MSc International Business and Strategy: Global Challenges
Overview
This programme is rooted in two academic domains, International Business and Strategy. It will suit graduates from any discipline who wish to specialise and critically engage in these subjects. You will learn to unpack world challenges in new ways, creating understanding of the complexities of internationalisation, current strategic thinking and sustainability challenges in business and society.
The programme will equip you with a competitive advantage in the graduate jobs market by giving you the tools to deal with the new 'mega-forces' of globalisation driven by technological advancement, climate change, global health crises and geopolitical events.
This MSc draws on cutting edge research by leading academics who will guide you to explore the Global Challenges facing international businesses and society, such as global warming, increasing migration flows, food insecurity, poverty, and greater competition for increasingly scarce resources. You will gain the contextual, historical, and political perspectives by experts in these areas to enable them to think critically and solve problems practically in the workplace.
This programme will help you to:
- become an expert in strategic management with the ability to respond to global challenges,
- prepare for a career in international and multinational companies, NGOs and SMEs with an international outlook,
- focus on sustainability; specialising in either Marketing, Human Resources Management or Operations Management.
Graduates from this programme will benefit from studying at a top 10 UK university (QS, 2023), ranked 16th in the UK for Business and Management (Complete University Guide, 2021). 88% of our Business and Management research is rated as world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), reflecting its impact in shaping policy and practice.
Sustainability is a priority for Bristol, which was the first UK city to attain European Green Capital status in 2015. The University of Bristol was the first in the UK to declare a Climate Emergency and has sustainability at the core of its strategy.
Programme structure
You will study five core and one elective unit (20 credits each), as well as the International Business and Strategy Dissertation (60 credits).
The first three units will introduce you to core theoretical perspectives and critical issues underpinning International Business and Strategy, preparing you for the further specialist taught units as well as the research dissertation.
Core units:
- International Business Perspectives in a Turbulent World will focus on core concepts from International Business and broader contextual issues in the global economy.
- Global Strategy will introduce concepts from Strategic Management and focus on the specific strategic management challenges for multinationals in a global environment.
- Global Challenges will focus on the 'wicked problems' facing society that contemporary organisations need to navigate.
- Research Skills for International Business and Strategy will provide a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of conducting research in International Business and Strategy.
Elective unit, studying the impact of sustainability on a domain of your choosing. Choose one from the below:
- Sustainability and Ethics in Global Supply Chains
- Sustainability and Social Impact in Marketing
- Sustainable Work Futures in the Digital Economy
The final unit comprises the International Business and Strategy Dissertation, which allows you to conduct a research project on a topic of your choice
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in International Business and Strategy.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent. Degrees from all disciplines are considered. Applicants with a lower class of degree with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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
- £16,000 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £29,900 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.
Bristol Master's Scholarship
£2,000 scholarships available for UK students from underrepresented groups applying for full-time master's programmes. Find out more about the Bristol Master's Scholarships and check your eligibility to apply.
Funding for 2023/24
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Graduates from this programme can pursue an exciting range of career opportunities in international business, strategy, and sustainability.
The programme will teach you to respond to a fast paced and ever-changing business environment, supporting your ambitions to attain strategic positions in business development, strategic management, consultancy, international business development, and sustainability at a senior level.
This programme will give you an understanding of the complexities of international business operations to prepare you for a variety of roles in government, policy design, multinational corporations in all sectors, NGOs and fast growing 'go global' businesses that are seeking to rapidly internationalise.
Our postgraduate students are given opportunities to engage with industry, increase their professional networks and develop their professional skills and experience whilst they are studying. Find out more about our Professional Liaison Network.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk