whose research will enrich your learning. They are supported by industry experts, including our Visiting Professor of Banking, Professor Trevor Williams who is Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank PLC.

Key members of our teaching team include:

Dr Eugene Michaels - Eugene leads our suite of MSc International Business programmes. He is accredited with the Higher Education Academy and his focus is on encouraging students to apply economic reasoning and critical thinking. His academic interests are centred on behavioural economics and their implications for personal financial wellbeing (particularly pensions) and the application of behavioural insights to macroeconomic and business policymaking. He is the co-author of the College of Business monthly Economic Bulletin.

Melanie Powell - Melanie, who is Programme Leader for our MSc International Business and Finance and our MSc International Business and HRM, is widely published, joint author of a leading European Economics textbook and accredited at a high level with the Higher Education Academy. Her research focuses on applied economics, behavioural economics and financial market behaviour. As a teacher, she is committed to giving students a new way of looking at the world which nurtures their confidence, decision-making skills and a lifelong fascination with economics. She is the co-author of the College of Business monthly Economic Bulletin.

Dr Nicola Lynch - An applied economist who researches on public policy issues, Nicola leads a number of postgraduate modules and acts as a personal tutor for our MSc students. She is dedicated to providing a learning environment where students can develop academically and personally