International Business Economics MSc

Postgraduate

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Develop advanced economics expertise and practical skills for impactful decision-making across government, private enterprise and the third sector, with an in-depth focus on global management, trade, sustainability and ethics.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CBLT008

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

Do you want to learn and apply skills that will help you thrive in strategic roles in multinational firms, government and international organisations? If yes, then our International Business Economics MSc course is for you.

International trade and economic policy: gain insights into trade theories and policy analysis, shaping understanding of global business impacts.
Economics practices in business strategy: learn to apply economics and management principles to drive value creation and competitive advantage.
Governance and sustainability: explore global regulations, ethical frameworks, and corporate governance for sustainable business practices.
Data analysis: develop econometric skills essential for data-driven decision-making in economics, finance and business strategy.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 11th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Develop a deep understanding of international business markets with a curriculum focused on real-world economics principles.
Learn from professionals with years of industry experience and research-engagement.
Leverage opportunities to connect with international business and economics practitioners².
Explore case studies on how businesses and governments contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable economic practices.
Access advanced learning facilities with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Bloomberg Trading Floor and the EconLab⁴.
There will be opportunities for you to obtain Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) certifications at no additional cost.

What you'll study

Learn microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, and their application in business strategy and management in global markets. Use analytical frameworks for informed decision-making, effective risk management and the identification of competitive advantages.

Modules

Economic Practices in Business Strategy – 30 credits

This module examines how economic principles shape business strategy and management. Integrating theory with key management concepts, it provides insights into how businesses create value, build competitive advantage, and navigate complex market environments. Through case studies and real-world examples, you will be able to apply economic analysis to decision-making and strategic planning, gaining the skills needed to navigate diverse and evolving global contexts.

Compulsory

Data Analysis and Research Methods – 30 credits

The module aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake independent research. It will cover key quantitative techniques commonly used by economists, financial analysts, accountants and investors to give you a grounding in fundamental econometric methods for data analysis.

Using global economic and financial data, the module explores statistical techniques of descriptive analysis, estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and interpretation of quantitative results for economic and financial decision-making. You will formulate fitting research objectives and select appropriate methodologies to develop your competence in designing and evaluating successful qualitative and quantitative research projects.

Compulsory

Corporate Finance and Risk Management – 30 credits

The module facilitates a critical examination of pivotal issues in the global corporate finance landscape. From finance, accounting and economic perspectives, you will explore the relevance of issues such as financial management, asset pricing, capital structure and pay-out policies. The module highlights the implications of risk exposure and management in dynamic political, economic, financial, operational and regulatory environments.

Compulsory

Governance, Ethics and Sustainability – 30 credits

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the critical issues concerning sustainability, ethics and governance for the global financial and economic landscape. You will examine the influence of national and global regulations, corporate governance frameworks and ethical principles that drive sustainable and responsible business practices. You will critically analyse the prevailing corporate governance norms, the allocation of decision-making powers, and their implications for businesses, economies, financial markets and society.

Module content is designed to teach you the importance of balancing the needs of shareholders with the needs of society. It will use the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to help you become a responsible leader who considers the ethical, social, and environmental impact of your decisions.

Compulsory

International Trade and Economic Policy – 30 credits

This module provides you with a deep understanding of international trade theories and global economic policies. You will explore trade policy tools, such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies, and examine the complexities of economic integration and globalisation, and international capital flows. The module focuses on critical analysis and evaluation of global economic policy, preparing you to navigate and shape the global business environment effectively.

Compulsory

Postgraduate Project – 30 credits

Apply knowledge and insights from across the course to develop into independent and ethical researchers. You will conduct a substantive research project related to your choice of topics in economics or finance to evidence intellectual, technical and analytical skills.

You will receive personalised support and guidance from a dedicated supervisor and benefit from critical discussions and cross-fertilisation in group supervision sessions.

Compulsory

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 and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

reports
tests
essays
exams
practical coursework
assignments
viva
presentations
practical laboratory sessions.

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.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above in any discipline.

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

An honours degree 2:2 or above in any discipline.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. For information regarding specific requirements, please fill in our request information form.

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.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £15,400 \| £19,400 (with prof. experience)	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £15,400 \| £19,400 (with prof. experience) per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and 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.

Tuition fees 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.

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

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

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

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 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

The Trading Floor allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals and LSEG Workspace, the facility adds a dynamic practical element to your course.

Our Digital Economics lab (EconLab) is designed to model decision-making, market dynamics and policy impacts to teach core principles such as resource allocation, opportunity cost, and cooperation. It houses economics games which are used in education, research and policy testing, and provides you with specialist econometrics support.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months after you graduate. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Successful graduates may seek positions such as Economic Consultant, Economic Adviser, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Development Economist, Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Industrial Economist, Business Development Manager, Risk Analyst, International Management Analyst, International Economics or Global Supply Chain Manager.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

critically examine in-depth concepts and theories of economics, business and finance, and their application to real-world situations.
demonstrate the ability to critically explore the synergies between economics, international business and finance concerning relevant theory and practice.
demonstrate a critical awareness of the role and responsibility of effective corporate governance, ethical responsibility, professional accountability, civic contribution, sustainability and risk management.
select, apply and evaluate different methods and approaches to analysing complex economics and international business issues.
apply essential skills in data analysis for data-driven decision-making in an international business context.
critically demonstrate the ability to search for relevant literature, data and qualitative information to comprehend complex issues both systematically and creatively and demonstrate the ability to make informed judgements in the absence of complete data.
communicate effectively ideas and arguments in written and oral form to specialist and non-specialist audiences in an international context.
demonstrate the ability to use sophisticated computerised techniques including statistical and market analysis software.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

If this course has a part-time option, you can apply here.

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any 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 UK (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

Student Contract

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 current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.