The MSc International Business is an exciting one-year full-time programme, furnishing students from all backgrounds with cutting-edge global leadership skills to develop a career in an increasingly interconnected and complex business world.
A unique aspect of the programme is the range of embedded opportunities it offers students to engage with global business leaders through international internships and international consultancy projects. This modernised programme provides students with a diverse toolkit for tackling a wide range of global business issues from Doing Business in Emerging Markets, Analytics with AI, Marketing in the Digital Age, Global Innovation Management and Making Ethical Business Decisions.
With a focus on building students’ employability skills, the programme provides students with exposure to real-world business problems, professional connections with employers and alumni, a vibrant culturally diverse learning environment, and access to world-class facilities.
The International Business Capstone module is a distinctive feature of the programme that fosters a dynamic and practical learning experience in the final semester. This module involves an interactive strategy simulation where students work in teams to develop the global strategy of a firm in a game-based scenario. Students also engage in a Capstone Project to generate innovative solutions for real-world business challenges.
Recent graduates have progressed to work in global firms such as Meta, Dropbox, Google, Kellogg (Dublin); Moet Hennessy (New York); Deloitte, Citi, PwC, EY (Belfast); Oracle, BMW (Germany); Roche (Switzerland); Nestle (Panama and China); JP Morgan, HSBC (London); Cisco (Sao Paulo); SAP (Toronto); Acosta Group (Florida); Upaya (Nepal); InfoCentric (Melbourne).
Typical careers include Strategy Consultants, Global Portfolio Traders, Global Mobility Analysts, Head of Innovation, Global Marketing Managers, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Acquisition Executives, and Financial Managers.
Our recent graduates have progressed to develop successful careers in organisations such as Meta, Dropbox, Google, Kellogg, Moet Hennessy, Deloitte, Citi, PwC, EY, Oracle, BMW, Nestle and JP Morgan.
International Business highlights
Student Experience
Focuses on cutting-edge International Business Issues.
The programme focuses on understanding how global managers and organisations navigate grand challenges and megatrends.
Students will gain knowledge and develop skills in a wide range of cutting-edge issues like artificial intelligence, data analytics, sustainability, geopolitical instability, innovation, ethics, and doing business in emerging markets.
Career Development
Emphasis on Employability Skills.
A unique module on Developing Careers and Employability Skills is dedicated to enhancing students’ employability. Through an experienced careers team, students will build an awareness of relevant job opportunities and enhance critical skills for building successful careers. Valuable opportunities to engage with employers and alumni are embedded throughout the programme via employer insights, networking circles, LinkedIn workshops, and job talks.
Industry Links
The International Business Capstone: This is a final semester module that fosters capstone thinking and combines learnings from across the degree. This involves a dynamic online simulation where students work in teams to develop the global strategy of a firm in a game-based scenario.
Capstone Projects – applied practical projects where students work with real-world organisations to generate solutions to complex challenges.
There are 3 pathways to choose from:
a) Global Applied Project – proposing strategic solutions to a current grand challenge for an organisation of your choosing.
b) International Consultancy – working alongside a real-world global organisation and mentor to address a specific problem. Example consultancies include developing business model innovation for digital start-ups in Portugal, AI-enabled solutions for Fintech firms in Brazil, digitalisation block-chain initiatives for a US crypto finance firm, and a competitor analysis for a firm focused on digital sustainability entering eastern Europe.
c) International Internship – working in a global organisation for 9-12 weeks while carrying out an internship project on a problem the organisation faces. Students may work in a variety of roles and functions for firms locally or globally and these range from start-ups, multinationals, or non-profits. A dedicated placement office helps with sourcing and securing internships, with a strong network of industry connections. See here: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/secure-placement/
Summer Schools
International summer school opportunities are available for students to spend short periods abroad studying specialist courses in partner universities. Students can choose to undertake these courses alongside the programme, usually in the summer period. We have a range of partners across a broad network of universities globally that students can apply to such as Antwerp University in Belgium, Belmont University in Nashville, ESIC and IE in Spain, Excelia, Neoma and Strasbourg in France and research partners across China, Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and Canada. See more here on the summer school opportunities available: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/international/go-abroad/
World Class Facilities
Queen’s Business School (QBS) has recently undergone an innovative expansion that establishes a benchmark of global excellence for one of the top business schools in the UK and Ireland. A stunning new 6,000 square metre building has been designed with the latest digital infrastructure for media lecture capture, TED Talk provision and collaborative breakout sessions.
