Postgraduate MSc
International Business and Management with Industrial Placement
Do you want to learn the functions of international business and what makes a great globally successful leader whilst gaining vital work experience?
Business is more connected than it has ever been. Successful business leaders need to understand international markets, and how nations do business in the global marketplace. With a greater focus on internationalisation, communication is key, knowing how to communicate clearly across cultures and borders is crucial in delivering better business.
Our MSc International Business and Management programme is based around these principles, and with a strong data-driven approach alongside a holistic view of business, putting sustainability at its core, our graduates are ready to become leaders in international business, delivering success and a sustainable tomorrow. Taking a 12-month industrial placement allows you to gain work experience in the UK or overseas as part of your Master's. While the placements are self-sought, the School offers support through extra-curricular engagement with our dedicated placements team. Opting for this course with a placement takes the length of your course to up to two years.
Our CMI and IOE&IT-accredited MSc International Business and Management course is amongst the most far-reaching of our postgraduate courses, you'll learn an overview of global strategy, global value chains, international accounting and organisational behaviour, managing the multinational enterprise, within human resource management in a global context and international accounting for decision making. Our academics are leading experts in international business and sustainability, so not only will you have the skills and confidence to make a difference in business, but you will also understand the context surrounding the pressing issues that matter most in the contemporary global economy. Ready to step into a leading, international career.
Students will receive CMI L7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice on completion of their degree, as well as a detailed report with the support of a dedicated expert supervisor. This is a fantastic example of your work, skills and knowledge to show employers after you graduate. Our graduates gain the transferable and desirable skills of cross-cultural management, problem solving, adaptability and decision making that they can apply to top-calibre management roles in a variety of business environments. Our graduates typically find work in consultancy or employed work both in the UK and globally, with companies such as Deloitte, JP Morgan & Chase, BP and Pace Capital as examples of businesses many of our graduates have worked in. Whatever your goals are in business, our MSc International Business and Management programme is a great first step to get there.
Kent Business School is among the top 1% of ‘triple crown’ business schools worldwide following its European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).
The ‘Triple Crown’ involves awards by the three leading business school accreditation organisations – EQUIS, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and The Association of MBAs (AMBA).
At KBS we want to support your success. Transform your idea into a business through the Business Start-Up Journey with ASPIRE.
Our Triple Accreditation by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA places us in the top 1% of Business Schools globally.
Employability is at our core. You'll receive dedicated support to kickstart your career through our teaching and careers support up to 3 years after graduation.
You’ll be part of a supportive, diverse community at our Canterbury campus, just under an hour from London. Expand your network and make global connections.
Our academics are industry experts who have hands on experience with everything they teach. Your course is informed by real world expertise.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 80% of our research was deemed ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The school’s environment was judged to be conducive to supporting the development of high calibre research.
As part of your application to study at Kent, you will need to submit a portfolio. See further guidance regarding portfolio requirements.
A minimum of a second-class UK degree, or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification in a variety of areas will be considered for entry on this course.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and those without an honours degree may also be considered on the basis of work experience, professional qualifications and the relevance of the programme to their current professional role.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from a UK university
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
The following modules are offered to our current students. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
In Stage 1 you will take all 9 compulsory modules and choose 1 of the available optional modules to give your course a specific focus based on your ambitions and goals.
Understanding the Multinational Enterprise (MNE) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a key issue in economic theory and business. Since the emergence of the contemporary MNE at the end of the 19th century, changes in the macroeconomic and microeconomic environment, forced multinationals to change as a response to the rise of new technologies and products, the wider international division of labour and of course the greater integration of production, services, and – financial and other – markets. This changing process became more intense after the 1960s when U.S. and Japanese MNEs emerged as basic players in the international chessboard. Accompanied by the traditional European MNEs formed a triad that still dominates FDI in the world.
The changing geography of international production and investment reflects the dynamic interaction of many economic, organizational and policy factors. While many of these factors have long been relevant, their combination today represents the new forces influencing MNEs' location decisions. A simplistic approach of FDI towards location would not be appropriate to allow us to understand the complexity of international investments decisions. What is needed is a multidisciplinary approach of the phenomenon. It is the aim of this module to offer this multidisciplinary approach to students.
