Overview
The world is more connected than ever. Business needs a global perspective to succeed. It needs graduates who understand the globalisation of markets (source: Prospects 2024).
Graduates with the skills developed through international business courses are in high demand. Skills shortages are affecting 62% of UK organisations and 56% in Scotland (source: British Chambers of Commerce 2024).
Our MSc International Business will give you the expertise needed in the global business world. You’ll understand currencies and how to trade across trade blocs.
Practical experience for global success
You'll learn the latest analytical and strategic tools needed for international business environments. We will give you the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills needed to operate globally. You’ll work on practical assignments including creating a new business idea, business plan and growth strategy.
You will undertake consultancy-style projects, which will include real-life case studies and opportunities to work with a business. There are opportunities to participate in PAGODA internships - either in companies in Spain or Vietnam, or online.
Your project work will build-up the practical skills needed for future career roles. You'll create a global digitalisation plan to understand how technology influences international contemporary businesses.
Learn about different international environments
Operating in a global environment can be complex. Anyone involved in international business has to understand different cultures and business practices. We make sure you'll have the right strategies for working across trading borders. You'll also understand how different cultures and approaches shape business diversity.
From global companies to start-ups and family business
The Masters in International Business covers core subjects including strategy, digitalisation, and entrepreneurship. We also emphasise key ethical and environmental issues.
Gain knowledge and skills on how to manage business activities such as:
- marketing
- geo-politics
- internationalisation and growth
- human resource management
- strategy
You will study international regulatory frameworks and learn exemplar business practices.
We are AACSB accredited
The University of Stirling is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is the world's largest global standard-setting body for business education. Only 6% of the world’s leading business schools achieve this accreditation. This recognises our excellence in business education and societal impact.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
This Masters degree in International Business provides you with the key skills and experience for an international career. You will:
- explore the relevance of international trade in today’s business environment;
- understand the challenges and opportunities that result from globalisation;
- develop different approaches to managing businesses in the global environment;
- investigate the ethical and environmental issues that have emerged as a result of globalisation, and their impact on consumers;
- cultivate management skills in report writing, networking, critical thinking and group working skills;
- focus on personal and professional development to enhance your learning throughout the academic year.
Research overview
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second-class Honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Develop your careers skills with our Flying Start Leadership Programme module
We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. Our Flying Start module will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public or conflict management.
Research prize
A research-based prize is open to all students undertaking the dissertation or consultancy project and is awarded to the student who submits the best piece of work. The prize may be shared if more than one dissertation/consultancy project achieves the highest mark.
Modules
Teaching
Teaching is carried out through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, study visits, presentations and case study exercises.
When you successfully complete the taught element of the course you'll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. You can then continue for the award of the MSc International Business by completing either a 10,000-word dissertation or undertaking a consultancy project.
Participation in the consultancy projects is subject to business availability.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams, including written assignments and presentations.
Course director
Key staff
Staff involved with the course are:
- Professor Bernard Burnes
- Ms Jenoah Joseph
- Mr Chris Coles
- Dr Gerry Edgar
- Dr Dimos Kamouroudis
- Dr Carol Marshall
- Dr Michael Walsh
- Professor Oliver Mallett
- Ms Michaela Hruskova
- Dr Peter Flett
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduates from Master of Science in International Business courses can enjoy excellent career prospects. This course will open doors to opportunities with businesses across the world.
The estimated salary for an International Business graduate is £41,110 per year (source: Glassdoor 2025).
International Business graduates are in demand across finance, manufacturing, commerce and business.
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- arbitrator
- business development manager
- data scientist
- external auditor
- financial trader
- human resources officer
- logistics and distribution manager
- marketing executive
- sales executive
- supply chain manager
(source: Prospects 2025)
MSc International Business prepares students to engage and work in different disciplines. We have alumni employed in private and public sectors. They include:
- KPMG
- Blackrock
- United Nations
- Bloomberg
- Pfizer
- National Bank of Malaysia
- Sky News
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