Fostering an enhanced social and educational experience the new state-of-the-art QBS venue boasts a 250-seat tiered educational space; 120-seat Harvard style lecture theatre; 150-seat computer laboratory; breakout study spaces; FinTrU Trading Room; a café, and a Business Engagement and Employability Hub. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/about/student-hub/
Student Testimonials
"Completing the MSc International Business was a truly enriching experience. The group work assignment, where we analysed the international strategy of a firm, was a great real-world learning opportunity. It allowed me to apply the concepts learned in class to a real-life scenario, and gain an appreciation of the interactions between firms, governments, and society in an international context. The knowledge and skills that I've gained have been invaluable in my professional journey and inspired me to contemplate pursuing a PhD. I cannot recommend this course highly enough to anyone interested in developing a successful career in global business”.
Simon Jacobs.
Senior Consultant at Kearney | IMP3ROVE, Berlin, Germany https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-jacobs-aaa727b6/
"The MSc International Business program helped me develop the vital skills needed to transition into developing my career. The Human Resource Management module developed the crucial skill of understanding and manoeuvring management culture in different working environments. Modules such as international marketing and global innovation benefited me in understanding how disruptions create new opportunities and helped me develop the essential skills to learn how to develop strategies in the corporate world to increase company value and lead with empathy."
Mariam Ahmed Rahi (Graduate 2022),
Client Onboarding Analyst, Citi, Belfast https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamrahi/
The MSc International Business is a one-year programme structured across 3 semesters.
Students who successfully complete eight taught modules (120 CATS) and an International Business Capstone module in semester 3 are awarded an MSc in International Business.
Exit qualifications are also available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS from taught modules.
Introduction
This programme enables students to gain in-depth knowledge and develop critical skills for successful careers in business. The programme tackles a range of contemporary issues relevant for today’s complex global business environment. Such as sustainability, AI, ethics, analytics, resilience, leadership, and strategy.
A central focus of the programme involves enhancing students’ employability, skills, and career development. Through a module on Developing Career and Employability Skills and a dedicated Careers team, students will develop and enhance key skills and learn what employers want in International Business graduates.
Students will study a combination of cutting-edge modules that explore the increasingly integrated yet fragile nature of global business. Modules are focused on core theories and practical problems related to Global Innovation Management, Doing Business in Emerging Markets, Analytics with AI, Marketing in the Digital Age and Making Ethical Business Decisions.
The International Business Capstone is a unique feature of the programme in semester 3 that takes an applied, practical, and dynamic learning approach. This involves a strategy simulation where students guide the strategic growth of an organisation through an interactive game-based scenario. Students also choose between different capstone pathways in completing their final project on the programme.
Semester 1
The Global Business Environment
This module looks at how organisations understand and navigate a range of grand challenges in the global business environment such as geopolitical instability, economic turmoil, cultural intelligence, AI and technological disruption and the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.
Global Innovation Management
The main aim of this module is to explore how different forms of innovation contribute to tackling global problems. It focuses on understanding how firms leverage advanced technologies to improve societal and ethical challenges.
Marketing in the Digital Age
This module considers how firms leverage a variety of digital tools and AI-enabled solutions to enhance marketing channels by engaging customers, shaping brand conversations, building brand awareness, experiences, and community.
Global Human Resource Management (HRM)
This module explores the rapidly evolving nature of the future of global work and how managers and firms make sense of global jobs, work, and careers in the face of significant technological, societal and ethical changes.
Semester 2
Doing Business in Emerging Markets
This module explores the unique ways that business is conducted in developing and emerging markets. It explores innovative approaches to issues like digital commerce and social innovation in the context of complex challenges like a lack of infrastructure, limited affordability, volatile economies, political risk, and poverty alleviation
Analytics with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This module focuses on the way in which data and analytics are inherently interlinked with rapidly evolving artificial intelligence solutions. Students will enhance their research skills by using cutting-edge analytics software to synthesise, analyse and present different data types in visual formats
Making Ethical Business Decisions
This module evaluates the ethical responsibilities of managers and organisations. It considers a range of topics such as ethical issues regarding employees (whistleblowing, codes of ethics, corporate governance), ethics and consumers, social responsibility, and ethical dilemmas from artificial intelligence.
Developing Career and Employability Skills
This module engages students in their own employability journey to help develop the skills to compete confidently. It will develop students’ understanding of their personal skills, strengths, identity, and motivations to improve their employability skills and career prospects.
Semester 3
International Business (IB) Capstone
This module integrates learnings from across the programmes through practical and applied based learning. It involves a dynamic online simulation where students work in teams to develop the global strategy of a firm in an interactive game-based scenario. Students complete the module through capstone projects where they choose between a Global Applied Project, an International Consultancy, or an International Internship.
For semesters 1 and 2, students will have 4 classes per week, all 3 hours long.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Teaching Methods
Classes will be delivered as a mix of seminars, lectures and workshops and they will be interactive and discussion-based blending theory with practical examples.
Learning and engagement approaches will involve a range of styles such as case studies, software demonstrations, practical workshops, role plays, groupwork, scenario discussions and organisation visits.
