International Business Management, MSc

In this section
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
Location of Study
Aberdeen

This programmes helps graduates and professionals from any background to develop a global career in business and management. By specialising in 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.

Many of our academics come from the commercial world as well as academia, and we are constantly engaging with industry, so you’ll develop the knowledge and real-world skills you need to compete. 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.

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

International Business Management

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January More
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September More
MSc 24 months On Campus Learning Part Time January More
MSc 24 months On Campus Learning Part Time September Aberdeen More

Programme Fees

Please refer to our Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.

Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Optional Courses

The Leadership Challenge (BU501H)

15 Credit Points

This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through workshops, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.

Accounting Reporting and Strategic Analysis (BU502B)

15 Credit Points

This module is designed to develop students understanding and skills in key areas of accounting and finance. It starts from interpreting financial statements to use financial information in short-term and long-term decision making. It enables the practical application of key concepts of strategic analysis and gives a broader breadth of experience and cross-fertilisation of ideas across industries and management disciplines.

Issues in International Management (BU5057)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of Issues in International Management as viewed from a number of diverse perspectives eg Coaching; Oil & Gas; Entrepreneurship; Technology; Accountancy & Finance

Negotiation and Cross - Cultural Management (BU5072)

15 Credit Points

Business cannot be conducted without some form of communication between the participants involved. This course examines a wide variety of different types of interpersonal communication in different types of business contexts and, by so doing, provides students with a detailed and practical overview of this vitally important subject area.

Marketing Management (BU551H)

15 Credit Points

The course will apply theoretical and practical content to explore the key concepts of Marketing in Management to provide students with an understanding of, coordinating and controlling marketing activities. The aim is to provide you with an understanding of the role of marketing and relevant critical strategies in establishing, developing and maintaining customer value.

Managing Human Resources (BU5577)

15 Credit Points

Managing human resources is important for survival and prosperity of organizations and economies, and has implications for individual attitudes and well-being. Managers are expected to contribute to the delivery of the human resource strategy, supported by expert advice and guidance. This module explores the key concepts underpinning the management of human resources and their practical application in organisations today. Focus on four important themes:

· Recruitment and selection

· Equality and diversity

· Flexible employment and work-life balance

· Talent management

You will be encouraged to share your views and experiences through class discussion and debate.

Internationalisation (BU5579)

15 Credit Points

International Business is a wide-ranging subject that includes economic, political, cultural and technological facets. The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the complexities of international business management by examining how the global environment and our understanding of these affect management within an international context.

Research Practice (BU5583)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking business research in practice. Within lectures, tutorials and workshops students will develop an understanding of: Information retrieval and critical analysis; Philosophical issues in the construction of knowledge; Accessing and gathering quantitative and qualitative data; Data analysis; Student/Supervisor expectations.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

New Venture Creation (BU596H)

30 Credit Points

The aim of this course is to equip students with an understanding of key aspects of new venture creation, including business planning, pitching new ideas to investors and managing growth. This is a capstone course, by bringing together a range of different concepts.

Performance Improvement in International Business (BU596N)

30 Credit Points

Performance Improvement is an established process, used by consultants operating in international businesses. This process combines key elements from performance measuring, change management and project management. In contemporary international business nothing is ever static. This course will help you understand the ways a business evaluates their performance and how a resulting, planned change, designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness, can be managed using project management tools and techniques.

Optional Courses

Accounting and Finance for Managers (BU5026)

15 Credit Points

The fact that money (and understanding money) really matters in business and all managers need to understand issues like cashflow and profit might depress you, but it is true. Financial viability of customers? Deciding on the likely financial viability of a project? Reporting to shareholders about performance? Does the word “sustainable” appear in a finance dictionary? All questions we will try and address.

The Leadership Challenge (BU501H)

15 Credit Points

This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through workshops, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.

Issues in International Management (BU5057)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of Issues in International Management as viewed from a number of diverse perspectives eg Coaching; Oil & Gas; Entrepreneurship; Technology; Accountancy & Finance

Negotiation and Cross - Cultural Management (BU5072)

15 Credit Points

Business cannot be conducted without some form of communication between the participants involved. This course examines a wide variety of different types of interpersonal communication in different types of business contexts and, by so doing, provides students with a detailed and practical overview of this vitally important subject area.

Marketing Management (BU551H)

15 Credit Points

The course will apply theoretical and practical content to explore the key concepts of Marketing in Management to provide students with an understanding of, coordinating and controlling marketing activities. The aim is to provide you with an understanding of the role of marketing and relevant critical strategies in establishing, developing and maintaining customer value.

