Management and International Business - MSc
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information. Want to study a Master’s in business management in Birmingham? Our MSc Management and International Business degree is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)....
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award MSc
- Start date September 2021, January 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School Birmingham City Business School
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
Course overview
This course has recently been updated. Please download the course specification for the up to date information.
Want to study a Master’s in business management in Birmingham? Our MSc Management and International Business degree is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Our Management and International Business course teaches you the fundamental skills and attributes you need to become a successful international manager. You’ll become adept at strategic and tactical business decisions, understanding international cultural differences, and managing and motivating staff in businesses on an international scale.
You will experience working in internationally diverse student team based projects collaborating to deliver effective and professional reports and presentations as part of module assessments reflecting the professional practice of international management. Throughout the course, the course team will give you the support you need to realise your potential and we look forward to working with you to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills for the career of your choice.
Professional Placement option
For our Management Master's degrees, you will have the opportunity to take the Professional Placement version of the course, which is offered as an alternative to the standard version of the course.
This will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability and transferable skills. The placement experience will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study, with support from our Careers+ team as well as advice and guidance from your School.
Please note that placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course.
For full details, please click here.
What's covered in this course?
Initially in the first stage, you will examine the key challenges faced by global businesses to fully appreciate the complexity and dynamics of leadership and management practice. This will see you broaden your skills in organisation, communication and working with others, particularly within an increasingly diverse cultural context.
During the second stage of your course, you will begin to explore the complexity of international operations management integrated with corporate social responsibility, sustainability and the role of innovation. You’ll be taught international strategy while also developing your research skills in preparation for your major project.
The final core Major Project module is tailored to your career aspirations. The module provides three project options;
- A work-based study route enabling you to relate the project to a current employer;
- A ‘consultancy project’ option where you find a client who has an international business problem that you feel you can solve;
- A traditional dissertation involving an in-depth exploration of both the theory and practice of international business using primary research.
Whatever route you choose, it will give you the opportunity to identify a topic and industry of your choice related to your specialist area of International Business tailoring your degree to enhance your employability for your final chosen career destination. Previous projects have involved International marketing strategy, global supply chain management in the food sector and sustainability issues in the sourcing of cotton.
Why Choose Us?
- You will develop fundamental skills in business management while having the opportunity to gain enhanced and specialist expertise to help you enter the complex and challenging field of international business operations.
- On graduating you will receive an industry recognised professional qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
- You will work alongside a diverse range of international students giving a real experience of what it is like to work and collaborate with your peers from a range of diverse cultures from Europe, Nigeria, India, China, Vietnam and North America .
- You will have the opportunity to visit a leading service or manufacturing company to gain insight into the complexity of real world global operations, such as Jaguar Land Rover.
- You will be supported with Business English language diagnostics and tutor support to help improve you in the international language of business.
- You’ll be taught by highly qualified module tutors with significant professional practice experience of a range of management and international business roles.
- You will be able to work on exciting projects for real-life clients through our Business Advice Centre, giving you exposure to the challenges and issues faced by businesses as well as the chance to develop successful solutions. Opportunities are available with local, regional, national and even global businesses such as BMW.
- The Centre also offers expert support for your own entrepreneurial ideas, so you can start planning your own start-up or take your existing business to the next level. Following graduation, you will have the opportunity to apply for STEAMhouse Business Incubator membership.
