MSc/PgDip/PgCert
International Business There are exciting career opportunities for graduates who have a deep understanding of global business practices and the knowledge to create international strategies. This course is aimed at students with a background in business or business-related studies, who are looking to develop their career into strategic international business management. The programme is highly industry-focussed and culminates in a period of time on work experience or work-based project. You can choose between a 9-12 month paid placement or the 3-6 month Industry Collaboration Project (depending on availability). Whichever you choose, you will put into practice the knowledge that you’ve learned.
During your time with us, you’ll consider how international organisations are structured; learn how to manage relationships with key international stakeholders; evaluate opportunities and threats in a global context; and consider how cultural differences influence decision-making. As you identify, evaluate and understand the different cultural, social, political, legal and sustainability factors that impact global business performance, so you will develop your skills in problemsolving and decision-making. With a high number of international students on this course, you will expand your cultural awareness and build your global network. You will also enhance your personal skills for example in team-working; collecting and evaluating information; and developing and implementing strategies.
Accredited by EFMD, the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of business programmes. This accreditation is your assurance of the quality of the course.
Six good reasons to choose Salford Business School: Practical teaching, informed by our industry partners, so you develop the skills employers look for
Real-world learning on the unique Industry Collaboration Project
Multiple start dates to fit with your life priorities
Beautiful campus just minutes from Manchester city centre
Excellent industry links with the dynamic Greater Manchester business community
Focus on the digital, ethical and sustainability business challenges of the 21st century
Course Content The course is delivered in four blocks of intensive study periods. For each block, you study a single module for a six-week period. Face-to-face teaching is delivered on campus for six hours each week. In addition, you will attend lectures to support you as you prepare for your Paid Industry Placement or Industry Collaboration Project (depending on which you choose). During this period, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University of Salford’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard. On successful completion of the taught elements, you will progress onto work experience. You can choose to follow the Industry Collaboration Project (3-6 months) or the Paid Industry Placement module (9-12 months). If you choose the Paid Industry Placement option and are accepted on to this, your registration will be transferred to the MSc International Business with Industry Placement programme. You are responsible for finding your placement but we will support you through the process. All placements are competitive and you can expect to apply for a number of jobs and be interviewed. You will need to meet the employer’s entry criteria in order to be accepted on any placement route.
Modules INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
Teaching:
In this era of globalisation it is essential for companies to understand the different international environments of the markets in which they may operate, and how these influence value-adding activities and decision-making. This module will develop your understanding of these different international environments in terms of the opportunities and threats that they may present to an organisation. You will also develop an understanding of the competitive and internal value-adding environments of an organisation and how these, combined with the international environments of markets, inform companies’ decisions with regards to international expansion.
/ Interactive lectures and seminars based on problem-based learning scenarios / Assessment workshops / Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, videos, podcasts and relevant articles Assessments: 50% Individual written coursework on the macroenvironment of international business 50% Individual written coursework on international expansion strategy
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT On this module, you will consider how global organisations are designed and structured. You will examine the changing nature of organisations in a global context, and discuss whether HR policy and practice is becoming truly global or whether national and cultural sensibilities prevent this. You will evaluate how different cultural norms and behaviours affect the organisational life and learn to apply theoretical ideas to help solve practical problems around organisational design and development.
Teaching: / Interactive lectures and seminars / Group working on problem-based learning scenarios / Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles Assessments: 50% Portfolio based on industry observation 50% Exam
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS IN PRACTICE
Teaching:
This module will introduce you to the theory of crosscultural interaction and different cultural identities; you will look at how these influence management practice in the areas of ethics, leadership, decision-making, communication and negotiation. You will gain an appreciation of different cultural attitudes towards ethics in international business operations and understand the ethical challenges faced by managers working in a multicultural environment. You are encouraged to experiment and develop personal initiative and responsibility to investigate and solve organisational problems and issues.
