Overview

Our intensive, one-year, MSc Management with a specialism in International Business is for graduates from a wide range of subject backgrounds. Due to the increasing globalisation of organisations, work, our economy and society, this specialism in international business will be relevant to any future career, and particularly to graduates looking to work in management and leadership roles within an international organisation.

Our MSc Management pathways provide an introduction to management followed by a detailed exploration of a specific area of management theory and practice, in this case International Business. The programme attracts students from around the globe and you will be part of a cohort with a variety of backgrounds and interests.

The MSc will provide insight into international business within a broad range of organisations. You will explore the features, organisational processes and challenges of international businesses, critically evaluating how they are affected by social, institutional and political influences.

We aim to guide, teach and develop analytical and confident critical thinkers. You will be armed with the knowledge to apply international business theory to practice. Group work and presentations, often based on industry case studies, allow practical application of theory and develop the teamwork and communication skills expected in today's workplace.

Bristol is an entrepreneurial city and home to SETSquared, the world's top university business incubator (UBI Global). You'll be taught by leading academics whose research tackles the global societal issues facing modern management. 88% of our business and management research is rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (REF 2021), reflecting its impact on shaping policy and practice.

Programme structure

You will study five core units worth a total of 90 credit points and your specialist unit, International Business, is worth 30 credit points. The core units include Management and Organisation; Strategy, Finance and Accounting for Management; Operations and Marketing Management; Management Research Methods; and Academic, Personal and Professional Development.

You will start by studying subjects that are central to a career in international business today, including finance and accounting, organisational behaviour and strategic management. In the second term, you will deepen your understanding of management by studying operations and marketing management as well as management research methods. Throughout, we help you to develop the skills necessary to meet the complex and dynamic organisational challenges of the 21st century.

The final part of the MSc Management (International Business) brings an opportunity for in-depth research and investigation into your area of interest and can be adapted to reflect your career goals. You can choose from the following routes:

  • academic dissertation: a methodical exploration of a chosen area of study;
  • applied extended project: a management research project with an external partner organisation;
  • group project: a group-based research project that explores management knowledge with a focus on the UN Sustainability Goals.

Each route bears 60 credit points.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Management (International Business).

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any discipline.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£17,600 per year
Overseas: full-time
£31,500 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

We aim to guide, teach and develop knowledgeable, thoughtful and ethical management practitioners who will thrive in a global environment working within international teams. This degree provides excellent preparation for all careers in management but will be particularly relevant to roles in international business that are in great demand across all sectors and industries.

Our Careers Service offers support and online training to help you to identify your career goals, apply for opportunities, and perfect your interview technique during your year of study.

Your final project, which may be carried out with an industry partner, is also a powerful way of showcasing your talent to future employers, providing you with the confidence and platform to launch your own business ideas.