Human Resource Management and Development in a Global Context
Postgraduate
MSc/PgDip/PgCert
International Business
Salford Business School
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
With placement
Course
One year
Two year
Two year
Next enrolment
November 2022
In a nutshell
There are exciting career opportunities for graduates who have a deep understanding of global business practices and the knowledge to create international strategies. This course is aimed at students with a background in business or business-related studies, who are looking to develop their career into strategic international business management.
The programme is highly industry-focussed and culminates in a period of time on work experience or work-based project. You can choose between a 9-12 month paid placement or the 3-6 month Industry Collaboration Project (depending on availability). Whichever you choose, you will put into practice the knowledge that you've learned.
During your time with us, you’ll consider how international organisations are structured; learn how to manage relationships with key international stakeholders; evaluate opportunities and threats in a global context; and consider how cultural differences influence decision-making. As you identify, evaluate and understand the different cultural, social, political, legal and sustainability factors that impact global business performance, so you will develop your skills in problem-solving and decision-making.
With a high number of international students on this course, you will expand your cultural awareness and build your global network. You will also enhance your personal skills for example in team-working; collecting and evaluating information; and developing and implementing strategies.
The programme is accredited by EFMD, the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of business programmes. This accreditation is your assurance of the quality of the course.
Six good reasons to choose Salford Business School:
- Practical teaching, informed by our industry partners, so you develop the skills employers look for
- Real-world learning on the unique Industry Collaboration Project
- Multiple start dates to fit with your life priorities
- Beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
- Excellent industry links with the dynamic Greater Manchester business community
- Focus on the digital, ethical and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century.
Find out more, register for one of our Open Days, explore the Salford campus on our virtual tour or learn more about our Masters courses in business, finance and law.
International students should apply for the MSc route. The course also offers a distance learning option through our official partner Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland.
You will:
- Explore the international activities of business organisations and evaluate their impact on management practices across a range of functional activities
- Learn to identify and solve business problems using appropriate theories and skills to create and assess alternative options
- Work with others to make effective strategic and operational decisions related to the management of an enterprise in a globally competitive, diverse and dynamic world
- Develop and implement strategies for collecting, analysing, evaluating and interpreting data
- Put your learning into practice through either a paid Industry Placement or the Industry Collaboration Project
Placement
options available
International
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You are looking to develop your career by advancing your knowledge of international business practices
2.
You have a background in business
3.
You want to move into management or aspire to a senior position
4.
You are passionate about other cultures and want to understand more about them
5.
You are excited to learn about different ways of thinking
6.
You are a critical thinker looking to develop strategic skills
All about the course
The programme is block delivered and there are several entry points throughout the year. You will study the modules below in a sequence dependent on your start date.
The course is delivered in four blocks of intensive study periods. For each block, you study a single module for a six-week period. Teaching is delivered for six hours each week (at present, this is made up of three hours face to face teaching + three hours online lectures). In addition, you will attend lectures to support you as you prepare for your Paid Industry Placement or Industry Collaboration Project (depending on which you choose). During this time, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University of Salford’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
Part time students study alternate modules (one module on, one module off) to complete their degree in two years.
Interested in MSc International Business with Industry Placement?
You should apply for - and will initially be registered onto - the MSc International Business programme. On successful completion of the taught elements, you can choose the paid Industry Placement option and, if you are accepted on to this, your registration will then be transferred to the MSc International Business with Industry Placement programme.
Download our course brochure.
