Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,620 for the course
International/EU: £17,725 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
January 2026
Work Placement Route
For international students wishing to undertake a placement as part of this course, you must apply to MSc International Business Management (Work Experience) route. Transferring to the work experience route later will not be possible due to visa restrictions.
Course summary
- Develop a global skillset and enhance your employability potential in the international marketplace.
- Build advanced research and analytical thinking competencies for strategic leadership decisions.
- Focus on global entrepreneurship and gain insights from alumni.
- Explore international strategy, cross-cultural management and global supply chains.
- Develop academic and practical management skills for international business.
Gain a truly global perspective through international business modules, real-world experience, an international academic and student community, international learning opportunities and guest speakers. Industry specialists have helped to design the course – helping you graduate with the global skillset employers seek. Our teaching strategies are grounded in contemporary academic research, with a strong emphasis on the practical challenges faced by global organisations.
Other courses in our MSc International Business portfolio:
Sheffield Business School accreditation
Sheffield Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and has been awarded the Business School Impact System label by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).
Graduate View
‘This course at Sheffield Business School not only imparted theoretical knowledge but also equipped me with practical skills and experiences crucial for my future career. The blend of classroom learning, real-world applications, and opportunities for research and networking has undoubtedly contributed to my confidence and readiness to embark on a successful career in the field of international business management. With this, I can juggle a career in business analysis and academic research in international business.’
Olaoluwa Onaolapo, MSc International Business Management, 2022 Graduate
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
In international business, organisations navigate national contexts in different ways, so our curriculum themes and learning materials represent a diversity of global perspectives.
Tutors use a variety of teaching methods and assessment formats, such as traditional assignments, presentations and extended projects. With an emphasis on formative learning, we’ll encourage you to discuss your learning and assessments with tutors and other students. We’ll also use digitally enhanced learning.
You learn through:
- lectures
- interactive seminars
- dedicated tutor support
- guest lectures
- digitally enabled learning and simulations
- group and individual presentations
- small group and individual supervision meetings
Key themes
You’ll explore international trade, cross-border investment, internationalisation, global entrepreneurship, global sourcing, offshoring and international strategy. You’ll study the changing nature of the international business environment and how this impacts firms. We’ll prepare you for the diversity and complexity which accompany a globally integrated and internationally focused business environment.
You’ll also gain essential skills in project management, business analysis and leadership – learning how to present information and critically evaluate issues as you collaborate and problem-solve in teams.
Some modules offer opportunities to personalise your learning experience, including the flexibility to select assessment tasks that align with your preferences and goals. In one module, you’ll also develop an entrepreneurial awareness, focusing on practical issues such as networking, business modelling and financing, and how to commercialise entrepreneurial ideas.
Course support
The teaching team on this course are committed to providing you with an accessible teaching, learning and assessment experience. Throughout your learning journey, you’ll have a range of dedicated support for your personal, academic and career development.
You’ll also self-reflect and develop skills that underpin your future professional development. Business skills – e.g. interpersonal, intercultural capabilities, team working and presentation – will complement academic skills such as data acquisition, analysis, academic writing and research.
Applied learning
We think the best way to learn something is to do it in the real world. This guides everything we do at Sheffield Business School. You will develop your employability competencies and learn the skills needed to become a successful as an international business manager. You will also have the opportunity to develop project management skills through your focus on your dissertation, consultancy or an applied project.
Networking opportunities
You can take part in careers days, consultancy projects and guest lectures.
You can access postgraduate career development initiatives too – from leadership programmes and management skills workshops to CV writing and career management activities.
Key modules make use of guest lecturers to give practical focus, sharing the issues that real-world companies face. Previous students may deliver some of these, giving you a sense of their journey towards the workplace. You may also be able to network with former students to gain further insights.
Competitions
You may have chances to take part in competitions, with prizes available for performing strongly on the course, or being nominated as an inspirational student.
Field trips
You may be able to attend field trips to firms in the UK – from local small and medium sized enterprises to multinational firms – giving you a sense of the diverse workplaces you could be located in.
Course leaders and tutors
Dr Jeremy Alexander Head
Senior Lecturer, Global Business Tourism and Hospitality ManagementJeremy has been employed in the international business subject group since 1995. He is the module leader for the dissertations on the MSc International Business Man … Read more
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module develops your critical insight into entrepreneurship in diverse and competitive international contexts.
