International Business

Entry requirements

Offer in principle for qualifying students

Students who have obtained an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university are eligible for standard academic entry and must submit a completed application and a copy of their CV. Anyone who meets standard entry criteria will receive an offer in principle within 48 hours.

Requirements for academic entry:

• Certificates/transcripts - Students must have obtained (or be predicted to obtain) an upper second-class degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university.
• Additional documentation - If you meet standard academic entry criteria, you will only need to submit an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) demonstrating your academic and work experience, plus any other skills that may support your application, along with your completed application.
• Evidence of language (if applicable) - If English is not your first language, you will also need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate. Please see the detailed language criteria listed below.

Alternative paths to entry:

Students seeking non-standard academic entry may pursue the following routes.

Second-class degree

• The degree or equivalent qualification must be from a UK university or recognised institution.
• You must provide evidence of at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
• You must also submit one reference. Your reference can either be uploaded to your application by your referee or emailed directly to your Student Recruitment Coordinator.
• Optional: Submit a personal statement uploaded in PDF format.

Low second-class degree

• The degree or equivalent qualification must be from a UK university or recognised institution.
• You must provide evidence of at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• You must also submit one reference. Your reference can either be uploaded to your application by your referee or emailed directly to your Student Recruitment Coordinator.
• Optional: Submit a personal statement uploaded in PDF format.

Third-class degree

• The degree or equivalent qualification must be from a UK university or recognised institution.
• You must provide evidence of at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• You must also submit one reference. Your reference can either be uploaded to your application by your referee or emailed directly to your Student Recruitment Coordinator.
• Optional: Submit a personal statement uploaded in PDF format.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Designed for graduates and working professionals, the online Master of Science in International Business develops strategic decision-making, data analytics, and cross-cultural leadership to solve real-world global market challenges. You will learn to analyse international markets, lead diverse teams, and apply data-driven insights to prepare you for diverse careers in international business.

An optional campus-based module in Birmingham (UK) or Dubai offers opportunities for cultural immersion and networking within the One IB Community, where you can join events, interact with peers across campus and online cohorts, and take advantage of global mobility options to switch between campus and online study.

Delivered through the triple-crown accredited Birmingham Business School, the Online MSc in International Business offers practical management insights and modern business ideas you can start applying in your career right away as you study, including leadership techniques and global strategies. You will also have the chance to build meaningful professional networks through engaging workshops, group projects, and discussion forums that connect peers from various cultural and international backgrounds.

During the programme, you will work in teams on real-world case studies, international strategy projects, and market entry plans, helping you develop leadership, teamwork, and intercultural skills while becoming part of a welcoming, global learning community across campuses.

After completing the programme, you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate international business strategies and best-practice approaches, including contemporary developments in global strategy-making.
• Apply and integrate relevant theories, data, and analytical tools to diagnose international business problems and propose informed, creative solutions.
• Analyse and justify international business decisions by assessing data flows, trends, risks, opportunities, and regulatory, ethical, and sustainability considerations.
• Evaluate the impact of global trends such as digitalisation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability on consumer behaviour, business models, and global supply chains.
• Demonstrate critical judgement and adaptive decision-making when addressing complex, real-world international business scenarios and case studies.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively in international and multicultural contexts, demonstrating leadership, negotiation, project management, and professional communication skills.

This course will run over 2.5 years in a part-time mode.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

The course comprises 180 credits, taught through a series of 20-credit modules and a 60-credit traditional dissertation, a Company Research Project, or a Business Simulation.

1. Programme Structure:

International Business: Trade and Geopolitical Tensions (20-credits)

This module provides a critical introduction to international business, focusing on trade, geopolitics, and global risk. You will explore why firms internationalise, how international business is organised, and how geopolitical tensions shape global trade and investment. Drawing on theory and real-world case studies, the module examines international business across different countries, sectors, and organisational forms.

Emphasis is placed on understanding how place, territory, and space influence international business practice, supporting the development of critical and comparative analytical skills.

Assessment highlights

• Assessment includes a digital artefact and a written case study analysis, supporting creative and analytical engagement with global issues.
• Designed to test your ability to apply theory to contemporary geopolitical and trade challenges.

International Strategy (20-credits)

This module introduces the core concepts, tools, and frameworks of strategic management with a strong international focus. You will learn how organisations analyse their internal capabilities and external environments to formulate and evaluate strategy across diverse global contexts.

The module develops your ability to critically assess strategic choices, competitive advantage, and organisational performance in international markets. Through applied analysis and case-based learning, you will strengthen strategic decision-making and cross-cultural skills relevant to international business leadership.

Assessment highlights

Global Operations and Supply Chain Management (20-credits)

This module introduces you to contemporary global operations and supply chain management in international business. You will explore how organisations design, manage, and improve global supply chains to achieve competitive advantage. Key topics include sustainability, buyer–supplier relationships, offshoring and reshoring, digital technologies, and performance trade-offs in manufacturing and service contexts.

