Overview
Developed for those with a business related degree seeking a managerial career, this specialist course aims to develop your strategic outlook, and provide you with the opportunity to increase your knowledge and understanding of business and management within an international context.
The phenomenon of globalisation can no longer be ignored by any company, whatever their size and scope, yet many firms face challenges capitalising on the opportunities available in an increasingly interconnected world. By recognising that some traditional business tools and techniques are now outdated as a result of this fast pace of change, we’ll allow you to explore new and innovative approaches to strategy, organisation, operations and finance, and how to apply them to international contexts.
Coventry Business School was ranked as ‘excellent’ in 2019 by Eduniversal, a ranking of business schools in over 150 countries, with expertise in delivering leadership programmes, having won recent contracts with public and private sector firms, including the Cabinet Office, to develop their current and future leaders. Through guest speakers, industry visits, case studies and internship opportunities, we seek to give you real-world business experiences and bring you up-to-speed with the issues and challenges facing modern businesses (note that opportunities are subject to availability, application processes, meeting visa requirements, and additional fees may apply).
Professional experience option
This master's programme provides you with the additional option to apply for a professional experience opportunity during your first semester with us. The professional experience opportunity is designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects.
Please note that the optional professional experience modules incur an additional tuition fee, which for 1 semester of professional experience is £1,333.33, for 2 semesters of professional experience is £2,666.67, and for 3 semesters of professional experience is £4,000.
Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed, and while you will be responsible for sourcing any opportunity, you will have the support of our Talent Team in doing so. This is subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply. Find out more about the professional experience option or use our enquiry forms for UK and for EU/International students to ask any questions.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Chartered Management Institute
The course currently includes the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)* accredited module, Global Professional Development - Consultancy. Students who successfully complete the CMI module and meet the CMI evidence requirements will also gain a Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management and a Level 7 Award in Professional Consulting. This will enable you to apply for Chartered Manager status via the qualified route, once all CMI entry criteria have been met (please visit the CMI website for full details on the criteria to qualify as a Chartered Manager and applicable fees).
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules, but is frequently reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these modules, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries. Coventry Business School is recognised by the above memberships for the 2021/22 intake. There is currently no intention for this membership to lapse however if this membership were not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining high standards of teaching and research. There is currently no intention for this membership to lapse however if this membership were not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
What our alumni say
The subjects on this course were great. The course tutor has a 21st century mind set; hence the subjects that we studied were right for the current and future business environment.
Course information
Combining theory and practice, this course aims to provide a thorough grounding in advanved international business management in an ever-changing global economy.
Designed for students with an undergraduate business degree, or for professionals currently working as managers, this course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge to potentially become a flexible, effective manager who can spot market opportunities and drive forward businesses to success in the international arena, upon successful completion.
Through the use of guest speakers (subject to availability), real case studies and industry visits and fieldtrips (subject to availability, application, meeting visa requirements, and additional fees may apply), we provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the external forces which affect business decisions, including but not limited to the influence of external/or market factors such as fall or rise of oil prices or interest rates. We’ll discuss some of the biggest challenges and issues businesses now face, such as market uncertainties, the management of human resources across markets, doing business in emerging regions, and overseeing complex global supply chains.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
Successful business managers are considered to be able to think strategically, communicate effectively and implement complex business projects – from new product development and managing global supply chains to mergers and acquisitions. This dynamic course focuses on these essential skills and is designed to prepare you for potential leadership and management roles within international businesses, upon successful completion. It is one of two postgraduate courses within Coventry Business School focused on international business, alongside International Business Management MSc, which has been designed as a more general course which could be relevant for non-business graduates.
Through core modules, we will focus on trying to build essential management skills, such as international leadership and management; international trade management; global markets and entry strategies; and marketing within an international perspective. Using business simulations, we aim to help you develop the analytical skills needed to drive business and organisations forward today. For example, you may find yourself working on real life projects for businesses in and around Coventry (subject to availability).
We pay particular attention on trying to develop your communication skills; vital in any business context, communication is even more important and more complex when you add an international dimension. Students have the opportunity to engage in practical sessions and work on real life case studies in workshops, which is designed to highlight the need to take into account organisational and national culture, practical barriers of different time zones or geographically dispersed teams. .