Modules
On this module, you will consider how global organisations are designed and structured. You will examine the changing nature of organisations in a global context, and discuss whether HR policy and practice is becoming truly global or whether national and cultural sensibilities prevent this. You will evaluate how different cultural norms and behaviours affect the organisational life and learn to apply theoretical ideas to help solve practical problems around organisational design and development.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Group working on problem-based learning scenarios
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
50% Portfolio based on industry observation
50% Exam
International Relationship Management
Central to modern international business is the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders such as customers and suppliers. This module will develop your awareness of culture in international marketing communications and business-to-business relationships. In addition to traditional communications such as advertising, you will also look at how social media can be used to engage with consumers from different cultural backgrounds. You will also learn how global supply chains across a range of organisations and sectors can be managed responsibly and sustainably.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Group working on problem-based learning scenarios
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
International Strategic Management
In this era of globalisation it is essential for companies to understand the different international environments of the markets in which they may operate, and how these influence value-adding activities and decision-making. This module will develop your understanding of these different international environments in terms of the opportunities and threats that they may present to an organisation. You will also develop an understanding of the competitive and internal value-adding environments of an organisation and how these, combined with the international environments of markets, inform companies’ decisions with regards to international expansion.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars based on problem-based learning scenarios
- Assessment workshops
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, videos, podcasts and relevant articles
Assessments:
50% Individual written coursework on the macro-environment of international business
50% Individual written coursework on international expansion strategy
International Business in Practice
This module will introduce you to the theory of cross-cultural interaction and different cultural identities; you will look at how these influence management practice in the areas of ethics, leadership, decision-making, communication and negotiation. You will gain an appreciation of different cultural attitudes towards ethics in international business operations and understand the ethical challenges faced by managers working in a multicultural environment. You are encouraged to experiment and develop personal initiative and responsibility to investigate and solve organisational problems and issues.
Teaching:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Group working on problem-based learning scenarios
- Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles
Assessments:
50% Individual assignment on the influence of culture on international business practices
50% Group presentation on applying insight to develop a culturally-intelligent solution to a management issue
Work experience: choose one of
Industry Placement
This is a paid industry placement and provides you with the opportunity to undertake 12-month employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally.
You will source your own placement; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your placement, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work on an organisational issue, working with the client on a full-time basis.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your placement, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
For the final three months of this module, you will return to the University of Salford Business School to write up and finalise your dissertation ready for final submission.
The module will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your placement. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment:
Dissertation – 10,000 words (100%)
Industry Collaboration Project
On the Industry Collaboration Project, you will enhance your professional experience, working with your own or another organisation on a live brief. You can choose from:
ICP work placement - a paid industry placement that provides you with the opportunity to undertake 6-month employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally.
You will source your own placement; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your placement, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work on an organisational issue, working with the client on a full-time basis.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your placement, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The ICP work placement will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your placement. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
ICP internship – a paid or unpaid internship that provides you with the opportunity to undertake 3-month internship with an organisation located regionally, nationally, or internationally.
You will source your own internship; however, you will have lots of support from the University of Salford and the Business School employability-hub and from your current industry contacts. You will also benefit from preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more.
As part of your internship, you will analyse a ‘live’ business opportunity. This will include critical reflection on opportunities that allow you to apply the theoretical skills you have learned on your programme to an existing business issue; along with how you will develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment. You will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue up to 20 hours per week.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your internship, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The ICP internship will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your internship. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
ICP applied dissertation - a 3-month applied dissertation provides you with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to you and this should fit in with your programme of study. This is an advanced-level applied research pathway that can be based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The Applied Dissertation route provides you with the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge you have gained from the taught elements of your course to a current organisational issue. You will implement and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical self-reflection and methodical, systematic research. It is a very good option to choose if you are considering moving into academic research or PhD upon completion of your master’s programme.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout your Applied Dissertation, from preparing your proposal and applying for ethical approval in your data collection, to field work and supporting the delivery of your proposed outcomes.
The Applied Dissertation will be assessed in the form of a 10,000-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection.
Assessment: 10,000 word dissertation
ICP entrepreneurship - a 3-month entrepreneurship dissertation involves analysing business opportunities and writing a business plan including critical reflection on opportunities, challenges and strategies. This will lead you on to establish a new business or incorporate your entrepreneurial thinking into the management of existing organisations. You should demonstrate an understanding through the development of an enterprise idea in a specific sector or industry, together with evidence of critical and analytical evaluation. You may find the entrepreneurship dissertation both challenging and rewarding, as it is a practical module in an area which you should have an interest in.
