International Business and Finance

• We equip you with vital perspectives on the economic and legal factors shaping international business today, especially the operation of financial markets in a global context
• Exciting consultancy projects, case studies, company visits, guest lectures, networking events and professional mentoring opportunities will bring you into contact with international business leaders
• Our Financial Markets Lab, plus access to Datastream, puts a wealth of real-world data at your fingertips and gives you an in-depth understanding of financial markets, and economies worldwide
• Add substance to your CV with our unique Futures Award
• Our experienced team of lecturers will draw on their research expertise to broaden your worldview
• You could also study MSc International Business, MSc International Business and Marketing or MSc International Business and HRM.

Understand the Forces Shaping Global Business and Finance

Today's organisations need professionals who understand both how businesses operate internationally and how financial markets influence strategic decision-making. MSc International Business and Finance combines international business expertise with specialist financial knowledge, helping you develop the analytical, commercial and strategic skills required to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.

Understand Global Markets and Financial Systems

International businesses operate within complex financial, economic and regulatory environments. Throughout this course, you'll explore how organisations respond to changing market conditions, international trade developments and global financial challenges while developing a deeper understanding of the forces that drive international economic activity.

Drawing on perspectives from international business, economics, finance and strategy, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how organisations create value, manage risk and compete in global markets.

Develop Strategic Finance Expertise

Finance plays a critical role in organisational success. You'll explore financial markets, investment behaviour, strategic finance and international financial systems, helping you understand how financial decisions shape business performance and long-term growth.

You'll also examine how economic, political and regulatory developments influence business and financial activity, developing the skills needed to evaluate opportunities and make informed decisions in international contexts.

Explore Sustainable and Responsible Finance

The role of finance is changing. Organisations and financial institutions are increasingly expected to create long-term value while addressing environmental, social and governance challenges. Sustainability, ethics and responsible leadership are embedded throughout the programme, helping you understand how financial and business decisions affect organisations, communities and economies.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the course develops the knowledge and competencies required to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.

Learn Through Real-World Business Challenges

You'll apply your learning through authentic assessments, industry-oriented case studies, consultancy-style projects and employer engagement activities designed to reflect contemporary business and financial practice.

Guest speakers, networking opportunities and industry engagement will provide valuable insights into current developments in business and finance while helping you build professional connections.

Prepare for Global Career Opportunities

Whether you want to work in finance, investment, consultancy, banking, risk management or international business, this course will help you develop the specialist knowledge and professional skills employers value.

You'll graduate with advanced expertise in international business and finance, supported by highly valued capabilities in analysis, problem-solving, commercial awareness, communication and evidence-based decision-making. The course also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study and academic research.

The MSc International Business and Finance course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc. We will advise you of your study plan - the running order and availability of the modules - when you are invited to enroll.

You will study modules such as:

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.

The MSc International Business and Finance combines academic learning with practical application, helping you develop the commercial, analytical and strategic skills needed to succeed in international business and financial careers. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies and applied learning activities, you'll explore how organisations operate across international markets and respond to changing economic and financial conditions.

You'll study within Derby International Business School, based in the Cavendish Building in Derby city centre. This purpose-built, seven-storey building has been designed to support collaboration, creativity and innovation, providing modern teaching environments and flexible learning spaces where you can work independently and alongside fellow students. The building is home to specialist facilities including a Creativity Lab, Trading Floor, Supply Chain Lab and Extended Reality Suite, giving you opportunities to develop practical skills and explore contemporary business challenges in environments that reflect professional practice.

As part of Derby International Business School, you'll join a diverse and internationally minded business community, studying alongside students from a wide range of business disciplines and cultural backgrounds. This collaborative environment helps you develop the global outlook, cultural awareness and professional networks that are increasingly valued by employers operating in international markets.

A strong emphasis is placed on real-world business and finance practice. You'll engage with authentic assessments, consultancy-style projects, live business briefs and industry-focused case studies that allow you to apply theory to contemporary challenges in international business, financial markets and investment decision-making. Guest speakers, networking opportunities and employer engagement activities will further enhance your understanding of global business and financial environments.

