International Business Management, MSc
Introduction
The International Business Management MSc enables you to build commercial awareness and gain a deep understanding of the challenges and trends facing global business leaders today. This world’s economy is increasingly global, and demand continues to grow for the leaders of the future who clearly understand the international context of business.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
This programme helps graduates and professionals from any background to develop a global career in business and management. By studying international business, you place yourself in a more marketable position because a broad knowledge of business practice around the world is highly relevant, becoming increasingly valuable to employers.
Tailor your MSc International Business Management to your career goals by choosing from three strategic pathways—IBM Classic, IBM with Sustainability, or IBM with AI and Financial Technology—each designed to equip future business leaders with the skills and insights needed to drive impact in today’s global economy. Please note that the Classic, Sustainability, and AI options are currently only available for September starts, but may be introduced for January starts next academic year.
This programme helps you connect with a deeper, more focused set of business skills, with a strong view of how international organisations work. By providing you with an in-depth understanding of global practices across a broad spectrum of business fields, this programme will prepare you for a career in management.
The University of Aberdeen is a leader in teaching and research in the field of business and management and this programme builds on our considerable strengths in these areas. The Department of Business Management is also home to The Africa-Asia Centre for Sustainability research centre. The centre was established on a commitment to undertaking inter and trans-disciplinary research in which expertise across disciplines will be integrated together in order to forge new understanding and new ways of addressing critical sustainability and global grand challenges within the context of the African and Asian regions.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
International Business Management
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start MonthMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January MoreMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £15,700 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £15,700 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £18,250 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £18,250
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Funding Opportunities
Alumni Discount Scheme - we are pleased to offer a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Please note that the Aberdeen Alumni Discount cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other scholarship award.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Combining academic rigour with real-life activities designed to develop practical skills, topics cover a range of business fields, from finance and marketing to management and accounting. You will be challenged to explore these fields within an international context to understand how globalisation impacts the business community, locally, nationally and internationally.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
You’ll attend a variety of stimulating lectures, seminars and tutorials, with your skills and competency assessed by a mix of presentations, traditional exams, essays and projects.
Why Study International Business Management?
- The University of Aberdeen is ranked 18th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
- Ranked 1st in the UK for Positive Responses in Business Studies in the National Student Survey 2025.
- Our programme welcomes graduates from any discipline – no prior business degree required.
- Choose from one of three study pathways—IBM Classic, IBM with Sustainability, or IBM with AI and Financial Technology— to align your studies with your career goals and the demands of a rapidly evolving global business landscape.
- Embrace a comprehensive business education encompassing both international theory and practical application.
- Our program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, ensuring a rich learning experience that enhances cross-cultural skills and expands your future business network.
- Our unique blend of academic rigour and real-life activities aims to hone practical skills across various business domains, from finance and marketing to management and accounting.
- Explore these fields within a global context, delving into the impact of globalization on the business landscape at local, national, and international levels. Challenge yourself and thrive in an environment that bridges theory with real-world business scenarios.
- With 130 nationalities at the University of Aberdeen, students are immersed in an environment that enables international discourse creating truly global exchanges, generating deep insights that spark innovative change.
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Boost a career in business and management in today’s globalized commercial world through learning with real-life examples and put yourself in a more powerful, marketable position to prospective employers by gaining a more in-depth understanding of global practices across the spectrum of business fields in preparation for a career in global management.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is an undergraduate degree at UK Honours level (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Careers
After graduation, students have career opportunities not limited to the field of business and management. Considering their undergraduate degrees, students also encountered a wide variety of career opportunities. In addition, students can start their own business or pursue a PhD degree after graduation.
Alumni have gone to work in a wide variety of industries like investment banking, consultancy, renewable energy, education training, fast-moving consumer goods, real estate, new media, healthcare, and more. Some alumni have started their own companies like cross-border e-commerce and entertainment. Some are pursuing their PhD degrees in the UK, China, Korea, and Malaysia.
Career Opportunities
- Account Manager
- Business Relationship Manager
- Head of Marketing
- International Banker
- Investment Analyst
- Investment Banking
- Operations Engineer
- Project Manager
Industry Links
We extend invitations to industrial professionals to participate in our programme courses, sharing their latest insights and knowledge with our students.
Experience three Professional Development Weeks annually, providing you with valuable opportunities to enhance your skills and career prospects. Additionally, participate in our Careers Fair, where you can interact with potential employers, explore diverse career paths, and make connections that can shape your professional journey.
Accreditation
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
This degree holds accreditation from
What our Alumni Say
Fang Zhao
Ting Huang
Jingxuan Zhang
Our Experts
You will be taught by and have access to a number of experts, many of whom are internationally renowned within their respective fields. These will include members of the Africa-Asia Centre for Sustainability.
For more details on academic experts and those who will be teaching within your programme discipline please visit the People section of the Business School website.
- Programme Leader
- Dr Yanghong (Alice) Hu
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University. The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century. This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.
Affordability
Aberdeen has been named the top UK city for affordability (QS Best Student Cities 2026). In 2024, StuRents reported the average price of a student private rental property in the Granite City was just over £96 a week.
World-class facilities
We invest heavily in our facilities and learning resources, ensuring our students have access to everything they need to help them succeed in their studies - from the stunning Sir Duncan Rice Library, to Aberdeen Sport Village, and beyond.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX