Table of Contents
About this course
Learn how a business operates and study key management concepts on our MSc International Management degree. You’ll find out what makes an effective manager and apply your learning to hands-on practical exercises and simulations. This management master’s degree will give you the skills you need to work in organisations across the world.
Applications for 2022 entry to this course are now closed to all international applicants. View our available courses.
Our MSc international business management course is open to graduates from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. This UK international management degree encourages you to explore different topics to help you discover what you want to specialise in.
You’ll learn:
- how organisations operate and are managed
- how to resolve issues through your understanding of management concepts
- analytical, communication and self-management skills
Industry speakers will provide regular insights into the latest practice and course lecturers will incorporate real-world case studies into their teaching.
The course modules cover:
- management within a global context
- strategic management
- marketing
- accounting and control
- responsible leadership decision making
- operations management
Our alumni actively share their career paths with new students. When you join this course, you become part of our successful international network of alumni, learning from one another.
Course lead
Your programme leader is Dr Raymond Xiaoti Hu. Raymond is Lecturer in Strategy and Entrepreneurship and the Alumni Engagement Lead within Southampton Business School. Raymond has led and developed international projects for China-Africa Business Council and United Nations Development Programme. His current research projects include social entrepreneurship, digital strategies in social enterprises and entrepreneurial social capital. Please visit Dr Raymond Hu’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
Accreditations
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Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We’re working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subject areas:
- business
- economics
- science
- engineering
- IT
- management
- marketing
- communication
- education
- political science
- sociology
Your undergraduate degree subject must demonstrate essay based study.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
- Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as ‘Business English’, ‘Applied English’, or ‘Translation’, are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
- Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You’ll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don’t have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you’re not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We’re working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Accounting and Control
The module has been designed to provide you with a basic understanding of published financial statements and how such statements can be analysed, in order to draw inferences concerning the financial performance and viability of an organisation.
The mo…
Career Management in a Digital Age
This module, which is taught over two semesters provides a space in which you can reflect on your career aspirations and develop a bespoke personal development programme.
Dissertation (DSIE)
The dissertation stage of your postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 1,500-word research proposal and a 15,000- word dissertation. You will attend 12 sessions where …
International Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
This module gives an overview of moral philosophy and shows how such ethical theories apply in a business context. This module also covers the development of the concept and the meaning of the terms ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR) in a business co…
International Marketing
This module introduces you to the scope and role of marketing within national and international organisations and the dynamic business environment in which they operate. Many businesses today have expanded and are continuing to grow in the global arena i…
Managing within a Global Context
The focus of this module is on management and organisation of, and by people across the global context. The aim of the module is to provide learners with a wide-ranging and critical understanding of managing and organising in the context of the rapidly ch…
Risk Taking and Decision Making
The ability to make effective decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty is essential to success in today’s fast changing world. This module seeks to equip you with the knowledge of decision-making processes and models that will help you achieve this o…
Strategic Management
Strategic management is central to the operation of a variety of businesses in different sectors and environments. The creation of a strategy and the management of its implementation are important in developing businesses that can create and sustain a com…
Strategic Operations Management
In the past, where organisations tended to be more hierarchical than today, the words, “strategy” and “operations” were almost mutually exclusive. In today’s highly competitive environment, though, strategic operations capabilities must be in place in ord…
Learning and assessment
Learning
In this course, you’ll learn through different methods depending on the topic of study.
You’ll learn theory and case studies through a combination of:
- Lectures
- seminars
- presentations
- self-study
You’ll apply learning techniques through:
- active discussions
- individual and group exercises
- workshops
- field studies
Assessment
We’ll assess you through the following methods:
- coursework (individual and in groups)
- examinations
- dissertation project
- presentations
- group work contribution
- report writing
Types of coursework include: essays, analysis of practical problems and cases, discussions of readings, multiple choice tests and personal reflective portfolio.
Dissertation
The dissertation gives you a chance to study a management topic of interest in depth. Supervision starts in semester 2 and you need to complete it by September.
Research areas previous students have chosen include:
- analysis of IKEA’s competitiveness in Thailand
- the effects of good corporate governance on divided policy in Indonesia
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
Previous graduates work in international business management roles have including:
- credit officer
- human resources officer
- auditor
- project manager
Graduates have gone on to work for:
- Siemens
- IBM London
- John Lewis and Partners
- L’Oreal
- KPMG
- PwC
- Coca-Cola
- Shinhan Bank
Careers services at Southampton
We’re a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You’ll be able to take advantage of:
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year’s study:
- UK students pay £13,000.
- EU and international students pay £25,000.
Check fees for other versions of this course.
Deposit
When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:
- UK students: £250
- EU and international students: £1,000
Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course. Find out if you’re eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the ‘apply for this course’ button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you’ve paid.
If you’re a current or former University of Southampton student, if you’re applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you’re applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You’ll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You’ll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We’ll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We’ll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you’re not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