You’ll study topics such as:
- International expansion and challenges including responsible, ethical and sustainable development.
- Opportunity recognition
- International customer segmentation.
- Financing international entrepreneurship opportunities
- Technology and digital entrepreneurship
- Intellectual Property (IP) protection in international markets
- Accelerated internationalisation; born global, high growth and high impact firms
- Diversity in entrepreneurship
- The role of networking in international business
This module develops the skills and awareness you’ll need to work effectively across diverse cultures and international business contexts.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Learning styles and the reflective manager
- Cultural intelligence
- Cross cultural management, communication and negotiation
- Multicultural teamworking
- Responsible and sustainable cross-cultural leadership and motivation
- Multinational staffing practices
- Global mobility of workers and competency development
- Diversity, inclusivity and ethical management practices
This module explores the strategic challenges and opportunities faced by organisations operating in an increasingly globalised and sustainability-conscious world. You’ll examine how multinational enterprises develop and implement international strategies that balance competitive advantage with ethical, environmental, and social responsibilities.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Globalisation and regionalisation trends, impact and key debates
- National and supra-national sustainability agendas and business models
- International strategy and decision-making, including Ansoffs growth matrix
- International business environment and institutions
- Business-level strategies, including international market selection and entry methods
- Design of international organisational structure and controls
- Influence of sustainability agendas on corporate level strategies
- Shared value
This module explores the key patterns, trends and challenges within the modern global economy. You’ll develop an understanding of the complexity that managers of Multinational Enterprises face in the global business environment.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Key debates and data trends in emerging markets and developed economies
- Contemporary global challenges for firms, including state policies
- Managing strategic alliances
- Global supply chain management
- Global financial system and managing risk globally
- Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability
- Knowledge, innovation and technological issues including Artificial Intelligence
Elective modules
This module develops your consultancy skills through a live project with a real client. You’ll investigate a specific organisational issue, apply research methods, and deliver practical insights. Alongside the project, you’ll reflect on its broader relevance to professional practice.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Defining project scope with your client
- Applying relevant theoretical frameworks
- Choosing appropriate research methods
- Addressing ethical research considerations
- Conducting a focused literature review
- Analysing and interpreting research data
- Drawing evidence-based conclusions
- Communicating findings clearly and professionally
- Managing your project effectively
- Reflecting on consultancy in professional practice
This module strengthens your critical research skills as you explore a current issue within your discipline. You’ll design and carry out an independent research project, generating insights that contribute to both academic knowledge and professional practice.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Defining your research question and focus
- Applying theoretical frameworks effectively
- Selecting appropriate research methods
- Addressing ethical research considerations
- Conducting a structured literature review
- Analysing and interpreting research data
- Drawing meaningful, evidence-based conclusions
- Managing your dissertation timeline
- Writing clearly and persuasively
- Reflecting on research in professional contexts
Future careers
A wide variety of interesting roles within firms would be suitable for graduates, including:
- business and market development
- market research
- business analysis
- marketing communications and advertising
- purchasing, logistics, distribution and supply chain management
- export coordination
- consultancy
- account, brand, product and project management
Previous graduates of this course have worked for a wide variety of firms in the UK and internationally, such as:
- Phoenix Precision Technology, Taiwan
- QPC, Singapore
- UBI, France
- Sika Ltd, China
- Sheffield Forgemasters International, UK
- ARGOS logistics, Shanghai
- Nissan, UK
- Brunei Shell Petroleum, Brunei
- Pryas Consulting, India
- GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Netherlands
Equipment and facilities
You’ll study in world-class learning facilities, such as specialist labs, design studios, practice facilities, simulation environments, our iLab enterprise hub and a 24/7 library.
You’ll have access to specialist equipment and resources, such as:
- video-making hardware and software via the library and AppsAnywhere
- business gamification simulation equipment
- networks to develop a business idea or start your own business
The new Business School will give students modern teaching spaces, that are technologically enabled. This will also give students more of a sense of a home space.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
You normally need one of the following
• a good bachelors degree from an approved degree awarding body, university or college, in a business-related field
• professional qualification(s) by examination, recognised as being the equivalent of a bachelors degree in a business-related field with additional evidence to justify the equivalence of the qualification
• a specified diploma in a business-related field that, on satisfactory completion, allows you to follow a course of study for a masters degree
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.0 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.
You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 for the course.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Business School (PDF, 255.6KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
