Overview

This programme is rooted in two academic domains, International Business and Strategy. It will suit graduates from any discipline who wish to specialise and critically engage in these subjects. You will learn to unpack world challenges in new ways, creating an understanding of the complexities of internationalisation, current strategic thinking and sustainability challenges in business and society.

The programme will equip you with a competitive advantage in the graduate jobs market by giving you the tools to deal with the new 'mega-forces' of globalisation driven by technological advancement, climate change, global health crises and geopolitical events.

This MSc draws on cutting-edge research by leading academics who will guide you to explore the Global Challenges facing international businesses and society, such as global warming, increasing migration flows, food insecurity, poverty, and greater competition for increasingly scarce resources. You will gain the contextual, historical, and political perspectives of experts in these areas to enable them to think critically and solve problems practically in the workplace.

This programme will help you to:

  • become an expert in strategic management with the ability to respond to global challenges,
  • prepare for a career in international and multinational companies, NGOs and SMEs with an international outlook,
  • focus on sustainability; specialising in either Marketing, Human Resources Management or Operations Management.

Graduates from this programme will benefit from studying at a top 10 UK university (QS World University Rankings 2024). 88% of our Business and Management research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), reflecting its impact on shaping policy and practice.

Sustainability is a priority for Bristol, which was the first UK city to attain European Green Capital status in 2015. The University of Bristol was the first in the UK to declare a Climate Emergency and has sustainability at the core of its strategy.

Programme structure

You will study five core and one elective unit (20 credits each), as well as the International Business and Strategy Dissertation (60 credits).

The first three units will introduce you to core theoretical perspectives and critical issues underpinning International Business and Strategy, preparing you for the further specialist taught units as well as the research dissertation.

Core units:

  • International Business Perspectives in a Turbulent World will focus on core concepts from international business and broader contextual issues in the global economy.
  • Global Strategy will introduce concepts from strategic management and focus on the specific strategic management challenges for multinationals in a global environment.
  • Global Challenges will focus on the 'wicked problems' facing society that contemporary organisations need to navigate.
  • Entrepreneurship and Society will provide the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills to seek solutions to global challenges and consider how entrepreneurship can serve as a means to achieve sustainable systemic social impact. It will also seek to develop socially entrepreneurial mindsets.
  • Research Skills for International Business and Strategy will provide a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of conducting research in International Business and Strategy.

Elective unit, studying the impact of sustainability on a domain of your choosing. Choose one from the below:

  • Sustainability and Ethics in Global Supply Chains
  • Sustainability and Social Impact in Marketing
  • Sustainable Work Futures in the Digital Economy

The final unit comprises the International Business and Strategy Dissertation, which allows you to conduct a research project on a topic of your choice

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in International Business and Strategy.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any discipline.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant (minimum of 1 year in a paid role) relevant work experience in a managerial role.
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£17,600 per year
Overseas: full-time
£32,300 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme can pursue an exciting range of career opportunities in international business, strategy and sustainability.

The programme will teach you to respond to a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, supporting your ambitions to attain strategic positions in business development, strategic management, consultancy, international business development, and sustainability at a senior level.

This programme will give you an understanding of the complexities of international business operations to prepare you for a variety of roles in government, policy design, multinational corporations in all sectors, NGOs and fast-growing 'go global' businesses that are seeking to rapidly internationalise.

Our postgraduate students are given opportunities to engage with industry, increase their professional networks and develop their professional skills and experience whilst they are studying. Find out more about our Professional Liaison Network.