MSc International Business with Placement Year

MSc International Business is an innovative flagship programme with flexible entry points and pathways. The programme is designed to help you build a strong understanding of the way organisations operate globally, and help develop specialist skills that enable you to work effectively across national borders.

The programme offers 3 award routes that you can choose to study:

• One-year full-time MSc International Business (September & January entry)
• Two-year MSc International Business (Sandwich) (September entry only)
• Two-year MSc International Business with Advanced Research (September entry only)

The two-year MSc International Business (Sandwich) programme offers you the opportunity to work on a placement as part of your degree as well as your academic studies. The ‘sandwich’ degree is also known as ‘placement’ degree, and refers to a placement /internship ‘sandwiched’ between your first year’s study and your second year’s research project. As a student on the 2-year sandwich programme, you will have the opportunity to work on a full-time placement (normally 40 weeks) and gain experience in your chosen career sector.

This follows your first year’s study when you will have the opportunity to explore international business in a number of areas, including economics, finance, strategy, marketing, management, human resource, and supply chain management. There will also be the opportunity to conduct an independent major research project in your area of interest. Throughout the programme, you will gain a unique combination of skills sought after by employers all over the world. These include communication, numeracy, team-working, cross-cultural awareness, reflective learning and the ability to critically analyse complex business challenges to reach considered creative solutions.

You will also build a strong network with your peers and colleagues at workplace – some will become your close friends, and a few may even become your future business partners. In short, the placement is an excellent way to apply the knowledge and skills you learn on your programme as well as increase your employment prospects following graduation. There are no required fees for the sandwich route. Instead you are expected to be paid by your placement/internship employer.

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience. The two-year ‘sandwich’ programme is an excellent choice for you to enhance your qualification and experience by spending two semesters on an internship. It also offers you the opportunity to:

• Strive for sound academic performance, while proactively exploring career possibilities and making valuable contacts alongside your studies
• Apply your knowledge and skills to manage complex business challenges at your workplace and in a real business world setting
• Gain valuable experience and place yourself at a favourable position to pursue your chosen career path upon graduation
• Obtain a two-year study visa and enjoy a wider experience of study and work in the UK (for international students).

Every aspect of this Master’s is designed to give you an international experience. You’ll benefit from our academic team’s international expertise and connections, as well as the School’s excellent global business links. You’ll also study alongside postgraduate students from all over the world, gaining direct experience of other cultures and creating a worldwide network of friends and contacts.

An honours degree (at least 2:2 or equivalent) in any discipline, a degree equivalent professional qualification or appropriate work experience.