Semester 3 is structured around independent and applied learning through the capstone projects where students choose between different pathways. Students are assigned dedicated academic support for these projects and company mentors where relevant.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
There is an emphasis on assessments that are applied and practical in focus where students are encouraged and supported to produce actionable recommendations to address real-world scenarios and problems.
There is a broad range of assessment types including presentations, reports, podcasts, game-based simulations, analytics practicals, teamwork and business plans. This variety is balanced with a streamlined approach to assessment submissions and feedback across the programme that is manageable for students. Feedback which is tailored and timely is provided to students on all assessments.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Normally a strong 2.2 honours degree (with minimum 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds so may consider previous managerial work experience alongside lower academic qualifications.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 16th August 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
*Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
The programme provides a wide range of opportunities for graduates to work across various kinds of organisations, industries, roles, and careers. Most of the opportunities will carry a degree of international exposure in the work that graduates engage in.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for start-ups, SMEs, multinational enterprises, trade or business solutions, manufacturing companies, international institutions, NGOs, and government agencies responsible for trade and investment.
Graduates have secured successful careers in a diverse range of roles related to consultancy, strategy, HRM, technology, finance, sales, and analytics. Typical roles include Strategy Consultants, Global Portfolio Traders, Global Mobility Analysts, Group Head of Innovation, Global Marketing Managers, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Account Executives, Senior Consultants, Sales Directors, HR Managers, Market Analysts for FDI, M&A Executives, and Financial Managers.
Our recent graduates have progressed to work in global firms such as Meta, Dropbox, Google, Kellogg, Zapier (Dublin); Moet Hennessy, Natilik (New York); Deloitte, Citi, PwC, Danske Bank and EY (Belfast); Oracle, PWC, Kingspan, BMW (Germany); Roche (Switzerland); CAPCO (Edinburgh); Nestle (Panama and China); JP Morgan, CapGemini, HSBC, Wells Fargo (London); Cisco (Sao Paulo); SAP (Toronto); Acosta Group (Florida); Expeditors (Seattle); Upaya (Nepal); InfoCentric (Melbourne).
Others have successfully pursued PhDs before becoming academics.
1. Sponsored by EY – prize for the Best overall performance (highest overall average mark) by an MSc International Business student.
2. Sponsored by Randox Laboratories - prize for the MSc International Business student achieving the highest mark in the "International Business Capstone"
3. Sponsored by EY – prize for the Best MSc International Business Dissertation.
The prizes award excellent performing students, usually with monetary benefits, but also with exposure to firms through networking opportunities. Below are examples of some prizes in the MSc International Business Programme.
There are many prizes on offer for students in the programme. The prizes are sponsored by corporate firms and awarded at graduation every year by a firm representative.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
The MSc International Business is an exciting one-year full-time programme, furnishing students from all backgrounds with cutting-edge global leadership skills to develop a career in an increasingly interconnected and complex business world.
A unique feature of the programme is the range of embedded opportunities it offers students to engage with global business leaders through international internships and international consultancy projects. This flagship programme provides students with a diverse toolkit for tackling a wide range of global business issues from Doing Business in Emerging Markets, Analytics with AI, Marketing in the Digital Age, Global Innovation Management and Making Ethical Business Decisions.
With a focus on building students’ employability skills, the programme provides students with exposure to real-world business problems, professional connections with employers and alumni, a vibrant culturally diverse learning environment, and access to world-class facilities.
The International Business Capstone is a distinctive feature of the programme that fosters a dynamic and practical learning experience in the final semester. This involves an interactive strategy simulation where students work in teams to develop the global strategy of a firm in a game-based scenario. Students also engage in a Capstone Project to generate innovative solutions for real-world business challenges.
Our recent graduates have progressed to develop successful careers in organisations such as Meta, Dropbox, Google, Kellogg, Moet Hennessy, Deloitte, Citi, PwC, EY, Oracle, BMW, Nestle and JP Morgan.
International Business highlights
Student Experience
Focuses on cutting-edge International Business Issues.
The programme focuses on understanding how global managers and organisations navigate grand challenges and megatrends.
Students will gain knowledge and develop skills in a wide range of cutting-edge issues like artificial intelligence, data analytics, sustainability, geopolitical instability, innovation, ethics, and doing business in emerging markets.
Read about student experiences at Queen's Business School, from local, national and international perspectives via the Student Experiences Blog. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/student-experiences-blog/
Career Development
Emphasis on Employability Skills.
A unique module on Developing Careers and Employability Skills is dedicated to enhancing students’ employability. Through an experienced careers team, students will build an awareness of relevant job opportunities and enhance critical skills for building successful careers. Valuable opportunities to engage with employers and alumni are embedded throughout the programme via employer insights, networking circles, LinkedIn workshops, and job talks.
