Business Management and International Relations

MA (Hons) Business Management & International Relations

Study Business Management & International Relations at AFG College with University of Aberdeen in Qatar.

Business Management and International Relations

The MA Business Management and International Relations degree is a perfect pairing, giving you a solid grounding in business, management and organisations in the wide context of world events. This programme will improve your understanding of how organisations, states and governments interact against a constantly changing global and economic scene. This programme will give you an added international dimension to your excellent career prospects.

Please note: MA (Hons) is equivalent to a Bachelor degree with Honours.

At a glance

On Campus Learning
MA (Hons)
4 Years
Full Time
September

What You'll Study

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Depending on start date, courses may vary or change.

Year 1
Academic Practice for Study (QB 1001)

Introductory course focusing on developing academic practice skills.

View detailed information about the Academic Practice for Study course

English for Academic Practice (QB 1002)

This course aims to provide students with relevant competencies and skills in the use of English for academic purposes, to critically engage with reading and listening material, and to develop skills for analysis and critical assessment.

View detailed information about the English for Academic Practice course

Culture, Society and Business in the Twentieth Century (QB 1003)

The Business, Culture and Society course is designed to cover broad issues and trends in business, and to do this in a way that encourages students to understand what is that makes up appropriate university level practice.

View detailed information about the Culture, Society and Business in the Twentieth Century course

Politics and International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (QI 1001)

Politics and International Relations impacts on all parts of our lives, with more specifically it being the study of ideas, events, institutions and choice. Studying these provides us with both knowledge of the world and also how it operates and functions. It also changes our perception of our surroundings and makes us aware of an ever changing global context. This course will introduce students to concepts and ideas that form the basis for the study of these disciplines while simultaneously also helping us understand our own place within a global context.

View detailed information about the Politics and International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance course

Introduction to Accounting (QB 1501)

This is an introduction to accounting which aims to provide an understanding of how organisations – particularly small and medium sized businesses – capture, create and use accounting information both to guide their activities internally within the management function and to communicate their financial performance and position to external users of the accounts.  This course allows students to develop practical and analytical skills through a problem-solving approach to accounting-related aspects of business performance reporting and control, particularly in relation to bookkeeping, accounts preparation, budgeting and management accounting.

View detailed information about the Introduction to Accounting course

Introduction to Economics (QB 1502)

The course is an introduction to Economics and aims to develop an understanding of the economics of the markets at a microeconomic level and  the economy at the macroeconomic  level. It will include the study of the behaviour of economic agents such as consumers, workers, households, firms, central banks and governments. It seeks to investigate how objectives such as utility, social welfare, profits, GDP and growth are pursued. The course allows students to acquire skills in positive analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the factors determining trade in markets, whilst also start to develop some of the normative analytical policy tools, with attention given to optimal industry specific, monetary and fiscal policy recommendations.

View detailed information about the Introduction to Economics course

Introduction to the Management of Organisations (QB 1504)

A level 1 Introductory course to introduce theoretical and management concepts of organization in order to develop and understanding of their relevance and application in today’s world of business.

View detailed information about the Introduction to the Management of Organisations course

Politics and International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (QI 1501)

Politics and International Relations impacts on all parts of our lives, with more specifically it being the study of ideas, events, institutions and choice. Studying these provides us with both knowledge of the world and also how it operates and functions. It also changes our perception of our surroundings and makes us aware of an ever changing global context. This course will introduce students to concepts and ideas that form the basis for the study of these disciplines while simultaneously also helping us understand our own place within a global context. 

View detailed information about the Politics and International Relations 2: Power and Conflict course

Year 2
Introduction to Human Resource Management (QB 2006)

This course designed is for Business Management students and covers one of the most important functions in an organisation/business, that of Human Resource Management (HRM). HRM links people-related activities to the strategy of a business or organisation. This course develops an appreciation and understanding of the role of HRM in delivering on business strategy and organisational objectives. In doing so, the course introduces relevant concepts and theories in the field of HRM. Topics include: Evolution of HRM; International HRM; Recruitment and Selection; Reward and Performance Management; Training and Development; Work-Life Balance and Flexible Working; and Equality and Diversity.

View detailed information about the Introduction to Human Resource Management course

Marketing (QB 2007)

This course provides students with an overview of the underpinning concepts of marketing, and the requirements for the development of a market oriented organisation. Specifically introduces the basic concepts of buyer behaviour, market research, the marketing mix and the strategic context of marketing. The linkages between marketing and other key functional areas of management, notably operations and human resource management are highlighted by this course, encouraging the adoption of a systems perspective.

View detailed information about the Marketing course

Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (QI 2001)

Ideas and ideologies are core to teaching, learning and research in Politics and International Relations. Theoretical developments are at the forefront of academic debates within the discipline, demonstrated by the appearance of a number of new approaches as more traditional theories have struggled to account for an ever-changing world. This course will introduce students to these with profound questions and struggles over identity, belonging, justice and rights underpinning these theoretical debates.

