International Business and Management MSc
This course is taught from our London campus. Explore business topics and apply them to the global market as you study in London and prepare for business work in the UK or abroad.
Key information
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Develop your understanding of business and management and apply your studies in an international context.
Studying in London, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of international business and management issues as you explore topics including corporate strategy, financial management, international business and global sustainability.
You'll consider these subjects globally and graduate from this MSc International Business and Management Masters' ready to boost your career in business, whether you want to work in the UK or overseas.
Join our Postgraduate Open Events
From finding out which postgraduate option is right for you, to exploring the perfect course, browse our upcoming webinars and in-person events and book your place today.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Your new home at UoP London
Get a feel for our purpose-built UoP London campus in the heart of lively Waltham Forest, the capital's first Borough of Culture.
Come along to an Open Day
Want to experience UoP London for yourself? Come along to an Open Day to engage with our passionate academics, chat with current students and explore our brand new campus building.
Course highlights
-
Explore international business and management topics
- Hear directly from industry professionals, international business people and guest lecturers about current practice and issues
-
Apply your new knowledge with live client projects to combat real-life problems faced by local businesses
-
Inform your learning with case studies
-
Build your professional network by attending presentations and events for the local business community
-
Boost your problem-solving and communication skills on projects
-
Access restricted resources such as valuable databases and information sources through the University library
Business and management studies at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 2nd of the modern universities by research power
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Accreditation
Contact information
Modules
What you'll study
Core modules
Focusing on the international context, this module aims to provide for the development of a theoretical and practical understanding of the main concepts, approaches, tools, and mechanisms of strategic decision making, at a corporate and business level.
While taking this module, students will develop a critical understanding of the value of strategic management, of the effect of organisational challenges and competition dynamics, of sustainable advantage achievement, of change management, improvement and turnaround, in the framework of internationalised enterprises at all levels of strategy.
You'll use real-world business cases and evaluate current and emerging academic literature, separating virtue signalling from true progress.
This module builds strategic skills to direct cross-functional change and contribute to an ethical, resilient future.
You’ll apply academic concepts to analyse modern workplace dynamics, cross-cultural teams and ethical dilemmas – tailoring management approaches with emotional intelligence.
Via faculty coaching and access to campus career services, you’ll strengthen essential soft skills that demonstrate excellence across written communication, visual presentations and people leadership. This module provides a supportive framework to integrate theoretical and experiential learning for professional and life success.
Working in a multi-cultural learning environment, you'll develop effective communication skills and become a team player through well-designed learning activities.
Teaching and assessment will develop students to be self-motivated and adaptable to work in a range of environments for their future careers. The assessments develop your critical evaluation skills and application of theory to real business problems.
Explore accounting and financial management fundamentals. By analysing statements, budgets and sources of funding, you’ll boost your skills in numeracy, interpretation and analysis.
You'll use real company cases to cement your knowledge as you learn to monitor performance, control costs and enable sustainable growth.
Become an informed advisor ready to contribute to strategic and operational leadership. You'll finish this module equipped to evaluate options and optimise the financial health of organisations.
The module also explores the human resource management practices that managers undertake within an organisation.
The module uses lectures to explore the theories with seminars adopting a more practical aspect to apply the theories.
This module allows students to apply research skills within the framework of a business and management project.
Students will be supported in small tutor groups. The module builds on research skills developed in the previously taught research methods module.
It enables organisations from different industries and sectors to develop sustainable competitive advantage through the development of new products, services or processes.
Innovation requires both intra-organisational and inter-organisational practices. In this module you will take a critical look at key aspects and theories of innovation such as new product development, new service development, process innovation, intellectual property and strategic alliances.
In this module, you’ll advance international marketing knowledge - from drivers of borderless consumer behaviour to tailoring integrated strategies across priority regions.
With critical thinking, you’ll recommend localised adaptations or standardised platforms informed by economic, technological and social forces that shape demand.
Evaluating real-world cases, you’ll develop sharp analytical abilities to unlock opportunities worldwide, avoid disconnects and maintain brand essence amidst complexity, preparing you to lead in our interconnected marketplace.
The students will learn about different approaches to management research including an awareness of the ethical principles surrounding research. Students will produce an ordered research proposal.
Blending these specialisms to allow a surface understanding of each while developing a deeper knowledge of how they are interlinked by using business practice based approaches such as presentation, briefing, memo and report requirements will encourage both a deeper learning of the material but also experience in the tools of business in this area.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
Whatever your goal in business, this International Business and Management Master's will help you prepare for an international role overseas or in the UK.
You'll graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to operate successfully in business, alongside an in-depth understanding of international business and management issues.
Previous graduates from our Portsmouth campus course have gone onto roles internationally and in the UK, such as:
- Financial Analyst
- Project and Commercialisation Manager
- Restaurateur
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Business Development Executive
- Business Analyst
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 15 months full-time
Your timetable typically allows you to work alongside your studies.
You can expect:
- to attend 10-12 hours our scheduled teaching activities during term time
- to spend roughly 21 hours per week studying independently (including research, reading, coursework and project work, either individually or a group)
- to focus on your research project in the last 3 months of the course
Teaching
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and will include:
- workshops
- seminars
- one-on-one tutorials
- practical sessions
- group discussions
You'll take part in face-to-face and online sessions, and have access to course materials to support your studies.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
-
written reports
-
oral presentations
-
portfolios
-
examinations
-
dissertation
You'll have chances to share your work with your tutor and receive feedback during your studies to help you improve. You'll also develop your practical assessment skills and get feedback to help ensure their submission is as good as possible.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
February/May start
Courses that start in February and May have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff at our London campus to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
- academic writing (such as essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
You'll also have access to a personal tutor to support you in your studies.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community in London.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (February 2025 / May 2025 start)
- £12,000 (may be subject to annual increase)
- £12,000 (including Transition Scholarship – subject to annual increase)
- £20,800 (may be subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (September 2025 / February 2026 / May 2026 start)
- £12,000 (may be subject to annual increase)
- £12,000 (including Transition Scholarship – subject to annual increase)
- £20,800 (may be subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
You may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
February 2025 / May 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / February 2026 / May 2026 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September, February and May, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students, current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Standard applications
Start this course in February 2025
Start this course in May 2025
Standard applications
Start this course in September 2025
Start this course in February 2026
Start this course in May 2026
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.