Economics and International Business

The highlights

• Develop expertise in economics and international business in a global context
• Build advanced quantitative, analytical, and policy evaluation skills
• Gain real-world experience through live briefs, case studies, and applied projects
• Explore international trade, global strategy, and financial markets
• Focus on sustainability, ethics, and responsible global leadership
• Prepare for careers in multinationals, finance, consulting, and government
• Complete an independent research dissertation on a global economic or business issue

Understand global markets and international business in context

The MSc Economics and International Business is a postgraduate degree designed to develop expertise in global economics, international trade, and business strategy. This Masters programme prepares you for careers in multinational organisations, financial institutions, consulting, and government by combining rigorous economic analysis with international business practice.

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, organisations require professionals who understand both economic systems and international markets. Global business is shaped by cross-border trade, multinational operations, international financial markets, complex supply chains, cultural diversity, and evolving geopolitical and regulatory environments.

This programme equips you with the advanced analytical, strategic, and professional skills needed to succeed in this dynamic landscape, enabling you to respond effectively to global challenges and opportunities.

Develop the skills to lead across borders and business environments

This postgraduate degree in economics and international business offers a multidisciplinary, applied learning experience. You will explore key areas including international trade and investment, global strategy, financial markets, cross-cultural management, and sustainable economic development.

The programme places inclusivity, internationalisation, sustainability, and leadership at its core, ensuring you graduate with the mindset and capabilities required for global careers.

By examining business practices and economic systems through a global lens, you will develop:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Cultural intelligence and global awareness
• Quantitative and data analysis capabilities
• Policy evaluation expertise
• Adaptive leadership and decision-making skills

You will be well prepared to build or advance a career in:

• Multinational corporations
• Financial institutions
• Consultancy firms
• NGOs and international organisations
• Government and policy bodies
• Entrepreneurial ventures operating across borders

You will study a combination of core economics and international business modules totalling 180 credits to achieve the full Masters award.

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.

You will be part of the Derby International Business School and will have access to all the resources and specialised on-campus facilities offered by our dedicated Cavendish Building, inaugurated in September 2025. You will be taught in a modern, well-equipped and comfortable environment which includes the grand Ashby lecture theatre, the interactive and engaging Harvard-style Garfield Weston lecture theatre and our many welcoming study spaces and meeting rooms. As an economics and finance student, you will be able to take full advantage of our dedicated LSEG trading floor / financial markets lab and develop skills across multiple specialist software packages (STATA, SPSS, and others).

The MSc Economics and International Business programme combines academic rigour with practical application to enhance your career readiness. Teaching is designed to blend theoretical understanding with real-world relevance.

You will engage with a variety of learning methods, including:

• Lectures and interactive seminars
• Group research and presentations
• Case studies and applied projects
• Independent study and guided research

Our employability-focused approach supports the development of both subject expertise and transferable skills such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. You will also build strong digital capabilities through the use of online platforms, data analysis tools, and specialist software.

How you are assessed

Assessment is varied and designed to reflect real-world professional tasks. It includes a combination of coursework, exams, and practical assignments such as:

• Live briefs
• Online tests
• Reflective assignments
• Group projects
• Case study analysis
• Reports and essays

Graduates of this MSc in Economics and International Business develop strong economic expertise alongside advanced analytical, research, and communication skills. You will be able to interpret complex data, evaluate government policies and international business strategies, and communicate insights effectively to a wide range of audiences.

These skills are highly valued by employers across global industries. Graduates from related international business programmes have secured roles such as:

• Sustainability Manager, McDermott International, UK
• Owner/Director, Hire Ground Limited, New Zealand
• Digital Merchandising Officer, Al Habib Medical Group, Saudia Arabia
• Business Strategist, Rolls-Royce, UK
• VP of People Evolution, Reality-Based Leadership, US
• Branch Manager, MGS Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., Spain
• Systems and Process Improvement Manager, Kuehne+Nagel, UK
• Trade Marketing Specialist, Reckitt, Italia
• Director, Mount Everest Clearing Ltd., Tanzania
• Purchasing Buyer, Blinq, Panama
• Portfolio Analyst, UBS, Poland
• Delivery Control Senior Analyst, Accenture, Latvia
• Supply Chain Specialist, Mr Beam Lasers GmbH, Germany
• Commercial Director, Kingkraft Ltd., UK

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:2 or international equivalent) in a relevant subject such as Economics, Finance, Mathematics, or Business.

Your degree should include a minimum of 120 credits in modules on:

• Microeconomics and macroeconomics, and
• Quantitative subjects such as mathematics, statistics, or econometrics (desirable)

Applicants with a lower classification in a relevant discipline may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant professional qualifications or experience supported by an employer reference, strong motivation, and the ability to succeed at postgraduate level. Where appropriate, interviews may be conducted by the programme leader.

If English is not your first language, you will also need IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each skills area.

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.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc.

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

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.