Throughout the course, you'll develop highly sought-after professional skills including strategic thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, financial evaluation, commercial awareness and communication. You'll also benefit from support through Develop@Derby and guidance from academic staff and your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), helping you achieve your academic, professional and career goals.

As you progress through the Research Methods and Dissertation modules, you'll undertake an independent research project under academic supervision, investigating a contemporary issue in international business and finance while developing advanced research and analytical capabilities.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment is designed to reflect the knowledge, analytical expertise and professional skills required in today's international business and finance sectors. You'll be assessed through a range of authentic methods that encourage you to apply theory to practical business and financial challenges.

Assessment methods may include:

• Live business briefs and consultancy projects
• Business and financial case study analysis
• Reports and financial evaluations
• Individual and group presentations
• Computer-based assessments
• Reflective activities
• Independent research and dissertation work

Throughout the course, you'll receive feedback designed to support your development and help you build confidence in analysing financial markets, evaluating business strategy and making evidence-based decisions.

Study Options

Full-time Study

The MSc International Business and Finance is available as a full-time programme with both September and January entry points. Full-time students typically complete the degree in one year, studying core modules in international business, trade, financial markets, finance, investment behaviour and sustainable finance, alongside a specialist option module and a dissertation.

Core modules include:

• Sustainable International Trade and Investment
• International Business for a Sustainable Future
• Market Dynamics
• Strategic Finance and Investment Behaviour
• Sustainable and Ethical Finance and Accounting
• Research Methods
• Dissertation

Students can further tailor their studies through option modules such as International Finance or International Banking and Finance Law.

Part-time Study

The part-time route offers greater flexibility and is designed for students balancing study with professional or personal commitments. The programme is typically completed over three years, with students studying fewer modules each semester and following an approved study pathway developed with the Programme Leader.

A typical study pattern involves completing core modules across the first two years, followed by the Research Methods and Dissertation modules in the final year. Part-time students benefit from the same teaching quality, academic support, learning resources and industry engagement opportunities as full-time students.

Flexible Entry Points

With both September and January starts, the programme provides flexibility for graduates and professionals seeking to begin postgraduate study at a time that best suits their circumstances. Structured induction activities and ongoing academic support help students integrate successfully regardless of their entry point.

Assessment Method

Assessment is designed to develop and evaluate the wide range of skills required for careers in international business and finance. A variety of assessment methods are used to enable you to demonstrate your knowledge, critical thinking, analytical abilities and professional competencies in authentic business and financial contexts.

Assessment methods may include:

• Live business briefs and consultancy-style projects
• Case study analysis and applied business problems
• Reports, essays and financial evaluations
• Individual and group presentations
• Computer-based online tests
• Reflective activities and professional development tasks
• Independent research and dissertation projects

Throughout your studies, you will receive formative and summative feedback to support your ongoing development. Assessment tasks are designed to help you build expertise in analysing financial markets, evaluating business strategy, making evidence-based decisions and communicating complex information effectively to different audiences.

The dissertation represents the culmination of your studies, giving you the opportunity to undertake independent research on a topic related to international business and finance, applying the knowledge, analytical techniques and research skills developed throughout the programme.

MSc International Business and Finance prepares you for careers that combine international business knowledge with specialist financial expertise. By developing a strong understanding of global markets, investment behaviour, finance and business strategy, you'll be well positioned for opportunities across banking, investment, consultancy, multinational organisations and financial services.

Graduates may progress into roles such as:

• Financial Analyst
• Investment Analyst
• Finance Manager
• Risk Analyst
• Corporate Finance Associate
• International Business Consultant
• Banking Professional
• Treasury Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Economic Analyst

The programme's combination of international business and finance expertise makes it particularly valuable for organisations operating in global markets and complex financial environments. The course also provides a strong foundation for progression to doctoral study and academic research.

You will require:

A bachelor's degree in a business-related subject at 2:2 classification or above (or an international equivalent qualification).

Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered where they can demonstrate appropriate management, supervisory or industry experience together with the potential to succeed at postgraduate level.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, you will normally require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill area, or an equivalent recognised English language qualification.

Note: International qualifications will be assessed for equivalency according to UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) guidelines and the university's international admissions policy.

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.

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 Scholarship for Derby graduates

University of Derby graduates may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship towards postgraduate study.

Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship

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.