Industry Links
The International Business Capstone: This is a final semester module that fosters capstone thinking and combines learnings from across the degree. This involves a dynamic online simulation where students work in teams to develop the global strategy of a firm in a game-based scenario.
Capstone Projects – applied practical projects where students work with real-world organisations to generate solutions to complex challenges.
There are 3 pathways to choose from:
a) Global Applied Project – proposing strategic solutions to a current grand challenge for an organisation of your choosing.
b) International Consultancy – working alongside a real-world global organisation and mentor to address a specific problem. Example consultancies include developing business model innovation for digital start-ups in Portugal, AI-enabled solutions for Fintech firms in Brazil, digitalisation block-chain initiatives for a US crypto finance firm, and a competitor analysis for a firm focused on digital sustainability entering eastern Europe.
c) International Internship – working in a global organisation for 9-12 weeks while carrying out an internship project on a problem the organisation faces. Students may work in a variety of roles and functions for firms locally or globally and these range from start-ups, multinationals, or non-profits. A dedicated placement office helps with sourcing and securing internships, with a strong network of industry connections. See here: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/secure-placement/
Summer Schools
International summer school opportunities are available for students to spend short periods abroad studying specialist courses in partner universities. Students can choose to undertake these courses alongside the programme, usually in the summer period. We have a range of partners across a broad network of universities globally that students can apply to such as Antwerp University in Belgium, Belmont University in Nashville, ESIC and IE in Spain, Excelia, Neoma and Strasbourg in France and research partners across China, Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and Canada. See more here on the summer school opportunities available: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/international/go-abroad/
World Class Facilities
Queen’s Business School (QBS) has recently undergone an innovative expansion that establishes a benchmark of global excellence for one of the top business schools in the UK and Ireland. A stunning new 6,000 square metre building has been designed with the latest digital infrastructure for media lecture capture, TED Talk provision and collaborative breakout sessions.
Fostering an enhanced social and educational experience the new state-of-the-art QBS venue boasts a 250-seat tiered educational space; 120-seat Harvard style lecture theatre; 150-seat computer laboratory; breakout study spaces; FinTrU Trading Room; a café, and a Business Engagement and Employability Hub. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/about/student-hub/
Student Testimonials
"Completing the MSc International Business was a truly enriching experience. The group work assignment, where we analysed the international strategy of a firm, was a great real-world learning opportunity. It allowed me to apply the concepts learned in class to a real-life scenario, and gain an appreciation of the interactions between firms, governments, and society in an international context. The knowledge and skills that I've gained have been invaluable in my professional journey and inspired me to contemplate pursuing a PhD. I cannot recommend this course highly enough to anyone interested in developing a successful career in global business”.
Simon Jacobs.
Senior Consultant at Kearney | IMP3ROVE, Berlin, Germany https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-jacobs-aaa727b6/
"The MSc International Business program helped me develop the vital skills needed to transition into developing my career. The Human Resource Management module developed the crucial skill of understanding and manoeuvring management culture in different working environments. Modules such as international marketing and global innovation benefited me in understanding how disruptions create new opportunities and helped me develop the essential skills to learn how to develop strategies in the corporate world to increase company value and lead with empathy."
Mariam Ahmed Rahi (Graduate 2022),
Client Onboarding Analyst, Citi, Belfast https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamrahi/
The MSc International Business is a one-year programme structured across 3 semesters.
Students who successfully complete eight taught modules (120 CATS) and an International Business Capstone module in semester 3 are awarded an MSc in International Business.
Exit qualifications are also available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS from taught modules.
Introduction
This programme enables students to gain in-depth knowledge and develop critical skills for successful careers in business. The programme tackles a range of contemporary issues relevant for today’s complex global business environment. Such as sustainability, AI, ethics, analytics, resilience, leadership, and strategy.
A central focus of the programme involves enhancing students’ employability, skills, and career development. Through a module on Developing Career and Employability Skills and a dedicated Careers team, students will develop and enhance key skills and learn what employers want in International Business graduates.
Students will study a combination of cutting-edge modules that explore the increasingly integrated yet fragile nature of global business.
The International Business Capstone is a unique feature of the programme in semester 3 that takes an applied, practical, and dynamic learning approach. This involves a strategy simulation where students guide the strategic growth of an organisation through an interactive game-based scenario. Students also choose between different capstone pathways in completing their final project on the programme.
Semester 1
The Global Business Environment
This module looks at how organisations understand and navigate a range of grand challenges in the global business environment such as geopolitical instability, economic turmoil, cultural intelligence, AI and technological disruption and the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.
Global Innovation Management
The main aim of this module is to explore how different forms of innovation contribute to tackling global problems. It focuses on understanding how firms leverage advanced technologies to improve societal and ethical challenges.
