MSc 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.
- Ranked in the world top 12 in the QS International Trade Rankings 2025.
- 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
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
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)
"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."
Graduate success
Key statistics from our 2023 graduates
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Masters Career Survey 2024)
2023 graduates in this area are working at the following organisations:
- Capita
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
- OpenText
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Leeds City Council
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- AtkinsRéalis
- Levi Strauss & Co.
Please note the above statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2024, which was completed by our 2023 graduates, 12 months after graduation.
Respondents are from the following programmes: MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation, MSc Human Resource Management, MSc International Business and Finance, MSc Management, MSc Management (International Business), MSc Marketing (Consumer Marketing), MSc Marketing (Digital Marketing) and MSc Marketing (International Marketing).
Careers support
(Financial Times 2024)
Prepare for your successful 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.
Receive dedicated support from our award-winning careers team
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.
How we teach you
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.
Course structure
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.
Study skills for success (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
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.
Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
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.
International Strategic Management (MMM001)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
Managing Across Borders (MMM172)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
The Evolution of Multinational Enterprises (MMM173)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
International Business and the World Economy (MMM143)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
Multinational Enterprise Strategy and Performance (MMM095)
20 [10 ECTS credits]
International Business Environment (MMM071)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
Global Marketing Management (MMM006)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
Marketing for a Better, Sustainable World (MMM170)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
International Applied Challenge (MMM156)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
Management in Creative and Cultural Industries (MMM035)
20 [10 ECTS]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.
International Human Resource Management (MMM081)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
International Business and Culture (MMM174)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
International Business Project (MMM187)
20 [10 ECTS credits]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.
Work Placement and Project (MMM175)
20 [10 ECTS]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).
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.
Fees & funding
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.
Current scholarships
Entry requirements
| Entry requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | A good second class honours degree or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised University |
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
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.
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 to apply
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.
Chat to our students
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 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.
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, laying a solid foundation for my future.
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.
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.
