Masters in International Business
This Masters programme prepares you for the rapidly globalising world of work, by introducing the frameworks behind multinational enterprises’ strategies and policies.
At a glance
- Learn from academics who are leading authorities in this subject area and have helped to develop key frameworks and define the field of International Business.
- The programme introduces you to the global world of work so that you can be ready to make informed, strategic business decisions upon graduating.
- Examine the strategic choices multinational enterprises make to compete in an increasingly global economy.
- Learn to connect the ‘micro’ firm view with the ‘macro’ view of countries and regions.
- An opportunity to complete an optional industry study challenge through an overseas visit.
- Our masters graduates secure positions at prestigious employers worldwide, earning competitive salaries. Explore our graduate outcomes.
- Locations
- Henley Whiteknights
- Subject area(s)
- Management, International Business
- Start Date
- September 2025
- Duration
- 12 months
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Programme Director
-
Dr Kaz Kirollos
Overview
On this Masters programme, you will examine the strategies multinational firms use to compete in a global economy. Also, the development and policy challenges they create, from the perspectives of both developing and developed countries.
Through this MSc degree you will learn how firms are organised internally. Additionally, you will take an holistic view of the international business environment, regarding the competitiveness of firms and industries. You will therefore be able to connect the 'micro' firm view with the 'macro' view of countries and regions.
What is unique to Henley’s Masters in International Business?
In the module The Evolution of Multinational Enterprises students will explore distinct international business approaches of US and European multinationals versus those from emerging markets. Offered exclusively on the Masters in International Business programme, students will have the opportunity to delve into the emergence of digital giants like Alibaba, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google, as well as technology start-ups. The module provides a theoretical foundation on multinational corporations, and students will gain insights into government perspectives on multinational growth and learn about strategies employed by countries to attract foreign direct investment.
(Financial Times 2024)
(Financial Times 2024)
The Henley Pre-Masters Course Suite
Exclusively available to Henley Business School offer holders, the Pre-Masters course suite comprises of innovative short courses designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Study skills for success (-)This course will provide building blocks of knowledge to help you prepare for your learning journey in the area of your choice as well as equip you with key employability and study skills for successfully navigating your studies and professional career. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty, the University of Reading Study Advice Team and the International Study and Language Institute. The course aims to prepare you for your learning journey at Henley and focuses on helping you build important study skills to succeed in your Masters and beyond. Skills such as curiosity and independent thinking, effective communication and collaboration, digital capabilities, storytelling, empathy and professional integrity are not only important in your course itself but are also sought after by employers in all areas of business. Therefore, they are instrumental in succeeding in your professional career. The learning journey of our Masters programmes is designed in a way that allows you to build such skills and this course intends to demonstrate exactly how, and therefore help you to make the most of your Masters. |
N/A |
Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance (-)A course delivered online by Henley faculty and you will receive online support from one of our teaching staff members and be able to interact with other prospective students in your course. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty to introduce you to the world of coding in Python. According to recent employer surveys, coding is a top 5 employability skill in the new world of work. The World Economic forum includes technology design and programming in the top 10 skills of 2025. Coding is an extremely powerful skill to have going forward in all areas of business and finance. Due to the importance of coding skills in your future, you will be using coding in some of your courses depending on your choice of programme at Henley Business School. So, this pre-study course can be seen as a stepping stone in your learning journey. Even if coding is not directly utilised as a part of your programme, completing this course, earning the certificate and complementing this with some further independent learning, could set you apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Python is the most utilised programming language in the world and so the purpose of this course is for you to learn the fundamentals of Python, and how to use it to solve practical problems in your area of interest. |
N/A |
Semester 1
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
International Strategic Management (MMM001)This course provides key analytical and conceptual tools from strategic management, international business and economics as applied to international strategy. The course examines the complexity that accompanies international operations as a result of geographical diversification, and changing market and technological, conditions. Academic authors
Professor Rajneesh Narula
Dr Kaz Kirollos
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Managing Across Borders (MMM172)Managers are increasingly faced with the challenge of operating across borders, while simultaneously expected to have general knowledge across wide range of business functions. The module gives a cross functional perspective of undertaking business in different countries, showing the challenge of managing successfully in an increasingly complex and global environment. Academic authors
Dr Kaz Kirollos
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
The Evolution of Multinational Enterprises (MMM173)The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the changes in our theoretical understanding of international business. The understanding of multinational enterprises (MNE) can serve as a basis for practical evaluation of the behaviour and performance of these companies. Academic authors
Dr Kaz Kirollos
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
International Business and the World Economy (MMM143)This module focuses on issues relating to the role of international business activities in the world economy. It will review the economic theory and the empirical evidence relating to the firms' decision to engage in international business activity, including the choice to become exporters, multinational enterprises and engage in Global Value Chains. Finally, the module will address the economic effects of trade restrictions. Academic authors
Professor Davide Castellani
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Semester 2
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Multinational Enterprise Strategy and Performance (MMM095)This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of international business strategy and the implications of such a strategy on the financial performance of the multinational enterprise (MNE).
