MSc International Business Management
The course
- Delivery
- Full-time, Part-time
- Course type
- Taught
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Entry date
- September, January
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.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Course content
Semester 1
Mandatory courses
- Competitive Strategy
- International Business Context
- HR Strategy and Practice
Choose one optional course:
- Measuring and Managing Performance
- Financial Analysis
Semester 2
Mandatory courses
- Research Philosophy and Practice
- Business Economics
- International Marketing
Choose one optional course:
- 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
Entry requirements
We require a 2:1 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)
Fees
Status | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £10736 | £5368 |
Overseas | £23248 | £11624 |
Status | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £10736 | £5368 |
Overseas | £23248 | £11624 |
Footnotes
- 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.
- 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.