International Business and Management MSc
Develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in global business with our MSc International Business and Management. Learn to navigate international markets, strategy and operations in a fast-changing, interconnected world.
Key information
For:
starting September 2026
Typical offer:
A second-class honours degree or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Study MSc International Business and Management at the University of Portsmouth London, a TEF Gold-rated University located in one of the world’s leading business and financial centres.
This course prepares you to operate confidently in today’s global business environment, developing an advanced understanding of international markets, strategy, innovation, global trade and organisational management. Designed for graduates from both business and non-business backgrounds, it builds your ability to analyse complex global challenges and make informed, strategic decisions.
You’ll explore key areas such as global trade and finance, corporate strategy for a sustainable future, global supply chain and operations management, and people, culture and innovation. Through applied learning, case studies and collaborative projects, you’ll connect theory to real-world business contexts and develop practical, career-ready skills.
Built around a connected curriculum, the course integrates key business disciplines and emphasises industry engagement and real-world challenges. In your final project, you’ll investigate a contemporary international business issue, developing the research, analytical and professional skills valued by global employers.
Course highlights
- Develop expertise in global business strategy, trade, finance and international markets
- Explore sustainability, innovation and responsible business decision-making in a global context
- Apply learning through real-world case studies, simulations and industry-focused projects
- Study within a connected curriculum linking strategy, people, operations and global business
- Build your professional network through industry engagement, guest speakers and London-based opportunities
- Complete a major independent project on a contemporary international business issue
News items
Find out about student collaborations with real businesses, the local council, and how our academics go above and beyond both professionally and personally.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Your new home at UoP London
Located just a minute’s walk from Walthamstow’s tube and bus stations, our campus provides easy access to the entire city, placing you at the centre of London’s dynamic business scene.
Come along to an Open Day
Open Days at the London campus vary to those held in Portsmouth.
Contact information
London Campus Enquiries: london@port.ac.uk
Business and management studies at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 2nd of the modern universities by research power
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Entry requirements
September 2026 / January 2027 / May 2027 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Contact information
London Campus Enquiries: london@port.ac.uk
Careers and opportunities
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
International business professionals help organisations operate, compete and grow across global markets. The skills you develop on this course – including strategic analysis, global trade understanding, supply chain management and cross-cultural leadership – are valued across sectors such as consulting, finance, logistics, technology, retail and multinational corporations.
Graduates go on to roles internationally and in the UK, such as:
- Financial Analyst
- Project and Commercialisation Manager
- Restaurateur
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Business Development Executive
- Business Analyst
- International Business Manager
- Strategy Consultant
- Operations Manager
with opportunities to work in global organisations, multinational firms and international markets in the UK and worldwide.
Modules
What you'll study
Core modules
You’ll explore the human dynamics that shape strategic outcomes and learn how different internal and external stakeholders influence organisational direction.
You’ll apply organisational behaviour theories to interpret individual, group and generational behaviour, helping you strengthen culture and develop confident leadership practice.
You’ll also build a clear, critical understanding of both established and emerging approaches to human resource management, and how they support organisational capability and competitive advantage in modern contexts.
Using these insights, you’ll design evidence‑based strategies that integrate people management, cultural development and sustainable innovation. Through active, blended learning such as case analysis, real‑world problem solving and applied practice, you’ll connect theory directly to the challenges you’ll face in your organisation.
You’ll explore the foundations of international trade and examine how trade policy shapes national and regional outcomes. You’ll analyse the structure of the global financial system, including foreign exchange markets, capital flows and the role of international financial institutions in supporting stability and growth.
You’ll assess the risks and opportunities linked to global trade and finance, considering political instability, currency volatility and systemic shocks. Using data‑driven and scenario‑based approaches, you’ll develop informed policy recommendations that address current challenges such as protectionism, geopolitical tension and sustainability.
Through case studies, real‑world data analysis and collaborative discussion, you’ll build the confidence and insight needed to navigate and influence the evolving global economic landscape.
You’ll examine how complex, multi‑tier supply chains are designed and managed, and analyse the flow of products, information and resources to improve performance.
You’ll explore the strategic role of global supply chains and evaluate how organisations respond to key challenges such as risk, resilience, sustainability and digital transformation.
You’ll develop the confidence to design innovative, technology‑enabled strategies and governance approaches that enhance efficiency, responsiveness and long‑term competitiveness. Learning is active and applied, combining expert‑led sessions, case studies, simulations and collaborative projects.
By the end of the module, you’ll be ready to develop and implement robust global supply chain strategies that drive performance, innovation and sustainable value creation.
You’ll explore how organisations create long‑term value, with a strong focus on sustainability and responsible decision making. You’ll critically examine different types of corporate strategy and assess how effective they are under competitive pressure.
You’ll analyse internal, micro and macro environments using established strategic tools, building confidence in evidence‑based corporate and business‑level decisions. A key focus is on designing integrated corporate, business, functional and operational strategies that support growth, turnaround and effective execution.
You’ll also explore how sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals can be embedded into strategic choices. Through real‑world case studies, collaborative problem solving and strategic simulations, you’ll connect theory to practice and develop robust strategies that enhance performance and long‑term stakeholder value.
Across 45 hours of workshops, you’ll explore each stage of the project process. This includes defining your focus, understanding stakeholders, planning your approach, designing research, analysing data, and addressing ethical and sustainability considerations. You’ll also learn how to communicate your outcomes with clarity and impact.
With an additional 5 hours of one-to-one academic supervision, you’ll apply appropriate research and technology to produce meaningful results, recommendations, or creative work.
