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MSc International Business

Key information

Duration of programme: Full-time - 12 months
Start date: September

Fees:
UK/EU:          £10,500 (2013 fee)
International:  £16,000 (2013 fee) 

Scholarships:
If you are among ‘the brightest and the best’, we have a range of generous scholarships for International Business students which can open the way for you to study with us. Find out  more >>

Apply now:
Apply for this course online

Contact details: 
Ms Jodie Mansell
Aston Business School Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0) 121 204 3074
Email: j.mansell@aston.ac.uk

This MSc in International Business concentrates on the links between the major business functions and their role in international business and commerce.  Students will develop an appreciation of the special requirements for successfully conducting international business activities across national boundaries, develop knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and be able to apply them in business case studies.

Students have an opportunity to go on a study visit to one of our partner institutions in Europe.  The programme typically includes lectures by staff from the partner institution and company visits. Many students take advantage of our term 3 study aboard programme.  For more details please click here.


Choose three modules from the following list, subject to pre-requisites and restrictions on some modules and combinations 

In addition to your Aston degree, you will have the opportunity to participate in our international study exchange programme. Studying with one of our partner institutions, the programme will enhance your international experience and communication skills, preparing you for a career in the international business environment.

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Entry requirements

One of the following:

  • A good UK honours degree (minimum lower second class)

  • Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University.

As well as:

  • Two professional references – at least one must be from an academic referee

  • An official academic transcript of your university grades to date

  • A completed application form.

For International Students:

  • An official academic transcript, with an official English translation, of your university grades to date

  • Students whose native language is not English will also need to satisfy our English language requirements Pre-sessional English language programmes are available for good applicants whose English qualification falls just short of these requirements.

Learning, teaching & assessment

The 10 taught modules are assessed through a mixture of examinations and coursework.  The taught element of the programme is complemented by a substantial piece of research leading to the completion of a dissertation.

This programme prepares you for a wide range of professional and management careers in businesses and organisations engaged in international activities.  These opportunities exist across business functions and sectors including accountancy, marketing, operations, HR and strategic management.

Known employment destinations for this programme cover all the main business areas and show that typical jobs entered include: consultancy and business analysis, marketing, business development and sales management; finance and purchasing.

Examples of jobs taken up by our recent graduates include:
  • Management Trainee – Exel Europe
  • Junior Finance Officer – RBS
  • Personnel Advisor – Reed
  • Managing Director – PLG Photovoltaic (India)
  • Key Accountant - Diageo
  • Marketing Specialist – IBM (Greece)
  • Business Intelligence Analyst - Prudential

Students will acquire skills in the following areas:

  • Giving presentations
  • Team working
  • Report writing
  • Negotiation
  • IT skills.
Core modules taught on this MSc will enable you to develop a wide range of business and transferable skills and knowledge demanded by graduate employers.  These include:
  • Interpreting financial statements covering income, balances and cash flow
  • Budgetary control and analysing business costs using Cost Volume Profit and contribution analysis
  • Econometric modelling of stochastic trends and performance forecasting
  • International HRM including: cross-cultural communication; diversity management; and HR issues in expatriation/repatriation, acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures
  • Developing marketing and pricing strategies, plans and marketing mix policies; international promotion strategies and distribution channels
  • Internationalisation of production and trade, including: the international product life cycle; forms of international business activity; national competitive strategies; and economic integration
  • International sectors, emerging and transition economies, cultural differences, international business strategies and strategic alliances
  • Operational planning and management including: product, service and process design; choice of layout and technology; statistical stock control and MRPI
  • Strategy processes and techniques including: value chain analysis, ‘make or buy’ decisions; implementing and managing strategic change in an international environment
  • Innovation processes, innovation-based strategies and creating competitive advantage through innovation
  • Multi-cultural teamwork and presentation skills developed through group-work
  • Analytical skills developed through research dissertation.

The wide range of elective modules available on this programme enables students to develop skills across a range of business functions including: marketing; HR; finance, investment and business law; operations; and international markets and investments.

Facilities & equipment

Aston Business School's outstanding student facilities include:

  • A purpose-built suite which is accessible exclusively to Masters students 

  • 24 hours access

  • Free Wi-Fi connection

  • Modern lecture/tutorial rooms

  • Computer labs

  • Lounge area

  • IT equipment and packages and use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Course directors

Mr Kirit Vaidya
B.Soc.Sc. (Economics, Politics, Sociology), FRSA
Senior Lecturer in Business Economics, MSc in International Business Course Director and member of the Economics and Strategy Group. Chair of the Aston Business School Technology Strategy Group (TSG).

Research interests in technology transfer and industrial development business strategies in emerging economies with special reference to China and rural infrastructure planning in developing countries.

His recent projects and publications include “Capability development of Chinese manufacturing enterprises”, “Shifting comparative advantage of Chinese manufacturing sectors” and "Employment generation through public works in South Africa, Nepal and Cambodia".

Dr Stephanie Decker
MA, PhD, PGCert
Stephanie is a Lecturer in International Business and member of the Economics and Strategy Group. Prior to joining Aston she held appointments at Harvard Business School, University of Liverpool, London School of Economics, and Humboldt University, Berlin. Recent publications have been in the area of international negotiations between international investors and host governments, as well as the causes of corruption in less developed countries.