Crucial knowledge for today’s business world
As a driving force for economic growth, globalisation has opened up exciting career prospects for high-calibre, forward-thinking and confident business professionals. We’ve designed this MSc International Business to help you make the most of the opportunities ahead.
We will help you develop a thorough understanding of the economic, financial, legal and cultural factors facing international business. Our course brings together disciplines such as international business strategy, management and marketing, international economics and international trade legislation.
Drawing on real-world case studies, you’ll hone your skills in quantitative analysis and applied research as you explore all aspects of business operations in an international context.
High-profile partnerships
Throughout the MSc International Business course you will meet industry experts from our thriving network of professional and business leaders. We collaborate directly with prestigious names such as Lloyds Bank Corporate, London; the Bank of England Midlands Office; HSBC Nottingham; Eversheds; Price Waterhouse Cooper; PKF Cooper Parry; Smiths of Derby; GI Insight, Leicester; and Kitchencraft. Many contribute to our MSc programme with thought-provoking guest lectures.
You will gain fresh insights through company visits, such as behind-the-scenes tours of the iPro Stadium, Derby Arena, Crown Derby and high performance engineering company epm:technology. You can also extend your contacts through networking at Institute of Directors workshops, company taster days and events held by the University’s own Network of Entrepreneurs.
Professional mentoring for career success
As you chart your career direction, you’ll have the opportunity to receive mentoring from influential business figures. Our mentors range from international trade advisors and banking specialists to senior managers from our partner companies – all are happy to share their experiences and insights with you.
Career development planning is an integral part of this course. Every student benefits from the support and advice of a personal tutor who is part of the programme team. You’ll also have access to our first class professional career service even after you’ve graduated.
Broaden your skills – and your horizons
We’re committed to delivering a stimulating learning experience which will help you build an impressive portfolio of transferable skills.
You will gain vital experience in using the Bloomberg database, an outstanding global business resource providing financial and company information, economic data and market analysis. Harnessed by companies worldwide, it is used extensively in our teaching and for student research and assessments. As part of your studies, you will be able to gain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate.
You are encouraged to take part in competitions such as the IBM University Business Challenge and the University Trading Challenge. You can contribute to specialist projects in the region: recent examples include an economic impact study of the Buxton Festival and the Derby Low Carbon Initiative. You could even publish your research in the College of Business monthly Economic Bulletin which is circulated throughout the region and in our academic journal, Critical Perspectives on Business Management.
Pursue your specialist interests
The culmination of the MSc International Business is your Independent Study where you select a theme which reflects your interests in international business and your career ambitions. This is your chance to gain in-depth research and critical thinking skills which will serve you well in your future career.
The range of topics covered is vast. Among recent examples, our students have investigated knowledge transfer in the South African hotel sector, consumer complaint behaviour in Chinese online shopping, leadership challenges in SMEs in the UK and USA, foreign market analysis for Spanish exporters, and social media in the beauty industry.
An extra award for your CV
In addition, you can work towards a special award which recognises your leadership abilities and enhanced consultancy skills. As part of the Futures Award in Leadership in International Business, you will undertake extra-curricular activities which strengthen your development as a business professional, including business consultancy work, volunteering, fundraising activities and networking opportunities.
Our Futures Award participants have had the chance to hear from regional industry leaders such as Mel Morris, Chairman of Derby County FC and an initial investor in King Digital Entertainment, the company behind the computer game sensation Candy Crush.
The MSc International Business course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc. You will study modules such as:
Postgraduate Certificate
International Economics for Business and Finance
It’s impossible to analyse a country’s domestic economic situation without considering its international economic interactions. On this module, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the macroeconomics of open economies, looking at international trade, national trade policies, trade theory, trade patterns and their impact on the world economies. You’ll also focus on the international financial environment, capital flows, balance of payments issues, foreign exchange markets and the interdependencies between international transactions and national monetary and fiscal policies.
Market Analysis
This module will develop your skills in the analysis of markets at both the market and consumer level, using quantitative and qualitative data.