Find out more
Entry Requirements
We require one of the following:
Essential Requirements
| Essential - Entry on to Stage One (12 month) |
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An honours degree of a British University or equivalent institution (minimum 2:2) |
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An equivalent graduate level qualification from an overseas university or equivalent institution (minimum 2:2) |
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A pre-masters programme approved by Birmingham City University |
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A pre-masters programme with a minimum of 55% average |
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Level 6 ATHE Extended Diploma (120 credits) |
| Essential - Entry on to Stage One (15 Month) |
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A maximum of a pass (Third) degree from a British university or equivalent institution or an equivalent graduate-level qualification from an overseas university or equivalent institution. |
| Essential - Entry on to Stage Two |
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A Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7 or equivalent, minimum value of 60 credits) in a business subject aligned with the chosen pathway (international business, finance, marketing or entrepreneurship) |
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Candidates will be required to submit an extended application to evidence how their Postgraduate Certificate meets the programme learning outcomes at the equivalent stage |
| Essential - Entry on to Stage Three |
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A Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7 or equivalent, minimum value of 120 credits)* in a business subject aligned with the chosen pathway (international business, finance or marketing). |
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Candidates will be required to submit an extended application to evidence how their Postgraduate Diploma meets the programme learning outcomes at the equivalent stage. |
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Candidates will be required to have passed a research methods module (Level 7 or equivalent, minimum value of 20 credits)* and will be required to submit an original Dissertation Proposal that has been passed by the Programme Team prior to admission approval.
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*Other qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £8,800 per year
- Full Time
- 15 months
- £8,800 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £9,700 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £8,800 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £9,700 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 15 months
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £14,520 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 Year
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 18 Months (Professional Placement)
- £14,520 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Personal statement
Students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.
Your postgraduate personal statement is going to shine a light on your personal experience, academic success, personal skills and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Your passion and motivations
Studying a postgraduate course usually means you want to specialise in something. So what’s driving you?
Why this course?
Show that you’ve researched the course offering. What is it about this particular course that appeals to you? Is it the lecturers? The modules? Etc.
What makes you a good postgraduate candidate?
Tutors want to know that you can handle postgraduate study, so show them how your undergraduate experiences or work life has equipped you for a more advanced level of study. Key areas to address are research and group work but this can vary depending on your chosen course.
Relevant academic or work experience
Add anything relevant that relates back to your chosen course and shows how your skills will contribute towards your learning. What extra-curricular activities have you taken part in? What awards have you won? What employment or voluntary experience do you have that has helped you develop transferable skills? How do these specifically relate to the course you are applying for?
You should also mention your future plans and how a postgraduate qualification fits in. Try to look beyond your postgraduate study – do you plan to jump straight into a specific career or follow your studies with a research degree? Lastly, use plain, professional English and, where possible, utilise the language of your chosen industry.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Modules
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 160 credits):
20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of the main financial objective of the firm i.e. wealth maximisation and how it is achieved through alignment of financial decisions under constraints from within and outside the organisation. The module covers topics such as financial statements analysis, budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, time value money, investment appraisal, working capital management, sources of capital and choice of capital structure.
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with the key knowledge and understanding of the integrated nature of business functions focusing specifically on marketing and operations. It will give you both a foundation in what business is and how it operates using these two key functional perspectives whilst also highlighting leadership and financial implications of managerial decision making in these areas to provide an integrated and holistic view of business in a variety of contexts.
20 credits
This module will provide you with an opportunity to engage and consider contemporary issues in leadership from both UK and international perspectives and how leaders address these within organisations. The module will enable you to develop a critical insight and outlook in order to explore relevant solutions for organisational effectiveness and success.
20 credits
International Strategic Management is a core module for all MSc business pathways. Strategy is a field that breaks you out of a functional perspective and integrates the functional Stage 1 themes of finance, marketing, leadership and operations to offer a holistic view of an organisation, be that a small or medium sized business or a large corporation in an international context. The focus of this course is on the business unit level or competitive strategy, not corporate level strategy.
40 credits
The Major Project provides the practical and theoretical focus for the MSc Management programme and is the culmination of your programme of study. The aim of this module is to provide a framework for you to undertake a substantial piece of disciplinary-relevant research. It is founded upon Birmingham City Business School’s teaching and learning philosophy which integrates theory and practice.
20 credits
The aim of this module is to explore the diverse range of activities that comprise the area of International Operations Management, innovation, new product or service development and the need for leadership when introducing change initiatives. Specifically, the module is designed to enable students to appreciate the truly international nature of the modern firm and how many processes are now undertaken across national borders.
20 credits
This module examines the task of management in today's international and global business environment in general. Specifically, it develops your skills to be able to critically examine the key tasks of management and the theories that underpin them, to advance your understanding and skills in international business area.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
20 credits
The Research Project Management module looks to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage projects more efficiently within your workplace role, focusing particularly on how project management tools and techniques can be used to manage commercial research projects.
