International Business

Entry requirements

Application deadlines

Please note: The application process will open 1st October for entry the following academic year.

There is a high demand for places on these programmes. To maximise your chances of being offered one of these places, we recommend that you submit your application to the University as early as possible.

Should you miss the deadlines specified above, then it may be possible for the University to add your application to a waiting list, which may be consulted in the event that following review and processing of all applications received prior to the deadlines, vacant places remain available on the programme.

The University is under no obligation to make any offer of a place on the programme to any applicant, nor is the University obligated to fill all spaces available on the programme.

Consideration of any application received by the University after expiry of the deadlines specified herein, shall be made at the sole discretion of the University.

Masters in Management programmes are intended for graduates in any subject or discipline; no previous study in business or management is necessary. For example, in the past we have had graduates from a diverse range of degrees such as Music, Anthropology, Medicine and Geography. Business and Management undergraduate students may find some content overlaps with their first degree.

What do I need first

The equivalent of a UK first or upper second class honours degree. Check the full list of equivalent qualifications.

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

NB Chinese Applicants: Applications will be accepted from students who have graduated from a prestigious university in China. Entry requirements may vary depending upon the reputation of the university you have graduated from and the academic programme you have applied for. As a guide, applicants are expected to have achieved an overall average of 85%.

How do I apply

You will need to complete an online application form.

Please note you can only apply for one Masters Management programme.

>>Fill out the online application form

To support your online application form, you will need to provide the following documents.

• Official transcript of marks
• Copy of degree certificate (if available)
• Copy of English test results (if available).

You can either upload your supporting documents with your online application or email or fax them to the Postgraduate Admissions Office using the contact details below.

Note:

Only files of type .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .rtf are permitted to be uploaded.
The maximum file size is 5MB.

Application fee

Once we receive your online application form, you’ll get an automatic email within 48 hours asking you to pay the £60 application fee* which is required to progress your application.

You’ll need to follow the link in the email to the webpage where you can confirm your details and make the payment using a debit or credit card. This is a secure website operated by Secpay, which will send you an automatic receipt of payment.

Once we receive confirmation that your application fee has been paid, we’ll be able to progress your application. If you do not pay the application fee your application will be automatically withdrawn.

*Please note you will only be able to make a payment for one programme in each suite i.e. one MSc Finance programme, one MSc Management programme, one MSc Economics programme.

College membership

If you’re applying for a full-time programme you’ll need to become a member of one of our Colleges as well as being accepted by a department. Here’s more information about how the college system works. Once you accept your programme offer, the College Postgraduate Office will get in touch with you to arrange accommodation. Please note that demand for college accommodation usually exceeds availability, so please try to arrange it as soon as possible.

Admissions process

Here are the steps in the admissions process:

1. We will let you know when we’ve received your application.
2. Once we’ve received all of your supporting documents, we will email you to let you know our decision.
3. If the decision is to make you an offer of a place on the programme we will let you know by email. Please note we do not issue hard copy offer letters as these are not required to obtain a student visa.
4. If you have requested university accommodation on your application form, the college will contact you direct. They will send you an accommodation application form, which you should complete and return directly to the college.
5. You should confirm acceptance of your offer as soon as possible. In order to secure your place, you are required to pay a deposit within six weeks of the date of your original offer (check your offer documents for details of payment methods).
6. International students requiring a student visa will receive a CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies) via email once all offer conditions are met, acceptance and deposit have been received and you are within five months of the start date of your programme.

Please note: You must let us know your own personal email address when applying. Please do not use a university-linked email which may stop working once you complete your bachelor degree.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Our MSc International Business course recognises the international nature of modern-day commerce and develops the skills you need to successfully negotiate the realities of business management in a global context. You will develop an in-depth understanding of this ever-growing area of contemporary business through core and optional modules and will complete a practical business project or a research-based dissertation.

The core modules consider global business strategy, international business management, leadership in a global context, business environment in emerging economy, advanced data, digital and global business analytics, global environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and global marketing management. The range of optional modules offers the flexibility to tailor the course to your interests and aspirations, including studies in international entrepreneurship, international business finance and technology (ib-fintech), international human resource management, digital innovation and new media in international business, and East Asian business and management.

Fittingly, this one-year full-time course offers a significant international element to your learning. You will have the opportunity to participate in international study tours and summer schools with our overseas academic and business partners and also complete your dissertation abroad.

On campus, you will be able to take part in events and activities that will enhance your business knowledge and experience.

In addition to presentations by guest speakers with huge international business management experience, you will be able to take part in the University’s annual Blueprint Startup Challenge.

We are proud of the Business School’s reputation for academic excellence. We are accredited by all three major business accreditation bodies, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Association of MBAs and the European Quality Improvement System.

We are equally proud of the School’s vibrant, supportive and stimulating learning environment experience, created by academic staff who are experts in their field and passionate about sharing their knowledge.

World class Business Education

• 8th (UK) 38th (Europe) =51st (Global) - QS World University Rankings: Masters in Management 2024

Course structure

Core modules:

Business Environment in Emerging Economy explores the complexities of doing business in emerging economies. You will examine the differences between emerging and developed economies and the particularities of the internationalisation of emerging market multinationals.

International Business Management (IBM) provides you with the skills for managing a diverse range of international businesses. It also aims to provide insights into the effects of formal and informal institutions inherent in managing businesses across borders.

Global Business Strategy and Analysis explores the theories and practice of business management in the existing global environment. You will examine the drivers behind globalisation, the global expansion of corporations, and management in organisations that operate across borders.

Leadership in a Global Context will help students acquire the skills, understanding, and mindset crucial for becoming leaders in global business and international, multicultural organizations. Students will develop the skills needed to operate in diverse geographical contexts, groups of individuals, and institutions, mobilising people and resources toward common objectives within a global business context. The module also seeks to develop a deeper understanding of leadership roles in NGOs, businesses, and international corporations. It also aims to equip students with cutting-edge leadership knowledge and research.

Advanced Data, Digital and Global Business Analytics seeks to equip students with practical digital and business analytics skills crucial for organising, managing, and transforming global businesses. These skills are also essential for cultivating and embedding data-driven decision-making and culture. The module will introduce students to a diverse range of tools crucial for analysing and interpreting large amounts of data to inform cross-border business decisions.

Global Marketing Management offers an in-depth introduction to strategic management, marketing planning, and professional marketing practice. You will explore how to develop a professional strategic marketing plan successfully.

Global Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility strives to equip students with up-to-date knowledge on contemporary environmental issues such as resource depletion, carbon footprint, and the roles of a diverse range of stakeholders in driving changes and addressing these issues. This module provides an overview of the contemporary economic, legislative, and political challenges in combating environmental issues and minimising the environmental footprint of businesses.

Research Methods and Dissertation gives you the opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation into an issue relevant to your degree. You will gain an understanding of the key principles of research design and methodology in business and management and develop your skills in conducting and communicating research at an advanced level. The module will also give you the opportunity to undertake research abroad at a partner university. You can choose to undertake a business project in place of the traditional dissertation format, working with a host organisation or carry out an issue-led investigation across a range of organisations on a specific management issue.

Examples of optional modules:

You also choose a number of optional modules which have previously included:

• International Entrepreneurship
• International Business Finance and Technology (IB-Fintech)
• International Human Resource Management
• Digital Innovation and New Media in International Business
• East Asian Business and Management
• International field study
• International Study Tour
• A language module such as those offered by the university’s Centre for Foreign Language Study

Information for international students

Fees and funding