MSc
International Business MSc
International Business

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Postgraduate EventsApply Now

Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2025 and January 2026

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Validation Status

Subject to Revalidation

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

January 2025

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Academic Years

Course Overview

Knowledge across a range of disciplines is required by students looking to understand business operations in an international context, and this course aims to help students develop the necessary knowledge and qualities to compete effectively in both the domestic and international labour markets.

You are able to gain a firm grounding in the theories and practice of international business, enabling you to contribute to the performance of various kinds of organisations all over the world.

The programme offers a high level of support for international students. This includes support in English language, orientation to studying in the UK, postgraduate study skills, the development of enterprising and employable career capabilities, and pastoral support. Close engagement with the International Office, English Language Centre, Student Services, Careers and Employability Team, library, and other central services are essential aspects of this support.

Business graduates may use this programme to examine the subject area in more depth, while those from other backgrounds can combine their existing knowledge and skills with international business theory.

Course Overview

Knowledge across a range of disciplines is required by students looking to understand business operations in an international context, and this course aims to help students develop the necessary knowledge and qualities to compete effectively in both the domestic and international labour markets.

You are able to gain a firm grounding in the theories and practice of international business, enabling you to contribute to the performance of various kinds of organisations all over the world.

The programme offers a high level of support for international students. This includes support in English language, orientation to studying in the UK, postgraduate study skills, the development of enterprising and employable career capabilities, and pastoral support. Close engagement with the International Office, English Language Centre, Student Services, Careers and Employability Team, library, and other central services are essential aspects of this support.

Business graduates may use this programme to examine the subject area in more depth, while those from other backgrounds can combine their existing knowledge and skills with international business theory.

Why Choose Lincoln

Explore theories and practice of international business

Develop key postgraduate study skills

Hear from expert industry speakers

Complete a dissertation in a specialist area

High level of support for international students

Three students working on laptops in a seminar room

How You Study

Students on this programme are expected to read extensively and stay aware of current theoretical debates within the literature, including relevant journals.

Lectures are used primarily in discipline-bound areas. Lecture materials may be enhanced by audio-visual material in the early stages of the course to provide additional aid to overseas students facing an unfamiliar learning environment. Classes are supplemented with discussion and debate on the rapid and often spontaneous changes in international business. Seminars are also a feature of the course.

MSc International Business students are expected to study nine core modules which are designed to develop understanding of international business, communication skills, and other essential graduate attributes. The degree concludes with a dissertation which is designed to encourage innovation and diverse pathways to the final assessed product. In this respect, the dissertation is an extended project that can accommodate a range of independent work.

Each module typically consists of two weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Students will normally study four modules per term and therefore eight per week. Part-time students will usually study two modules per term, equating to four hours per week. Hours of study may vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least four to five hours in independent study.

How You Study

Students on this programme are expected to read extensively and stay aware of current theoretical debates within the literature, including relevant journals.

Lectures are used primarily in discipline-bound areas. Lecture materials may be enhanced by audio-visual material in the early stages of the course to provide additional aid to overseas students facing an unfamiliar learning environment. Classes are supplemented with discussion and debate on the rapid and often spontaneous changes in international business. Seminars are also a feature of the course.

MSc International Business students are expected to study nine core modules which are designed to develop understanding of international business, communication skills, and other essential graduate attributes. The degree concludes with a dissertation which is designed to encourage innovation and diverse pathways to the final assessed product. In this respect, the dissertation is an extended project that can accommodate a range of independent work.

