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
June 2021
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.
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 five entry points per year. You will take 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. Face-to-face teaching is delivered on campus for six hours each week. 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 period, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University of Salford’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
All students will initially be registered onto the MSc International Business programme. On successful completion of the taught elements, you will progress onto work experience. You can choose to follow the Industry Collaboration Project (3-6 months) or the Paid Industry Placement module (9-12 months). If you choose the Paid Industry Placement option and are accepted on to this, your registration will be transferred to the MSc International Business with Industry Placement programme.
Work experience accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree and you are responsible for finding your placement. All placements are competitive and you can expect to apply for a number of jobs and be interviewed. You will need to meet the employer's entry criteria in order to be accepted on any placement route. We will support you through the process. You will be allocated a supervisor who will mentor you through the placement or project. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the Student Hub and askUK. askUK can help with pre project/placement support for students and opportunities for those going on placement to participate in training workshops to ensure best practice. The Student Hub can help you to find placements, internships and live projects.
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
Assessments:
50 % Group written report
50% Exam
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
The paid industry placement gives you the chance to undertake 9 - 12 months' employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally.
You will obtain your own placement but the Business School will support you with industry contacts as well as preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more. You will be allocated a supervisor to support you throughout the placement, from preparing your learning agreement and action plan with your employer through to delivery of your outcomes.
For the final three months of your programme you will return to campus to reflect on and write up about your experience.
Assessment:
Portfolio – 8,000 to 10,000 words (90%)
Reflection - 2000 words (10%)
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 six month paid project with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally. By exploring a key issue impacting an organisation, you will apply the theoretical knowledge gained through your studies and develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment.
You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
Assessment: 10% project proposal / 90% portfolio
ICP internship – the three-month unpaid internship aims to equip you with the relevant practical skills to critically identify and evaluate key issues impacting organisations and their environments either in the UK or overseas. You will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue. You will have specified learning goals and will need to actively reflect on what is being learned throughout the experience.
You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
Assessment: 10% project proposal / 90% portfolio
ICP applied dissertation - an advanced-level applied research pathway based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The dissertation path gives you the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained from the taught elements of the programme to a current organisational issue and deploy and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical self-reflection and methodical, systematic research. It is an excellent option if you are considering moving into academic research and PhD studies.
You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal consisting of research questions, aims and objectives, and the rationale for undertaking the study. The 12,000 – 15,000 word dissertation will include literature review, research methodology, analysis of findings, conclusions, recommendations and a critical reflection of your learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
Assessment: 10% project proposal / 90% portfolio
ICP entrepreneurship - through this option you will apply the theory and concepts you have learnt from the taught elements of your programme. With the help of mentors in the Launch@ Salford incubator, you will develop the skills and thinking that supports entrepreneurial action while working on the development of your own innovative business idea.
You will horizon scan for business opportunities, assess the external challenges and consider available strategies that will support your aim of establishing a new businesses, or let you incorporate entrepreneurial thinking into an existing organisation.
Assessment: initial 1,500 word business proposal (10%) and an 8,500 - 10,000 word Comprehensive Business Proposal accompanied by a 30 minute presentation (90%).
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?
88%
Pass rates, 2019-20
86%
Merits
14%
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.
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 Jonathan Swift
Dr Jonathan Swift is a Senior Lecturer in International Business & Marketing at Salford Business School, the University of Salford, Manchester. He teaches on the Postgraduate programmes at the Business School, and is the Programme Leader for the MSC in International Business, and leads the overseas residential study week that forms part of the module he teaches: “International Business in Practice.” He has taught at the Manchester Business School, on the Executive MBA programme, and has been involved in socio-linguistic pre-departure training for personnel from major companies who were to go to Latin America to take up positions there. He has worked closely with a variety of industries – including the supervision of PG student-based projects for companies such as Spode, Wedgewood, Remploy, Adams Children’s Wear, Rock Oil, and Caradon Tyfords. He has also carried out market research for tourism in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Uruguay
In addition to teaching on a number of modules (including “International Relationship Management”, and “International Strategic Management”), Jonathan is an active researcher, and publishes in journals such as the European Journal of Marketing, the Journal of European Industrial Training, and the International Journal of Emerging Markets. He has written a number of books: the two most recent being Brexit KBO (2018) published by Cambridge Academic, Cambridge, and Understanding Business in the Global Economy: A Multi-Level Relationship Approach (2017) Macmillan Publishers, London,
Jonathan’s main focus of research and teaching is the role and importance of language and culture in all manner of cross-cultural business activities. His PhD examined the link between ‘liking’ the culture of a particular country market, and the extent to which this helped executives learn the language of that market. In terms of geographical areas, he has lived and worked in in number of countries: Brazil, Colombia, Italy, and Mexico, and speaks Spanish fluently, in addition to knowledge of French and Italian.
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.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Normally IELTS 6.0 with no individual element below 5.5, or equivalent recognised Secure English Language Test, (SELT). If the English language qualification is slightly below this level candidates may be able to take one of the many English courses available in the University.
We accept a range of qualifications as proof of English language. For more information go to English Language Requirements.
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.
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 | 2020/21 | £7,920per year |
| Full-time international | 2020/21 | £14,670per year |
| Full-time home | 2021/22 | £8,100per year |
| Full-time international | 2021/22 | £15,030per year |
| Part-time | 2021/22 | 1,350 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 (approximate based on 2019/20 rates and subject to change):
- Tier 4 visa application fee: £475
- Tier 4 biometrics enrolment fee: £19.20
- Immigration Health Surcharge fee for 12 months: £300
However, during the industry placement, you will earn a salary for the work you do. 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.
We have a range of scholarships available for students applying for courses in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Our Global Gold Excellence Scholarship is worth £3,500 and our Global Silver Excellence Scholarship is worth £3,000 - both are available for students studying in our 2021/22 intakes.
We also offer the Salford International Excellence Scholarship which offers up to £5,000 discount on tuition fees. As this is a prestigious award we have a limited number of these scholarships available.
See the full range of our International Scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
All students will register onto the MSc International Business programme. If you choose to follow the Paid 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