International Business Economics MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
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The primary aim of this course is to try and equip you with the practical experience, skills and knowledge to apply advanced economics principles and mathematics to support decision making – at a global, national or individual firm level.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Course code

FBLT044

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

This course will give you the chance to examine in depth critical issues in international business economics, together with the complexities of, and challenges facing, today’s world markets.

You’ll have opportunities to:

  • Focus on practical economic analysis, policy formulation and market efficiency in a real-world context.
  • Get up-to-speed with challenges facing modern businesses through a range of learning environments.
  • Develop your quantitative skills to evaluate outcomes of economic policies and interventions, and make evidence-based decisions.
  • You will have the option to apply for a ‘professional experience’ opportunity2, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects (see modules for more information).
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Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

The primary aim of this course is to try and equip you with the practical experience, skills and knowledge to apply advanced economics principles and mathematics to support decision making – at a global, national or individual firm level.

You’ll have the chance to hone your ability to practice effective decision making, which is designed to support you as you progress into your chosen future career, either as an economist or in related roles and sectors. You’ll be in a position to access valuable insight into the way institutions and business practices operate in an international context.

Throughout your studies, the course will offer you the opportunity to encounter real-life scenarios that reflect new developments in economics, the chance to learn how to use managerial economics tools to solve actual economic problems and explore the synergies between economic theory, management practice, international business and finance.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition:

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2022-23 intake. Upon successful completion of this module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

What you'll study

The course is underpinned by the study of economics – both micro and macro – as applied in business and strategic management within developed and emerging markets.

Course modules will offer opportunities to explore topics such as:

  • The ramifications of changes in the international economic environment on the growth and prosperity of specific nations.
  • The recommendation and justification for the price of a new product launch.
  • Corporate and international finance, which introduces pricing, investment and financing, together with relevant legislation and regulation.

Modules

  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the international macroeconomic environment encountered by businesses. The module will examine the economic processes of globalisation, as well as the economic basis for trade and protectionism. In addition, the module will also examine the macroeconomic objectives of governments and how the pursuit of these objectives may impact the international business environment.

    Compulsory

  • This module will enable you to apply a series of advanced economics principles and mathematics to the decision-making process within firms. The combination of the module content and its continuous application by you, allows the learning outcomes of knowledge and application of the concepts to be achieved together with a critical, analytic approach in an international setting.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to examine and critique key corporate finance issues, including financial management, risk and return, corporate financing and asset pricing, capital structure and payout policy. The module will take an international perspective and explore both theoretical models and empirical evidence.

    Compulsory

  • This module will cover some of the quantitative techniques commonly used by financial analysts, economists, accountants as well as individual investors. The aim is to give students the basic grounding in econometric methods used in the analysis of quantitative data. The module will primarily focus on the statistical techniques of estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling using economic and financial data.

    Compulsory

  • The major objectives of this module are to identify and evaluate the various business and economic sources of growth in the major emerging market economies, and to gain insights into their evolving trading and investment patterns. The module will provide in-depth, critical analysis of major contemporary issues relevant for the study of international business economics.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the European economic environment for business following the development and consolidation of the single internal market within the European Union (EU). Specific topics include the key EU policies supporting the scope for business expansion in the enlarged EU, an analysis of the specific issues in developing a pan European business strategy, and how to manage the influence of cultural diversity in Europe.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with a framework to examine the key issues in corporate governance. These include underlying corporate governance theory and associated reporting and regulation, the role of monitors and issues of independence and ethics. It will also develop your ability to critically appraise relevant academic literature and current issues and integrate and synthesise topics in order to participate in current debates and suggest potential insights for development.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to evaluate the characteristics and organisation of international financial markets, the potential uses of these markets, and the risks and returns involved.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategic and entrepreneurial way whatever the Master’s degree of specialisation you elect to follow. You will explore for example, the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, as well as the principles of entrepreneurial practice. You’ll learn to understand the different contexts in which entrepreneurship can flourish and the characteristics of entrepreneurial leadership within different types of organisational scenarios.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will carry out a substantive piece of individual research into a business or financial management issue. 

    You will be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed during the course.

    Compulsory

Professional experience

The professional experience opportunity2 enables you the opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in semester 1, which, upon successfully securing an opportunity, will extend the duration of your master’s to either 16, 20 or 24 months. The professional experience provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability. 

Professional experience may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the professional experience option.

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.

How you'll learn

Teaching methods include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Group projects
  • Workshops

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.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. 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. Request further information about part-time study.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 14 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual Assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a good honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline, such as finance, accounting or economics. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director. For information regarding specific requirements, please fill in our request information form.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Applicants should hold a good honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline, such as finance, accounting or economics. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director. We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £15,400 | £21,250 (with prof. experience) per year Request fee information
International £20,050 | £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year Not available

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • e.g. Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip2.
  • e.g. Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)2

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, you will need to pay a fee of £4000.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

We have a range of facilities4 available to support you in putting the theories you are taught, into practice such as:

Lecture talking to student in the trading floor

Trading Floor

Students have opportunities to practice simulated trading and other finance-related activities using the various types of demo software available in the Trading Floor.

Sigma Centre

Sigma Centre

The Sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course:

You will have knowledge of:

  • The concepts and theories in economics and international trade, and their application to real-world situations.
  • Financing arrangements, strategies and governance structures of business, voluntary and governmental organisations. 
  • Mathematical and econometric techniques for economic analysis.
  • The complex operation and function of markets in different regulatory settings.
  • The contemporary and controversial issues in economics and business in emerging markets.

You should be able to:

  • Use diagnostic and decision-making skills in dealing with economic and international business problems.
  • Select and apply modelling and quantitative techniques in economic policy and international business contexts. 
  • Search for relevant data and information sources, manage gathered data and use it to systematically and creatively comprehend, analyse and synthesise complex issues.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and originality in approaching, tackling and finding solutions to economic and analytical problems, and identifying relevant data and information patterns.
  • Critically assess and evaluate the conceptual and theoretical frameworks in economics and international business, as well as challenge their assumptions.
  • Exercise judgement in the selection of different theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches to analyse issues and problems in real-world economic contexts. 
  • Find, extract, manipulate, analyse and interpret economic data from various sources and develop reasoned conclusions.
  • Critically assess, compare and contrast the economic environment and policy outcomes in national and international contexts.

This course aims to produce highly employable graduates: through the specialist knowledge, technical, analytical and transferrable skills you should have been able to develop during the course, coupled with the opportunity to align your final semester project to match specific career aspirations, you should be well informed to face the challenges of managers working in international financial and business markets, in the 21st century.

You could find yourself working as an economist, analyst or consultant for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as the World Bank or International Monetary Fund (IMF), private companies or public sector organisations. Typical roles include becoming a financial analyst, bond trader, policy analyst, bank examiner, research analyst, actuary or market research consultant.

Alternatively, if you wish to pursue research at PhD level, it can provide an excellent stepping stone into a research career.

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. 

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work at the Bank of Botswana, the Bank of China, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh.  

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.

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