You will be allocated an academic supervisor to support you throughout the entrepreneurship dissertation route. They will assist you in developing your skills and reasoning to support entrepreneurial action while working on the development of your own innovative business idea. In doing this, you will prepare a proposal, ethical considerations for your data collection and field work to support the development of your business plan.
The Entrepreneurship route will be assessed in the form of an 8,500-word dissertation that should demonstrate the work you have undertaken for your entrepreneurial business idea. Your dissertation will explain the deliverables created, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities you have undertaken and the impact achieved. You will also include an appropriate level of critical reflection. Assessment:
Assessment: 8,500 word dissertation
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
What will I be doing?
82%
Pass rates, 2020-21
58%
Merits
12%
Distinctions
TEACHING
The teaching on all our postgraduate programmes is based on the following principles:
- Developing the leader/manager of the future
- Professional competence
- Global thinking
- Ethical, responsible and sustainable practice.
We use a wide range of approaches to teaching to help you learn. Typically a module will include a mixture of activities: generally based around interactive lectures, dealing with a number of specific topics. The tutor introduces and explains key concepts and learning points, which are consolidated by class discussion and case study analysis to help your understanding and to prepare for assessment. You will be encouraged to offer examples from your own experience of work.
In addition, you will get an outline syllabus content and associated reading list at the start of the module which will be the basis for your self-directed study.
An important principle of the learning and teaching strategy is to develop you as a reflective practitioner able to understand your own motivations and abilities.
International student? Returning to study? Making the leap from undergraduate study? Whatever your circumstance, we will support you to move into postgraduate study. Find out more.
ASSESSMENT
There will be a range of assessment techniques used during your course giving you and your tutor the opportunity to assess your progress and learning. Each module will also normally include two assessments which will contribute to your final marks.
Types of assessment include; essays, assignments, exams, multiple choice tests, online tests, group reports, and portfolio work.
What I like most about the area of international business is that it is sufficiently wide to allow someone to enrol without necessarily having an undergraduate business-related qualification - as I did. From my point of view, having lived and worked in a number of countries, I am certain that business leaders of the future will find it essential to have a knowledge of other cultures, and the ability to communicate in more than one language. That is possible in Salford.
Why Choose Salford Business School?
Salford Business School aims to foster the next generation of leaders and create a new vision of innovative and entrepreneurial leadership. We are integrated into the local business community as a hub for knowledge creation and exchange.
This means that our teaching is highly practical and your learning is informed by our industry partners. Every postgraduate course includes a work placement or work experience project in the UK or internationally so you can put your learning into practice before you graduate. We are proud that our industry collaborations and partnerships benefit students, businesses and the community.
With multiple start points for our degrees, you can choose when to start your studies so that they fit with your life priorities. We want you to succeed in your studies and in your profession so we provide the support you need to achieve your aims.
Our goal is to prepare you for a fulfilling life and professional career. Along the way, you’ll learn to be curious, adaptable and confident, ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
Is Business a Science or an Art?
At Salford Business School, our postgraduate degree award is the Masters of Science (MSc) to reflect our approach to business knowledge. We believe that business decisions should be data-driven and evidence-based – even when the outputs are innovative and creative.
Where will I learn?
Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s beautiful Peel Park campus and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Teaching facilities include Lady Hale and Chapman buildings which offer stylish modern spaces with lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays. Small group learning (tutorials, seminars and workshops) is held in dedicated spaces within Maxwell, Peel and Chapman buildings. Throughout our campus, there is a choice of individual study areas as well as communal learning and breakout spaces for group working.
The University library isn’t just for reading books. The ‘library in the park’ is a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, bookable working rooms and café. It's open 24/7 everyday of the year (except Christmas Day!) so you can study when it suits you. It'll be an important place for you; in 2020, 100% of students asked agreed that the library resources have supported their learning (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data).
You will have access to a range of study skills sessions to help you get ready for postgraduate learning and be successful in your studies and in your work. These include academic writing, research and digital skills.
A dedicated Employability team will help you with work placements and access to work skills. and opportunities to participate in training workshops to ensure best practice.
Interested in starting your own business? Launch@ Salford is the incubation centre for business start ups providing a reception area, hot desk office space, private meeting rooms – and a networking lounge where you can grab a coffee and make those business connections.
