100%overall satisfaction - MSc International BusinessPostgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024

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.

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Our research

Professor Nicholas Apergis is a Research Professor of Economics at the University of Derby. He has recently shared his views on the impact of the government spending review.

Read Nicholas's blogRead Nicholas's blog

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.

A CGI impression of the new Business School building.

The Cavendish Building

We're building a new home for Derby Business School, serving as an international centre of excellence. The superb new teaching facilities will build on our established reputation for inspirational teaching and research excellence, as we shape the next generation of qualified business leaders.

Find out more about the Cavendish BuildingFind out more about the Cavendish Building

What you will study

The MSc International Business course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc. You will study modules such as:

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.

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.

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.

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Postgraduate Open Event

Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.

Book your Postgraduate Open EventBook your Postgraduate Open Event

How you will learn

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.

Who will teach you

Dr Eugene Michaels

Programme Leader

Dr Eugene Michaels

An applied economist passionate about teaching, enthusiastic about research and keen on professional engagement. His role within the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences spans the full range of academic activities from teaching...

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Dr Sharanya Basu Roy

Senior Lecturer in Economics and International Business

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Dr Sharanya Basu Roy

Sharanya is a Lecturer in International Business

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Dr Sayantan Ghosh Dastidar

Senior Lecturer in Economics

Research conference visit

Dr Sayantan Ghosh Dastidar

Dr Sayantan Ghosh Dastidar joined the University of Derby as a Lecturer in Economics in January 2016. Before joining here, he was working as a Research Assistant at the University of Huddersfield. Currently, he is the Programme Leader ...

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Dr Tony Anosike

Senior Lecturer in Supply Chain Management

Tony Anosike

Dr Tony Anosike

Tony's research interests are in the areas of Supply Chain Sustainability and Resilience, Food Supply Chain, Lean and Agile Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, Blockchain and Big Data applications in supply chain. As well ...

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Professor Flora Huang

Professor of Law and Business

Flora -facing forwards

Professor Flora Huang

Flora Huang, Professor of Law and Business, researches corporate and financial law, international trade law, arbitration, fintech, sustainability, and Chinese law. She arbitrates for the China Guangzhou Arbitration Commission and chair...

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Dr Lee Miller

Lecturer in Marketing

Lee Miller

Dr Lee Miller

Lee Miller is a Lecturer in Marketing in the Derby Business School. Prior to joining the University he was a services manager in public and private sector organisations.

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Thomas Adeyemi

Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance

THOMAS ADEYEMI

Thomas Adeyemi

Thomas Adeyemi is a Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance with extensive industry experience across diverse sectors.

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Careers

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

Fees and funding

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

TypeFull-timePart-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

Additional costs and optional extras

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.

AwardCredits
Postgraduate Certificate60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma120 Credits
MA or MSc180 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

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International student scholarships

We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.

Find out if you're eligible for an international scholarship Find out if you're eligible for an international scholarship

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Full-time 12 month and part-time

UK students

Apply directly to the University.

International students

Apply directly to the University.

If you'd like support with your application, you can contact one of our trusted local representatives.

 

Guidance for international applicants applying for a postgraduate degree

Additional information about your studies

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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