Marketing in the Digital Age
This module considers how firms leverage a variety of digital tools and AI-enabled solutions to enhance marketing channels by engaging customers, shaping brand conversations, building brand awareness, experiences, and community.
Global Human Resource Management (HRM)
This module explores the rapidly evolving nature of the future of global work and how managers and firms make sense of global jobs, work, and careers in the face of significant technological, societal and ethical changes.
Semester 2
Doing Business in Emerging Markets
This module explores the unique ways that business is conducted in developing and emerging markets. It explores innovative approaches to issues like digital commerce and social innovation in the context of complex challenges like a lack of infrastructure, limited affordability, volatile economies, political risk, and poverty alleviation
Analytics with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This module focuses on the way in which data and analytics are inherently interlinked with rapidly evolving artificial intelligence solutions. Students will enhance their research skills by using cutting-edge analytics software to synthesise, analyse and present different data types in visual formats
Making Ethical Business Decisions
This module evaluates the ethical responsibilities of managers and organisations. It considers a range of topics such as ethical issues regarding employees (whistleblowing, codes of ethics, corporate governance), ethics and consumers, social responsibility, and ethical dilemmas from artificial intelligence.
Developing Career and Employability Skills
This module engages students in their own employability journey to help develop the skills to compete confidently. It will develop students’ understanding of their personal skills, strengths, identity, and motivations to improve their employability skills and career prospects.
Semester 3
International Business (IB) Capstone
This module integrates learnings from across the programmes through practical and applied based learning. It involves an online simulation where students work in teams to develop the strategy of a global firm in an interactive game-based scenario. Students complete the module through capstone projects where they choose between a Global Applied Project, an International Consultancy, or an International Internship.
For semesters 1 and 2, students will have 4 classes per week, all 3 hours long.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Teaching Methods
Classes will be delivered as a mix of seminars, lectures and workshops and they will be interactive and discussion-based blending theory with practical examples.
Learning and engagement approaches will involve a range of styles such as case studies, software demonstrations, practical workshops, role plays, groupwork, scenario discussions and organisation visits.
Semester 3 is structured around independent and applied learning through the capstone projects where students choose between different pathways. Students are assigned dedicated academic support for these projects and company mentors where relevant.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
There is an emphasis on assessments that are applied and practical in focus where students are encouraged and supported to produce actionable recommendations to address real-world scenarios and problems.
There is a broad range of assessment types including presentations, reports, podcasts, game-based simulations, analytics practicals, teamwork and business plans. This variety is balanced with a streamlined approach to assessment submissions and feedback across the programme that is manageable for students. Feedback which is tailored and timely is provided to students on all assessments.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
The main aim of this module is to develop an insight into innovation and how it has developed in a globalised world. Additionally, how knowledge is created, shared and transformed through collaboration and coordination across differentiated national innovation systems in order to develop global innovation networks is a key focus of this module. The module also addresses different forms of innovation contributing to tackling global challenges and adopts a holistic view on innovation including societal and ethical considerations. This module is broken into several overarching themes. Firstly, it will look at innovation theories more generally and apply these in an international context through globalisation insights. Secondly it will consider the importance of geography and space and how innovation may be rooted in national innovation systems of both cities and clusters of knowledge activity. Thirdly, the focus will be on how firms innovate and manage technology, knowledge and product innovation with a focus on global challenges More specifically, some of the main themes explored in this module include globalisation of innovation, innovation strategies, business model innovation, national innovation systems, managing the location of R&D, technology and information management, and sustainable innovation.
Learning Outcomes
On the completion of this module, students who have engaged with the classes and directed reading will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate how the development of globalization has impacted the innovative capacity of firms and locations
2. Analyse seminal innovation conceptualisations and apply these to real world problems of global corporations
3. Critically analyse the how business model innovation and the management of technology and information is carried out in a dynamic global environment
4. Evaluate how a variety of innovation strategies are affected by national innovation systems, clusters, location, geography and space
5. Critically analyse how sustainable innovation impacts the innovative capacity of global corporations
Skills
Subject-specific
• Evaluate how managers and firms engage with and influence key stakeholders in a cross-border context
Cognitive Skills
• Generate creative and innovative solutions to complex managerial challenges in a global environment
• Produce proactive strategic responses to disruptive events in a cross-border setting
Transferable Skills
• Competence to balance independent enquiry while collaborating within a culturally diverse team
This module discusses and evaluates the ethical responsibilities of managers and organisations. It will explore themes/issues from international, multi-disciplinary and managerial perspectives, and analyse tensions, conflicts, contradictions and dilemmas via case studies and class discussion. Topics that may be developed include the role of ethical theories, the internal ethical environment (why and how do ethical dilemmas arise and how can they be resolved?); ethical issues regarding employees (including whistleblowing, Codes of Ethics, corporate governance), ethics and consumers, ethics and social responsibility, and ethical issues arising from using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Evaluate the ethical responsibilities of organisations
2. Evaluate the role of ethics in business, in local, national and international contexts
3. Analyse different ethical perspectives that are used to guide decision making
4. Evaluate the rights, duties and responsibilities of, and relationships between, organisations and their internal (employee) and external stakeholders (customers, local and wider communities)
5. Discuss and critically review new developments in governance and business ethics
Skills
This module provides opportunities for students to acquire or enhance the following skills:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Develop a global mindset with cross cultural intelligence
Subject-specific
• Evaluate how managers and firms engage with and influence key stakeholders
Cognitive Skills
• Generate creative and innovative solutions to complex managerial challenges in a local and global environment
• Critically assess how managers and firms generally behave and strategise in a complex global business context
Analytics is fundamental to the success of leading companies, enabling managers to make better decisions as well as driving innovation through the development of new products and services such as predictive advertising and product recommendation. Analytics also underpins many leading-edge innovations such as generative AI solutions, and self-driving cars. Businesses gain strategic competitive advantage from these data-driven solutions across different levels of maturity, which include descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. This module focuses on the wider role of analytics in enabling businesses to improve decision-making and drive innovation. It also considers the ways in which data and analytics are inherently interlinked with rapidly evolving artificial intelligence solutions.