/ Interactive lectures and seminars
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Teaching:
Central to modern international business is the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders such as customers and suppliers. This module will develop your awareness of culture in international marketing communications and businessto-business relationships. In addition to traditional communications such as advertising, you will also look at how social media can be used to engage with consumers from different cultural backgrounds. You will also learn how global supply chains across a range of organisations and sectors can be managed responsibly and sustainably.
/ Group working on problem-based learning scenarios / Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles Assessments: 50% Individual assignment on the influence of culture on international business practices 50% Group presentation on applying insight to develop a culturally-intelligent solution to a management problem
/ Interactive lectures and seminars / Group working on problem-based learning scenarios / Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles Assessments: 50% Group written report 50% Exam
Work experience Choose between a 9-12 month industry placement or one of the 3-6 month Industry Collaboration Project options INDUSTRY PLACEMENT
Assessment:
The paid industry placement gives you the chance to undertake 9 - 12 months’ employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally.
Portfolio 8,000 to 10,000 words (90%)
You will obtain your own placement but the Business School will support you with industry contacts as well as preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more. You will be allocated a supervisor to support you throughout the placement, from preparing your learning agreement and action plan with your employer through to delivery of your outcomes.
Reflection 2000 words (10%)
For the final three months of your programme you will return to campus to reflect on and write up about your experience.
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION PROJECT (ICP) - CHOOSE FROM:
Assessment:
ICP work placement - a six month paid project with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally. By exploring a key issue impacting an organisation, you will apply the theoretical knowledge gained through your studies and develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment.
10% project proposal 90% portfolio
You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
ICP internship – the three-month unpaid internship aims to equip you with the relevant practical skills to critically identify and evaluate key issues impacting organisations and their environments either in the UK or overseas. You will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue. You will have specified learning goals and will need to actively reflect on what is being learned throughout the experience. You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
Assessment: 10% project proposal 90% portfolio
ICP applied dissertation - an advanced-level applied research pathway based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The dissertation path gives you the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained from the taught elements of the programme to a current organisational issue and deploy and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical selfreflection and methodical, systematic research. It is an excellent option if you are considering moving into academic research and PhD studies.
Assessment: 10% project proposal 90% portfolio
You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal consisting of research questions, aims and objectives, and the rationale for undertaking the study. The 12,000 – 15,000 word dissertation will include literature review, research methodology, analysis of findings, conclusions, recommendations and a critical reflection of your learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
ICP entrepreneurship - through this option you will apply the theory and concepts you have learnt from the taught elements of your programme. With the help of mentors in the Launch@ Salford incubator, you will develop the skills and thinking that supports entrepreneurial action while working on the development of your own innovative business idea. You will horizon scan for business opportunities, assess the external challenges and consider available strategies that will support your aim of establishing a new business, or let you incorporate entrepreneurial thinking into an existing organisation.
Assessment: initial 1,500 word business proposal (10%) and an 8,500 - 10,000 word Comprehensive Business Proposal accompanied by a 30 minute presentation (90%).
Entry requirements: A minimum 2:2 degree or equivalent or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate International Management programme. A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted. We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. Please contact us for information on our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process All of our courses are taught and assessed in English, so as an applicant you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this however we accept a range of equivalent qualifications. We also offer several English language courses which help you gain entry onto our degrees. For more information go to salford.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements
Career prospects: In addition to a highly-regarded formal qualification, you’ll develop personal and organisational management skills that will significantly enhance your career prospects – particularly if you want to become a manager in a multinational company. Graduates often go on to build careers as global business managers, international business consultants or entrepreneurs.
Start dates: Multiple entry points; visit website for up-to-date information Duration: MSc (one year full-time, two years part-time) PgDip (eight months full-time or two years part-time) PgCert (four months full-time or one year part-time) The MSc is the only route available for international students. If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Find out more at salford.ac.uk/international/scholarships WANT TO KNOW MORE? Visit salford.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/international-business STILL HAVE SOME QUESTIONS? Contact us: By email (UK applicants): enquiries@salford.ac.uk By email (international applicants): international@salford.ac.uk @salfordbusinessschool
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