MSc International Business

Go further, faster with a 100% online business master’s that’s built for global leaders.

Start Dates: January, May, September

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Study Mode: Online

Fees: £11,520

About the programme

The international business arena is high stakes and filled with diverse players navigating rapid change and complex markets. To succeed, you need sharp strategic skills and cultural insight. This flexible MSc is your ticket to play, equipping you with the resilience to lead in global strategy, international trade, and cross-cultural management.

You’ll gain the tools to analyse complex markets, design adaptive business solutions, and make ethical decisions that create impact across borders. Flexible and designed for working professionals, this programme blends academic rigour with real-world relevance, giving you the playbook you need to lead at the global level.

Accreditation 

This programme is delivered by the Brunel Business School, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA).

Modules

All learning is delivered online to fit around your work and personal commitments. You’ll complete 6 core modules, 2 optional modules, and a dissertation, combining theory and practical tasks to prepare you for a successful career in international business.

Discover what makes marketing strategies successful across diverse global markets. This module examines cross-cultural consumer behaviour, market entry options, and how environmental factors influence the marketing mix in international contexts.
  • Marketing environment
  • Globalisation vs adaptation
  • Culture and mindset
  • Market entry strategies
  • International marketing mix

Multinational companies face tough challenges in global markets every day. This module reveals the strategic approaches and organisational designs that help these giants expand, innovate, and stay ahead worldwide.
  • Global strategy
  • Market entry
  • Digital transformation
  • Cross-cultural ethics
  • Alliances and mergers

Managing across borders brings unique challenges and opportunities. This module equips you with the theories and practical tools to navigate cultural differences, global trends, and complex decision-making within multinational organisations. Learn how to apply international management concepts in real-world settings to lead effectively across diverse environments.
  • International trends
  • Political and legal context
  • Cultural influences
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Negotiation and conflict
  • Global HRM
  • Mergers and acquisitions

Globalisation is transforming how firms expand and invest worldwide. This module explores the forces driving international business activity, the role of multinational corporations, and the impact of global financial systems. You’ll develop the skills to analyse strategies behind foreign investment and navigate the complex international business environment.
  • Globalisation trends
  • International business theories
  • Multinational corporations
  • Foreign direct investment
  • Global financial systems
  • Exchange rate dynamics
  • International monetary system
  • Balance of payments
  • Trade policies
  • Global institutions

Global markets never stand still. This module unpacks the dynamic forces that open (or close) doors for countries trading beyond their borders. You’ll explore why nations trade, what barriers stand in the way, and how regional agreements and global institutions shape the flow of goods and services. By the end, you’ll understand the strategic dance between policy, economics, and business in the international marketplace.
  • Trade dynamics
  • Barriers and tariffs
  • Policy impact
  • Regional blocs
  • Economic integration
  • Multinational firms
  • Investment flows
  • R&D trends

Make better decisions with the power of research. This module equips you to interpret, evaluate, and apply both qualitative and quantitative findings, giving you the tools to approach complex business challenges with confidence and clarity.
  • Research design
  • Qualitative and quantitative methods
  • Data interpretation
  • Literature review techniques
  • Ethical research practice
  • Critical analysis skills

Managing people across borders brings fresh challenges and opportunities as workforces become increasingly global. This module examines how HR strategies are shaped by different regional contexts and how organisations navigate cultural, legal, and operational differences in international HRM.
  • International HR strategy
  • Cross-cultural management
  • Regional HR practices
  • Global recruitment
  • Expatriate management
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Multicultural teams
  • HR information systems

This module explores strategies that empower diverse workforces across cultures and borders, focusing on leadership, organisational change, and the practical challenges faced in multinational environments. You’ll gain insight into how global diversity drives innovation, equity, and long-term success in today’s interconnected business world.
  • Defining global diversity
  • Diversity across functions
  • Theories of diversity management
  • Leadership and change
  • Cross-cultural challenges
  • Organisational transformation

Responsible leadership in global business means mastering ethics and governance across cultures and markets. This module explores sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and governance frameworks that shape decision-making in SMEs and multinationals alike.
  • Shareholder vs stakeholder models
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Ethical theories
  • Cross-cultural ethics
  • Governance structures
  • Board roles and accountability
  • Sustainability

How do successful organisations continue to drive progress? This module explores how knowledge is created, shared, and applied within teams, across networks, and through technology. You’ll examine the role of digital platforms in supporting innovation and long-term business growth.
  • Knowledge management
  • Organisational learning
  • Social networks and collaboration
  • Innovation strategy
  • Web 2.0 tools
  • Knowledge transfer

What shapes employee satisfaction and workplace culture? This module unpacks leadership theories and behavioural models, helping you evaluate how management styles impact motivation, teamwork, and organisational performance.
  • Organisational behaviour
  • Management approaches
  • Individual differences
  • Motivation and satisfaction
  • Teams and groups
  • Managerial roles
  • Leadership development
  • Organisational design
  • Culture and innovation

Entry requirements

To join this programme, you’ll need:

  • A 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in any subject is all you need to apply. While work experience isn’t essential, many of our graduates have found it valuable in getting even more from their studies.

All modules and assessments are delivered in English, so you’ll need to meet our English language requirements. We accept a range of qualifications, including:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all areas)
  • Pearson (PTE): 59 overall (59 in all subscores)
  • BrunELT: 63% overall (minimum 58% in all areas)
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 overall (minimum 20 in each section)

Become best-in-class in doing business worldwide

Global recognition: Join a top 25% UK university where your degree carries weight worldwide. 

Skills that connect: Learn to navigate global business challenges and lead across borders.

Learn by doing: Build practical experience through real projects and tools you’ll use on the job.

Support every step: Benefit from expert guidance designed for busy professionals balancing study and work.

Gain in-demand business skills to lead on a global scale

Evaluate complex international business strategies and challenges with confidence and insight.

Integrate social responsibility and ethics into global business decision-making. 

Use advanced models and digital technologies to inform sustainable business choices. 

Develop innovative strategies that foster diverse and inclusive international workplaces. 

Lead original research projects, delivering insights for global business leaders.

Enhance analytical, interpersonal, and technical skills to accelerate your international career.

Our graduates work here

Go global with your career

Brunel’s 16,000 business graduates have launched careers with some of the world’s biggest names, including Amazon, PwC, Microsoft, Jaguar Land Rover and L’Oréal. With this degree, you can too.

Earn your MSc with us and unlock opportunities worldwide across sectors, including:

  • Business Analyst
  • Business Development Manager
  • Corporate Investment Banker
  • Logistics Manager

Take the next step

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