The module begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of data and how business analytics can be used to conduct research on complex business problems. This is followed by a focus on how leading companies are using analytics with AI to gain competitive advantage, with a specific focus on the use of business intelligence to improve decision-making, and the use of more advanced analytics solutions to drive new products and services in areas such as online advertising, movie recommendation, and automation. The module then provides students with the opportunity to use cutting-edge analytics software to build analytics solutions that can present complex data in relatively simple visual formats. In doing so, it considers how analytics with AI may serve as a tool for students to enhance their research skills, specifically how they synthesise, analyse and present different data types. The wider ethical and societal implications of the use of data and analytics with AI are considered throughout the module. The module does not require any prior coding or statistical experience and will provide the analytics-based critical thinking and practical skills that are essential for managers to succeed in a data-driven business world.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the role of business analytics with artificial intelligence in improving decision-making and driving innovation
2. Critically evaluate the ethical use of data and analytics with AI in business
3. Critically evaluate and implement key business analytics techniques such as business intelligence and predictive analytics for solving contemporary management problems at local and global contexts.
Skills
This module aims to develop specific skills in the form of:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Enhance the capability for data-driven business changes and implement effective decisions as needed in a dynamic business environment.
Subject Specific Skills
• To get acquainted in using contemporary business analytics software.
Cognitive Skills
• Provide students with the research tools to conduct systematic analysis and rational deduction in addressing business problems.
Transferable Skills
• Effectively communicate complex information in visual formats
The module introduces students to the exciting topic of doing business in emerging markets. Emerging markets are broadly defined as economies transitioning from low-income status towards those offering higher incomes and improved standards of living. The course includes a focus on the strategic approaches of firms which are internationalising and embedding activities in emerging markets which are commonly located in the ‘Global South’. Issues covered in the course include critiques of core concepts (e.g. development itself), strategies of foreign direct investment (FDI), the role of the state in structuring trade and investment, the role of international institutions in regulating firm behaviour, and the role of labour. The module considers the unique characteristics of these markets such as lack of infrastructure, limited affordability, volatile economies, political risk, and poverty alleviation. It also looks at which emerging markets to invest in, why, and what market-entry strategies to use. The module will also look at business operations of firms originating from and out of emerging markets and the unique business activities and strategies they engage in. It will also cover the rise of social innovation and entrepreneurship as well as digital commerce in emerging markets. The course encourages a strong degree of critical thinking, including consideration on the impact of firm strategies on labour standards and wider notions of equality.
