The MSc International Business aims to provide you with the knowledge and systematic understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of International Business. Graduates will gain a sound theoretical grounding in the area of International Business and develop a range of analytical and personal skills.
Introduction
If you want to pursue a career in international management—but want to develop a more in-depth understanding of global business issues, or even study a business subject for the first time—MSc International Business is for you.
The programme aims to provide a thorough understanding of management concepts as well as detailed knowledge of international business in theory and practice. You will learn and practice a range of intellectual, interpersonal and technical skills, connect with practitioners and develop the business awareness and confidence required to succeed as a manager in international business.
You will undertake modules which reflect the unique expertise of our academic staff: studies of international strategy and management, including important business and management issues arising in emerging economies.
You will learn how cross-cultural differences influence the structure of management systems and operational functions in the wide variety of international business activities undertaken by multinational firms.
Combined with knowledge of the key characteristics of international business environments, and international strategy, you will be able to analyse major issues in international management and deal with the challenges of the global business environment.
Accreditation
The University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
This 12-month programme consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules. These are followed by the choice of either the Dissertation or the Strategy, Planning and Implementation module following semester two.
Compulsory modules
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (ULMS516)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces key concepts, theories and topics in international business. It provides students with the analytical tools to enable further study of the global business environment and the international businesses that operate within it.
MARKETING MANAGEMENT (ULMS766)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The overall aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of marketing in terms of academic principles and practical applications. Academically, students will learn about both the foundations of marketing management but also current debates within the field. Practically, students will learn about marketing management tools such as the extended marketing mix, segmentation, positioning and targeting and how these might be applied using case studies.
Managerial Finance (ULMS767)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Managing Finance is designed to develop your expertise in problem solving, numeracy and commercial awareness through a lecture and workshop program that helps you understand, apply and competently practice in accounting and finance. The module aims to take you from an introductory-level beginning, designed for those who have not studied accounting and finance before, through to a level of understanding that will allow you to engage confidently with finance professionals.
GLOBALIZATION, GLOBAL-GOVERNANCE AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY (ULMS543)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Economic relations have undergone significant change in recent decades. Globalization has become the popular term used to describe this. This module explores what globalization really is looking at a range of significant areas, including production, consumption, finance, labour and labour standards, gender, International Development, Civil Society and non-governmental organisations and the environment. Students will learn how to critically evaluate debates relating to globalization, global governance and the global economy. Students will learn how to analyse and discuss relevant trends in the global economy, including the impact of the global financial crisis and the growth of emerging economies. Students will also become familiar with conflicting ethics and prerogatives in the global economy. Particular focus will be placed on the impact of globalization on state-market relations. Through self-directed learning, lectures, seminars and a group essay, students will appropriate relevant theories and draw on useful empirical evidence to understand and explain globalization, global governance and the evolution of the global economy.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
This 12-month programme consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules. These are followed by the choice of either the Dissertation or the Strategy, Planning and Implementation module following semester two.
Compulsory modules
Global Corporate Strategy (ULMS519)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module aims to give students a thorough understanding of global corporate strategy. The theoretical foundations of strategy are developed and the factors that distinguish international strategy from domestic strategy are examined. The major drivers of international strategy are considered and discussed in terms of the formation and implementation of international strategies. The module also considers the possible internal organisational systems that can be used to construct and implement international strategies and assesses the advantages and disadvantages of the major types of organisational systems. The models of international strategy are considered and applied to key issues such as entry mode, developing competitive strategies, and dealing with problems of institutional and cultural distance between home and host locations. The dynamic nature of strategy is considered by investigation of strategies to adapt to changing competitive, institutional and technological environments.
International Management (ULMS548)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides students with an in-depth understanding of management practices in an international context. The module addresses key issues involved in the effective management by firms for their international business activities. It covers challenges global managers face in today’s global business environment, cross-cultural management and international human resource management. It will help students develop competencies needed to manage effectively in an international context, and prepare them for the future challenges of an international business career.