Academic authors
Dr Quyen Nguyen
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
International Business Environment (MMM071)This module studies the contemporary international business environment from different theoretical perspectives while drawing on relevant empirical evidence. Students learn about the role of multinational firms, institutions and political economic systems, technological changes, and geography in shaping the international business environment.
Academic authors
Dr J. Eduardo Ibarra-Olivo
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Global Marketing Management (MMM006)This module will introduce students to marketing in a global context, and will enable students to understand the complexity and variety of factors playing a role in designing and implementing global marketing programmes. Academic authors
Melisa Mete
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Marketing for a Better, Sustainable World (MMM170)This module is designed to provide knowledge of the link between marketing and sustainability and how to evaluate and implement marketing strategies that promote sustainable products, services and behaviours. Academic authors
Dr Irene Garnelo-Gomez
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
International Applied Challenge (MMM156)The module provides intensive experiential learning in an international context, either virtually or via direct travel. This is an opportunity for students group visits a particular country, institutions and particular business communities to explore sustainable and wider management issues and the methods the community has found for addressing these issues. Read moreThe module assists in creating a network of active young specialists who think globally and act locally to make business action happen. The country partner institutions play a key role in setting up the itinerary and hosting the visit. Academic authors
Dr Katiuscia Lavoratori
Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Management in Creative and Cultural Industries (MMM035)This module examines organisations that are engaged in creative or cultural activities and the industries they create from an interdisciplinary management perspective. Students will define and understand the parameters of the creative or cultural industries; alongside identify the management challenges faced by organisations in these sectors; and examine strategies for addressing them. Academic authors
Dr Marrisa Joseph
|
20 [10 ECTS] |
International Human Resource Management (MMM081)This is an advanced module focusing on the challenges and approaches in managing human resources in the multinational context, based on an understanding of basic concepts and practices in human resource management and cross-national contexts. Students will explore key issues and concepts and critically evaluate alternative approaches to the practices of human resource management in multinational organisations. Academic authors
Rebecca A.T. Yusuf
Dr Chul Chung
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Summer
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
International Business and Culture (MMM174)Despite its profound effect on competition, business culture continues to be an elusive concept for managers. This module focuses on the impact of business culture on competition. It comprises an interdisciplinary approach with perspectives from strategic management, human resource management, general social sciences and the humanities. Academic authors
Dr Denise Tsang
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
International Business Project (MMM187)Students will have an opportunity to draw on knowledge and experience gained across the programme and apply them to a contemporary business problem or issue. Academic authors
Professor Peter Scott
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Work Placement and Project (MMM175)This module gives students the opportunity to pursue a work placement between one and three months with an external organisation broadly related to their degree studies. The module will enable students to put into practice the knowledge they have learnt throughout their degree, gain relevant experience alongside the opportunity to develop the practical skills needed for the world of work. The placement will take place in the summer period (June – August). |
20 [10 ECTS] |
Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.
A holistic approach
Effective leadership requires more than first-class business acumen, it requires a degree of self-awareness and sensitivity. Our Masters programmes offer you a unique practice-centred approach to teaching equipping you with the tools to become a compelling leader. This approach creates emotionally intelligent graduates who can be fully effective in their chosen careers.
How you will learn
Henley has a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts. We are underpinned by academic excellence and the strength of our research. We offer high-quality technical skills training as well as a deep understanding of the importance of personal development for leaders. This is a thread that is woven through all of our Masters programmes.
Our Masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, tailoring your degree towards your needs and career ambitions. You will complete up to 10 taught modules during your programme, totalling 180 credits. One module usually equates to 20 credits or 10 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures, tutorials, workshops and personal study, with each accounting for 25% of your time on average. This provides you with the opportunity to discuss and explore the material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students.
You will be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings then have the opportunity to challenge those that have created it. You will also explore real-world issues, tackle current business challenges, and interact with guest lectures and speakers from industry. This gives you the opportunity to test, extend and refine your knowledge and skills with confidence.
How we assess you
You will learn and be assessed through a wide variety of teaching methods depending on your chosen postgraduate course. These include online materials, guest lectures, group assignments, case studies, field visits, dealing room simulations, presentations, applied projects, consultancy work and examinations.
