Students attending a conference

Course Summary

Our International Business course offers aspiring and developing managers the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, skills and understanding of International Business. 

Understanding the principles and practices of business management enables an aspiring or developing manager to make better quality decisions, enabling improved personal and organisational performance. This course develops an in-depth understanding of the management tools, techniques and controls available, and the ability to apply this understanding in the workplace. 

Our course will introduce you to management tools and techniques that will enhance your business management knowledge. We combine academic study with workplace application, so you will get many opportunities to understand how to manage and make management decisions. 

Extensive use of case studies will give you the chance to develop valuable skills and understanding that will provide you with a strategic appreciation of the many facets of business management. Our tutors encourage discussion in class, so that you can gradually learn to form, express and defend your own opinions. 

Guest speakers from industry are also invited into class to share their experience with you, enabling you to appreciate the real-world application of academic theory. In association with the course, there are opportunities for you to apply for an internship. 


What you’llStudy

Our modules focus on a number of aspects of management, including international business and international marketing strategy. The Management Research Project module will enable you to research in depth a practical topic of interest to you. The focus is very much on the practical application of your knowledge and understanding, which should help you to make a significant contribution to a future employer.

Module content:

A programme of individual study and research project in accordance with established research principles involving the completion of the following elements:

Management Research Project

 

 


Module aims:

To provide the opportunity to apply management knowledge, skills and research techniques developed during the programme to the identified area of management interest.

To develop students’ intellectual ability in terms of problem solving, critical analysis and conceptual thinking.

To provide students with the opportunity, and the enabling mechanisms to support their development towards independent learning.

Module content:

The nature, extent and purposes of management research

Management research paradigms

Research strategies

Research designs, methods and approaches

Research quality standards: establishing validity, reliability and generalisability

Sampling and Research instrument design

Research ethics

Research Data Management: collection, organisation and analysis

Managing a dissertation research project


Module aims:

The aim of this module is to enable learners to:

Understand and critically evaluate the findings of management research

Design and implement a management research project using methodologies and methods appropriate to research questions and objectives

Analyse and report management research findings meeting academic and practitioner needs

Module content:

Strategic financial accounting:

  • Understanding the format of financial reports and financial accounts.
  • Analysis of financial reporting.

Strategic management accounting:

  • Identify and assess the impact of current developments in management accounting and performance management on measuring, evaluating and improving organisational performance.
  • Apply appropriate strategic performance measurement techniques in evaluating and improving organisational performance.

Module aims:

  1. To enable students to explore and develop an understanding of the theoretical techniques, concepts and methods    employed in strategic financial management.
  2. To develop the ability to apply the theoretical to the practical, through the analysis of data and application of relevant techniques in the context of varied situations.
  3. To evaluate and develop a critical and reflective awareness of the importance of the application of relevant, available techniques to the enhancement of strategic financial decision making and business performance.

Module content:

  • Organisational behaviour/culture, structure and design;

  • The role of the manager, leadership theories, styles and approaches;

  • Groups and teams in the organisation – group formation, team working;

  • Individual personality, communication and motivation;

  • The role of Human Resource Management in the workplace;

  • Strategies for high performance working (HPW);

  • Employee relations and employment dynamics;

  • Performance Management and managing poor performance;

  • Learning and development methodologies; 

  • Theories and application of reflective practice.

 


Module aims:

This aims of this module are;

  1. For students to draw upon key concepts of leading and managing people and examine how these apply to the current and future world of work;
  2. For students to explore and develop an understanding of key theories and concepts in the field of people management and development;
  3. For students to be able to synthesise knowledge of people management, together with gaining awareness of wider contextual issues in order to address organisational challenges.

 

Module content:

Module content will offer practical, action-orientated master's learning combined with a discourse on economic, social and environmental dimensions as they relate to start-up.  Through workshops, seminars and case studies, students will be introduced to the principles, methods and challenges of sustainable business venture creation, with a specific focus on the process of team preparation of a written business plan appropriate for presentation to potential business investors. The plan will be accompanied by a critically reflective commentary on the process of production.

The teaching and facilitation will feature theoretical and experiential perspectives, with particular focus on the extent to which understanding relates to the pragmatic processes of new business start-ups (and social enterprises) and growth. Included in the content will be perspectives on global citizenship, environmental responsibilities, social justice and global inequalities, ethics and sustainable leadership in the context of an entrepreneurial mindset. In exploring key aspects related to the process of new venture creation, the different stages will be studied, in particular an analysis of the creative process at the 'ideas' stage.  The entrepreneurially distinct requirements of business planning, in terms of marketing, finance, human resources, and operation management will feature. The differences between 'entrepreneurial' and 'management' approaches will be analysed.    

