This course provides you with the opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of the complex, changing and multifaceted character of international business as well as the environment in which it operates. You will develop the skills necessary to work in such business, enabling you to acquire analytical skills in strategy, management and international finance as well as providing the option to develop further specialism in areas such as marketing, employment relations, management and finance.

The course builds upon the teaching and research experience within the Faculty and provides an excellent environment for you to keep abreast of current international business developments. Overseas study opportunities are varied: Semester one operates not only in London but also in our partner institutions in Mainz, Germany; Bangkok, Thailand and Chennai, India. Students from these institutions join our London programme in semester two. The opportunity exists to begin your studies in one of these countries. There is also the possibility to commence your studies in London, take the second semester in Paris, and return to London for the dissertation. The language of instruction in all our partner institutions is English. Wherever you study, semester two is very cosmopolitan, with students from five of our partner institutions studying in London.

Course modules

Semester 1* (Sept - Jan) (Core):
– International Business Economics ¹
– International Management ¹
– Analytical Techniques for International Business ¹

Semester 2 (General Pathway core)  Feb - Jun
– Global Information Systems for Strategic Advantage ¹
– Research Methods ¹
– Option 1 ²
– Option 2 ²

Semester 2 (General Pathway Options)  Feb - Jun
– European Business ²
– Managing International Resources (Project Management) ²
– Service Sector Consultation ²
– Sustainable Development & Global Citizenship ²
– Global Operations & Logistics ²
– International Marketing ²
– Business Environment in Asia-Pacific ²
– Marketing Communication ²
– Managing Across Cultures ²
– E-Commerce (subject to validation) ²
– Business Finance Analysis (subject to validation) ²

Semester 2 (Finance Pathway core) Feb - Jun
– International Finance & Decision Making ¹
– Research Methods ¹
– Option ¹

Semester 2 (Finance Pathway Options) (Feb - Jun)
– Portfolio Theory & Investment Analysis ¹
– Bank Governance & Regulation ¹
– International Banking & Bank Performance ¹
– Asset Fund Management ¹

Semester 3  (Core) Jun - Dec
– Dissertation ³

* Delivered in English in all centres
Unit assessments in correspondence with:
1 20 CAT/10 ECTS points
2 10 CAT/5 ECTS points
3 60 CAT/30 ECTS points

Employability and academic progression

A wide variety of careers is open to you with the MSc, working as a manager in an international company, either in a general role or as specialist for example in marketing or human relations. Finance specialists may find employment as traders or in other functions in financial markets.

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

Professional and industry links

Recent guest lecturers have included:

• Creenagh Lodge, Corporate Edge
• David Mayes, Bank of Finland
• Angus McIver, Prudential