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
- Next intake
- January 2026
MSc International Business Management is a conversion degree led by academics from Edinburgh Business School. It introduces the study of business and management to graduates and professionals from non-management backgrounds who are looking to enhance or redirect their careers.
This programme provides you with a strong understanding of the modern business landscape, applying key theories in practical, real-world contexts. You’ll learn essential international business management knowledge that prepares you for professional and managerial roles across private, public, and third-sector organisations.
Throughout your studies, you’ll explore a range of theories and models used to analyse challenges in international business. 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 your problem-solving skills to real international business scenarios, generating strategic options and solutions for resolving arising problems. The programme equips you with the knowledge and confidence to apply your learning directly to professional practice.
Alongside subject expertise, you’ll develop valuable transferable skills to support your long-term career progression. These include effective teamwork and independent working, strong written and verbal communication, digital literacy, and the ability to interpret a wide range of numerical and graphical data.
You’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your degree by selecting two optional courses - from measuring and managing performance, financial analysis, managing diversity in business, or project management - allowing you to shape your learning around your interests. Your dissertation will enable you to explore a chosen topic in depth through an independent research project at the forefront of contemporary business knowledge. The range of skills you develop will support lifelong learning and personal growth.
In just one year, you’ll be introduced to fundamental business principles and gain versatile management skills. Combined with specialist learning in key areas, the programme helps you develop modern managerial capabilities that complement your existing experience and support a career transition or progression into leadership roles.
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
Their expertise ensures that teaching is grounded in current research and real-world business challenges, helping you develop knowledge that is both relevant and future-focused.
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
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
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
Year 1
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
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Student testimonials

Anirudh's story
Graduate, International Business Management MSc
The MSc 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 .

Pankaj's story
Graduate, International Business Management MSc
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's story
Graduate, International Business Management MSc
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.See more
See moreHeriot-Watt stood out as the perfect choice; the program’s robust academic framework, combined with industry collaboration, promised a comprehensive learning experience. The two-year format, with its industry placement component, was especially appealing because it allowed me to gain hands-on experience while I applied the theoretical knowledge I was developing in class.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £12,344 | £6,172 |
| International | £24,176 | £12,088 |
- Tuition fees are subject to revision each year. For students starting in September 2026 or later, refer to the table below.
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £12,744 | £6,372 |
| International | £24,952 | £12,476 |
- 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).
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.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
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.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
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.
Student life
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