As the world adapts to social and environmental change, sustainability has become more important than ever, both to business and society. To be a future business leader, you need to provide better leadership, and redefine the role of the business in the fight for a sustainable tomorrow. Through exploring sustainable thinking, environmental awareness and ethical behaviour you will gain crucial context, and by developing your problem-solving skills in this context, you'll be equipped to tackle the biggest challenges we face in business, and beyond. So, you won't just be ready to be a leader in business, you’ll be prepared to lead society towards a sustainable future.
Global Value Chains have transformed the nature of trade and foreign direct investment and continue to bring opportunities and challenges for business enterprises around the world. Learn about how you as a manager can develop optimal relationships with your value chain partners, adapt to changing business and industry supply chain circumstances, and make responsible decisions in the context of an uncertain global economy. Evaluate the governance, policy and power relationships that shape global value chains and learn how to manage risk and make your industry supply chains resilient to external shocks. Collaborate with other students on your course to analyse the value chains of real world multinational companies and report on them, developing communication skills that you will be able to boast about.
'Do your research' is a phrase we are all familiar with. But how can we trust the sources we draw on? In an information-rich environment, how can you ensure that the research you do stands out from other sources of knowledge and is seen as trustworthy and valuable?
You'll build understanding of who you are as a researcher and the type of research that is valued in both academic and professional settings. You'll gain the knowledge you need to build a research project from an idea into a mature investigation that can make a novel contribution to broader research debates. Study how to craft research questions, build a sample of respondents, work with databases, design data collection tools, perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of data and communicate your results to the wider world.
Learn how to use an array of research tools to create world-leading research and become known as an innovative and dynamic researcher driving growth and positive change.
In a fast changing world, strategic marketing skills are increasingly important to anticipate new trends and stay ahead of the competition. You'll understand the core concepts of strategic marketing focusing on marketing analysis and strategy, and be able to critically analyse an organisation’s position and recommend courses of action consistent with its strategy.
Traditional narratives on strategy no longer fulfil the needs of today's student and global marketplace. You'll move beyond the goal of profit maximisation and focus upon value, learning how to use an array of basic strategy tools and techniques that will make you market ready for a graduate managerial position and an exciting and successful career.
This module provides an insight into the key concepts and theories of human resource management and organisational behaviour in an international context. You'll gain the skills and knowledge needed for an in-depth understanding of the links between HRM practices and organisational performance and the factors at play when managing employees globally.
In a rapidly changing and dynamic global economy, how can managers explore and take opportunities for international expansion? Through hands-on learning you'll discover and master the tools and skills needed to analyse different international markets and conduct business across borders. The strategies you learn will help you manage opportunities and risks. You'll make international firms successful and sustainable. By the time you start your career, you’ll be able to expand into global markets and drive growth for businesses, giving you a key advantage in a competitive landscape.
Accounting is often perceived as complex and obscure. But good accounting is exactly the opposite, it offers informative power that non-accountants can use to guide decision-making. Through a hands-on approach, you'll explore how accounting information is used by managers, investors and financial analysts in business. You’ll learn how real world businesses make decisions and will understand how these decisions affect their performance and sustainability. When you understand accounting as a tool for decision-making you will be able to interact meaningfully with stakeholders and critically evaluate the impact that decisions will have on the future of a company, which is crucial to kick-start your career in accounting.
How do managers use data? How are data-driven decisions made? Analytics has never been more important or critical in business. You'll use software to address managerial problems via modelling, as well quantitative techniques including optimisation, decision analysis, simulations and statistical models. You’ll know how to drive management value and organisational change to a business through innovation and analytical problem solving, essential in today’s management careers.
Managers all over the world now realize that businesses are becoming increasingly global. In particular, marketing managers acknowledge the interconnected and interdependent world in which the consumers of their products and services live. For most companies therefore, it is no longer enough to cater to domestic markets and cultures any more, as the products and services originate from and are consumed daily in different parts of the globe. This makes it important for marketing managers to understand the complexity and diversity of cross-cultural marketing, in order to leverage the opportunities that exist in local and international markets.
