Overview
Today’s international business managers and international entrepreneurs must be equipped with the necessary skills and capabilities to address the opportunities and challenges brought about by the digitalisation of world economies and geopolitical shifts. Our world increasingly requires forward-thinking, global talent in areas related to business leadership in an international environment.
The MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship equips students with a comprehensive understanding of emerging issues and trends in a global context. Graduates will gain theoretical and professional grounding in the areas of international business and entrepreneurship, as well as technology management, innovation and sustainable development, and will develop analytical and personal skills needed in today’s globalised world.
The MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship represents an excellent developmental opportunity for those who seek to pursue careers in new or existing organisations which operate across cultures and national borders. You will gain a comprehensive understanding regarding international entrepreneurial start-ups and global expansion in emerging and developed markets. You will be able to develop (and enhance) strategic thinking and key leadership skills necessary in the global environment such as decision-making and intercultural communication.
Course content
The MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship programme includes a unique selection of modules which will provide students with solid grounding in the areas of: international entrepreneurship, international business strategy, international management, international business ethics and corporate governance entrepreneurship as well as small business management.
Students will also have the opportunity to select two modules in the areas of: technology management, sustainable development policies and practices, entrepreneurial finance, international trade, as well as knowledge management, social networks and innovation.
A typical selection of modules can be found below.
Compulsory
- International Business Strategy
This module communicates the forces that shape the operating environments of organisations, nationally and internationally. Upon completing this module, students will be able to systematically apply business management theories, concepts and techniques to central international business activities such as foreign entry.
- International Management
This module examines the legal, cultural, economic, political, technological and ethical challenges in managing complex international operations across borders. It also explores managerial behaviours and organisational processes that are key when operating in a competitive global environment.
- International Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
This module focuses on business ethics, sustainability and corporate governance in internationally operating organisations. These areas are addressed from the perspective of the dual ‘business’ models of the shareholder and the stakeholder approaches. The broader societal impacts of business activities are discussed by using concepts from moral philosophy, CSR, sustainability and corporate governance.
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
This module introduces students to entrepreneurship and small business management. Students develop a critical understanding of concepts and theoretical and practical issues regarding entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial opportunities and business start-ups. They discuss how to successfully manage and scale up small businesses and how to choose effective and sustainable growth strategies
- Understanding Business and Management Research
This module facilitates a comprehensive grasp of research methods in the accounting field. The provided learning materials establish a strong foundation for the dissertation project in MG5636.
- International Entrepreneurship
- Dissertation (International Business and Entrepreneurship MSc)
Optional
- International Trade
This module covers the importance of overseas trade on the global and national economies. It introduces common barriers to trade, regional trading arrangements, and the case for and against the concept of free (unrestricted) trade.
- Knowledge Management, Social Networks and Innovation
This module introduces the global knowledge-based economy, its key aspects and the wider socio-economic factors conditioning fundamental knowledge processes such as knowledge transfer. It also covers contemporary issues such as the use of social engagement in international business.
- Technology Management
This module aims to enhance and demonstrate a critical and practical understanding of the issues associated with modern technology management and business development. It highlights the challenges associated with the adoption of potentially disruptive technologies in organisations and nurtures critical reflection on the current theory and practice of technology management.
- Entrepreneurial FinanceThis module aims to develop your knowledge about the preparation and analysis of the financial statements of new and innovative firms; as well as about methods of valuing new businesses. It will enable you to critically evaluate the various strategies for financing new businesses and develop your skills in pitching to attract external financing including communication skills, presentation skills and negotiation skills.
- Sustainable Development Practice and Policies
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
The new MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship provides students with a systematic understanding of emerging issues and trends in a global context. Graduates will gain theoretical and professional grounding in the areas of international business and entrepreneurship and will develop analytical and personal skills needed in today’s globalised world. It also provides the essential skill-sets to better accommodate today's global business environment and provide students with employment options in the long term.
Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills suitable for a broad range of careers including positions in the management of multinational firms (export manager, international sales executive; business analyst; business development manager, international sales executive, etc.), in international consultancy firms, local and national governmental institutions as well as international NGOs.
Graduates will also be able to develop or enhance entrepreneurial competencies for starting and operating their own international start-ups.
Furthermore, this programme also enables students interested in to perusing an academic career to set a solid basis for engaging in a doctoral programme.
Some of the well-known names who value Brunel Business School graduates include Accenture, Amazon, Barclays, British Airways, Capgemini, HSBC, Jaguar Land Rover, L’Oréal, McCann, Microsoft, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Xerox.
UK entry requirements
A 2.2 (or above) UK Honours degree or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification in or a related or non-related subject. Work experience is not required.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£13,750 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£27,000 full-time
£1,385 placement year
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
At Brunel Business School (BBS), you will experience a rich and engaging on-campus learning environment. Our modules are delivered through engaging lectures, and in most modules, through seminars that allow for interactions in smaller groups. Additionally, you will have access to a wide range of resources on Brightspace, our online learning platform, including PowerPoint slides, video recordings, and peer-reviewed academic publications that align with the module learning objectives. Moreover, BBS students benefit from a range of support and opportunities from our dedicated staff and faculty, such as:
- Extra-curricular activities designed to enhance your skills and expand your network, such as social events, guest speakers and industry visits/field trips (please note these may vary within programmes)
- A dedicated Student Experience Team to provide pastoral care
- A dedicated ASK Academic Skills support team to help you understand and address coursework requirements
- Personalised tutoring and well-being advice to support your academic and personal development
- Employability guidance and career planning from our in-house director.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Teaching includes lectures, informal small study groups and individual or group presentations using a laptop and digital projector.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
Modules are usually assessed by individual assessment such as written essays, podcasts, posters or by examination in May. Coursework and examinations give you a chance to demonstrate critical and constructive thinking and reasoning. Your dissertation is a 12,000 word document that will show your ability to conceive, design and execute a major project, which confidently substantiates your chosen line of enquiry.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.