Strategic and Financial Performance Management
Build your competence in using financially based performance metrics for strategic impact. The focus is on improving financial performance using the skills generally associated with management accounting at the operational and tactical level and financial management at the tactical and strategic level.
HRM in an International Context
This module provides a deep understanding of the external, internal, business and managerial contexts of contemporary organisations in times of uncertainty and change. You will explore how small, medium, large, multidivisional and multinational organisations respond to these contexts and how HR practitioners make appropriate choices and decisions within the constraints of external and internal forces.
Customer Behaviour and Decision Making
Explore the global and cultural contexts in which consumption takes place, as well as the social context for consumption, the main influences on consumer actions and the impact of strategic marketing decisions on customer behaviour.
Postgraduate Diploma
International Business Theory and Strategy
Examining theories on the globalisation of business, we discuss the major economic shifts and global changes that are impacting on multi- and international organisations and their industries. You’ll focus on how various types of enterprises are expanding, becoming more reliant on international operations and developing strategies to internationalise their domestic operations.
National and International Sale of Goods
You’ll examine the sequence of contracts engaged in the sale and movement of goods at national and international levels and explore the legal consequences of such contracts. This module also covers the finance and payment methods used for the sale of goods both nationally and internationally.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Integrating a wide range of business functions, concepts and theories, you will consider mergers and acquisitions from a variety of global perspectives including organisational, behavioural, finance and regulation. The analysis includes the role of stakeholders and the increasing importance of strategic alliances between large corporations and national governments.
International Finance
Investigate how the global financial system works, examine international sources of finance and suitable investment opportunities, form a critical awareness of the risks associated with international trade, and evaluate how fluctuations in exchange rates affect a business.
Advanced Diversity and Inclusion
This module explores strategic workplace diversity and inclusion in terms of communication and training, addressing workplace behaviour and analysis of trends. It looks at the role of line managers and other stakeholders in promoting a fair workplace culture, key to managing workplace effectiveness, and examines workforce well-being and engagement as well as the effects of inequality and segregation.
MSc
Independent Study: Research Methods (20 credits)
Independent Study: Dissertation (40 credits)
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
We use a diverse range of teaching and learning methods to provide a motivating study experience. At each level we provide support to help you develop your academic and applied skills and to promote your personal development.
The MSc International Business course entails a combination of campus teaching with study support materials online and access to an extensive range of online journals through our library facilities. You’ll be inspired by a mix of lectures, group work, discussions, workshops, case studies, practical analysis and personal networking. We offer specific guidance on study texts, journals and online study materials.
How you're assessed
We use a wide range of coursework assessment methods, many designed to enhance your transferable skills. You may be developing strategy documents and international business analysis reports, creating presentations and videos, or evaluating information from Bloomberg on international markets and organisations. You may be working alone or as part of a team.
Assessments can also involve essays, building a portfolio of relevant work or computer-based assignments and you may be marked on elements of reflective practice. Some options may have a formal examination.
This MSc International Business opens doors to careers in international trade, transport and logistics corporations, financial institutions involved in trade and investment, firms engaged with business process outsourcing, international trade government agencies and international business consultancy.
Our students have gone on to secure management roles and advanced graduate training positions in high-profile organisations worldwide including HSBC Canada, Ernst & Young and Price Waterhouse Cooper. Some have become consultants with specialist companies while others have taken on general management and marketing roles or have even set up their own international businesses. Inspired by the intellectual challenge of the MSc, a number of our graduates choose to develop academic careers – moving on to PhD research or teacher training.
Ongoing careers support
Throughout your studies, you will benefit from our Personal Tutor Scheme which enables you to reflect on your learning and refine your career ambitions. Our support continues once you’ve completed your course too: you are entitled to further help and guidance from the Careers and Employment Service for up to three years after leaving the University.
2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,720 for the full course* | £1,080 per 20 credits |
| International | £16,900 for the full course | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
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