Master of Science - International Business

The MSc International Business at the University of Derby focuses on applied analysis in economics, strategy, law, finance, marketing, and human resources, all examined from a global perspective. The programme provides opportunities to engage with regional experts and international business leaders through guest lectures, consultancy projects, case studies, and professional mentoring. Students can enhance their employability and build their CVs through the Futures Award in Leadership in International Business, and gain practical experience using real-world data via Bloomberg to support research into companies and markets worldwide. The programme also offers specialist variants including MSc International Business and Finance, MSc International Business and Marketing, and MSc International Business and HRM. Designed to meet the needs of today’s business environment, the MSc International Business equips students with a thorough understanding of the economic, financial, legal, and cultural factors affecting international business. The course integrates disciplines such as international business strategy, management and marketing, international economics, and international trade legislation. Drawing on real-world case studies, students develop skills in quantitative analysis and applied research while examining all aspects of business operations in an international context. The programme maintains high-profile partnerships with leading industry names, including Lloyds Bank Corporate, the Bank of England Midlands Office, HSBC Nottingham, Eversheds, Price Waterhouse Cooper, PKF Cooper Parry, Smiths of Derby, GI Insight, and Kitchencraft, with many contributing through guest lectures. Company visits provide additional insights, with tours of the iPro Stadium, Derby Arena, Crown Derby, and high-performance engineering company epm:technology. Students can extend professional networks through events such as Institute of Directors workshops, company taster days, and the University’s Network of Entrepreneurs. Professional mentoring is provided to guide career development. Mentors include international trade advisors, banking specialists, and senior managers from partner companies, offering insights into career paths and business practice. Career development planning is embedded within the course, with each student supported by a personal tutor and access to the University’s professional career services, even after graduation. The programme also prioritises the development of transferable skills and real-world business experience. Students gain expertise using the Bloomberg database, a leading global business resource providing financial and company information, economic data, and market analysis, and can pursue the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate. Opportunities are provided to participate in competitions such as the IBM University Business Challenge and the University Trading Challenge, as well as to contribute to regional specialist projects like the economic impact study of the Buxton Festival and the Derby Low Carbon Initiative. Research can also be published in the College of Business Economic Bulletin or in the academic journal Critical Perspectives on Business Management. The MSc culminates in an Independent Study, allowing students to select a theme aligned with their interests and career ambitions, developing in-depth research and critical thinking skills. Recent research topics have included knowledge transfer in the South African hotel sector, consumer complaint behaviour in Chinese online shopping, leadership challenges in SMEs in the UK and USA, foreign market analysis for Spanish exporters, and social media strategies in the beauty industry. In addition, students may undertake the Futures Award in Leadership in International Business, which recognises leadership abilities and consultancy skills through extra-curricular activities, including business consultancy projects, volunteering, fundraising, and networking opportunities. Past participants have had the chance to hear from influential regional leaders such as Mel Morris, Chairman of Derby County FC and an early investor in King Digital Entertainment, the company behind the global game phenomenon Candy Crush.