International Business

Lead Global Business in a Sustainable Future

International business is evolving rapidly. Organisations need professionals who can understand global markets, respond to economic and political change, and develop strategies that create sustainable growth across borders. MSc International Business will equip you with the advanced knowledge, practical skills and global mindset needed to succeed in today's interconnected business environment.

Whether you are looking to accelerate your career, change direction or enhance your international business expertise, this course will help you develop the confidence to operate in organisations with a global reach. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how businesses compete internationally, manage complexity and identify opportunities in diverse markets around the world.

Understand the Forces Shaping International Business

Successful international organisations must navigate a range of economic, political, legal, environmental and cultural influences. Through a multidisciplinary curriculum, you'll explore how these factors shape business strategy, trade, investment and organisational decision-making.

Drawing on perspectives from international business, economics, management, marketing and law, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary global business issues. From international trade and market dynamics to global supply chains and responsible leadership, you'll build knowledge that can be applied across a wide range of industries and sectors.

Champion Sustainable and Responsible Business

As organisations face increasing pressure to address environmental and social challenges, the demand for leaders who can balance commercial success with responsible business practice continues to grow. Sustainability and ethical leadership are embedded throughout this course, enabling you to explore how organisations can drive positive change while remaining competitive in international markets.

You'll examine contemporary global challenges through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), developing the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to a more inclusive, ethical and sustainable global economy.

Learn Through Real-World Business Challenges

We place a strong emphasis on applied learning, helping you bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. Throughout the course, you'll engage with authentic assessments, industry-relevant case studies, consultancy-style projects and live business challenges designed to reflect the realities of modern international business.

You'll also benefit from guest speakers, networking opportunities and engagement with employers and industry professionals, helping you develop practical skills, commercial awareness and valuable professional connections.

Prepare for an International Career

This course is designed to enhance your employability and prepare you for careers in international business, trade, consultancy, logistics, strategy, management and related fields. Alongside subject knowledge, you'll develop highly valued professional skills including strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, data analysis and decision-making.

Whether your ambition is to work for a multinational corporation, international consultancy, government agency, non-governmental organisation (NGO), or even launch your own business, MSc International Business will help you develop the global perspective, adaptability and leadership capabilities needed to make an impact in organisations around the world. The course also provides a strong foundation for further academic study, including doctoral research.

The MSc International Business 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.

Teaching and Learning

The MSc International Business combines academic insight with practical application, helping you develop the knowledge, skills and global perspective needed to succeed in international careers. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies and applied learning activities, you'll explore how organisations operate across international markets and respond to economic, political, cultural and environmental challenges.

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 practice. You'll engage with authentic assessments, live business briefs, consultancy-style projects and industry-relevant case studies, enabling you to apply theory to contemporary international business challenges. Guest speakers, networking opportunities and employer engagement activities will further enhance your understanding of global business environments.

Throughout the course, you'll develop valuable professional skills including strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, commercial awareness, digital literacy and data analysis. Sustainability and responsible leadership are embedded within the curriculum, helping you understand the role businesses can play in creating positive economic, social and environmental impact. You'll also have access to Develop@Derby resources and support from academic staff and your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), helping you strengthen your academic, professional and career development skills throughout your studies.

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

Study Options

Full-time Study

The full-time MSc International Business can be studied from either a September or January start date. Full-time students complete 180 credits over one year, studying core modules in international business, trade, market dynamics and global supply chains, alongside option modules and an independent dissertation project.

Part-time Study

The part-time route offers greater flexibility and is normally completed over three years. Students typically study fewer modules each semester, allowing them to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. A recommended study pattern is three modules in Year 1, three modules in Year 2, followed by the Research Methods and Dissertation modules in Year 3.

Both study modes provide access to the same teaching expertise, learning resources, industry engagement opportunities and student support services.

Assessment Method

Assessment is designed to reflect the diverse knowledge and skills required in international business careers. You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including reports, essays, case study analyses, live business briefs, presentations, group projects, reflective assignments, practical activities and computer-based tests.

Assessments are linked to real-world business challenges and are intended to help you apply theory to practice while developing professional, analytical and communication skills. Throughout the course you will receive formative and summative feedback to support your development and academic progress.

The final dissertation provides an opportunity to conduct independent research into a topic of your choice within international business, drawing together the knowledge, research skills and critical analysis developed throughout the programme.

Graduates from MSc International Business have progressed into careers across international trade, supply chain management, consultancy, business strategy, sustainability, marketing and operations. The programme prepares you for opportunities in multinational organisations, government agencies, NGOs, consultancies and entrepreneurial ventures operating across international markets.

Recent graduates have secured roles with organisations including Rolls-Royce, Deloitte, PwC, DHL, Barclays, IBM and Accenture. The course also provides a strong foundation for further academic study, including doctoral research.

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 management, supervisory or industry experience, supported by evidence of their ability to succeed at postgraduate level.

International qualifications will be assessed for equivalency in line with UK ENIC guidelines and the University's admissions policies.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course, you will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill area, subject to academic discretion.

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

Recognition of Prior Learning

Where appropriate qualifications have been obtained by the applicant at other learning institutions, or where management experience shows significant indicators of expertise in a particular field, exemptions may be awarded subject to the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures. This will be assessed on an individual basis, provided the applicant is able to evidence the experience, skill or learning.

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.