20 credits
This module is designed to give you the research skills and insights necessary for the study and investigation of business organisations and business-related data. These skills will impact directly on your ability to understand and evaluate information from a variety of sources and where appropriate undertake primary research. You will become aware of the many tools and techniques that can help judge and interpret research outcomes.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Course Structure
Emphasis will be placed on the group as a resource for learning. There will be group discussion of practical management situations and problems, making use of case studies, problem situations and scenarios and, where relevant, the participants' own experiences.
Assessment on the programme is designed to be an integral part of your learning process, enhancing and demonstrating your knowledge and practice. Formative feedback will be provided to you through a combination of self-reflection, peer group and tutor feedback. Summative assessments will provide a measure of the extent to you have achieved the learning outcomes of the modules.
Assessment within the modules will take various forms, including coursework assignments, reports, controlled assessment, examinations and the dissertation or project. You may be required to defend the dissertation or project through a viva, drawing on the skills developed in the programme.
Employability
Enhancing employability skills
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Take part in a funded company visit to a leading company, such as Jaguar Land Rover, one of the most successful and lucrative businesses in the world.
- Choose to deliver a work-based study project or consultancy project in the final stage of the course using a current employer or a client you find yourself.
- Seek support and engage with events and activities provided by Birmingham City University’s careers service.
- Take part in Birmingham City University’s Graduate Plus scheme.
- Receive employment advice and support via your Personal Tutor.
Our graduates have obtained employment in management positions, or have set up their own successful businesses. Former students are employed in managerial positions across the globe, including land management (Kenya), manufacturing (China), HR (Germany), finance (Canada), insurance (France) and teaching (India, UK and Sri Lanka). You’ll learn new perspectives on a changing business world, enabling you to provide employers with relevant and cutting-edge information. The research skills you develop doing your Major Project will also look good on your CV.
A postgraduate qualification can really help you stand out from the crowd in today’s competitive job market. By becoming a specialist in your field, you’ll have the chance to advance thinking in that subject and lead, rather than follow, the latest developments.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Business Advice Centre
The Business Advice Centre (BAC) is the Business School's hub that offers a range of support services to you throughout each stage of your student learning experience.
We have a range of support solutions for students as well as opportunities to enhance your employability and entrepreneurial qualities.
Whether you are considering starting your business, connecting with real companies or enhancing your graduate opportunities, the Business Advice Centre can help you.
International Students
Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
International ServicesOur international students
“I was attracted to the course as it offered different perspectives in an area I wanted to study. The course combines both theory and practical to cover issues in local, national and international contexts, and Master’s-level teaching has exposed me to the critical thinking and problem-solving skills I needed."
“The best part of my course is the opportunity to see and learn from different people around the world, opening my mind up to thinking. The course is definitely living up to my expectations, as it has exposed me to a different kind of learning environment and experience that I never had in my previous study.”
- Masni Mat Dong (Malaysia, graduated 2016)
“Every lecturer and staff member at the University has significant professional experience and academic knowledge. They have not only taught us using study material, but have also given us a real-time exposure to apply the knowledge while sitting in the classroom. We received extensive support from University staff and I am thankful for that.”
- Snehanshu Saini (India, graduated 2016)
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Dr Imran Akhtar
Senior Lecturer, Strategy and Management
Dr Imran Akhtar has a history of entrepreneurship advancement, self-employment and has worked in travel and tourism, real-estate and banking. Dr Akhtar started his lecturing career at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2013 moving to Birmingham City Business School as a full-time senior lecturer in 2018.
More about ImranProfessor Barny Morris
Head of Strategy, Management and Marketing
Barny Morris has worked at senior level on advertising accounts for companies such as Sony, SEGA, Turtlewax and PZ Cussons. Barny is the MSc Management Course Director, and is currently working on research and in-company teaching projects within the hospitality sector on service design and marketing with companies such as Greene King, Saint Gobain and Mitchells & Butler.
More about Barny