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International Business (Dual Award) MSc

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: 15 months
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024/25

Introduction:

Our unique MSc International Business (Dual Award) degree gives you an exceptional opportunity to gain two Master degrees in just 15 months, providing you with a clear competitive advantage. Featuring a highly valuable international in-company experiential project, as well as the opportunity to study in the UK and abroad, and an in-depth academic project, this is a career-defining degree that will change the way you see the world!

This course is designed to address the competitiveness of the global context compacting the time needed to develop a truly international experience. You will begin by exploring the core areas of International Business here at Nottingham Business School. You will then build on this by studying at one of our acclaimed partner institutions:

This degree offers you the opportunity to make a major impact on your career in a relatively short period, broadening your horizons and giving you sought-after international exposure.

What you’ll gain from this degree?

  • graduate with two degrees – one from Nottingham Business School and one from a partner University.
  • critically understand and evaluate the influence used by culture on the way businesses operate internationally.
  • understanding the external and internal environmental aspects of international business behaviour and strategy.
  • evaluate the strategic challenges faced by companies in the global business environment.
  • apply knowledge, tools and techniques to resolve issues in new and diverse situations within the international business discipline.

Join our internationally accredited business school

Nottingham Business School is accredited to AACSB and EQUIS, the highest international standards for business school education. We are one of 47 global PRME Champions - a United Nations-supported initiative leading the way with sustainable and responsible management education.

  • EQUIS logo
  • PRME Champions Logo

What you’ll study

At NBS you can create a personalised learning experience, giving you a unique Masters degree that equips you with the skills you'll need, for the career you want. Each of the modules will be delivered over a four week period, with teaching delivered in three weeks and the fourth week left clear for assessment work. This enables you to focus on one subject at a time, whilst allowing time for preparation and assessment work.

Semester one modules

  • International Business Environment and Strategy
  • Organisation and Management
  • Cross-Cultural Management
  • Research Methods for Managers
  • Foreign Language

Semester two

  • Study abroad at one of our partner institutions. Please see the semester two tab for a detailed breakdown of locations and programmes.

Semester three module

  • Work placement or equivalent

Semester four module

  • Dissertation

Semester one

International Business Environment and Strategy (20 credits)

The purpose of this module is to equip students with the tools and the mind-set for making sense of the notion of strategy in an international environment. It will help you become aware of key political, socio-economic, and cultural dynamics and trends that characterise the international business environment. Finally, the module will emphasise the design of organisational strategies that will take into consideration the most appropriate fit to the environment and its key stakeholders.

Organisation and Management (20 credits)

The aim of this module is twofold. Firstly, it provides students with a set of key concepts, theories, models, and cases aimed at addressing and rethinking core aspects of organising and managing. Secondly, it illustrates the business functions that are at the core of organisations and the interdependencies that link them. The module treats the subject matter as a key for developing critical insight into the global organisation arena.

Cross-Cultural Management (20 credits)

This module investigates the role of the organisational actor within an international context; it also explores aspects related to leadership, communication and workplace motivation.

Research Methods for Managers (10 credits)

The purpose of the module is for you to acquire the knowledge and skills to be able to formulate, plan and conduct effective research to inform management decisions, through conducting a small-scale research project. The module aims to develop your knowledge and skills to be able to identify and analyse secondary sources of data, selecting research methods and collecting data, sampling processes and much more.

Foreign Language

Based on the choice of partner institution you will develop your knowledge of a foreign language that can help facilitate your stay overseas.

Semester two

In your second semester you will have the opportunity to study at one of our partner institutions overseas and can elect to specialise in a variety of business and management-related areas. From brand management to corporate finance, the array of options available are plentiful. Upon completion of this semester you will be able to apply the knowledge and experience gained to both the in-company experiential project experience in semester three and the business research project in semester four.

Partner institution Programmes available
ISCTE Business School in Lisbon, Portugal MSc International Management
University of Brescia in Brescia, Italy MSc International Business and Management (as part of this course you will be able to focus on aspects tied to advanced marketing and logistics).
KEDGE Business School in Marseille, France

MSc Marketing (as part of the course you will be able to choose the curriculum focused on brand management or that focused on sports and events management).

MSc Finance and Organisational Management

ESC Clermont Graduate School of Management in Clermont-Ferrand, France

MSc International Commerce and Digital Marketing

MSc International Project Management

National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan* MBA in Global Human Resource Management (HRM)

*Students who choose to study at National Sun Yat-sen University will need a medical check in Taiwan costing £50.

At the end of the 15 month programme, students will gain the following qualifications:

  • MSc International Business from Nottingham Business School (Nottingham Trent University)
  • One MSc or MBA from one of our international partners (as outlined above).

Semester three

Work placement or equivalent (40 credits)

This project will normally be undertaken under the supervision of the partner institution.

