International Business (Single Award) MSc
About this course
Globalisation represents a great opportunity for those who can acquire knowledge and skills that foster an international perspective, the ability to interact with stakeholders from all over the world, and the ability to operate in a labour market that crosses national borders. Our MSc International Business (Single Award) is for students who want to broaden their knowledge of the international business environment, global strategy, and cross-cultural management.
This degree is designed for individuals from a wide range of educational backgrounds, and offers the opportunity to gain valuable international experience in just one year. You will be prepared to work in a range of arenas including including multinationals, small-to-medium enterprises and public institutions.
Our standard Masters involves rigorous core studies at Nottingham Business School, followed by a term studying abroad at one of our partner institutions in Germany, France, South Korea, Czech Republic, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, Poland, Switzerland and Portugal.
What you’ll gain from this degree?
- insight into external and internal environmental aspects of international business behaviour and strategy.
- critically understand and evaluate the influence exerted by culture on the way businesses operate internationally
- analyse a variety of relevant data used in diverse contexts to support effective decision making in the international business discipline.
- articulate a critical understanding of functional strategies and their intersection in the international business context.
- demonstrate the ability to make recommendations for organisational practice based on theoretical insights through a process of experiential or applied learning.
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92% of MSc International Business postgraduate students are satisfied with the quality of their course (PTES 2024). -
You will be allocated an Academic Mentor at the beginning of the academic year and you will meet with them regularly throughout the year. They will support you in developing and enhancing the qualities and transferrable skills necessary for your studies, career progression, professional and personal development. -
You can gain an incredibly valuable international experience in just a year. Study with us in the UK, immerse yourself in a new culture at one of our European partner institutions and choose from an exciting range of hands-on final projects. -
Nottingham Trent University is 1st in the UK for Employability (Uni Compare 2025).
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.
- Programme overview
- Semester one
- Semester two
- Semester three
- Ongoing learning/professional development
- International study tour
Semester one modules
- International Business Environment and Strategy
- Organisation and Management
- Cross-Cultural Management
- Professional Practice
- Foreign Language
Semester two
- Study abroad at one of our partner institutions; or
- Opt for our stay-at-home route where you will continue your studies at Nottingham Business School
Semester three modules
Your choice of final semester project. Experiential projects include:
- Consultancy Experience Project; or
- Business Research Project
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 factor within an international context; it also explores aspects related to leadership, communication and workplace motivation. Critically self-reflect, and demonstrate an international awareness and openness to the world, based on an appreciation of social and cultural diversity.
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.
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
Study abroad at one of our partner institutions in Germany, France, South Korea, Czech Republic, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, Poland, Switzerland or Portugal.
OR
Continue your study at Nottingham Business School. You will study modules in international HRM, global supply chain management, international marketing, networks and international strategic alliances, and international experience (our stay-at-home route).
Semester three
In your final semester you'll take on a major project, giving you a fantastic opportunity to use the theories and knowledge you've gained to produce a challenging, meaningful piece of work. Projects include:
Business Research Project (40 credits)
This project is a more traditional piece of independent research, creating an academic research paper, presentation and methodological reflection. Because we believe experiential learning is so important, this project is only available to students with significant prior work experience or a desire to progress to a PhD.
Consultancy Experience Project (40 credits)
Working as part of a team, you will undertake focused research, developing your professional skills, managing a complex project and delivering results in a real business situation. You will present your findings to the client and learn valuable project management tools and concepts.
For more information about semester three options please visit our Experiential Projects page.
Ongoing learning
Throughout the year you will also study the following module which will help you understand how to manage your own continuous personal and professional development (PPD).
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.
Professional Development
Beyond your core curriculum and comprehensive career support, you'll have access to a vibrant CPD programme. This includes your Personal Development Week, Global Responsibility Week, and events and workshops including our Business Leaders’ Lecture Series. You'll also have the chance to participate in national and international business challenges, industry talks, field trips, and company visits. We encourage you to get involved in sports, clubs, societies, volunteering, and apply for roles like course rep or student ambassador. These opportunities are designed to enhance your experience, help you thrive in the job market, and support your personal growth.
The study tour takes place each year, meaning that all students, whether they start in September or January, will have the opportunity to take part. The cost of the trip is covered by your tuition fees, and all students will be provided with help and support in applying for the necessary visas.
The destination and style of the trip varies each year, but previous destinations have included Lisbon, Brescia and Venice.
Browse through a selection of photos taken on previous trips.
While abroad you will have the chance to take part in a number of activities, including industry visits, networking opportunities, attending lectures and seminars at a summer school, and of course some sight-seeing. The trip is also normally linked to your consultancy project, giving you the opportunity to meet the organisation you are working for, and present your ideas directly back to them.
The trip has proven itself to be a key factor in the success of the programme, with students benefiting from the business and cultural aspects of it. Some students have also been successful in securing in-company with organisations involved.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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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 Djanogly 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.
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:
- Business Development Executive
- Consultant
- Manager
- Marketing Specialist
- Finance Associate
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
You’ll mainly be studying in our brand-new Postgraduate Centre, at the heart of our vibrant City Campus. Designed to support collaborative study, there’s a range of accessible teaching spaces, state-of-the-art technology, breakout areas, quiet work booths and a communal café. You can access dedicated market research reporting platforms and digital resources (e.g. Mintel, Passport, SPSS, and Adobe Creative Cloud) and a room equipped with Bloomberg terminals, which enables you to delve into industry-leading data, news and analytics.
NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to keep occupied between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our superb Students’ Union building and two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets catering to every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and so much more!
If that’s not enough, just take a few steps off campus, and you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of Nottingham — one of the UK’s top 10 student cities, and one of the top 25 in all of Europe. It’s a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night. For more details, why not take a Virtual Tour?
Entry requirements
UK students
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above).
Additional requirements for UK students
- 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.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above).
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
- 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.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