View detailed information about the Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations course

Understanding Statistics (QB 2504)

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of statistical concepts and methods relevant to accounting, management, finance, real estate and economics.

View detailed information about the Understanding Statistics course

International Business (QB 2506)

This level 2 course is a part of the Undergraduate Business Management programme in Qatar. International Business by necessity spans a number of discipline subject areas and as such it is difficult to locate its boundaries precisely. However, the topic covers a set of ever changing issues and relationships that affect both individuals (whether as consumers, employees, entrepreneurs etc.) and organisations (whether governmental, Not-for-profit, or commercial), and in this course it will be studied from these different perspectives. It should also be noted that whilst study in the international business area has its origins in economics (trade and finance), and these aspects still contribute to our understanding of the globalising world, study will also include the increasingly significant organisational and cultural areas.

View detailed information about the International Business course

Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (QI 2501)

Equality and inequality are at the forefront of many debates within contemporary Politics and International Relations. This course will examine the historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and also key concepts which continue to uphold equality and inequality on a global scale.

View detailed information about the Global Politics: Equality and Inequality course

Year 3
Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (QB 3004)

What is Business Ethics and why should we care? There is an impression amongst many that Business and Ethics are opposed ideas. This course seeks to address these issues. Exploring Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility, tracing its historical origins through to current practice within organizations and the impact on the wider world. The course covers the fundamental question of what ethics is, granting a context for wider discussion. It looks at why ethics is relevant in the business world today and does so through traditional lectures and interactive learning such as the debates that have proven popular with students.

View detailed information about the Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility course

Researching into the 21st Century (QI 3001)

Research methods are fundamental to the scientific study of Politics and International Relations. They are also increasingly desired by non-academic employers. This course introduces students to the scientific toolkit and some of the most popular methods of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. It is skills based and provides a hands-on experience. The gained skills will be essential for students at honour’s level and especially crucial for their undergraduate dissertations. The course also constitutes a significant part of their graduate attributes.

View detailed information about the Researching into the 21st Century course

Understanding the Consumer (QB 3504)

This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking research into business phenomena. It introduces philosophical issues in the theory of knowledge, ethical issues in research conduct, and considers quantitative and qualitative methods in turn, addressing issues in sampling and design, details of specific approaches, and considerations in data analysis. The course is taught through weekly lectures and an extended two hour tutorial every fortnight, with two pieces of coursework and a two hour written exam. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the conceptual underpinning of different methods, and their strengths and limitations in research.

View detailed information about the Understanding the Consumer course

International Terrorism Counterterrorism and International Relations (QI 3501)

International terrorism and counterterrorism are at the top of today’s agenda – of scholarly debates in International Relations (IR) as well as of policy discussions on international politics. The course focuses on both the (individual and/or structural) causes and different manifestations of terrorism and reviews the debates on how to respond to terrorism not only effectively but also without violating humanitarian principles and international law. The course is interdisciplinary and will provide both an overview on current research on international terrorism and counterterrorism in IR and also with in-depth knowledge of core aspects of the issue.

View detailed information about the International Terrorism Counterterrorism and International Relations course

Year 4
Dissertation (QI 4001)

Students in this course conduct independent research under the guidance of a supervisor. They can select their own dissertation topic or choose one of a range of topics offered by staff within Business Management. Students undertake a qualitative and/or quantitative piece of empirical research and produce a dissertation at the end of the process. This course provides them with an opportunity to develop a range of generic and research-specific skills including critical thinking, argumentation, writing, time management, review of literature, research design, and data analysis.

View detailed information about the Dissertation course

Business Strategy (QB 4505)

This course is about business strategy and covers a broad range of topics that come under the general heading of “Business Strategy” or “Strategic Management”. The course has been designed to help you gain an understanding of the key areas of strategic management including an understanding of: what strategic management is and why it is important; the different types of strategic analysis tools available; the difference between corporate, business and functional strategy;  the complex issues associated with the implementation of strategy;  the concept of strategic fit; and the role for strategic leadership in shaping and implementing strategy.

View detailed information about the Business Strategy course

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

Individual Projects
Lectures
Research
Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
  • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
  • Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Business Management and International Relations?

  • This programme will improve your understanding of how organisations, states and governments interact against a constantly changing global and economic scene. 
  • You will gain the perfect combination of international skills to add to your CV to widen your appeal to employers in all sectors.

Entry Requirements

  • 65% or above in the Thanawiyah or 5 passes at C or above in IGCSE
  • 40 UCAS points at AS/A Level or completed IB Certificate
  • Proof of English language at IELTS 5.5 or above (minimum 5.0 in all sections) or equivalent qualification*

*if the most recent academic qualification is not taught in English.

Advanced Entry

  • Applications for advanced entry will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Documents Required

  • Equivalency Statement Letter from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education
  • No objection certificate (NOC) from the National Military Service, Ministry of Defence. (For male Qatari Nationals only)

Fees

  • The tuition fee for entry in September is 89,000 QR per year.
  • Tuition fees are fixed at the point of entry so there is no annual increase for returning students.
  • Flexible payment methods are available.