Semester four

Dissertation (40 credits)

The dissertation is an independent and mandatory piece of work that students have to submit and pass for completing the course. It should investigate an issue of management or business from a global or international perspective. The topic should be theoretically underpinned and normally involve primary research. The dissertation should enable you to analyse and criticise extant theory in your field of study, collect and evaluate evidence, and reach substantive conclusions and recommendations.

Ongoing learning

Professional Practice (10 credits)

The purpose of the module is to increase your understanding of your own personal and professional development needs to enhance your business acumen and improve your employability. The module utilises a series of taught sessions to help you explore the human side of enterprise and deploys a series of diagnostics tests to help you evaluate yourself and develop an individual action plan. It will combine teaching with individual and group mentoring to help you execute your plan. The module also promotes engagement with internal and external workshops, lectures, experiential learning opportunities and extra-curricular events to help you expand your knowledge and skills, whilst challenging your attitudes and behaviours. You will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of continuous professional development from the perspective of professional bodies, such as the CMI, CIM, APM and SPE.

Dual award qualifications

When you graduate, you will not only receive an MSc International Business degree from Nottingham Business School, but also a degree from one of our partner institutions: ISCTE in Lisbon, Portugal; KEDGE in Marseille and ESC Clermont in France; Brescia University in Italy or National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Chloe Tiozzo

International Business (Dual Award)

I feel the Dual Award will give me more credibility and make my profile more competitive in the international business field.

Veronika Koltyukova

International Business (Dual Award)

NBS is a sea of opportunities. Whatever it is you wish to pursue, you will always be supported with the best resources.

How you’re taught

Teaching and Learning

Nottingham Business School adopts a distinctive approach to the design of student learning opportunities. Your learning is structured around theory, practice, experience & observation, and reflection & improvement. At each level (course, module and session), you will study different theories, concepts and approaches and be given opportunities to apply these in a range of practical settings. The aim is to enhance your understanding through the direct experience of business, where you will have opportunities to observe business practices and behaviours (including your own) and analyse these using theoretical knowledge. It is our intention that by reflecting on these experiences, you will be able to use these theories to guide your actions and decisions in a business context or even consider how a theory itself might be improved. In this way, we aim to enhance the quality of your learning.

Academic Mentors

Every postgraduate student will be allocated an Academic Mentor at the beginning of the academic year and you will meet with them regularly throughout the year. Academic Mentors help you make the most of your time at NTU. They will support you in developing and enhancing the qualities and transferrable skills necessary for your studies, career progression, professional and personal development.

Assessments

A range of assessment methods are used across the course, the choice of which reflects the needs and demands of the different types of module. Some modules will assess the ability to work collaboratively in a team and others will assess individual capability. Types of assessment will range from examinations to group presentations including essays, reports, financial analyses, literature reviews and research based projects.

The interactive nature of the taught sessions offers opportunities to gain feedback on your performance before being formally assessed and increasing use is made of eLearning to further support the feedback process.

In-sessional English language support

In-sessional English language classes are offered to international students at no extra cost. The classes aim to provide focused support in the skills you need in order to develop your English in your subject area.

Further information please contact the Nottingham Language Centre based in the DICE building on City Campus:

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 6156 | Email: englishsupport@ntu.ac.uk | Website: www.ntu.ac.uk/nlc

Personalisation

We know our postgraduate students are a diverse group, with different levels of academic knowledge in their chosen area of study, different cultural and educational backgrounds, and varying levels of personal and professional skills and competencies.

At NBS we strive to ensure that these two motivating factors are nurtured and therefore supported. Our students are encouraged to practice and develop the skills and competencies required to critically reflect on their learning, and on their ability to apply this learning to their studies and to real world complex issues within the workplace. Through a series of curricula and extra-curricular initiatives, strengthened by tailored academic mentor support, NBS provides all our postgraduate students with the ability to participate in a range of challenging and unique activities, projects, events and experiences to enable our students to succeed in a competitive and dynamic global environment.

Staff Profiles

Ofelia Palermo - Principal Lecturer

Nottingham Business School

Ofelia is Principal Lecturer in Management and Assistant Head of International at Nottingham Business School. She leads the MSc International Business suite of programmes and participates in the implementation of

Olu Aluko - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Business School

Olu is a Senior Lecturer in Business Strategy at Nottingham Trent University. His role at the Business School involves teaching and research. Olu is involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching…

Marco Furlotti - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Business School

Marco is leader of undergraduate, graduate and post-experience graduate modules at the Nottingham Business School, also focusing on the supervision of PhD and DBA students, and on doctoral course delivery

Dr Preethi Misha - Senior Research Fellow

Nottingham Business School

Dr. Preethi Misha is a senior research fellow at Nottingham Business School. She holds a PhD in Business Ethics and Master’s degree in International Management from Royal Holloway, University of

Claudia M. Bordogna - School Employability Manager

Nottingham Business School

Prior to embarking upon an academic career, Claudia spent 10 years working in live brand communication agencies. This highly creative industry enabled Claudia to develop communication strategies for top corporate…

Mr Ugbede Umoru - Senior Lecturer

Nottingham Business School

Careers and employability

At Nottingham Business School, we’re focused on your employability from the start of your postgraduate degree. We provide you with a learning experience that integrates theory and practice.

