International Business Management MSc

Postgraduate
Conversion course

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of international business challenges for the global, borderless economy, and acquire the skills and expertise to navigate them successfully.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CBLT020

Start date

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

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. You can expect to develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a flexible, effective manager who can spot market opportunities and drive businesses forward. 

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th 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 emphasises a multidisciplinary approach aimed at enhancing your current and practical knowledge of global management issues.

International business focus: the strong international approach taken in teaching content and assessments, creates awareness of the business and management opportunities offered by global businesses marketplace.
Practice-led learning: our teaching and assessment approach has a strong applied focus. This approach should help you take on the many challenges businesses face when operating in the global marketplace and make an immediate impact when entering employment.
Developing your skills in international business environmental analysis: develop your analytical skills through the exploration of international case studies and analysing the latest developments in current affairs. These skills are crucial for identifying opportunities and assessing environmental threats to successful business operations.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course is designed¹ to include the criteria set by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. It is expected that students who successfully pass the People, Relationships and Leadership in Practice module will be eligible to gain the award as an additional qualification.

What you'll study

Examine the changing nature of the global business environment and the implications for international business management. Explore the development and implementation of successful business management, alongside operational and entrepreneurial strategies to deal with the challenges across global markets. 

Modules

Global Business Environment and International Business Strategy – 30 credits

Conduct a situation analysis for a company with support from learning material that extensively utilises relevant research and frameworks, as well as visiting guest speakers.² Learn to identify global market opportunities in potential countries for a company’s selected products or services and recommend appropriate entry and market strategies for target markets.

Compulsory

People, Relationships and Leadership in Practice - 30 credits

Explore people and relationship management, leadership and entrepreneurial practices, and their application, in varied organisational contexts internationally. Develop skills and competencies to become a responsible manager and leader, whilst encouraging self-reflection. You’ll also interrogate the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) and associated activities.

Compulsory

International Supply Chain Management and Operations Strategy - 30 credits

Incorporate advanced strategies and tools in both global supply chain management and operations strategy, allowing you to critically evaluate supply chain and operational practices. Explore topics such as strategic sourcing, supplier management, sustainability, and operational efficiency, while addressing global challenges and identifying opportunities for innovation.

Through examples and case studies, your learning will include PRME (sustainability, social responsibility, responsible leadership and ethics). Additionally, you will look at the integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to enhance supply chain responsiveness and operational efficiency.

Compulsory

Finance, Sustainability and Performance Management - 30 credits

Familiarise yourself with the essential financial management tools and performance management techniques, while exploring the interplay between economic, social and environmental objectives. Analyse financial statements and integrate sustainability into business decision-making. Take a holistic perspective of organisational performance as well as responsible social management, in alignment with the UN’s PRME and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Compulsory

Postgraduate Project - 60 credits

Produce a research-based dissertation, consultancy project or business plan to demonstrate your ability to apply the knowledge and skills you've learnt during the course. Exercise and extend your skills in gathering, understanding, and critically evaluating literature, as well as applying planning processes to prepare for this significant project. Identify and justify a research proposal relevant to your course. You will research, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate data and information to formulate appropriate conclusions and recommendations.

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
case studies
group projects
workshops
guest speakers²
practical laboratory sessions.

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 upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

reports
tests
case study analysis
essays
practical coursework
assignments
viva
presentations.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure 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 undergraduate degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any discipline, or demonstrable and appropriate work experience together with relevant professional qualifications.

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.

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

An undergraduate degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any discipline, or demonstrable and appropriate work experience together with relevant professional qualifications.

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	£9,350	Not available
EU	£9,350 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	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

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

Lanchester 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.

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

Business Simulation Suite

Our Business Simulation Suite offers skill-based training that uses simulation games, role-play activities, and scenario-based learning. This all-encompassing space provides an immersive environment for experimental business learning and training.

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 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.

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 as:

Business Analyst
Data Analyst
Sales and Retail Analyst
Supply Chain Associate
Financial Analyst
Marketing Data Analyst
Operations Manager.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies including Ford Motor Company, BBC, Barclays UK, NXG Impacts, inform billing, Tiger Analytics, The Midcounties Co-operative, Neem Consultancy, Kagool, Airlift Technologies, Bright Network, 7ven Oaks, American Express and MSX International.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

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. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

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

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

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, partnerships and memberships

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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

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.