This module will combine lectures and seminars to present, transfer, discuss and summarise intercultural marketing concepts and frameworks. Indicative topics are:
• Analysis of cultural conditions in global markets
• Cross-cultural Marketing research
• Identification of International segments and niche markets
• Executing marketing mix strategies across international cultures
• Consumer Behaviour across international cultures
• Making sustainable and ethical marketing decisions across international cultures
If you aspire to orchestrate change and drive success at the highest levels of organisational management, strategic agility and foresight are paramount. We introduce you to cutting-edge approaches in strategic programme management, including agile methodologies, systems thinking and scenario planning. This forward-thinking approach ensures that you're well-prepared to handle the challenges of tomorrow. We equip you with the skills to make informed, data-driven decisions by giving you knowledge of data analysis, interpretation and the use of analytics tools – essential for strategic planning and risk management.
You'll emerge not just as a strategic project manager, but as a strategic leader capable of shaping the future of organisations. You’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of the complexities of modern business and the strategic acumen to navigate these challenges effectively. This is more than an educational experience; it's a transformative journey that prepares students for the pinnacle of professional and personal achievement.
In Stage 2 you will complete your Business Report. This is a fantastic example of your skills, knowledge and insight to show employers after you graduate.
Your industrial placement consists of two modules: Industrial Placement Experience (BUSN9172) and Industrial Placement Report (BUSN9176). The Experience module is assessed as pass/fail only and the Report module is graded on a percentage scale. The chance to gain real industry experience as part of your MSc course gives you a real edge in the job market and boosts your career options.
This module will enable students to write a high quality Business Report under the supervision of an international business expert on a management and/ or business related issue that supports their immediate career objectives.
The module will typically include:
• The Literature Review
• Electronic Literature Searching and On-Line Sources
• Using Literature Effectively
• Research Design
• Writing a Business Report
• Communicating Findings to Different Audiences
As a Kent Business School Master's student, you'll have the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a real impact in business. Your 12 month placement is your chance to put these skills into practice. This key opportunity to be involved in real business is ideal for developing your skills and gaining crucial experience and credibility within the workplace. By the end of your placement, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to make a real difference in business and beyond.
Students will spend a period of time working in an industrial or organisational setting, applying and enhancing the skills and techniques they have learned on the programme. Work will be carried out under the direction of a placement supervisor. This support will include ensuring that the work they are expected to do within the placement company/organisation meets the learning outcomes of the module.
We use a variety of teaching methods, including:
Classroom-based learning is supported by the latest online technologies and learning platforms.
Your progress on this course is assessed through a variety of means, including:
This course embeds employability into our teaching, learning, and assessment practices. We work with employers and industry partners in order provide all of our students with exceptional career development support and opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive in their future careers.
From the moment you start with us, our efforts are focused on helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive workplace. As part of the course, you may wish to undertake an Industrial Placement or opt for an In-Company Scheme to work on a real business case study as part of your capstone Research project. Go on our Business Start-up Journey and transform your idea into a business through ASPIRE. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our lively and active postgraduate community is brought about in part by our strong research culture and by the close community between our staff and students. Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books and embed their research in their teaching.
Students have regular contact with their course and module conveners with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide helpful and constructive feedback on submitted work. Also, all students on our postgraduate courses take part in our ‘Ambition in Motion’ programme – a set of supportive workshops which ensure that students are progressing through their learning journeys smoothly.
You can also get involved with extra-curricular academic and social activities with guest lectures, talks and workshops organised by our academic staff, research centres and the ASPIRE team.
Our Canterbury campus provides a welcoming environment and a close-knit student community. Kent Business School is based within the Sibson Building which opened in 2017 and its impressive design won the RIBA Regional and National Award. It houses well-equipped lecture and seminar spaces, as well as breakout spaces for group work, Bloomberg suite, computer labs, a dedicated MBA suite, and our ASPIRE Lab Space. There is also a cafe on site.
