International Business Management MSc

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

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

FBLT157

Start date

May 2025

How to apply

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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.

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.

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

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)

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of this module (achieving a pass grade) you will be eligible for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through its 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

International Dimensions of Marketing – 15 credits

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

The Global Business Environment, Evolution and Dynamics – 15 credits

Organisations and Strategy – 15 credits

Financial Analysis and Decision-Making – 15 credits

International Business and Global Strategy – 15 credits

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

Global Operations – 15 credits

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

Business Analytics and Intelligence – 15 credits

International Leadership – 15 credits

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

Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation – 10 credits

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

Dissertation/Consultancy Project – 50 credits

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.

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.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. 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 2024/25 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.

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.

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.

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £20,050 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£20,050	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

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

Female student using pen to point at screen with financial data on.

Business Simulation Suite

Offering skill-based training that uses simulation games, role-play activities and scenario-based learning, the business simulation suite is an all-encompassing space for experimental business learning and training.

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The Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. 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.

Lecturer sat with student talking in EEC building.

Careers and employability

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

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

UK students

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

Full-time applications

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

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.

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. 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.