A multicultural learning experience is expected, as you’ll be studying alongside staff and students from a range of nationalities, with over half of Coventry Business School’s students coming from outside of the UK in 2018/19. Currently, the course is taught by staff with significant experience of the business world, who have worked as directors and consultants for many large multinational companies not only in the United Kingdom but also abroad.
Your teaching will be research-informed by staff with a reputation for research in the areas of international business and management, global supply chain and logistics, business process integration, internationalisation of SMEs, change management and many more. Please note that staff are subject to change.
- Innovative, interactive teaching featuring business simulations and software providing the opportunity to gain practical insights into business problems and IT solutions.
- Access to the Talent Team, a dedicated service for those students seeking placements and employment, with employability staff with knowledge of management and associated careers.
- Coventry Business School was rated ‘excellent’ by Eduniversal in 2019, and we are currently members of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), as well as being signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME) initiative, which evidences our conviction that integrating these values into our courses can contribute to a more sustainable global economy.
- Field trips to multinational organisations within a range of sectors and industries (subject to availability, application, meeting visa requirements, and additional costs may apply). Previous visits have included a visit to Jaguar Land Rover and Manchester United in the UK as well as visits to New York in the United States; Berlin in Germany; and Paris in France, among others.
- Opportunity to study in Coventry Business School’s Business Simulation Suite, which is designed to allow you to get to grips with the latest business simulation software in a purpose-built environment (subject to availability).
- Opportunity to gain hands-on experience of market-leading software packages including: GMMSO (Global Marketing Management System Online) and EIMSO (Export Import Management System Online) .
- Chance to benefit from research informed teaching, produced through our related research centres, the Centre for Business in Society and the Centre for Financial and Corporate Integrity.
- Hear guest speakers drawn from international business (subject to availability) share their knowledge and experiences. Guest speakers programme has also drawn in prominent speakers from the field of international business in recent times to share their knowledge and experiences with students. Guest speakers programme has also drawn in prominent speakers from the field of international business in recent times to share their knowledge and experiences with students.
Hear guest speakers drawn from international business (subject to availability) share their knowledge and experiences. Guest speakers programme has also drawn in prominent speakers from the field of international business in recent times to share their knowledge and experiences with students. Guest speakers programme has also drawn in prominent speakers from the field of international business in recent times to share their knowledge and experiences with students.
The main study themes of this course are:
- Professional development – this course should give you the opportunity to prepare and develop skills needed to launch a career in business and management, in either the public or private sector, upon successful completion.
- Strategic management - this will introduce you to the key issues, theories and debates in international leadership and management. We will consider and debate the differences between leadership and management and will study a range of different perspectives which aims to give a critical understanding of the theory and practice of leadership and management.
- Critical issues in global business - we will introduce you to the world of international business particularly in emerging markets. While focusing on the nature of the business environment in specific emerging regions, this theme aims to highlight the importance of global business issues like ethics, sustainable practices, government business linkages, the role of transnationals from advanced economies in emerging markets, and resource driven economic growth in emerging regions. You will be exposed to contemporary issues such as doing business globally, the role of governments, formal and informal networks and the effects of geopolitics on the business environment.
- Building practical management skills – through the use of business simulations and appropriate software, the course gives you the opportunity to explore how to apply theory and learning to practical situations, which gives you the chance to gain critical skills to assess the functions and processes that drive businesses.
- Communication skills – successful managers should be able to communicate effectively, and this course seeks to develop your communications skills in a variety of forms, through written submissions and individual and group presentations, and to also allow you to explore communications in an international context.
- Key business functions – the course gives the opportunity to understand a variety of business functions, providing you with the chance to gain a grounding in areas such as marketing, human resources and supply chain management.
- Advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods – through the Postgraduate Business Project module, this provides a students with the opportunity to explore and learn key research skills.
This course can be offered on a part-time basis, with study over two years. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. You can make an enquiry about part-time study using our online forms, for UK and for EU/International students.
