Business - International Business - Extended with Human Resource Management

Overview

The MSc International Business aims to allow students to acquire mastery of both the macro and micro contexts of international business, and is designed to enable students to acquire, develop, and integrate international business theory, and develop the skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice. The Masters dissertation provides the opportunity to conceive, design and implement satisfactorily a substantial research project within the broad subject area of international business.



The Extended MSc in International Business aims to provide an alternative route to postgraduate study at Ulster via the Graduate Certificate in Business. The pre-masters model has been designed essentially as a bridging mechanism for home and international students to progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study at Ulster and will lead to a distinct award, the Graduate Certificate in Business.



The Graduate Certificate in Business takes cognisance of the fact that many international (as well as home) students holding ordinary Bachelor Degrees or equivalent, do not have sufficient academic standing to allow them to meet the entry criteria for study at Masters' level.



Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Business and, on achieving an overall average of 50% across all 3 modules, will be in a position to progress to the MSc in International Business. They will be deemed to have met the entry requirements for Master's level study by having demonstrated suitable levels of proficiency in Academic writing skills; Study skills at postgraduate level; Postgraduate research skills; and Discipline-based knowledge and understanding.



The aim of the MSc in International Business is to provide students with an applied knowledge of both the macro- and micro- contexts of international business. Students will acquire, develop and integrate international business theory and develop their skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice. The MSc International Business programme will adopt an enquiry based approach to develop professionals who can drive business success and challenge the accepted conventions of the business world by developing business strategies in real life business contexts and delivering effective business solutions. The programme will develop a range of skills including digital, effective communication and analytical skills, creative thinking, adaptability and resilience, to enhance employability and the lifelong learning capabilities of graduates.



Students who have successfully completed the taught modules associated with the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business to undertake a Master's Dissertation/International Business Project. The Master's Dissertation/International Business Project provides students with the opportunity to conceive, design and implement satisfactorily a substantial research project within the broad subject area of International Business.



The general aim of the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma stages of the International Business programme is to inculcate in students a knowledge of skills in, and an aptitude for, international business. This programme aims to allow students to acquire mastery of both the macro and micro contexts of international business. These programmes will include the ability to acquire, develop, integrate international business theory and develop the skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice.

The first semester comprises three 20 credit modules delivered at level 6 (Research Methods for Postgraduate Students - BMG575; Academic Essentials - BMG625; Enterprise Development -BMG626).



The second/third semesters comprise eight 15 credit modules at level 7 (Global Business in Context - BMG705; International Finance - BMG704; Global Marketing & Sales Development - MKT744; The Digital Landscape - BMG814; International HRM - BMG935; International Business Research Skills - BMG871; International Entrepreneurship - BMG936 and Global Strategy Development & Implementation - BMG872).



Students must successfully complete the 11 taught modules (3 at level 6 and 8 at level 7) before they can progress to the Dissertation - BMG847/International Business Project - BMG858 (worth 60 credit points) in their final semester.

Applicants must have gained:

A third class, pass or ordinary degree, or equivalent from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body or from institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; and



In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by Ulster University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Student and employer needs are reflected in the development of this programme and evidenced in the career destinations and further development of our graduates. The nature of the provision is such that it equips individuals for employment in a wide range of international roles within the public and private sectors and a significant number of graduates are successful in gaining promotion in their chosen fields or alter their career paths following completion of their programme of study. Businesses are increasingly conducted on a global scale, making this future-focused course ideal if you wish to progress in a business or international career and achieve your ambitions. Developing skills that are industry-focused and transferrable, you will be the ideal candidate for jobs in a variety of fields and sectors e.g.:

Leadership

Problem-solving

Planning

data analysis

Finance

Marketing