MSc International Business Management
- Programme Director
- Jing-Lin Duanmu
- Programme length
- Full-time: 12 months
- Programme start date
- September 2013
Understand the challenges for companies which operate internationally and how firms become and remain international in scope.
Programme overview
The process of internationalisation, together with continuous technology improvements, especially in the last three decades, has brought unprecedented flows of goods, services, labour and capital across national boundaries. World trade has become increasingly important, foreign direct investment is growing and the competitive pressures on many industries and firms have intensified.
There are big challenges for companies which operate internationally. They are becoming engaged in modes of business that are different from those they are accustomed to domestically. Therefore, it is important to develop a better understanding of how these multinational firms are managed and controlled.
This programme will enable you to understand how firms become and remain international in scope. You will learn to apply management theories and techniques important in an increasingly multinational business environment. New research findings, case studies and comparative perspectives on the management of internationally operating firms will help you to understand these issues in more detail, and that the local adaptation of business and management concepts developed elsewhere is crucial.
Entry requirements
Applicants should usually hold a Bachelors degree (UK 2.2 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognised British/overseas university. However, every applicant is assessed individually on their own merit. Higher level professional qualifications may also be accepted. Relevant work experience could be an additional benefit where applicants have not reached the standard entry requirements, although it is not an admissions requirement for this particular degree programme.
English language requirements
IELTS minimum overall: 6.5
IELTS minimum by component:
6.0
Fees and funding
All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.
| Programme name | Study mode | Start date | UK/EU fees | Overseas fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc International Business Management | Full-time | Sep 2013 | £9,650 | £16,315 |
Programme content
Module Overview
This programme consists of seven compulsory modules. You can also select one module from a list of optional modules and must write a final 15,000-word dissertation.
Compulsory Modules
- Financial Management
- International Business Management
- International Trade
- Managing Human Resources
- Marketing
- Strategy
- Research Methods
- Dissertation
Module Overview
This module consists of seven compulsory modules, one module from a range of optional modules plus a dissertation.
Compulsory Modules
Financial Management
The Financial Management module introduces you to a range of finance systems and processes. The topics covered include profit and loss account, balance sheet, cash flow statement, financial analysis, and trend and ratio analysis.
International Business Management
This module gives an overview of key topics in the areas of international business and international management. It pays special attention to issues such as globalisation, FDI theory and patterns, the role and importance of the multinational company (MNC), managing human resources within the MNC, and comparative studies of cultural and institutional influences on the management of MNCs.
International Trade
This module considers issues of international trade from the theory and policy perspective. In particular, the module considers how these issues affect the behaviour of firms and the relationship between theory, practice and policy.
Managing Human Resources
This module provides a firm basic grounding in the ‘people management’ aspects of managerial roles. It draws on literature and theory from the fields of psychology, sociology, economics and political science. It provides a sound conceptual framework for the management of human resources within the organisation.
Marketing
This module provides a comprehensive framework for understanding marketing at both strategic and operational levels within various contexts.
Strategy
This module provides a holistic understanding of the most relevant theoretical approaches to strategy formulation, implementation and control, either in the context of a single-business or a multi-business organisation.
Research Methods
Introducing the process of research project formulation and the key elements of research design, this module should prepare you to execute your research study for your dissertation in a systematic and scientific manner.
Optional Modules
Consumer Behaviour
This module develops an understanding of the many variables that, through complex interaction, determine consumer choice behaviour.
E-business
This module identifies contextual influences and industry developments in e-business, as well as mapping various business models and analysing how the electronic platform can transform businesses.
International Human Resource Management
This module provides an understanding of the management of human resources (HR) in an international context, examining the political and economic factors which influence the decision-making processes of multinational organisations and the way these affect HR strategies and policies.
Other optional modules include:
- Innovation Management
- International Business Investigations
- Marketing Research
Programme Structure and Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
| International Business Management | 15 |
| Research Methods | 15 |
| Marketing | 15 |
| Managing Human Resources | 15 |
| Financial Management | 15 |
| International Trade | 15 |
| Strategy | 15 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
| Consumer Behaviour | 15 |
| E-business | 15 |
| International Human Resource Management | 15 |
| Innovation Management | 15 |
| International Business Investigations | 15 |
| Marketing Research | 15 |
Compulsory Module | Credits |
| Dissertation | 60 |
Professional recognition
The Surrey Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning in the Surrey Business School is a partnership between our students, our academic staff, our support staff and all our other stakeholders. Through this partnership, our intention is to create graduates who are professional, employable and effective members of society, whose education provides them with options and choices about how they develop themselves further, both professionally and personally.
We trust that, through engagement with your studies, you will be inspired and motivated to become an effective and independent learner who is able to realise your potential. Through our partnership, you will be given opportunities to show initiative and take responsibility for your own learning and self-development.
In taking advantage of these opportunities, you will become an articulate critical thinker who is adaptable and flexible.
Facilities
The Surrey Business School prides itself on its high teaching standards, research excellence, employment record, international reputation and flexible teaching methods.
Throughout your time at Surrey you will have access to a range of services and support. The School is committed to developing students’ study skills through a variety of different teaching methods and tutorials. In addition, the School boasts learning resources which are second to none.
The School is housed within the new state-of-the- art School of Management building which is wireless-networked and benefits from well-equipped computer laboratories, dedicated high-quality seminar rooms and a 400-seat auditorium.
When students wish to relax and meet friends, the School offers a purpose-built student common room, its own coffee shop and the Lakeside Restaurant which, as well as operating as a professional fully functioning business, is utilised as a fundamental part of the School’s Hospitality Management programmes.
A vital international perspective for managers
Why should you study International Business Management? In his 1996 book The Future of Capitalism, Lester Thurow argued that we are living in an era where ‘anything can be made anywhere and everything can be sold everywhere’.
There has never been a better time for you to acquire the global awareness needed to operate in such a world.
This programme helps you develop that global awareness through its examination of a number of key issues such as:
- The key changes that have taken place, that are taking place and that will take place in the international business environment
- The nature of international firms and the challenges of managing them
- The role of national, cultural and institutional differences and transnational institutions (such as labour, environmental and social responsibility standards) for doing business internationally
This is a programme which you will find both challenging and rewarding. Rosabeth Moss Kanter suggests that currently practising managers and the managers of the future will face ‘sweeping changes in the competitive landscape’ and only those managers with the necessary skills, competencies and knowledge will be able to consistently add value to the organisations which will operate in this environment. This programme will make a contribution to your self-development along these lines.
Department links
Contact us
For general enquiries
0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681 681
For admissions enquiries
+44 (0)1483 686300