Through applied case studies, you will develop an understanding of the complexity and strategic importance of global supply chains, while building essential project management and analytical skills relevant to international operations roles.

Assessment highlights

International Entrepreneurship and Marketing (20-credits)

This module focuses on entrepreneurship and marketing in international contexts, covering both multinational enterprises and international new ventures. You will examine foreign market entry strategies, international marketing approaches, and the cultural and institutional factors that influence entrepreneurial activity across countries.

Using case studies, simulations, and real-world examples, the module develops your ability to design and evaluate international market entry and marketing plans. Emerging topics such as digital marketing and e-commerce are integrated throughout, preparing you for entrepreneurial and marketing roles in global environments.

Assessment highlights

• Assessed through an individual written report and a simulation-based presentation, reflecting entrepreneurial decision-making in international markets.
• Strong emphasis on market entry strategy, innovation, and practical problem-solving.

Analysing Business Intelligence (20-credits)

This module provides foundational training in research methods and data analysis for international business students. You will explore research design, data collection, and qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, as well as the use of specialist software.

The module also develops essential academic writing skills, including literature reviews and extended essays, preparing you for applied research projects or dissertations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, methodological rigour, and the practical application of business intelligence in international contexts.

Assessment highlights

International Business Data Analytics (20-credits)

This module introduces data analytics and data science as tools for strategic decision-making in international business. You will learn how to assess the quality of global data sources and apply analytical techniques, including advanced digital tools and artificial intelligence, to real-world business problems.

The module emphasises ethical, cross-cultural, and practical considerations in data-driven decision-making. Through applied projects, you will develop skills in analysing, visualising, and communicating insights that support international strategy, market entry, risk assessment, and digital transformation.

Assessment highlights

• Assessed through an individual analytical report and an infographic-style presentation, developing both technical and communication skills.
• Focuses on translating data insights into practical recommendations for international business decision-making.

Cooperative Strategy in International Business (20-credits)

This module explores how firms collaborate across borders through strategic alliances, partnerships, and joint ventures. You will examine why organisations cooperate, how partners are selected, and how alliances are designed and managed in international contexts. Using real-world case studies, the module highlights the strategic, organisational, and cultural challenges of cross-border collaboration.

You will develop the ability to critically evaluate alliance performance, learning outcomes, and the factors that influence success or failure over time. The module also emphasises reflective learning and independent research skills, supporting your development as a strategic thinker capable of analysing complex international business relationships.

Assessment highlights

• Assessed through a substantial individual report, allowing you to demonstrate deep strategic analysis of international alliances.
• Includes a reflective element, encouraging you to connect theory, case evidence, and your own learning journey.

Information for international students

Earn an internationally recognised masters

At The University of Birmingham, we’re shaping the future of industries through pioneering research and world-class degree programmes that prepare graduates to better serve the global community. We pride ourselves on welcoming and supporting international students – as of 2023, 62% of students in the online Masters programme are international and reside in 70 countries outside the UK.

If English is not your first language, you will need to supply an up-to-date English language certificate. See the details below.

Standard language test scores:

• Academic IELTS certificates with a score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any band.
• TOEFL with a score of 88, and no less than 21 in 'Reading', 20 in 'Listening', 22 in 'Speaking', and 21 in 'Writing'.
• Pearson PTE with a score of 67 and no less than 64 in all four skills.
• Cambridge Advanced English with a minimum overall score of 176 and no less than 169 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT B2 'Communicator' test certificate with a minimum score of 33 in each skill.
• Trinity ISE III with a 'Pass' in each skill.
• HKDSE with a minimum score of 4 overall, to include three bands at grade 4 and one band at grade 3.
• India Standard XII with a minimum pass of 80% in ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra, or 75% in West Bengal, or 85% in other state boards.

Non-standard language test scores -

You may not need to provide evidence of your English language abilities if:

• You’re from a specified majority English-speaking country
• You’ve completed a degree in English in a specified country within two years of your intended start date.

Fees and funding

Transparent tuition costs

The estimated total cost of this programme is £17,460. You can pay in full or in instalments of £2,495 per module. All costs are listed to help you make an informed decision.

Programme fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change each academic year. The fees listed above are for the academic year 2026-27

Flexible payment options

At Birmingham, we strive to be accessible to students of all backgrounds. We provide a range of payment options to meet students where they are and lower the barrier to higher education. The fee can either be paid in full or spread over manageable instalments by Direct Debit.

No hidden fees

Pursuing Masters means knowing the tuition cost before you enrol. Our tuition includes all fees required by your programme, so you won’t encounter any hidden costs on your path to graduation.

Early bird discount

We are excited to offer a 10% early-bird discount on the first module for the October 2026 intake to those who have accepted an unconditional offer and are registered on the programme by 4 September 2026.

Scholarship available

Our Online Birmingham Masters Scholarship offers £3,000 via a tuition fee discount to support the brightest and best applicants undertaking a postgraduate course via distance learning in 2026.