Overview
Sustainability has become one of the core business priorities in a globalised market, companies of all sizes are looking for visionary experts who can understand the challenges faced in both sustainability and business, and help develop solutions to mitigate climate change, reduce biodiversity loss and inequality across all facets of society.
To respond to global business challenges, the MSc International Business and Sustainability Programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of multinational corporations and other international firms as well as sustainability practices. The research-led programme is designed to help you acquire advanced knowledge in the relationships between international business, environment and society, and how international business can address the overarching social and environmental problems of climate change and biodiversity loss effectively.
Through a combination of theoretical and practical modules, you will develop business, forward-thinking, and analytical skills which are essential for success in driving business forward both sustainably and holistically. In addition, training in research methods with particular application to the empirical study of international business and sustainable development will help you gain comprehensive understanding of this dynamic field, and be well-prepared for careers in the business, NGOs, government and academia.
The MSc International Business and Sustainability will be delivered at Brunel Business School, which is credit by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), The association of MBAs (AMBA), The Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME), and The Small Business Charter (SBC).
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Course content
The comprehensive curriculum will give you a solid grounding in the basics of international Business Strategy, Ethics and Corporate Governance, Environment and Sustainability in Business, and Sustainable development Practices and Policies. Optional modules can give you an insight into areas such as International Development, Politics of Climate Change, Social Justice, and International Trade.
A typical selection of modules can be found below.
This course can be studied 1 year full-time, 16 months full-time with placement or 2 years full-time with placement, starting in September. Or this course can be studied 15 months full-time, 19 months full-time with placement or 27 months full-time with placement, starting in January.
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.
- Global Business and Investments
This module identifies the main modes of internationalization, together with their underlying rationales. It also discusses the international monetary system, markets and global institutions.
- Sustainable Development Practice and Policies
- 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.
- Environment and Sustainability for Business
- 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.
- Dissertation - International Business and Sustainability MSc
Optional
- International Development
- Developing Sustainable Societies through Behaviour Change
- Climate Politics
This module aims to enable students to attain a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and theories in the politics and political economy of climate change. It will provide students with resources to assist them in making informed judgments on a range of questions and debates.
- 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.
- Media and Social Justice
The module explores how media represent social justice and identity giving particular attention to race, ethnicity, poverty and social justice, and focusing on both theory and production. Over the course of the module, you will learn about theory and practice in relation to diversity, stereotypes and prejudice, and you will produce media content that highlights the importance of social justice.
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
Sustainability-related careers are growing, and there is a significant increase in demand for sustainability skills. Graduates from MSc International Business and Sustainability will gain theoretical and professional grounding in the areas of international business and sustainability and will develop analytical and personal skills needed in today’s globalised world.
Graduates will be able to grasp a wide array of career opportunities, ranging from roles as sustainability and business development managers, corporate social responsibility managers in international or multinational enterprises, to consultants for companies operating worldwide on sustainable business practices.
In addition, our programme opens paths for entrepreneurs or export managers in small to medium-sized enterprises, directors of international operations in multinational companies, and careers in NGOs, local and national institutions, and academia, particularly for those aiming for a PhD.
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
2024/5 entry
2:2 or above Bachelor (Honours) Degree
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
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
2025/26 entry
UK
£14,435 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£28,350 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 wellbeing 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.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.