 


Module aims:

The module aims to equip MSc International Business Students with an advanced understanding of developing a sustainable business idea and translating that idea into a responsible, feasible business plan, capable of securing backing for a global marketplace launch.   

Module content:

The following is illustrative of what the module will cover:

  • International marketing and understanding the global environment
  • Understanding market trends and opportunities for innovation and development   
  • Cultural diversity and the implications for international marketing and communication skills
  • Development and complexities of the international marketing strategies including the global supply chain
  • Intercultural marketing communications
  • Implementing and coordinating international marketing operations including market entry and exit strategies

Module aims:

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive conceptual and contextual appreciation of all aspects of international marketing – which are hopefully addressed but, in particular, we do consider heavily the all-important cultural issues and frameworks that impact on the entire process. 

The module complements the comprehensive conceptual and contextual appreciation of both buyer behaviour and marketing communications – but here in an international context.  

This unique module further underpins the study of marketing management and as such is another critical and fundamental element to this pathway. It links strategic marketing to corporate strategy, and the necessary strategic decisions required in a contemporary global marketing context.

This module aims to:

  • Enable students to critically evaluate theoretical underpinnings that could be employed within the field of international marketing. To enable students to apply knowledge of contemporary international marketing strategies and techniques
  • Encourage students to reflect on their own experience and practice as consumers and stakeholders in a global context
  • Critically reflect on the changing nature of marketing in a global/international context
  • Provide a strategic appreciation of contemporary international marketing

Module content:

Indicitive content:

  • Conceptual foundations of international business in an age of globalisation
  • Understanding the international business environment and economy: the influence of political, cultural, economic, legal, social, ecological, and technological factors
  • The nature and different interpretations of globalisation and its consequences: Regional economic integration and cooperation
  • Dynamics of global strategy: understanding industries and markets, locational competitiveness, emerging factors for change
  • Expectations and purposes: cross-cultural management, international stakeholder expectations, business ethics and corporate social responsibility
  • Business operations in an international context: Risk analysis, the developing global marketplace, operational decision making and culture and organisational design
  • Emerging issues in international business and globalisation

Module aims:

  1. To equip students with the appropriate tools and techniques which will allow for the critical analysis, critical evaluation and application of international business strategies.
  2. To immerse students in a variety of practical workshops whereby collaborative creation, critical analysis and critical evaluation of business case studies can take place.
  3. To develop employability skills related to international business in the workplace, such as critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication, negotiation, critical analysis and critical evaluation.
  4. To explore, investigate, analyse and compose an effective business proposal related to international business growth and the inherent risks posed by this action.

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Farid Ullah

Programme Leader for International Business MSc; Associate Professor
Dr Farid Ullah

Abdul Muqeem

Lecturer
Abdul Muqeem

Dr Muhammad Sanusi

Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance; Programme Leader for MSc Accounting (ACCA Pathway)
Dr Muhammad Sanusi

Sue Ollerhead

Senior Lecturer
Sue Ollerhead

Dr Andy McCarroll

Lecturer in Management
Andy McCarroll

How you'll Learn

You will learn by attending regular, scheduled sessions, which could be lectures, project work, presentations, discussions or case studies, as well as one-to-one sessions with your tutors. The course includes six taught modules plus the Management Research Project. Assessment of your learning could be through written assignments, in-class tests, examinations or presentations, as well as completion of an individual management report. 

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

Applicants will normally be expected to hold a degree with a minimum 2:2 honours, or equivalent. Applications are also welcome from those with non-standard entry qualifications. A typical applicant may be a new/recent graduate, who has attained an honours degree and wishes to augment that with further study to optimise their career opportunities.

2:2 honours degree

Applicants will normally be expected to hold a degree with a minimum 2:2 honours, or equivalent. Applications are also welcome from those with non-standard entry qualifications. A typical applicant may be a new/recent graduate, who has attained an honours degree and wishes to augment that with further study to optimise their career opportunities. 

Please note, some programmes have special entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50. 

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

Where you'll Study Queen's Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£8,505 per year (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

£14,750 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750. 

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.  

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

The MSc International Business can open up global career opportunities in areas such as Retail, Manufacturing, Leisure and Local and National Government and the Not for Profit sector. Employers value the unique skills sets and global mindset that students acquire through this programme making them more attractive in the job market. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .