Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The programme aims to:

1. provide students with an in-depth understanding of theory and practice in the areas of international business, covering key elements of current research agendas. 

2. develop appropriate skills to apply knowledge and understanding to solve complex problems encountered in international business and management practice. 

3. equip graduates with a solid academic basis to pursue a career in multinational companies or companies engaged in international business. 

4. enhance students’ lifelong learning skills, personal development and employability to enable them to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to and take effective roles within business and society.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The QAA benchmark statement for Master’s awards in business and management
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications 

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

K1: cutting-edge and contemporary international scholarship and practice about international business. 

K2: the internal organisational aspects of international business with a specific focus on cross-cultural management, internationally distributed collaborations and international strategic decision-making. 

K3: the external organisational aspects of international business with a specific focus on the international business environment, global outsourcing and international supply chains.

K4: the contemporary requirements of international business with a specific focus on international corporate entrepreneurship, international innovation and international business negotiations.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

C1: use critical thinking, analysis and synthesis to evaluate and apply concepts and insights from international business research to inform international decision making.

C2: analyse and appraise theoretical and practical issues and problems in international business by using the theories and models appropriate to those disciplines.

C3: collect relevant information across a range of areas pertaining to a current international business situation, analyse that information using relevant techniques and synthesise it into an appropriate form in order to evaluate decision alternatives.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

P1: demonstrate sensitivity to cross-cultural differences and able to overcome barriers to cross-cultural interactions. 

P2: use negotiation skills and tactics to engage effectively in international business negotiations. 

P3: be able to take effective action to mitigate challenges in international business endeavours. 

P4: conduct research effectively and efficiently using a range of sources of international business-related materials including books, journals, trade and financial press, official statistics and the internet. 

P5: use communication technologies effectively to present and communicate their work to an international audience including specialists and non-specialists.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1: display effective interpersonal skills including effective communication, listening, influencing and conflict resolution. 

T2: critically evaluate new ideas and be aware that in many situations there is a range of possible interpretations and/or solutions. 

T3: scan and organise data, abstract meaning from information and share knowledge. 

T4: make effective use of information and communication technologies including word processing, storage and manipulation of data, generation of presentations, use of the internet and e-mail using appropriate software. 

T5: use effective team-working skills, including team-building and project management in group work situations. 

T6: recognise ethical situations, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices.

T7: use effective personal organisation including time management, self-direction, self-motivation, tenacity and pro-activeness.

T8: learn through reflection on practice and experience.

4. Programme structure

4.1 Modules       

Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 150) 

Semester 2 Option Modules* 

In addition to the listed compulsory modules, students will choose two modules (total modular weight 30) from the list below: 

 *Option choices will require approval of the Programme Director.

 4.1.1 For full details of when the modules are taught and the specific assessment procedures see Module Specifications. 

4.2 Guidance will be given to candidates concerning the selection of optional components.  Optional modules are subject to student demand, staff availability and timetable permitting.

Semester 2 Study Abroad option 

Candidates may replace the modules required for Semester two with an approved course of study taught in English at a foreign University. Candidates will undertake assessed work equivalent to 60 credits, as required by the School of Business and Economics. The module ‘Personal Development for Study and Employability’ will be continued online during the semester abroad.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 In accordance with Regulation XXI, candidates who have a right of re-assessment in a module may choose to be re-assessed in the University’s special assessment period.

5.3 In addition, students  may choose to be reassessed in BSP028  Global Strategic Management and BSP073 International Company Project in January of the next academic year.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification