Build Global Business and Marketing Expertise
Businesses today need professionals who can understand international markets, identify new opportunities and create marketing strategies that connect with customers across the world. MSc International Business and Marketing combines international business expertise with contemporary marketing knowledge, helping you develop the strategic, analytical and creative skills needed to succeed in a global economy.
Understand Global Markets and Consumer Behaviour
Success in today's international marketplace requires more than business knowledge alone. Organisations need people who understand how customers think, what drives purchasing decisions and how businesses can adapt their products, services and communications for different markets.
You'll explore international trade, market dynamics and business strategy alongside topics such as brand management, consumer behaviour and contemporary marketing practice. By combining these areas of study, you'll develop a well-rounded understanding of how organisations grow, compete and create value internationally.
Develop Strategic Marketing Expertise
Marketing plays a critical role in helping businesses establish competitive advantage and build lasting customer relationships. Throughout the course, you'll examine how brands are created and managed, how customer experiences influence business success and how organisations use marketing to support growth in domestic and international markets.
You'll also develop your understanding of the legal, ethical and commercial factors that influence business and marketing decisions in an increasingly connected world.
Learn Through Real-World Business Challenges
We place a strong emphasis on applied learning, ensuring that you can put theory into practice. You'll work on authentic assessments, industry-relevant case studies, consultancy-style projects and live business challenges that encourage you to think critically and develop practical solutions to contemporary business and marketing problems.
Guest speakers, employer engagement activities and networking opportunities provide valuable insight into current industry practice while helping you develop professional connections and commercial awareness.
Champion Sustainable and Responsible Business
Organisations are increasingly expected to create positive economic, social and environmental impact. Sustainability and responsible leadership are embedded throughout the programme, helping you understand how businesses can balance commercial success with ethical and sustainable decision-making.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the course equips you with the skills and awareness needed to contribute to a more responsible and inclusive global economy.
Prepare for International Career Opportunities
Whether you aspire to work in international marketing, brand management, business development, consultancy, market research or strategic management, this course will help you develop the skills employers look for.
You'll graduate with advanced knowledge of international business and marketing, combined with highly valued professional skills including strategic thinking, communication, data analysis, research and evidence-based decision-making. The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study and further academic research.
The MSc International Business and Marketing course is delivered across three stages: Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), and MSc (180 credits). Students achieve the full MSc award upon successful completion of all 180 credits.
We will advise you of your study plan - the running order and availability of the modules - when you are invited to enroll.
Teaching and Learning
The MSc International Business and Marketing combines academic learning with practical application, helping you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in international business and marketing careers. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies and applied learning activities, you'll explore how organisations compete in global markets and develop effective strategies to engage customers and drive growth.
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 marketing practice. You'll take part in authentic assessments, consultancy-style projects, live business briefs and industry-focused case studies that allow you to apply your learning to contemporary challenges. Guest speakers, networking opportunities and employer engagement activities will further enhance your understanding of international business and marketing environments.
Throughout the course, you'll develop highly sought-after professional skills including strategic thinking, communication, digital literacy, commercial awareness, problem-solving and data analysis. You'll also benefit from support provided 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. This gives you the opportunity to investigate a contemporary business or marketing issue in depth while developing advanced research and analytical skills.
Study Options
Full-time Study
The MSc International Business and Marketing is available on a full-time basis with both September and January entry points. Full-time students typically complete the programme in one year, studying a combination of international business and marketing modules alongside an independent dissertation project.
Core modules include:
- Sustainable International Trade and Investment
- International Business for a Sustainable Future
- Market Dynamics
- Strategic Brand Management
- Intellectual Property in the Digital Age
- Research Methods
- Dissertation
Students can tailor their studies through option modules such as:
- Services Marketing and User Experience Design
- Contemporary Marketing Challenges
- Marketing Metrics
- Technology Enhanced Learning and Development
Part-time Study
The part-time route is designed for students balancing postgraduate study with professional or personal commitments. The programme is typically completed over three years, with students studying fewer modules each semester and following a study plan agreed with the Programme Leader.
A typical route 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, learning resources, academic support and industry engagement opportunities as full-time students.
Flexible Entry Points
With both September and January starts, the programme offers flexibility for graduates and professionals wishing to commence their studies at a time that suits their circumstances. Structured induction activities and ongoing support help students integrate successfully regardless of their chosen entry point.
Assessment Method
Assessment is designed to reflect the knowledge, skills and professional competencies required by international business and marketing employers. A range of authentic assessment methods enable you to demonstrate your understanding of both business and marketing theory while applying your learning to real-world challenges.
Assessment methods may include:
- Live business briefs and consultancy-style projects
- Marketing and business case study analysis
- Reports and business-focused essays
- Individual and group presentations
- Practical marketing and data analysis activities
- Computer-based and online tests
- Reflective statements and professional development activities
- Independent research and dissertation work
Throughout your studies, you will receive formative and summative feedback to support your development. Assessments are designed to strengthen your ability to evaluate markets, analyse business problems, develop strategic recommendations, communicate effectively and make evidence-based decisions in international business and marketing contexts.
The dissertation forms the culmination of the programme and provides an opportunity to undertake substantial independent research into a contemporary international business and marketing issue. This allows you to integrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme while demonstrating advanced analytical and research capabilities.
MSc International Business and Marketing prepares you for careers that combine commercial awareness, strategic thinking and marketing expertise in an international context. By developing knowledge of global business, consumer behaviour, brand management and marketing strategy, you'll be equipped to pursue opportunities across a wide range of sectors and organisations operating in domestic and international markets.
Graduates may progress into roles such as:
- International Marketing Executive
- Brand Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Customer Experience Specialist
- Marketing Consultant
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Communications Manager
- Business Analyst
- Global Account Manager
The course places a strong emphasis on real-world learning, commercial awareness and industry engagement, helping you develop the practical skills employers value in today's competitive global marketplace. You'll graduate with a combination of international business expertise, marketing knowledge and professional skills that can support career progression across private, public and third-sector organisations.
You will require:
A bachelor's degree in a business-related subject at 2:2 classification or above (or an international equivalent qualification).
We also welcome applications from individuals with relevant professional experience. Applicants with a lower degree classification may be considered where they can demonstrate appropriate industry, management or supervisory experience and 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.
(August 2026 - July 2027)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £10,125 for the full course* | £1,125 per 20 credits |
| International | £17,500 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.
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
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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