Managing Human Resources (BU5577)

15 Credit Points

Managing human resources is important for survival and prosperity of organizations and economies, and has implications for individual attitudes and well-being. Managers are expected to contribute to the delivery of the human resource strategy, supported by expert advice and guidance. This module explores the key concepts underpinning the management of human resources and their practical application in organisations today. Focus on four important themes:

· Recruitment and selection

· Equality and diversity

· Flexible employment and work-life balance

· Talent management

You will be encouraged to share your views and experiences through class discussion and debate.

Internationalisation (BU5579)

15 Credit Points

International Business is a wide-ranging subject that includes economic, political, cultural and technological facets. The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the complexities of international business management by examining how the global environment and our understanding of these affect management within an international context.

Research Practice (BU5583)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking business research in practice. Within lectures, tutorials and workshops students will develop an understanding of: Information retrieval and critical analysis; Philosophical issues in the construction of knowledge; Accessing and gathering quantitative and qualitative data; Data analysis; Student/Supervisor expectations.

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Funding Opportunities

The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme:

The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information can be found here.

Scholarships

Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.

From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students 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?

  • Our programme welcomes graduates from any discipline – no prior business degree required.
  • 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.
  • Ranked 1st Scotland in Student Positivity for Business Studies and Management Studies in the National Student Survey 2024
  • Ranked 8th in the UK for Business and Management in the Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Ranked 15th in the UK for Business, Management and Marketing in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 
  • 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.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

This programme is open to graduates from any discipline and does not require business or management study to be completed at undergraduate level.

Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a degree at 2:2 (lower second class) 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 to view country-specific entry requirements.

English 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)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.

January 2025 September 2025

Careers

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.

Following on from this programme, there’s a wide range of potential career opportunities in management roles across a variety of sectors and types of businesses and organisations. Graduates have been hired by multinational corporations in the UK and beyond, government and public institutions, and also international relief and environmental organisations.

If you want to travel and enjoy the fast pace of international trade, working with different cultures or business management from SME to corporate multi-national, this programme is for you

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

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Practical and Academic Management Globally

Today's global business climate offers excellent career opportunities for postgraduates
with cross-cultural skills and a sound knowledge of international management

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Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024

Our results speak for themselves with 97.9% of graduates from the University of Aberdeen Business School in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024)

What our Alumni Say

Fang Zhao

Fang Zhao

Fang Zhao

Graduated 2023

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my year as a postgraduate student at the University of Aberdeen. It was an incredibly enriching experience that provided me with valuable theoretical knowledge essential for my current job at a global renewable energy company in London. More importantly, I learned how to learn and enhance my skills, which has been instrumental in my professional growth. This journey has created some of my most cherished memories.

Ting Huang

Ting Huang

Ting Huang

Job Details
Investment Banking Project Manager
Graduated 2020

My experience at the University of Aberdeen enabled me to complete my studies by collaborating with various teams in a culturally diverse setting. I developed effective communication skills, as well as the ability to respect and respond to feedback from my partners, which has greatly benefited my career.

Jingxuan Zhang

Jingxuan Zhang

Jingxuan Zhang

Job Details
Marketing Director, MingJiZe Technology Culture
Graduated 2021

My degree from Aberdeen was crucial in shaping my career path. After graduating, I ventured into entrepreneurship and founded my own import and export company in Nanjing, specializing in entertainment and education products. The comprehensive training in international business, along with practical case studies provided me with a solid theoretical foundation and valuable insights. These experiences have been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of running my own company.

Our Experts

Programme Leader
Dr Yanghong (Alice) Hu, The University of Aberdeen

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.

Facilities

  • 24 hour access to our online Learning Support provided via our Virtual Learning environment MyAberdeen.
  • Membership of the University Library, learning materials including access to core text books.
  • The Business School is home to the biggest societies on campus including the Economics and Business Society, InternNetwork, Aberdeen University Consulting Group, the Trading and Investment Club, AIESEC, and the Fintech and Blockchain Club.
Image for Sir Duncan Rice Library
Sir Duncan Rice Library

Sir Duncan Rice Library

The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.

Find out more

Business societies

Join our business societies such as the Entrepreneurial Society

Support

24 hour access to our online Learning Support provided via our Virtual Learning environment MyAberdeen, as well as access to international networking and continuing professional development.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX