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MSc International Business Management

Key information

Edinburgh Business School's MSc International Business Management takes business theory and applies it to defined, practical settings. It builds a vital understanding of the modern business world and allows you to shape your learning to your ambitions.

Level
Postgraduate Taught
Delivery type
Full Time, Part Time
Degree qualification
MSc
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Location
Edinburgh
Start date
September, January

MSc International Business Management is a conversion degree programme led by academics from Edinburgh Business School. It introduces the study of business and management to graduates and professionals from non-management backgrounds who wish to enhance their careers. 

Our MSc International Business Management provides you with a vital understanding of the modern business world, applying business theory to defined, practical settings. You’ll gain key international business management knowledge to allow you to proceed to professional and managerial careers in private, public, and third-sector business.   

Through the master’s programme, you’ll develop an understanding of a range of theories and models used to support and understand a range of issues and problems within international business management. You’ll critically evaluate the roles of business management within the international context, including how policies, programmes, strategies, and resources are developed, selected, and implemented. You’ll apply problem-solving skills to various international business management scenarios to generate strategic options for resolving arising problems. The MSc will provide you with the skills to apply your knowledge and understanding to professional practice and solve business management problems.   

Beyond subject knowledge and skills, you’ll gain key transferrable skills which will aid you throughout your professional career. You’ll be able to work effectively in teams and on your own, identify areas for continued professional development, communicate effectively by written and verbal means, apply ICT resources for maximising impact, and evaluate a wide range of graphical and numerical data. 

You’ll have the opportunity to specialise and choose two optional courses – from measuring and managing performance, financial analysis, managing diversity in business, and project management – to customise your learning and develop your specific interest. Your international business management dissertation will allow you to build on your interests, by completing an original research project at the forefront of knowledge. The knowledge base, subject and transferable skills you gain will prepare you for lifelong learning and personal development.     

You’ll be introduced to vital business knowledge and be provided an opportunity to develop versatile management skills in just one year of study. Coupled with specialist learning in key areas of business, you’ll develop modern management skills to complement existing knowledge and prepare you for a career shift or management role. 

The programme is highly practice-oriented. In the final part of this degree, you'll get a chance to work on a company consultancy project which allows you to understand business issues and apply concepts learnt during the programme. This invaluable skillset will make you highly sought after upon graduation.   

Your student experience

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics whose work covers four key areas:  

  • Employment, Work and the Professions  
  • Logistics and Sustainability  
  • Networks and Enterprise Excellence  
  • Social and Economic Data Analysis  

Go Global

With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.

Inter-Campus Transfer

Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Mandatory September

  • Competitive Strategy
  • International Business Context
  • HR Strategy and Practice

Optional September

  • Finance and Financial Reporting
  • Measuring and Managing Performance

Mandatory January

  • Research Philosophy and Practice
  • Business Economics
  • International Marketing

Optional January

  • Managing Diversity in Business
  • Project Management

Mandatory May

  • Dissertation

January Intake - Edinburgh

Mandatory January

  • Research Philosophy and Practice
  • Business Economics
  • International Marketing

Optional January

  • Managing Diversity in Business
  • Project Management

Optional September

  • Measuring and Managing Performance
  • Finance and Financial Reporting

Mandatory September

  • Competitive Strategy
  • HR Strategy and Practice
  • International Business Context

Mandatory Second January

  • Dissertation

Student testimonials

anirudh-rajput

Anirudh Rajput

MSc International Business Management

MSc IBM taught me basics as well as some advanced theories, methods, and management concepts, which has given me great confidence to apply the learned skill set in global work environments and how I can contribute to the company's growth from various viewpoints such as Economics, Human Resources, Operations, and Leadership.
pankaj-pal

Pankaj Pal

MSc International Business Management

The community and social atmosphere at Heriot-Watt University are truly remarkable and embrace inclusivity. Having experienced diverse cultures in my professional background, I understand the significance of feeling welcomed when pursuing one's dreams far from home. Fortunately, Heriot-Watt has cultivated an environment that is exceptionally comforting and welcoming, allowing students to settle in with ease. The support system at the university is commendable. Even before arriving in the UK, current students are readily available to answer all queries and provide assistance on various aspects, making the transition smoother.
wojciech-salski-headshot-1200x780px

Wojciech Salski

MSc International Business Management

I had the privilege of working with Continuum Flow Lab, helping them transition from academia to a commercially viable business. The experience was highly rewarding, especially applying strategic frameworks in a real-world setting and seeing my recommendations make an impact. My degree provided a strong foundation in market analysis and change management, which proved invaluable. The academic support from my supervisors was outstanding, guiding me through the project. I highly recommend this company project to anyone looking for a hands-on opportunity to apply their skills and make a real difference.

Fees and funding

/ intake tuition fees
StatusFull TimePart Time
UK£12,344£6,172
International£24,176£12,088
  • Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
  • International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).

Additional information

Note: the fees indicated above will apply if you begin your studies in September. If you choose to join us in January instead, the fees below will apply.

January 2025 intake tuition fees

Status Full Time Part Time
UK £10,736 £5,368
International £23,248 £11,624
  • Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
  • International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland).

Scholarships and bursaries

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

View details

Entry requirements

We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.

A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in any academic subject provided that it includes evidence of essay writing and use of critical thinking.

Why Heriot-Watt

We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.

We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.

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