On average examinations of core modules form between 15 - 50% of the assessed work. The remaining comes from coursework, including a written dissertation or project depending on your chosen programme.
Ongoing support
While Masters students are self-motivated and determined individuals, study at this level can present additional pressures which we take seriously. Lecturers are available to discuss module content and you can meet with your academic tutor. Support staff are available to help with anything that may arise during your time at Henley.
UK/Home
| Year of Entry | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2025 | £15,000 |
International (incl. EU)
| Year of Entry | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2025 | £28,500 |
Scholarships
Scholarships are now available for 2025 entry Masters programmes. Henley is proud to have supported over 170 postgraduate students with scholarships for 2024 entry. For more information on our 2025 Scholarships programme visit our scholarships webpage.
| Entry requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | Minimum 2:1 or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised university |
| Degree discipline | Any discipline |
English Language Requirements
Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask for evidence of proficiency. Alternatively, we may ask you to attend an English language course before you begin your studies with us.
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 with no component below 5.5 in any sub-skills |
Pre-sessional English Programme
The Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements. Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.
Find out about our comprehensive range of Pre-Sessional English courses
Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications
We accept the non-SELT version of LanguageCert (which includes the online version) and DuoLingo as suitable English language qualifications. These can be accepted for direct entry onto Undergraduate (except Speech and Language Therapy), Postgraduate Taught (except Speech and Language Therapy) and Postgraduate Research programmes.
For information on individual programme requirements and other English language qualifications, please visit our English requirement equivalent page.
If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact admissions directly by e-mail or telephone at +44 (0) 118 378 5289.
UK visa requirements
If you are not a national of the European Union (EU), you may need to obtain a UK visa. This visa will allow to live and study in the UK. See the UK Border Agency website. Contact the University's International Office with any questions: intoff@reading.ac.uk.
Graduate Route
The UK's Graduate Route post-study work visa allows you to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with the opportunity to undertake skilled work. Visit the University website for the latest information.
How can Henley Careers work with you?
We have an award-winning careers team that will support you through your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation.
Here is how Henley Careers can help you:
- Careers Consultant appointments: Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s CV advice, practicing for an interview, providing feedback if applications aren't successful or support planning your career goals. We are here to help empower you to progress in your career.
- Events: Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for. Additionally, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
- Alumni support: You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources. For up to four years after graduating we’re here to help and support in your career.
- Career Smart: Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK. As well as where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different roles available to you.
For more information please see our Careers page.
Continuing your career
After Graduating from your Masters you may follow a variety of career paths. These include roles in business development or general management, with a range of employers including large corporations or multinational enterprises or government agencies.
Our alumni tell us that this programme gives them the key skills and knowledge required to build a career in multinational enterprises or government agencies.
(Financial Times 2024)
Apply for 2025 entry now
Apply online now through the University of Reading’s online application service.
The online application service allows you to complete your application information, attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a facility for an email request to be sent to your referees. This enables the referees to send your supporting references directly to us.
When to apply
We operate a rolling admissions system and it is recommended that you apply early to secure your place. There is no specific deadline and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, to allow us time to process your application we recommend that you apply by the following dates:
| UK/Home applicants | International applicants |
|---|---|
| 1 August | 1 July |
After you apply
You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application form. Your application is then reviewed by a member of staff. If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any necessary entry criteria you will need to meet. You'll then be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer.
If you require a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa, details will be sent by email once all conditions of the offer have been met.
Throughout the admissions process we will keep you updated with key information via email. We also provide opportunities to interact with faculty and staff online.
Find us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with news and events at Henley or ask us a question. In addition, you can speak to a current student, our students are always happy to share their Henley experience.
Our students and alumni are always keen to share their Henley experience. Whether you are a prospective applicant or already applied to a Masters programme at Henley Business School. You can ask questions to a current student by clicking the “Chat to our students” button below.
When contacting one of our students, please introduce yourself and the Masters programme you have applied for.
Speak to a current student
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at postgraduate@henley.ac.uk or by phone on +44 (0)118 378 7593.
“I have been awarded scholarships from the University of Reading and Henley. When I applied for the scholarships, I put effort into writing a reflective essay relating my experience, which helped me improve myself.”
“I had some doubts before undertaking my Masters as it was in a subject I had no prior academic knowledge in. However, this year has been incredible and I am so thankful that I took the challenge.”
“My year at Henley Business School has been transformative, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge for my current job. All of my experiences at Henley have greatly contributed to my work and integration into my team. I'm grateful for Henley…”
I valued the variation in modules and the ability to choose and adapt the course to my interests. The lecturers were always happy to engage and welcomed discussion.
