Prepare you with the knowledge and professional skills to lead and manage business towards a world of opportunities.
The MSc International Business aims to allow students to acquire mastery of both the macro and micro contexts of international business, and is designed to enable students to acquire, develop, and integrate international business theory, and develop the skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice. The Masters dissertation provides the opportunity to conceive, design and implement satisfactorily a substantial research project within the broad subject area of international business.
The Extended MSc in International Businessaims to provide an alternative route to postgraduate study at Ulster via the Graduate Certificate in Business. The pre-masters model has been designed essentially as a bridging mechanism for home and international students to progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study at Ulster and will lead to a distinct award, the Graduate Certificate in Business.
The Graduate Certificate in Business takes cognisance of the fact that many international (as well as home) students holding ordinary Bachelor Degrees or equivalent, do not have sufficient academic standing to allow them to meet the entry criteria for study at Masters' level.
Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Business and, on achieving an overall average of 50% across all 3 modules, will be in a position to progress to the MSc in International Business. They will be deemed to have met the entry requirements for Master's level study by having demonstrated suitable levels of proficiency in Academic writing skills; Study skills at postgraduate level; Postgraduate research skills; and Discipline-based knowledge and understanding.
The aim of the MSc in International Business is to provide students with an applied knowledge of both the macro- and micro- contexts of international business. Students will acquire, develop and integrate international business theory and develop their skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice. The MSc International Business programme will adopt an enquiry based approach to develop professionals who can drive business success and challenge the accepted conventions of the business world by developing business strategies in real life business contexts and delivering effective business solutions. The programme will develop a range of skills including digital, effective communication and analytical skills, creative thinking, adaptability and resilience, to enhance employability and the lifelong learning capabilities of graduates.
Students who have successfully completed the taught modules associated with the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business to undertake a Master's Dissertation/International Business Project. The Master's Dissertation/International Business Project provides students with the opportunity to conceive, design and implement satisfactorily a substantial research project within the broad subject area of International Business.
The general aim of the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma stages of the International Business programme is to inculcate in students a knowledge of skills in, and an aptitude for, international business. This programme aims to allow students to acquire mastery of both the macro and micro contexts of international business. These programmes will include the ability to acquire, develop, integrate international business theory and develop the skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The Extended MSc International Business programme consists of 11 taught modules and an applied piece of work in the form of a Dissertation/Applied Research Project (worth 60 credit points). The programme is normally delivered over 4 semesters and will carry 240 credits, 60 at level 6 and 180 at level 7.
The first semester comprises three 20 credit modules delivered at level 6 (Research Methods for Postgraduate Students - BMG575; Academic Essentials - BMG625; Enterprise Development -BMG626). The second/third semesters comprise eight 15 credit modules at level 7 (Global Business in Context - BMG705; International Finance - BMG704; Global Marketing & Sales Development - MKT744; The Digital Landscape - BMG814; International HRM - BMG935; International Business Research Skills - BMG871; International Entrepreneurship - BMG936 and Global Strategy Development & Implementation - BMG872). Students must successfully complete the 11 taught modules (3 at level 6 and 8 at level 7) before they can progress to the Dissertation - BMG847/International Business Project - BMG858 (worth 60 credit points) in their final semester.
Students normally complete the programme over four to five semesters. If students choose not to progress to the final semester of the MSc programme, but have passed the requisite number of taught modules (eight at level 7 - up to a value of 120 credit points), they may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business. Students who have passed four taught modules (60 credit points at level 7), may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business. Additionally, students who have passed the following core modules (at level 6): Academic Essentials, Research Methods for Postgraduate Students and Enterprise Development may exit the programme with the award of a Graduate Certificate in Business.
Full-time students who complete 120 credits (i.e. to Postgraduate Diploma level) are eligible to undertake the Advanced Practice pathway by completing either the Internship & Professional Development Project (BMG861,60 credits) or Applied Consulting Project (BMG862,60 credits).
If students choose not to progress to the final year (PT)/semester (FT) of the MSc International Business and HRM pathway programme, but have passed the requisite number of taught modules (eight at level 7 - up to a value of 120 credit points), they may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business with HRM (they will have completed the requisite specialism modules). Students who have passed four level 7 taught modules (60 credit points), may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business.
Students who complete the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business with HRM programme are eligible to undertake the Advanced Practice pathway by completing either the Internship & Professional Development Project (BMG861, 60 credits) or the Applied Consulting Project (BMG862, 60 credits).
If students choose not to progress to the final year (PT)/semester (FT) of the MSc International Business with Data Analytics programme, but have passed the requisite number of taught modules (eight at level 7 - up to a value of 120 credit points), they may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business with Data Analytics (they will have completed the requisite specialism modules). Students who have passed four level 7 taught modules (60 credit points), may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business.
Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business with Data Analytics programme are eligible to undertake the Advanced Practice pathway by completing either the Internship & Professional Development Project (BMG861, 60 credits) or the Applied Consulting Project (BMG862, 60 credits).
All 3 Graduate Certificate modules are delivered over a 12-week teaching block in each semester. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate (with average of 50% or more), will allow students to progress to MSc International Business. Students who score an average of 40-49% overall, will exit with a Graduate Certificate award only.
MSc modules are delivered in a six-week block format.
The part-time MSc is completed in 2-3 years. Full-time participants can also exit with a PgCert after successful completion of one semester (four modules) or alternatively exit with a PgDip after successful completion of two semesters (eight modules).
Assessment is 100% coursework assessed
These pre-Masters and Masters programmes offers various methods of teaching and learning to address the needs of industry and the economy in today's fast-changing world.
Studying and interacting with students and academic staff in an international setting, creates a network of contacts and links to local knowledge on an international stage. This masters degree offers directed tutor and peer learning, providing guidance and support throughout the entire programme, in addition to technical assistance.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
Applicants must have gained:
A third class, pass or ordinary degree, or equivalent from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body or from institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; and
In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by Ulster University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme.
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Student and employer needs are reflected in the development of this programme and evidenced in the career destinations and further development of our graduates. The nature of the provision is such that it equips individuals for employment in a wide range of international roles within the public and private sectors and a significant number of graduates are successful in gaining promotion in their chosen fields or alter their career paths following completion of their programme of study.
A sample of graduate employers includes:
A number of graduates from these programmes have also undertaken their doctoral studies, both within Ulster University and beyond.
Accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE) for the purposes of exemptions from some professional examinations
Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