The School is conveniently located at the University of Kent’s campus, close to continental Europe and with easy access to London. World-famous Canterbury Cathedral is situated in the heart of the historic city centre, just a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride.
Kent Business School has close links with: Universität Innsbruck; Beijing Normal University - Bay Area International Business School; ESSEC Business School; Neoma Business School; Rennes Business School; EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht; Freie Universität Berlin; City University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Baptist University; University of Hong Kong; Institut Teknologi Bandung (The Bandung Institute of Technology); Università Carlo Cattaneo in Castellanza; Università degli Studi di Bologna; Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence); IE Madrid; Stockholm University.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Our world-class academics influence management strategies and practices world-wide through our outstanding research projects and direct involvements with industry. We address some of the biggest challenges of our time such as sustainability and responsible leadership to drive progress and create better business globally.
At its core, our research strategy is about delivering a sustainable tomorrow - a theme that Kent Business School embodies in all areas. We want to answer the big questions - How can innovation that enables sustainable long-term economic growth be created and supported? How can sustainable business practices improve environmental and social conditions? These are the problems we are here to solve.
We are global leaders advancing knowledge through constant collaboration and promotion of innovative research. We collaborate with local, national and international business, but we don't stop there. We have forged partnerships with other academic institutions and organisations such as the NHS. This wider focus allows us to advance towards our goal of a sustainable tomorrow.
Research Departments
Department of Accounting and Finance – The Department enjoys a significant international presence and reputation in several fields, including critical accounting, accounting history, sustainability accounting, corporate finance, banking and options pricing and performance.
Department for Analytics, Operations and Systems – The Department offers world class education and conducts internationally leading research in operational research, data analytics, operations management, information systems and sustainability.
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business – The Department brings together experts in the areas of three key management disciplines promoting interdisciplinary teaching and research as well as cross interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
Department of Leadership and Management – The Department is a cross-disciplinary community dedicated to tackling complex business and societal challenges. Our teaching and innovative research encompasses the economic, psychological, social, political, and technological contexts in which organisations operate worldwide.
Research Centres
The Centre for Logistics and Sustainability Analytics – The Centre helps companies to address a wide range of transport, logistics, and supply chain problems with sustainability considerations.
The Centre for Productivity and Workplace Performance – The Centre contributes to the evidence base for competitiveness, environmental growth, regional productivity, technology and innovation.
The Centre for Quantitative Finance – Providing quantitative analysis of issues in the financial markets for businesses and policymakers.
Dynamic Publishing
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Corporate Finance, British Journal of Management, Organizations and Society, European Journal of Operational Research, Journal of Environmental Management, Financial Accountability & Management, Journal of Banking and Finance, Management Science, Transportation Science, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, British Journal of Management, Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship, Theory and Practice, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Research Policy, European Journal of Operational Research, European Journal of Marketing, International Journal of Research in Marketing, International Marketing Review.
From the moment you start with us, our efforts are focused on helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive workplace. As part of the course, you may wish to undertake an Industrial Placement or opt for an In-Company Scheme to work on a real business case study as part of your capstone Research project. Go on our Business Start-up Journey and transform your idea into a business through ASPIRE. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our careers and employability support at Kent Business School is designed to make sure you are ready to hit the ground running when you graduate, when you study with us you can expect:
Additionally, the Postgraduate Employability Edge programme, available to postgraduate students at Kent Business School takes place from Welcome Week until the end of your studies and is designed to enhance your career prospects further.
This specialist programme prepares students for a variety of competitive and exciting roles in multinational enterprises, international organisations, governmental bodies or consultancies.
Students who studied similar courses at Kent Business School have gone on to work in a variety of companies including:
Many of our students also stay local and find job opportunities regionally in small and medium firms or even set-up their own businesses as well-equipped entrepreneurs.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, it also allows you to study the CMI Level 7 certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership alongside your degree. CMI is the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence.
The recent accreditation by the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT) is evidence of the quality and relevance to practice of our MSc International Business and Management programme. The IOE&IT is a professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone in the domain of international trade.
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.
You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.
Supporting your success
Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024.
Fees and funding
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
Accommodation