Learning Outcomes
1. To critique notions of ‘development’, ‘advancement’ and other terms commonly associated with business and emerging economies
2. To appreciate motivations and intentions of businesses investing in emerging economies
3. To develop a critical appreciation for firm strategies geared to realising value in these new markets
4. To understand the role and influence of the state in facilitating and regulating business activities in the context of emerging economies
5. To understand the role of workers and labour-friendly groups in influencing the activities of firms within these contexts
Skills
This module aims to develop specific skills in the form of:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Furnish the capacity to be an ethical and responsible leader that balances economic and societal challenges
Cognitive Skills
• Generate creative and innovative solutions to complex managerial challenges in a global environment
Transferable Skills
• Competence to balance independent enquiry while collaborating within a culturally diverse team
This module engages students in their own employability journey to help develop the skills to compete confidently. The module will explore different career models as well as how the “future of work” influences career choice and career outcomes. It will further evaluate different jobs and sectors to enable students to make fully informed decisions when considering their subsequent career steps. It will also develop students’ understanding of their personal skills, strengths, values and motivations; and will create and enhance the student’s professional identity with better awareness of how to control and influence communications to improve their position when competing for work as well as in employment.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Critically evaluate different employment career models and how and why careers are changing
2. Explore the global labour market and global forces impacting the future of work
3. Identify student personality, core values and interests to enable students to utilise their skills and strengths
4. Investigate the different jobs and sectors in which the student could work to enable students to make fully informed decisions and increase their chances of finding a suitable job
5. Create and enhance the student professional identity enabling students to have better awareness of how to control and influence communications
Skills
This module provides opportunities for students to acquire or enhance the following skills:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Develop a global mindset with cross-cultural intelligence appreciating how employment and careers have changed, and are changing
Cognitive Skills
• Empower students with the skills for systematic analysis and rational deduction in understanding evolving employment opportunities
• Critically evaluate the factors that influence work and employment opportunities and outcomes in different sectors and markets
Transferable Skills
• Effectively communicate complex information to address different employment-related situations
Marketing affects everyone, as we are all consumers. For businesses, marketing plays a critical role in understanding the marketplace, identifying opportunities, and ensuring that brands, products, and services meet customer needs. In today’s society and commerce, marketing is essential and must be practised with a focus on sustainability.
Effective marketing begins by understanding consumer needs, wants, and demands. It involves identifying target markets an organisation can best serve and developing a compelling value proposition to attract and nurture customer relationships. Modern marketers are tasked with more than just making sales; they must engage customers and build lasting relationships where their brands add real value to consumers’ lives. With digital channels offering unprecedented opportunities for engagement, marketers can create deeper and more meaningful interactions that drive loyalty and long-term success.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, students will:
1. Critically reflect on the core principles in marketing and their practical application in both local and global settings
2. Evaluate the role and significance of marketing management and digital marketing technologies within a business
3. Synthesise knowledge from the wider academic literature and practical business sources relevant to marketing and the impact of digitalisation on the marketing mix
4. Critically apply real-life examples to the analysis of marketing concepts and digital marketing activities
Skills
This module aims to develop specific skills in the form of:
Subject-specific
• Evaluate strategic decision-making of marketing managers and propose recommendations to improve efforts at both the local and global level
Transferable Skills
• Utilise market research technologies and software to address marketing and consumer challenges.
Within international business, understanding the management of human resources and their interaction with their immediate environment is of critical importance. Global HRM is a module designed to give students an advanced appreciation of the changing nature of work, as well as key aspects of international human resource management. Module content will be equally relevant to students who want to pursue a career in International HRM as well as to those who strive to take line management responsibility in other business and management areas. This module will focus on three key themes. First, it will focus on the changes being placed on work systems due to changes in the national and international business and labour market landscapes, including increased global competition as well as demographic and labour market policy changes. Second, the module will provide a focus on the issue of managing people across borders within the modern business organisation, including expatriation. Finally, the module will focus on enabling students to understand key issues involved in the comparative study of work and work systems focusing on Human Resource Management functions such as recruitment, training, and performance management.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Evaluate models for analysing work, jobs and roles in a cross-cultural context;
2. Critically assess the role and importance of HRM in managing multi-national enterprises;
3. Understand the role of external opportunities and constraints in shaping HRM and work practices across borders;
4. Critically compare different national systems of HRM and employment relations;
5. Evaluate contemporary developments and analyse their future impact on work systems
Skills
Knowledge and Understanding
• Foster the human capital required to engage in cross border work and build a global career.
Subject-specific
• Critically analyse complex international business problems applying relevant tools and frameworks.
Cognitive Skills
• Generate creative and innovative solutions to complex managerial challenges in a global environment.
The central aim of this module is to answer the fundamental IB question for all firms: what determines success and failure for firms in today’s dynamic and international business environment? In doing so, this module will be project-based, tying together learning from across modules in semesters 1 and 2. It will provide students with a strategic lens to apply insights from modules to tackle contemporary problems for global firms. The taught element provides a theoretical and practical understanding of international business strategy. It will offer insight into the different national and cultural challenges of management in a globalized environment. Taught sessions cover the fundamentals of strategic management from the perspective of both large multinationals and small entrepreneurial start-ups operating internationally. Students will use strategic tools to examine issues associated with operating across borders, and gain an appreciation of the interactions between firms, governments and society in an international context. Part of the taught element is delivered through a strategy simulation where students apply theories and frameworks to manage the strategy of a global firm through an online simulation.
Building on the taught elements, the individual projects encourage students to apply various strategic tools, frameworks and theories to a real-world IB scenario. The individual projects will be a major piece of independent research enabling students to combine a strategic perspective with insights from other modules to produce actionable recommendations for an international business problem. Some IB frameworks may include value chain analysis, competitive interaction analysis, distance analysis, analysis of entry mode options, strategic diversification, born global start-ups, and MNE strategy-structure dynamics.