THE EMERGING ECONOMIES AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (ULMS526)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will give students an understanding of the key issues in international business and international management in emerging economies. Analysis of this will embrace major management issues in local, regional and global contexts in emerging economies, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
Optional modules
Geographies of the Global Economy (ULMS553)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the key theories and concepts from economic geography and international business surrounding the contemporary global economy. Students will become aware of the spatial dimensions of globalisation, trade and multinational firm activities. They will also be introduced to newer frameworks of analysing the global economy and will develop an understanding of how and why economic activity can be examined at global, national, sub-national and city scales. The module will focus on how globalisation processes, and in particular the activities of multinational firms, interact in a variety of geographical locations.
Government and Business (ULMS530)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The core roles of government in relation to business are identified and evaluated and significant changes discussed. The module also explores the nature of the relationship between government and business, for example in terms of neo-corporatist structures and the role of business as an actor in the governmental process. These issues are placed firmly within a wide-ranging international context and examples are drawn from a wide variety of countries. The module is assessed through an assignment and an unseen exam. Successful students will acquire an appreciation of the interactions between government and business, develop a strong critical awareness and be able to apply the general debates to a wide range of specific examples.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
This 12-month programme consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules. These are followed by the choice of either the Dissertation or the Strategy, Planning and Implementation module following semester two.
Compulsory modules
STRATEGY, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION (ULMS719)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module offers an opportunity for students to develop knowledge and understanding of the multi-level processes involved in organisational and managerial practices. The module is a practical platform for students to develop business analysis and strategic decision-making skills; as well as the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to research, analyse and present information coherently in order to support a recommended course of action. The individual assignment provides students with the opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation of a management issue relevant to their MSc programme. For this assessment students are to critically evaluate and synthesise relevant theories, models and practices of management by undertaking a detailed enquiry into a programme specific area of research by undertaking an analytical literature review by using secondary data. The reflective element of the individual assignment encourages students to critically analyse and evaluate their experience of the learning process during the module and their MSc.
DISSERTATION (ULMS790)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module is designed to help students develop an in-depth understanding of a topic within their chosen domain of management and business and for the student to use this knowledge to analyse a management problem or issue. A preparation phase of the module is included to provide the students with the skills necessary in problem analysis and research in order that they can undertake an independent research project. Thereafter, independent, guided study and research are used to develop both theoretical and practical critical-thinking skills, and to present research, analysis and findings. The reflective element of the dissertation gives students an opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate their experience of the learning process.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Delivery of the programme syllabus is via lectures, practical work and case studies, tutorials and project work.
Lectures constitute most of the formal contact time with students, although a concerted effort has been made to include a significant amount of case-study material and practical work in order to demonstrate the application of principles and theories delivered within the main lecture programme.
The practical elements of the programme take the form of both team-based and individual or self-directed exercises.
How you're assessed
In semester one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The dissertation or project completed during the summer period is worth 60 credits and students will be supported by their academic supervisor.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, but students can expect to be assessed via coursework, essay, group work, presentations, case studies, negotiation exercises, reports and examinations. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module specification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
With Triple Crown Accreditation and a precisely designed course curriculum, I am sure this programme is going to enhance my capabilities and prepare me to secure a prime job in a highly competitive market.
Programme graduates will be suited to roles in financial and management services companies, ‘blue chip’ manufacturing and service companies and the major retail industry sectors.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
You will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.
Upon completion of the programme, you will be equipped to work within various business functions in both large and small multinational firms. The programme may also provide a stepping stone to PhD study and a career as an academic researcher in international business.
Graduates from this programme have secured jobs at:
Amazon
NQC Ltd
HSBC
Mitek Systems
In roles such as :
Client delivery executive
Product manager
Project manager
Marketing services specialist
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£14,000
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£30,000
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Normally a 2:1 honours degree in any discipline is expected from a UK university or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution is required. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.
We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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