MSc International Business and Strategy: Global Challenges
- MSc
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 an 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 of 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,
- develop (socially) entrepreneurial mindsets to start up your own business.
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), the largest professional body for environmental practitioners in the UK and worldwide. Our students are entitled to enjoy free student membership for the duration of the programme. Graduates from this programme will benefit from studying at a top 10 UK university (QS World University Rankings 2024). A large percentage of our Business and Management research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), reflecting its impact on 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 units, one elective unit, and the International Business and Strategy Dissertation. The first three units cover core theories and key issues in International Business and Strategy, preparing you for advanced units and the research dissertation.
Core units:
- International Business Perspectives in a Turbulent World will focus on core international business concepts and global economic issues.
- Global Strategy will introduce strategic management concepts and challenges for multinationals.
- Global Challenges will focus on the 'wicked problems' facing society that contemporary organisations need to navigate.
- Entrepreneurship and Society will provide the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills for global challenges and explores entrepreneurship for sustainable social impact, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets.
- Research Skills for International Business and Strategy will provide a a comprehensive understanding of theoretical and practical 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 in Global Value Chains
- Sustainability Management in Practice
The final unit, the International Business and Strategy Dissertation, offers two options: conducting an individual research project on a chosen topic, or participating in a group-based applied grand challenges project with an external partner organisation.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in International Business and Strategy.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have at least one of the following:
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 statementIf 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
- Home: full-time
- £18,000 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £9,000 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £33,000 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 and scholarships
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