MA/PG Dip/PG Cert International Business Management Degree

Overview & facilities

Rapid development in communication and transportation technologies together with the drive towards both a global market for employment and for products and services has created new opportunities and threats for businesses of all sizes. On this popular course you will focus on the global context of work and global marketplace for goods and services. Middlesex has a highly international London campus and expert staff, making it the ideal location to prepare for a career in international business.

You will develop your knowledge of the concepts, issues and practices of international business and explore the complexity and challenges of this business environment. The course will develop your knowledge and understanding of the theories that inform contemporary international business practice and allow you to specialise your interests through the variety of optional modules.

The programme can be started in October or January and its strong international orientation is reflected in the structure of our student population and the focus of our modules. Full-time students usually attend three or four days a week and part-time students one or two days a week.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  International and Cross-Cultural Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module examines the impact of culture on international and global marketing. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of both marketing and cross-cultural psychology, the module enables the student to identify, critically evaluate and apply relevant knowledge and derive viable solutions to complex real life problems. The principal aim of the module is to enable students towards pursuit of their career in international marketing, with skills and knowledge that will assist them in their chosen career. Students will be introduced to a wide range of analytical , managerial and theoretical techniques and concepts which experts in the field believe to be relevant and useful for international marketing. Students will be encouraged to evaluate these techniques and concepts critically and to assess how they can be adapted suitably to the contingencies of tactical and strategic marketing in target markets.

  International Business Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aims of the module are to: introduce students theoretical frameworks for analysing international business and its environment, and developing international business strategies; develop a critical appreciation of the impact of the international environment on international business; develop an understanding of key issues relating to the complexity of managing international operations; develop a range of international business and employability skills critical in students future career success.

  International Human Resource Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  1. To illustrate and explore the role of HRM in the international context. 2. To demonstrate how HRM decisions may relate to international strategies. 3. To equip students with the tools to engage with scientific debate and to evaluate management practice in terms of the possible beneficial, harmful and perverse outcomes of management-authored interventions aimed at improving organisational performance.

  International Strategic HRM (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module provides an overview and understanding of international businesses and the variables which shape their aims. Develops participants appreciation of the challenges and complexities faced when managing people and the HRM function beyond national boundaries, particularly the cultural dimensions. It provides the opportunity to devise and implement appropriate people management strategies to support and add value to organisations and the people in them operating across national boundaries. It enables students to integrate all aspects of HRM in a coherent whole, looking at internal choices and strategies of the HRM function. In addition it enhances participants personal skills which impact upon the effectiveness of the individual managing or dealing with people across national boundaries.

  MA Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module gives students an opportunity to synthesise and reflect on knowledge and skills developed during the programme as a whole and apply them to the formulation, design and execution of an original, independent research project addressing a substantive management problem. In particular the module aims to extend the knowledge and skills developed during the programme with extra training on research methods and methodology suited to an advanced-level, original piece of scholarship or professional research; to facilitate students understanding of the design and conduct of applied research; to support students individual synthesis and application of their knowledge to a selected management topic, reflected in formulation and design of a substantive research investigation.

  Marketing Strategy for Managers (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide you with a framework for analysing marketing processes from a strategic and managerial perspective in a diverse range of organisations. In particular, the module will focus on the development and implementation of marketing strategies to help organisations gain a competitive advantage in a highly volatile operating environment.

  Quantitative Analysis for Managers (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The principal goal of this module is to enable a future manager to work productively in a dual mode: firstly, as an analyst who is able a to isolate and categorise a quantitative problem, b formulate an appropriate decision model and then c use that model to generate output to aid decision making; and secondly, as a user who commissions a study or uses results arising from one. In order to achieve this overall goal, it aims in particular to: - develop quantitative and analytical skills; - provide a business perspective on decision making; - explore different concepts involved in quantitative analysis; - place an emphasis on the interpretation and validity of results obtained from different methods.

The MA International Business Management will develop your knowledge and understanding of the theories that inform contemporary international business practice. Your decision-making abilities will be developed in the context of complex business environments and you develop your ability to participate in different areas of organisations' international operations. This course will also give you the necessary knowledge and skills to enable you manage people and organisational activities in dynamic business environments and manage products and services in international markets. 

N.B. Students starting in January must take International Human Resource Management and Marketing Strategy for Managers

Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed through by a combination of individual and group coursework, presentations, examinations and a dissertation.

Entry & applying

Standard entry requirements

For the MA International Business Management we welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for International Business and Management for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: Masters £9,000, PG Dip £6,000, PG Cert £3,000
Part-time students: Masters £75 per taught credit, PG Dip £50 per taught credit, PG Cert £50 per taught credit.

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: Masters £11,700, PG Dip and PG Cert TBA

Careers & placements

This professional postgraduate programme is designed to produce managers and executives whose theoretical and practical expertise prepares them for the challenges of modern business.

This course will enable you to assume managerial positions in organisations already engaged in international business or contemplating internationalisation of their operations. As a graduate you will also be better equipped for entrepreneurial activity in an international context.

For those who have taken a career break to study, this programme will enhance opportunities for career progression.

What can you do with a degree in business and management?
A business or management degree opens the door to a range of careers - usually commanding good salaries.

Our MA International Business Management graduates have highly sought-after employment skills as well as those specifically associated with planning, organisation and control.

Where do our graduates go?
Based on data from respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating:

• 70% of Middlesex graduates were in employment
• 30% were assumed to be unemployed or were doing something else such as travelling 

Middlesex graduates have been successful at gaining employment in the following roles:

Marketing Manager, Blitz
Station Manager, London Fire Brigade
Director, Hi Fashion
Head of Pharmaceuticals, Marcus Evans

Salary
The average part-time salary for MA International Business Management graduates included in the survey was £25,000

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few examples of the types of careers that you could pursue after graduating with us: 

Administrative Manager - The work of an administrative manager involves the application of specialised technical or professional principles, practices and skills or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems. This include planning, developing, analysing, evaluating, advising, and improving various management control systems, programmes and policies, work methods and procedure for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of programmes and operations.

Advertising Manager - An advertising manager develops, implements, and manages a company's advertising strategy, both from a business, sales and technical perspective. It is their job to initiate and manage discussion and sales with sponsors and agencies. They spend time negotiating agreements with outside sales representatives and managing the development of sales materials, including media kits. They are generally responsible for managing a group of advertising sales representatives.

Retail Area Manager - A retail area manager is responsible for the management and overall profitability of a group of stores. They promote the generation of sales and form an important link in the management communication chain, by liaising with store managers as well as with key departments at head-office.

Branch Manager - A branch manager is responsible for the management of specialty or department stores. Their responsibilities include the profits of the store, the costs, stock, security and administration of the store, as well as the selection, interviewing and training of staff.

Business Consultant -  A business consultant has many different roles including working as a speaker, trainer, and writer as well as providing risk analysis and responding to questions and concerns posed by clients. They  works very closely with the management team, board of directors or business owner to research current information as required and to prepare and present findings in a meaningful way. A Business Consultant may be brought in to deal with one specific topic or issue or may be hired to help upgrade or update all the policies and procedures within the organisation.

Business Economist - A business economist identifies areas that can be profitable to an organisation, to develop them further and to identify problem areas and transform them into opportunities and challenges that can benefit the company. They work in manufacturing, mining, transportation, communications, banking, insurance, retailing, investment, and other types of organisations.