International Business Management MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
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This master’s level course aims to prepare you for managerial roles across the emerging global borderless economy. The course offers you the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of international business challenges, together with the skills and expertise required to negotiate them successfully.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years, with professional experience

Course code

FBLT157

Start date

September 2023
January 2024
May 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Ask a question

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

Combining theory and practice, this course aims to provide you with a thorough grounding in international business management in a changeable global economy.

Combining theory and practice, this course aims to provide you with a thorough grounding in international business management in a changeable global economy.

The course also aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a flexible, effective manager who can spot market opportunities and drive businesses forward, to success in the international arena.

The course will examine the structure of modern organisations and how the behaviour of people influences organisational performance, as well as further exploration of the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services.

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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

This course has been designed to:

  • Create business professionals, who understand the functions and processes that drive businesses and organisations forward and the broad context in which they operate
  • Help you appreciate the dynamic nature of international business
  • Develop your understanding and response to new global business trends, and lead change successfully
  • Adopt a broad multidisciplinary approach that covers management and organisational theory, operational requirements, and marketing and human resources influences on management
  • Ensure you gain a solid understanding of the global trade environment and the complexities of global business issues.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is accredited1 by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited1 by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2023-24 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. Further details can be found under the modules and on the  Professional Development module web page.

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.

Memberships

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.

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 world-class standards of teaching and research.

What you'll study

During the course, you’ll have the chance to develop your understanding of the main features and dynamics of the contemporary business environment, alongside the key ethical, operational, financial and marketing issues facing senior business figures.

Modules

  • This module seeks to equip you with the knowledge and skills to develop a critical appreciation of marketing practices in a global environment. You’ll explore topics such as environmental analysis, marketing mixes, consumer behaviour, market research, segmentation and positioning in international contexts.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces you to the processes of economic globalisation and explores how these dynamics shape the contemporary global business environment.

    Compulsory

  • The module introduces you to the main concepts of strategic management, the set of decisions and actions made to create and implement plans and strategies in order to realise the organisation’s objectives. 

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to develop your ability to interpret and use financial information within the strategic framework of a business.

    Compulsory

  • This module extensively utilises online teaching software(s) and databases4. The software used helps in allowing you to conduct a situation analysis of a company, to identify global market opportunities, identify high potential countries for a company’s selected products or services, and to select the best target markets.

    Compulsory

  • The module will explore supply chain networks and the importance of supply chain management in a global context. The module will introduce the core concepts and theories that are required for the successful management of extended global supply chain and logistics functions.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on Business Analytics and Intelligence (BAI) – an IT approach to data analysis and visualisation to support a wide variety of management tasks, from performance evaluation to trend- spotting and policy-making.

    Compulsory

  • This module gives you an introduction to the key issues, theories and debates in international leadership. You’ll consider and debate the differences between leadership and management and have the chance to study a range of different perspectives, to give a critical understanding of the theory and practice of leadership and management.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is for you to critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that can be found in a variety of organisations and professional contexts. The module will normally involve you working with other students, across disciplines and/or from a range of workplace settings, to facilitate an appreciation of how different sectors solve internal issues and how different sectors can learn, adopt or adapt solutions from other fields.

    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

With professional experience option

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.

Please note that the optional professional experience modules incur an additional tuition fee3, for which 1 semester of professional experience is £1,333.33, for 2 semesters of professional experience is £2666.67, and for 3 semesters of professional experience is £4,000.

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 ourTalent Teamin 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

This course aims to offer a variety of teaching and learning methods to keep your experience dynamic and varied.

Teaching methods may include:

  • Lectures with associated seminars
  • Workshops, incorporating case studies, problem-centred learning, practical exercises, surgeries, the use of electronic business resources and databases and ICT packages4.
  • Business simulations and interactive projects with collaborators around the world2.

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

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars, and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, it is likely to be around 14 contact hours per week. 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.

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 COVID-19, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 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.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline. 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.

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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.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

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.

Typical entry requirements

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline. Applications from candidates with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. 

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

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £15,400 | £19,400 (with prof. experience)   Request fee information
International £20,050 | £24,050 (with prof. experience)   Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 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.

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:

  • This course may incur additional costs associated with any professional experience (up to £4000 for 3 semesters)2, which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.

  • 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

Our facilities and technology aim to replicate what you would expect in real-world business environments4. 

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Business Simulation Suite

You can use the Business Simulation Suite on specific courses. It aims to provide you with some of the hands-on skills needed to succeed and stand out in business.
 

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The Enterprise Hub

Part of Coventry University Social Enterprise, the Enterprise Hub is an incubation, collaboration and knowledge base in the heart of Coventry. It can advise and support you with new business ideas or entrepreneurial ventures.

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The Talent Team

With employability at the forefront of all of our courses, you will have access to our dedicated employability service, the Talent Team, from day one.
 

Careers and opportunities

This course aims to help enable you to become knowledgeable in international business, regardless of the focus of your undergraduate degree, and equipped for a wide range of business and management careers in multinational organisations, management consultancies, government organisations or management education and training.

You will have the opportunity to develop a strategic outlook in a global context and to further hone any existing business skills. Additionally, the course aims to develop your capabilities in strategic thinking, effective communication and research, all directly relevant to employers and of great value when seeking to further your career.

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.

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 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

    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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