Each module typically consists of two weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Students will normally study four modules per term and therefore eight per week. Part-time students will usually study two modules per term, equating to four hours per week. Hours of study may vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least four to five hours in independent study.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Comparative Human Resource Management 2025-26HRM9039MLevel 72025-26This module is designed to introduce students to the principal issues underlying international and comparative human resource management (IHRM) in a global context. Such issues have risen in prominence due to increasing trade liberalisation, ‘globalisation’, spread of multinational corporations (MNCs), outsourcing to Asia, developmental focus on Africa and economic integration within the European Union. As firms increasingly internationalise, suitable strategies for managing human resources have become critical to competition between the MNCs. Students can develop an insight into managing human resources in different national contexts and examine those global and national factors that impact approaches taken to international human resource management. More specifically, the module aims to discuss and analyse those factors which result in variations in HRM practices and policies across national business systems.CoreDissertation 2025-26BUS9036MLevel 72025-26The dissertation provides an opportunity for students with a range of experience and interests to apply and develop their existing skills and knowledge to an independent study project, which affords an opportunity for both the expression of original thought and creativity; together with the application of analytical skills and critical reasoning. Our approach to dissertation is to facilitate innovative approaches and diverse pathways to the final assessed piece of work; in effect the dissertation is an extended research project. The dissertation topic should be aligned to students' subject of study.CoreFinance and accounting 2025-26ACC9011MLevel 72025-26This module is designed to introduce concepts and techniques for costing and break-even analysis and brings in the notion of pricing from a larger viewpoint in the market as well as from a strategic management view. Later, the module aims to cover the topics of financial analysis and the sources of finance.CoreGlobal Procurement and Supply Strategy 2025-26LOG9705MLevel 72025-26In order to ensure organisational success, we must seek to manage relationships with upstream and downstream suppliers and customers to deliver increased customer value at less cost to the supply chain overall. It is often argued that an organisation is only as a good as its supply chain and that the global supply chain can be a key source of competitive advantage. In the age of globalisation, many organisations are only as good as their global supply chains. Global supply chains give the organisation access to strategic resources and enable them to compete in global markets. Procurement and Supply Chain Management as a discipline has changed considerably in many companies and organisations in the recent past. Considering the amount of money generally involved in the preparation and execution of procurement and supply decisions, this is not a surprise and it has been argued that an effective and efficient operating purchasing and supply function can make an important contribution to company results and also add significant value. Traditionally, the procurement department has acted as the intermediary which negotiates the agreements and contracts with suppliers and subsequently monitors their compliance to those agreements. However, this ‘traditional’ role is changing rapidly and procurement and supply chain managers are assuming more strategic roles within organisations, focused on achieving better performance from suppliers though approaches such as more active management of supplier relationships.CoreInternational Entrepreneurship 2025-26BUS9024MLevel 72025-26Entrepreneurship is an essential skillset in the development at global level of new and existing businesses, social enterprises, and more broadly societies and their economies. Enterprise is defined as the application of creative ideas and innovations to practical situations, combining creativity, ideas development, and problem-solving with expression, communication, and practical action. Entrepreneurship is the application of enterprise skills to creating and growing organisations in an international context in order to identify and build on opportunities. This module draws on the latest UK QAA Guidance on Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education and aims to develop, at an international level, enterprise awareness, an entrepreneurial mindset, and entrepreneurial capability, which can lead to entrepreneurial effectiveness which can be applied in a range of contexts.CoreInternational Marketing and Customers 2025-26MKT9124MLevel 72025-26The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of marketing concepts applied in an international context. The module is designed to provide students with a clear comprehension of marketing tools available and their use within an international environment, understanding the cultural diversity of their customers.CorePeople and Global Organisations 2025-26MGT9130MLevel 72025-26This module aims to introduce learners to the realities of organisations and the challenges of management practice in the global business arena. It aims to promote thinking critically about organisations as complex, process-based cultural systems and as constantly developing social structures operating on the basis of people relations and interactions. An increasing number of firms have activities spread around the world and a critical reflection on the impact of culture on business activities and individuals in this context is of vital importance. Cross border business activities are underpinned by cultural interaction and the module will develop knowledge about and understanding of the impact of (national) cultures on management practice. Various levels of culture will be studied, with a special focus on national cultures and whether and how they affect the behaviours of firms and individuals. Students will be given the opportunity to collect specialized insights into certain themes, firms or cultures through focused assignments.CoreStrategy Making 2025-26BUS9048MLevel 72025-26Strategy is the heart of every organisation. This module explores how strategy is conceived, how it affects the organisation and how the organisation can be designed to realise its strategy efficiently and effectively. The module aims to support students in developing their strategic thinking skills through a review of diverse theories, models and practical exercises.CoreUnderstanding International Business 2025-26ECO9226Level 72025-26Understanding International Business is a core module for MSc International Business students. Successful completion will assist you to understand the general environment of international business, setting up country selection criteria and country evaluation in the context of international business. It will also develop your skill to conduct basic research and professional report preparation.Core

