MSc in International Business Management

Modern, culturally diverse and dynamic business environments are growing globally and as a result we are witnessing a surge in demand for graduates with a world view of what a successful business can look like.

International business has experienced huge growth as a direct result of globalisation. Join Glasgow Caledonian University's Glasgow School for Business and Society and find a modern, international setting where ethical business practices are nurtured and international business theory is put to the test.

Key factors driving this growth include new and emerging markets, technological advancements, labour mobility, sophisticated logistics and supply chains, and the growth of business support networks for entrepreneurs. Opportunities for graduates at masters level have never been greater and through the international business management programme you will experience activities that many different industry sectors demand from their management professionals.

GCU will prepare you for a career in business and develop you as a leader and manager who can add value to your chosen organisation through the application of the knowledge learned on this programme in an international arena.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018. This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

Professional accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Students are eligible for Associate Membership whilst studying on the programme, and subject to CMI approval, may also be awarded a CMI certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership.

What you will study

Global Strategy: Challenges and Choices

This module will help you understand the major trends that have emerged in the global trading environment including the globalisation of industries, opportunities from geo-political change, and the role of technology in driving change. You will develop an understanding of formulating global strategies in different industry settings, how to analyse and review progress to meet aims and objectives and learn to evaluate and select appropriate strategic options.

Financial Management for Global Decision Makers

During this module you will be exposed to detailed analysis of financial statements, prepared in accordance with international accounting standards, short and long term financing decisions, financial governance and international taxation and accounting techniques for decision making, planning and control. This module applies all topics in a context relevant to the needs of managers, thus ensuring that your business knowledge will be broadened and will be relevant in your future career.

International Marketing Management

This module provides an understanding of the key decision making areas within the marketing function in a global context, and offers you the opportunity to develop an in depth understanding of some of the challenges facing marketers in modern global organisations. You will learn the key issues surrounding the marketing management process, branding, the use of technology in marketing, and ethical challenges in the global arena.

Managing People in Global Organisations

Globalisation has brought into focus the role played by the skilled workforce in terms of maintaining competitive advantage in the sector, however it also raises significant organisational, management and ethical challenges. The aim of the module is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, strategies and practices for managing people in preparation for your future career.

International Operations Management

You will gain an understanding of the design process for products and services, the current issues surrounding international business operations, and the risks and issues within global and green supply chains. Throughout the module case studies from around the world will be used to illustrate the topics discussed and to encourage discussions and decision making for different sectors.

Risk and Organisational Resilience

This module introduces you to the key theoretical concepts of risk management processes and practices. It will provide you with a thorough understanding of risk management strategy, culture, and operations, while encouraging you to consider cutting edge risk issues. Throughout the module you will evaluate the use of an enterprise-wide approach to risk management which can develop resilient organisations, and you will learn the importance of creating a risk-aware culture for achieving positive outcomes.

Ethics, Governance and Responsible Leadership

By examining the private, public and social enterprise sectors, you will be equipped with a set of analytical tools and concepts to drive responsible decision-making, whilst highlighting the difference between compliance and ethically driven behaviours. You will gain a theoretical and practical understanding of real world issues, from a UK and global perspective, and learn from the PRME related principles and the Common Good attributes which are central to this module.

Applied Professional Practice

Following on from the knowledge you have gained in Ethics, Governance and Responsible Leadership and with a focus on self-reflection, in this module you will develop your professional competence by undertaking a professional engagement activity. The link between these two core modules reinforces the significance of ethical and responsible decision making and leadership within your future career.

Masters Research Project

The final element of the programme is the Masters Research Project which provides you with an opportunity to design and undertake a piece of original research. You will apply methods and theories that are commonly used within International Business Management and with the support of internationally published literature demonstrate best practice in this field.

Your career

GCU graduates rate highly on their business knowledge and skills. They're strong leaders. They're culturally aware with a global perspective. For these reasons, our graduates find career success both in the UK and across the world.

MSc International Business Management graduates are competitive candidates for business roles in public, private and third sector organisations.