Programme leader
Dr Adrian Monaghan
Adrian is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Corporate Social Responsibility and has been at Salford Business School since 2010. After completing his BA in French and MSc in Business, Adrian worked as a strategic buyer for a multinational firm before returning to university to study for a PhD. He has previously worked at UMIST, the University of Manchester and Brunel University and was also Manager of the Economic and Social Research Council’s Sustainable Technologies Programme.
Adrian teaches in the areas of international strategy, social innovation and cross-cultural issues in the context of creating shared value for business and society. His research and industry interests are diverse, ranging from the British funeral sector to smart bike-sharing in China to the sustainable development of Thailand’s rural economy. Adrian enjoys translating academic works for publication in English and is learning Mandarin Chinese and Thai in his spare time.
Getting Here
University of Salford is easy to get to with Salford Crescent train station right in the centre of our main campus. Whether by bus, rail, bike, car or plane, Peel Park campus is easily accessed from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond. For international students, Manchester airport is a short ride away and offers regular flights from London and many international airports.
Get more information about your options for commuting.
What about after uni?
Our graduates have gone on to achieve employment in a range of careers with employers such as Deutsche Bank, Mitsubishi, Bank of America, Red Cross (International), World Health Organisation (WHO), Médicins sans Frontières.
Find out more about the future of work, jobs and skills in this report from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills
Ryan’s internship with Siemens led to his job as Head of Business Excellence! You can read about his journey in the Made in Salford blog.
Career Links
The University of Salford grew out of the institutes of the late 19th century that provided a talented, technically proficient and professional workforce to support the UK’s rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, this still holds strong. Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focused education is equally relevant today.
Our links with local industry partners give us their input into the curriculum so that our teaching reflects industry’s current and future needs and you develop the skills that employers want.
The Industry Collaboration Project or Industry Placement year, which form the final part of your study, are designed to give you real-world experience so you can apply the theory you have learned.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
You should have a strong interest in international management. This course offers excellent scope for aspiring and existing managers who want to improve their career development opportunities and employability. If you want to progress into a senior position in the public, private or third sectors this course will offer you the chance to gain skills which are highly sought by employers across a wide variety of organisations.
The MSc is the only route available for international students. Find out more about the dedicated support for international applicants.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate.
A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.
Where a student has gained a recognised honours degree but does not meet the normal entry qualification requirement, they may still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate relevant work experience of a minimum two years duration post study and acceptable level of responsibility.
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
EU fees
For entry in the 20/21 academic year, EU students will be charged the Home rate in the fees table below. From September 2021 onwards, EU students will be charged the International fee shown in the table.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2022/23 | £8,280per year |
| Full-time international | 2022/23 | £15,300per year |
| Part-time | 2022/23 | £1,380 per 30 credit module |
| Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,550per year |
| Full-time international | 2023/24 | £15,750per year |
| Part-time | 2023/24 | £1,425 per 30 credit module |
Fees for PgDip (4 x 30 credit modules) and PgCert (2 x 30 credit modules) are based on the fee shown above for part-time per 30 credit module.
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
MSc International Business with Industry Placement
All applicants
Admin fee for Industry Placement - £1,700. Remember, during the industry placement, you will earn a salary for the work you do.
International applicants only
If you are applying from overseas, and are accepted onto a placement, there will be additional costs associated with visa extensions for your work placement. These include:
- Extend your student visa fee (visit here and look for Fees. Note, this is additional to your original student visa fee)
- Tier 4 biometrics enrolment fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge fee for 12 months (visit here for information)
You can apply for your visa extension from the UK. You should do this three months before the placement is due to start, so that you have enough time for your visa to be processed. Find more information on our Immigration and Visa FAQ page here – read the section on extending your Tier 4 visa.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
All students will register onto the MSc International Business programme. If you choose to follow the Industry Placement option and are accepted on to this, your registration will be transferred to the MSc International Business with Industry Placement programme.
Still have some questions? Contact us:
By email (UK applicants): enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By email (international applicants): international@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0) 161 295 4545