International Business

Entry requirements

One of the following:

• A good UK honours degree (minimum lower second class)
• Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University.

As well as:

• Two professional references – at least one must be from an academic referee
• An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
• A completed application form.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This stimulating course will equip you with a detailed knowledge and deep understanding of today’s global commercial environment. It will explore how business is conducted across borders, examine various business functions and their role in international commerce, whilst looking at strategic management and economics in an international business context. You’ll also develop key transferable skills which, when combined with your well-rounded business education, will enable you to embark upon a variety of different career paths and help prepare you for management positions in global companies.

The programme will provide you a comprehensive understanding of international business, whilst developing your ability to think strategically and deliver successful international business strategy. We look at theories, concepts and frameworks associated with competitive and corporate strategy. You’ll discover how analysis of the external environment and companies’ strengths and weaknesses can be used to guide strategic decision making. We use a series of case studies to develop practical skills in assessing strategic opportunities and potential threats.

We also study the economic environment which international businesses operate in. We cover the key theories of economics in an international business context and look at the impact economic shocks or events can have on companies and their overseas activities. You’ll learn how to assess the economic climate by using key economic indicators and tools.

We’re recognised as a world-class university for teaching, research excellence and the employability of our graduates. The UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) presented us with its highest accolade – a Gold Award, for consistently outstanding outcomes. Whilst we’ve been ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK and top 50 in the world for international outlook.

We attract students from all over the world, which allows you to mix and work with people from diverse backgrounds. This will help you to develop your communication, teamwork and managerial skills in a multicultural environment. These competences are highly regarded by graduate employers and international firms.

Our reputation with employers is unparalleled. We boast exceptional levels of graduate employability thanks to our commitment to providing students with the skills and know-how needed for a variety of graduate roles. Our students have been successful in gaining employment with prestigious global companies, including IBM, Ernst & Young and Tesco. They go onto fulfil a wide range of roles, from jobs in international marketing to financial analyst positions. Recent graduates have also gone onto to set up their own businesses, work for policy makers and embark on careers in further education. So, whatever roles you decide to pursue, we can help you secure your dream career move!

You can choose to study this course as part of our double degree programme.

Qualification and course duration

MSc