Overview
Our Master’s programme celebrates the diversity of living and working across cultures. It will allow you to respond to the growing internationalisation of business and management practice.
You can choose to study either:
- International Business MSc, or
- International Business (Sustainability) MSc
You’ll need to choose the pathway you wish to study when you submit your application.
You’ll focus on the skills and knowledge needed in today’s global business environment.
The opportunities and challenges for international businesses are more and more complex. Increased mobility and globalisation of populations create new market opportunities and product possibilities.
Businesses want responsible managers who can:
- work across cultures
- capitalise on opportunities presented by a developing and dynamic business landscape
The course combines subject area and practice-focused skills modules with an individual project.
You’ll:
- develop your knowledge and experience of thinking and working like an international manager
- have a rich introduction to the complexity of globalisation and cultural difference
- progress to developing effective international strategies and managing change
- cultivate a greater understanding of contemporary business issues
You’ll enhance your management toolkit through:
- our links to industry
- the employability strategy running throughout your Master’s
- engaging with international collaboration/exchange
About the Sustainability pathway
On this pathway, you’ll develop the skills needed to become a responsible business leader.
These all focus on sustainability and include:
- business analysis
- critical thinking
- strategic decision making
You’ll study specialist modules alongside the core content. These modules focus on worldwide sustainability issues.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop your knowledge and experience by working and thinking as an international manager does. You’ll also gain an introduction to the complexity of globalisation and cultural differences.
You’ll progress to:
- develop effective international strategies
- manage change
- cultivate a greater understanding of contemporary business issues
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
International Business MSc modules
Semester of Exchange
If you successfully pass all taught elements of the course, you may be eligible to take part in a semester of study abroad at one of the Business School’s exchange partner institutions.
International Business (Sustainability) MSc modules
Semester of Exchange
If you successfully pass all taught elements of the course, you may be eligible to take part in a semester of study abroad at one of the Business School’s exchange partner institutions.
How you’ll learn
This course is modular, comprising 180 credits.
Our links to industry allow you to cultivate a greater understanding of contemporary business issues.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
Choose your capstone/dissertation module:
- a research-based dissertation that allows you to investigate an international business-related topic
- a practice-based project working with a company known to the Business School
- an applied research project that allows you to analyse an international business of your own choice
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
View profiles of the module leaders for this course:
Your development
Professional skills
You’ll develop your management toolkit to support your professional transformation. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to manage and lead with practical skills development.
Our links to industry mean that we also have an employability strategy running throughout the course. You’ll have the opportunity for international collaboration/exchange, enhancing your toolkit.
You’ll experience the challenges of managerial decision-making through:
- case studies
- business projects
- visiting professionals
You’ll use industry-standard software in our Data Analytics for Managers module. This module’s focus is to address organisational problems and opportunities.
You’ll also run an international business, competing in teams in our international business strategy simulation.
Your future
Graduate destinations
Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles including:
- international account manager
- managing director
- business development manager
- relationship manager
- human resource manager
- personnel office manager
- investment analyst
- business intelligence analyst
- import and export specialist
- management consultant
- project analyst
Careers
This course prepares you for a wide range of careers with employers, such as:
- Hewlett-Packard
- EY
- Walmart Global Sourcing
- Volkswagen
- PwC
- Grundfos
- P&G
- China National Petroleum Corporation
- Kingsway Group
- Ingman Capital Partners Ltd
- People’s Insurance Company of China
- Boston Consulting Group
- Virgin Money
- Caterpillar
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Business and Management Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 100 for Thought Leadership – QS Business Masters Rankings: Management 2025
- Top 120 for Master’s in Management – QS Business Master’s Rankings: Management 2025
- Top 75 for Employability – QS Business Masters Rankings: Management 2025
- Ranked 56th in the world and 19th in the UK for Sustainability (QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025)
Professional accreditation and recognition
Newcastle University Business School accreditation
Newcastle University Business School is accredited by the:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Only 1% of business schools worldwide hold this triple crown. Our accreditations reflect the investments we make for our students through providing a high quality teaching environment, innovative programming and active engagement with industry.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject.