You’ll reflect on your progress throughout, helping you connect your learning to your professional development. By the end, you’ll show your ability to think critically, work independently, and make evidence-based decisions in real-world contexts. This module will give you essential transferrable skills and will enhance your employability.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. Where significant module changes occur, we'll let you know as soon as possible.
Course Specification
Note from September 2026 the modules on this course have changed.
The course specification below is based on 2025/26 course modules, including May 2026 entry. We'll confirm the 2026 Business and Management course specification here soon.
How you'll spend your time
This Master's degree will take 12 months full-time. Your timetable typically allows you to work alongside your studies.
A regular week on this course reflects the University of Portsmouth London’s Active Blended Learning approach, which focuses on what you do as a learner rather than passive listening.
You can expect:
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To attend 10-12 hours of scheduled teaching activities during term time. This will be across two consecutive days, so you can work alongside your studies.
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To spend roughly 21 hours per week studying independently (including research, reading, coursework and project work, either individually or a group).
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To focus on your research project in the last 3 months of the course.
How I will learn at UoP London
Our teaching is designed to be personal, practical and flexible, helping you gain the knowledge, confidence and skills employers are looking for.
You’ll study in a supportive learning environment where your lecturers know you, classes are interactive, and your timetable is designed to fit around your life.
Active learning
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Learn in supportive groups where your lecturers know you and you’re encouraged to contribute, ask questions and receive personalised feedback.
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Students support one another throughout the course: Those who have completed modules share insights with new students, and as you progress, you’ll take on this role yourself- building confidence and communication skills.
Consistent timetable from day one
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Usually, your timetable stays the same each term.
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You will have two consecutive on-campus days, making it easier to plan work, study and personal commitments.
Blended learning
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Learning is on-campus, delivered face-to-face in small, interactive groups.
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Modules are grouped into related subject areas rather than taught in isolation. This helps you see how ideas connect across your discipline, build knowledge progressively, and apply learning more confidently to complex, real-world problems.
Interdisciplinary learning
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You’ll combine face-to-face learning with online activities and often work with students from other disciplines.
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This reflects how professional teams operate and helps you develop industry-relevant skills valued by employers.
One module at a time
- Focus on one block of teaching at a time, allowing deeper learning, clearer feedback and reduced assessment overlap.
Teaching and assessment
Our approach to teaching is designed to be dynamic, practical and closely aligned with real-world practice. You’ll learn through a range of engaging, hands-on experiences that develop both your knowledge and professional skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Teaching sessions
Teaching is delivered through engaging sessions such as:
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Industry educators demonstrating true professional practice
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Interactive seminars
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Immersive simulations
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Practical and/or computer-based workshops
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Group work and collaborative projects
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Practical classes
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One-to-one and personalised tutorials
Learning is active, discussion-based and centred on real-world application.
Support and assessment
You’ll be supported by a dedicated teaching team, a personal tutor and student support staff throughout your studies. Small class sizes ensure support is personal, proactive and accessible.
Assessment is varied and designed to reflect real-world practice. We typically have no exams and instead opt for more authentic assessments, with the exception of courses that have external professional body requirements, such as accounting and finance.
Depending on your chosen course, methods may include:
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Live client projects
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Business simulations
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Practical and in-class exercises
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Written reports and essays
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Oral assessment and presentations
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Group and standalone projects
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Portfolios
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Review articles
Our teaching ethos
Our teaching is guided by a clear set of principles that shape how learning is designed and delivered:
Active
Learning focuses on what you do, encouraging participation, problem-solving and hands-on application.
Civic
Learning is connected to local and global communities, helping you understand the wider impact of your studies.
Inclusive
We are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where all students can succeed.
Inspiring
Teaching is designed to spark curiosity, confidence and a genuine passion for learning.
Innovative
We use creative and forward-thinking approaches to keep learning engaging and relevant.
Digital by design
Digital tools are embedded into learning to support collaboration, flexibility and employability.
Supporting you
Academic skills
Throughout your time at UoP London, you'll get the following support online or face-to-face from our academic skills team to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed:
- Academic writing (such as reports and projects)
- Reflective writing
- Critical thinking skills
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Using AI tools to support your learning
- Professional conversations and presentations
You'll also have access to a personal tutor to support you in your studies.
You are expected to meet English language entry requirements for your course, as outlined on the relevant course page. However, if English isn't your first language, our academic skills team can support you in working across languages. You can also do our online free In-Sessional English (ISE) module to improve your written English language skills during your degree.
You can find entry requirements for English language proficiency by visiting the relevant course page:
Careers guidance
Our dedicated team hosts drop-in sessions every week, providing expert guidance for part-time job searches, CV and cover letter editing, and interview preparation. You can also avail of this service online.
Visit our careers and employment page
Wellbeing support
We offer a range of support to help students manage their mental health, wellbeing, and any disability-related needs. Our wellbeing team is here to help you navigate challenges and access the right services.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2026 / January 2027 / May 2027 start)
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- £11,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
EU and International students
- £18,600 (may be subject to annual increase)
If you're an EU student you may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
Graduate of UoP? Save 20% on your Masters
If you are a graduate of the University of Portsmouth, you could be eligible for 20% off postgraduate courses.
Funding your studies
Explore available scholarships and bursaries.
You may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Find out more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Waltham Forest. You can also visit our fees and funding page for a breakdown of living costs in London.
You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module. We endeavour to make all required books accessible online.
You can also borrow most of these online from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We endeavour to be a paperless and sustainable university. As such, files and content is kept electronically on e-databases where possible. Most academics will print the paperwork if required. If you choose to print, photocopy, or bind your work, you may want to budget up to £30 a year for this.
Assignment submissions and dissertations are electronic.
If your course includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community in London.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Apply
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2026
Start this course in January 2027
Start this course in May 2027
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2025, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.