Students are encouraged to think ‘holistically’ when critically assessing strategic problems for firms operating globally. Making strategic decisions to solve complex problems requires individuals to research, analyse and combine insights from across multiple functions, levels and settings. This module provides students with the skills and knowledge to be strategic leaders in today’s fragmented and dynamic international business environment.
Learning Outcomes
1. Critically discuss the range of strategic issues that determine success and failure for firms in today’s dynamic international business environment
2. Evaluate the main analytical tools in strategic management and apply them in a multi-level context
3. Combine IB insights from modules across the degree and use these to solve complex problems for firms through an independent research project
4. Develop an independent research-intensive capacity to critically analyse how firms respond to IB challenges
Skills
This module aims to develop specific skills in the form of:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Foster the human capital required to engage in cross border work and build a global career
Subject-specific
• Evaluate how managers and firms engage with and influence key stakeholders in a cross-border context
• Critically analyse complex international business problems applying relevant tools and frameworks
This module conceptualises firms and their management systems as ‘open systems’ interacting with the dynamics of external environments. To understand international business, this open-system approach highlights the interplay between the internal factors of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and the external factors from the global business environments. The module seeks to introduce students to a multi-layered and multi-dimensional structure of global context that influences international business managers’ decision-making at the macro levels, such as multinational enterprises (MNEs), global industries, and nations. The central aim of this module is to understand international business theories and explain a range of contemporary issues related to international business. Overall, this module will cover the salient business-related contexts that emerged over the last few decades (e.g., international trade dynamics, globalisation/deglobalisation, sustainable development goals, changing societies, artificial intelligence, geo-politics, cybersecurity etc.). In doing so, the module will draw on insights from interdisciplinary areas including international relations, economics, sociology, and technology.
Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate diverse and multi-layered external factors from global business environments related to international business.
2. Analyse the impact of various stakeholders on firm activities and interdependences within global business environments.
3. Critically apply international business theories to formulate management problems regarding contemporary issues in extensive global business environments.
4. Synthesize different knowledge and perspectives on opportunities and challenges within global business environments to create new management solutions.
5. Evaluate how global CEOs and top management teams can make sense of and navigate uncertainty and complexity.
Skills
This module aims to develop specific skills in the form of:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Furnish the capacity to be an ethical and responsible leader that balances economic and societal challenges
• Develop a global mindset with cross cultural intelligence
Subject-specific
• Critically analyse complex international business problems applying relevant tools and frameworks
Transferable Skills
• Effectively communicate complex information to address managerial problems
Normally a strong 2.2 honours degree (with minimum 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds so may consider previous managerial work experience alongside lower academic qualifications.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
*Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
The programme provides a wide range of opportunities for graduates to work across various kinds of organisations, industries, roles, and careers. Most of the opportunities will carry a degree of international exposure in the work that graduates engage in.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for start-ups, SMEs, multinational enterprises, trade or business solutions, manufacturing companies, international institutions, NGOs, and government agencies responsible for trade and investment.
Graduates have secured successful careers in a diverse range of roles related to consultancy, strategy, HRM, technology, finance, sales, and analytics. Typical roles include Strategy Consultants, Global Portfolio Traders, Global Mobility Analysts, Group Head of Innovation, Global Marketing Managers, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Account Executives, Senior Consultants, Sales Directors, HR Managers, Market Analysts for FDI, M&A Executives, and Financial Managers.
Our recent graduates have progressed to work in global firms such as Meta, Dropbox, Google, Kellogg, Zapier (Dublin); Moet Hennessy, Natilik (New York); Deloitte, Citi, PwC, Danske Bank and EY (Belfast); Oracle, PWC, Kingspan, BMW (Germany); Roche (Switzerland); CAPCO (Edinburgh); Nestle (Panama and China); JP Morgan, CapGemini, HSBC, Wells Fargo (London); Cisco (Sao Paulo); SAP (Toronto); Acosta Group (Florida); Expeditors (Seattle); Upaya (Nepal); InfoCentric (Melbourne).
Others have successfully pursued PhDs before becoming academics.
1. Sponsored by EY – prize for the Best overall performance (highest overall average mark) by an MSc International Business student.
2. Sponsored by Randox Laboratories - prize for the MSc International Business student achieving the highest mark in the "Global Business Environment" module.
3. Sponsored by EY – prize for the Best MSc International Business Capstone Project.
The prizes award excellent performing students, usually with monetary benefits, but also with exposure to firms through networking opportunities. Below are examples of some prizes in the MSc International Business Programme.
There are many prizes on offer for students in the programme. The prizes are sponsored by corporate firms and awarded at graduation every year by a firm representative.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
