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    Key information

    Location
    Edinburgh
    Mode of delivery
    On-campus
    Delivery type
    Full-time, Part-time
    Start date
    September, January
    Duration
    1 year
    Qualification
    MSc

    Contact

    Contact our enquiries team

    Contact us

    Overview

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

    The Edinburgh Business School creates tomorrow's leaders for tomorrow's markets. We provide forward-thinking, practical Masters degrees that are outward looking and focused on the global business world. 

    This one-year postgraduate programme, MSc International Business Management, allows you to study specialist subjects from across the business sphere, including:

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

    These four courses provide insight into relevant social, political, legal, and macroeconomic conditions affecting international business and develop skills in decision-making, people management, leadership and team working. 

    In addition, you will select two optional courses in Semester 1 and two optional courses in Semester 2. Shaping your MSc study in this way allows you to develop knowledge and skills that reflect your unique career aspirations.

    Ultimately, you will learn how to critically evaluate and implement theories, concepts and techniques of business and apply this knowledge to practical contexts through industry-focused, case-study-led projects.

    This is a conversion MSc

    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. 

    This degree introduces vital business knowledge to those with limited academic experience in the subject and provides an opportunity to develop versatile management skills in just one year of study. Coupled with specialist learning in key areas of business, it develops modern management skills to complement existing knowledge and prepare graduates for a career shift or management role.

    September 2024 entry 

    The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.

    Course content

    Year 1

    Semester 1

    Mandatory courses
    • Competitive Strategy 
    • International Business Context 
    • HR Strategy and Practice 
    Optional courses (choose one)
    • Measuring and Managing Performance 
    • Financial Analysis 

    Semester 2

    Mandatory courses
    • Research Philosophy and Practice 
    • Business Economics 
    • International Marketing 
    Optional courses (choose one)
    • Managing Diversity in Business 
    • Project Management 

    Semester 3

    • Dissertation 

    Mandatory courses: Semester 1

    International Business Context 

    Explores the nature of a firm's response to the challenges of internationalisation by examining the strategic basis, method and direction of international strategies. Examines both multi- and micro-nationals and utilises conventional strategic tools to study international strategies.

    Competitive Strategy

    Examines how companies compete by developing and understanding the interactions and relationships between theoretical concepts; examining the individual components of strategic management models and considering how companies may achieve and sustain competitive advantage.

    HR Strategy and Practice 

    Helps to understand the value of HR as a profession within an organisation. It will develop a critical awareness of how different people practices integrate to enable delivery of strategic HRM plans. It will equip students with an understanding of the differing roles played by HR practitioners, and the core behaviours required to perform these roles effectively. 

    Mandatory courses: Semester 2

    Business Economics 

    Provides knowledge and understanding of the basic principles and concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics and to be able to apply this knowledge and understanding in the analysis of a range of economic problems.

    Research Philosophy and Practice

    Provides an understanding of the social science research process, as well as theory and approaches to research. Develops practical skills (i.e. quantitative and qualitative techniques) in data analysis to transform the raw data into information that guides marketing management valuations.

    International Marketing

    Helps to develop deeper understanding of the marketing environment and the risk factors in a global context. It will examine the effects of globalisation and international structures on marketing strategies. It will cover implications of recent trends, particularly relating to ethical and sustainability, on marketing approaches

    Go Global

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

    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees

    Tuition fees
    Status [footnote 1] Full-time Part-time
    UK 10736 5368
    Overseas [footnote 2] 23248 11624

    Footnotes

    1. 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. Find out more about tuition fees.
    2. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

    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 our full range of postgraduate scholarships.

    Entry requirements

    Entry

    We require a 2:2 honours degree, or its non-UK equivalent, in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university.

    Owing to a large increase in demand we are being more selective and cannot guarantee that all applicants meeting the minimum entry requirements will be offered a place

    Global College - successful completion of our one-year Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma in Business Studies or the four-month Pre-Masters (Accelerated).

    English language requirements

    If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

    The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component lower than 6.0.

    If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies:

    14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all skills)
    10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.5 in reading & writing and minimum of 5.0 in speaking & listening)
    6 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum 5.5 in all skills)

    "As the course is specifically designed for graduates who have little or no experience in international business or human resources in their first degree, it gave me the opportunity to build onto my knowledge and prior corporate work experience, and opened wider opportunities for me in the field of HRM and International Business."

    Amruta Deolekar ,
    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. "

    Anirudh Rajput ,
    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."

    Pankaj Pal ,
    MSc International Business Management

    "Edinburgh Business School and Heriot-Watt University have strong connections with the business community, providing opportunities for internships, industry projects, and networking. This can be advantageous in terms of gaining practical experience, building professional networks, and improving job prospects."

    Vikas Kumar Gadhamsetty ,
    MSc International Business Management

    Why Heriot-Watt?

    Clubs and activities

    At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!

    Edinburgh campus accommodation

    Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union

    Edinburgh Campus facilities

    At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!

    Health and wellbeing

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    Heriot-Watt Student Union

    There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.

    Living in Edinburgh

    Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.

    Sport facilities

    Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability

    Your career

    Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

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