As well as traditional teaching and learning methods, such as lectures, workshops and seminars, which may be delivered through a combination of face-to-face teaching and online classes and tutorials, specific subjects adopt a mix of experimental approaches to try to facilitate richer deeper learning. For example, you will be exposed to real-life case studies with recent examples, which should help you to understand how to apply theory to the realities of international business. For example, in the “Global markets and entry strategies” and “International trade management” modules, you will have the opportunity to make use of the GMMSO and EIMSO software platforms to produce international business plans (subject to availability).
Many of our current teaching staff are research active and will disseminate up-to-date developments in their fields, fostering debate and discussion. For example, recent cohorts have had the opportunity to make use of lecturers’ research outputs in their seminar discussions and drawn case studies for use in their workshops from research outputs of staff on the programme. You will also have the opportunity to conduct your own supervised research as part of the Postgraduate Business Project – past students have examined various international business topics from such themes as strategic management, trade management, internationalisation and business process integrations approaches to mention but a few. Please note staff are subject to change.
Please also note that due to the ongoing situation around COVID-19 restrictions, some teaching spaces may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use. Please refer to the University’s webpages regarding our response to Covid-19, for UK students and for International students.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include the Postgraduate Business Project, individual and group reports, individual and group presentations, formal examinations, portfolios, individual video presentations, and practical coursework.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Understand and critically evaluate the complexities of working internationally across geographical boundaries and multicultural environments.
- Systematically analyse and critically evaluate sources of data and information to produce international business research based on evidence.
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the functional components of an international business.
- Communicate effectively with key stakeholders in organisations, colleagues and clients, using different formats and media, to a professional audience.
- Critically assess complex and uncertain international business environments through the consideration of ethical dilemmas and global sustainability
We set out below the typical teaching contact hours that you will receive on this course. In addition to the contact hours below, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions, such as guest lectures (subject to availability), or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
Within your first and second semester, you should have around 14 contact hours of teaching a week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
A strong emphasis is placed on the Postgraduate Business Project module in your final semester and therefore total teaching contact hours may be reduced.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities etc.
We organise a number of national and international field visits, which have in the past included trips to Paris, Berlin and New York to visit such institutions as UNESCO and other multinational enterprises to tour their facilities and have the opportunity to learn about their operations.
We organise a number of national and international field visits, which have in the past included trips to Paris, Berlin and New York to visit such institutions as UNESCO and other multinational enterprises to tour their facilities and learn about their operations (*field trips are subject to availability, application, meeting visa requirements, and additional fees apply.)
You will also have the chance to collaborate with students from other international universities on online international learning projects (subject to availability). In the past, our previous students have undertaken projects with partners in countries such as Tanzania*.
You may also be able to learn direct from international business leaders from across the world, who are invited as guest lecturers on modules to share their knowledge and experience through video conference calls (subject to availability).
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any overseas opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our alumni say
The subjects on this course were great. The course tutor has a 21st century mind set; hence the subjects that we studied were right for the current and future business environment.
Entry Requirements
What our alumni say
The subjects on this course were great. The course tutor has a 21st century mind set; hence the subjects that we studied were right for the current and future business environment.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our alumni say
The subjects on this course were great. The course tutor has a 21st century mind set; hence the subjects that we studied were right for the current and future business environment.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Upon successful completion, the course can enable you to become a specialist in international business, equipped for a wide range of business and management careers in multinational organisations, management consultancies, government organisations or management education and training.
We aim to develop your capabilities in strategic thinking, effective communication and research, all directly relevant to employers and considered of great value when seeking future employment. The course should provide the opportunity to develop a strategic outlook in a global context and to hone business skills developed in one’s earlier academic studies. All of this has the major objective of facilitating a successful career in management, in either the public or private sector upon successful completion of the course.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Global Leaders Programme
To prepare students for the challenges of the global employment market and to strengthen and develop their broader personal and professional skills Coventry University has developed a Global Leaders Programme.
The objectives of the programme, in which postgraduate and eligible undergraduate students can participate, is to provide practical career workshops and enable participants to experience different business cultures. Application and fees apply.
Further details on the Global Leaders Programme.
Where our graduates work
Many of our graduates have found employment positions within generalist HR, general management, specialist pay and reward, people development and employee relations roles.
What our alumni say
The subjects on this course were great. The course tutor has a 21st century mind set; hence the subjects that we studied were right for the current and future business environment.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