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Comparative Human Resource Management 2024-25HRM9039MLevel 72024-25This module is designed to introduce students to the principal issues underlying international and comparative human resource management (IHRM) in a global context. Such issues have risen in prominence due to increasing trade liberalisation, ‘globalisation’, spread of multinational corporations (MNCs), outsourcing to Asia, developmental focus on Africa and economic integration within the European Union. As firms increasingly internationalise, suitable strategies for managing human resources have become critical to competition between the MNCs. Students can develop an insight into managing human resources in different national contexts and examine those global and national factors that impact approaches taken to international human resource management. More specifically, the module aims to discuss and analyse those factors which result in variations in HRM practices and policies across national business systems.CoreDissertation 2024-25BUS9036MLevel 72024-25The dissertation provides an opportunity for students with a range of experience and interests to apply and develop their existing skills and knowledge to an independent study project, which affords an opportunity for both the expression of original thought and creativity; together with the application of analytical skills and critical reasoning. Our approach to dissertation is to facilitate innovative approaches and diverse pathways to the final assessed piece of work; in effect the dissertation is an extended research project. The dissertation topic should be aligned to students' subject of study.CoreFinance and accounting 2024-25ACC9011MLevel 72024-25This module is designed to introduce concepts and techniques for costing and break-even analysis and brings in the notion of pricing from a larger viewpoint in the market as well as from a strategic management view. Later, the module aims to cover the topics of financial analysis and the sources of finance.CoreGlobal Procurement and Supply Strategy 2024-25LOG9705MLevel 72024-25This module introduces students to fundamental concepts and techniques associated with the discipline of global procurement and supply chain strategy. There is an interactive approach to this module, with a focus on industry case studies and insights from experienced global procurement and supply leaders and managers. Students may also be challenged to apply their learning to an organisation of their choice and analyse current procurement and supply strategies, providing recommendations for improvement based on relevant academic thought and industry best practice.CoreInternational Entrepreneurship 2024-25BUS9024MLevel 72024-25Entrepreneurship is an essential skillset in the development at global level of new and existing businesses, social enterprises, and more broadly societies and their economies. Enterprise is defined as the application of creative ideas and innovations to practical situations, combining creativity, ideas development, and problem-solving with expression, communication, and practical action. Entrepreneurship is the application of enterprise skills to creating and growing organisations in an international context in order to identify and build on opportunities. This module draws on the latest UK QAA Guidance on Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education and aims to develop, at an international level, enterprise awareness, an entrepreneurial mindset, and entrepreneurial capability, which can lead to entrepreneurial effectiveness which can be applied in a range of contexts.CoreInternational Marketing and Customers 2024-25MKT9124MLevel 72024-25The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of marketing concepts applied in an international context. The module is designed to provide students with a clear comprehension of marketing tools available and their use within an international environment, understanding the cultural diversity of their customers.CorePeople and Global Organisations 2024-25MGT9130MLevel 72024-25This module aims to introduce learners to the realities of organisations and the challenges of management practice in the global business arena. It aims to promote thinking critically about organisations as complex, process-based cultural systems and as constantly developing social structures operating on the basis of people relations and interactions. An increasing number of firms have activities spread around the world and a critical reflection on the impact of culture on business activities and individuals in this context is of vital importance. Cross border business activities are underpinned by cultural interaction and the module will develop knowledge about and understanding of the impact of (national) cultures on management practice. Various levels of culture will be studied, with a special focus on national cultures and whether and how they affect the behaviours of firms and individuals. Students will be given the opportunity to collect specialized insights into certain themes, firms or cultures through focused assignments.CoreStrategy Making 2024-25BUS9048MLevel 72024-25Strategy is the heart of every organisation. This module explores how strategy is conceived, how it affects the organisation and how the organisation can be designed to realise its strategy efficiently and effectively. The module aims to support students in developing their strategic thinking skills through a review of diverse theories, models and practical exercises.CoreUnderstanding International Business 2024-25ECO9226Level 72024-25Understanding International Business is a core module for MSc International Business students. Successful completion will assist you to understand the general environment of international business, setting up country selection criteria and country evaluation in the context of international business. It will also develop your skill to conduct basic research and professional report preparation.Core

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          How you are assessed

                          A variety of assessment methods are used during this course including essays, reports, presentations, and group work. These assessments are designed to develop the skills needed in industry.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          How you are assessed

                          A variety of assessment methods are used during this course including essays, reports, presentations, and group work. These assessments are designed to develop the skills needed in industry.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          Industry Expertise

                          Lincoln International Business School has an experienced team of staff, which is made up of academically and professionally qualified lecturers with relevant industrial experience and finance experts with wide research interests. The School hosts a series of visiting speakers each year. As part of the School, students will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organisations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, The Institute of Internal Auditors and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB).

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          A student listening in a seminar

                          January Starts 2025

                          Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

                          Entry Requirements 2025-26

                          Entry Requirements

                          A second class honours degree or equivalent.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          January Starts 2025

                          Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          A second class honours degree or equivalent.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Funding Your Study

                          Postgraduate Funding Options

                          Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

                          Two students working on a laptop in a study space

                          Career Development

                          Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln benefit from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us. 

                          Why Postgraduate Study?

                          Academic Contact

                          For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

                          Dr Suhaer Yunus
                          syunus@lincoln.ac.uk

                          Working in Partnership

                          Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

                          AACSB logo

                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.