Graduates from this course have gone onto roles within the public, private and third sector, undertaking positions such as:

  • Foreign Trade Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Acquisitions Sales Representative
  • Manager
  • Senior Policy Advisor

Employability Team

We have a dedicated Employability Team who not only help you during your time with us but also following graduation, they’ll continue to support you by providing a number of services that will help kick-start your career.

Our Employability Team offer a wide range of support from one-to-one appointments with our specially trained consultants, to arranging recruitment fairs and skill building workshops.

Services they provide include:

  • Finding placements, internships and part-time work
  • Helping you to pursue self-employment
  • Advice on taking gap years and time out
  • Information and help on getting into volunteering
  • Providing advice on further study.

As a student you will have access to our virtual learning environment, where you will be able to get in touch with our Employability team for CV support, application, interview and job hunting advice, career ideas and employer videos.

You can visit the Employability Team on your local campus every day during term time. They are also open outside of term time too, except on University closure days. So drop in, say hello, and get help with quick enquiries or book an appointment with a careers consultant from your school.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From ethics, innovation and entrepreneurship to behavioural science, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more: ntu.ac.uk/research

Campus and facilities

We are continually investing in our facilities, and transforming our learning and teaching environment to create an inspiring and innovative atmosphere.

The School is based in the impressive Newton Building on NTU's City Campus.

Postgraduate Centre

A short walk from the Newton building and Boots library, the Postgraduate Centre facilitates on-campus teaching for Nottingham Business School’s postgraduate and executive education courses.

Dryden Centre

Benefit from the newly built NTU Dryden Enterprise Centre that provides dedicated support for entrepreneurs, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Fantastic facilities

  • You can take advantage of the Link Lounge, a space dedicated to Business School students, located on floor zero of the Newton building.
  • Explore your career prospects with the help of the University's Employability Team.
  • You will benefit from spacious teaching rooms and lecture theatres.
  • We provide students with a variety of social spaces.
  • Your studies will benefit from the £13 million Boots Library.
  • You can take advantage of our 24-hour IT facilities.
  • Our Student Services Centre will also be on-hand should you need support.
  • The location of the City site also means that you have easy access to:

  • sports facilities
  • shops
  • student accommodation
  • music venues
  • cafés.

Entry requirements

  • You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above).
  • All applicants will be required to demonstrate a commitment to the subject they wish to study and should demonstrate how their chosen programme of study will benefit them in their future career.
  • One academic reference is required.

If you’re considering submitting an application for this course, but you have more than three years of relevant work experience, why not consider applying for our Master of Business Administration (MBA) course? Find out more about our MBA here.

Get in touch If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

  • You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above).
  • All applicants will be required to demonstrate a commitment to the subject they wish to study and should demonstrate how their chosen programme of study will benefit them in their future career.
  • One academic reference is required.

If you’re considering submitting an application for this course, but you have more than three years of relevant work experience, why not consider applying for our Master of Business Administration (MBA) course? Find out more about our MBA here.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Home fees for September 2024 entry

Study route

Home fees

15 months (full-time)

£13,750

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and funding pages will answer your questions.

Postgraduate loans

The government introduced a new postgraduate loan scheme for Master degrees. The loan will be a contribution towards the costs of study and it will be at the student's discretion to use the loan towards fees, maintenance costs or other costs. Find out more on our postgraduate loans page.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni Discount

We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494 or for Scholarship help please contact us on Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4460.

International / EU fees for September 2024 entry

Study route

International / EU fees

15 months (full-time)

£22,000

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Apply through our NTU Applicant Portal.

  1. Register as a new applicant and create an account in the Applicant Portal - don't worry you won't need to complete your application at once, you can come back to it so keep your details safe.
  2. Fill out and submit your application - make sure to check all the information such as entry requirements before submitting.
  3. Track the progress of your application – you can do this by logging into the Application Portal.
  4. Check your offer – As long as you’ve provided all the information we need, we’ll try and make a decision on your application within five to ten working days. However, this can take longer and you should allow at least three weeks for a decision.
  5. Accept your offer within four weeks - Remember that competition for places is high, and if you don’t accept your offer within four weeks it may lapse. After eight weeks it will be automatically withdrawn.
  6. Meet the conditions of your offer (if you have any) - Upload all the documents required to meet the conditions of your offer using the My Documents section of the Applicant Portal.

Don’t worry if you’re waiting for results – we recommend applying now, and then adding them to your Application Portal once they arrive.

If you need some help in writing your application you can view our handy tips.

Good luck with your application!

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

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