Key information
Edinburgh Business School's MSc International Business Management takes business theory and applies it to defined, practical settings. It builds a vital understanding of the modern business world and allows you to shape your learning to your ambitions.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September, January
- Next intake
- September
Our MSc in International Business Management provides you with a strong understanding of the modern business landscape, applying key theories in practical, real-world contexts, allowing you to learn essential international business management knowledge that prepares you for professional and managerial roles across private, public, and third-sector organisations.
This programme is aimed at graduates and professionals from non-management backgrounds who are looking to enhance or redirect their careers. Alongside subject expertise, you’ll develop valuable transferable skills to support your long-term career progression including effective teamwork and independent working, strong written and verbal communication, digital literacy, and the ability to interpret a wide range of numerical and graphical data.
The programme is highly practice-oriented. In the final part of this degree, you'll get a chance to work on a company consultancy project which allows you to understand business issues and apply concepts learnt during the programme. This invaluable skillset will make you highly sought after upon graduation.
Reasons to study this programme:
- Open to multidisplinary backgrounds: Introduces the study of business and management to graduates and professionals from non-management backgrounds who are looking to enhance or redirect their careers.
- Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through optional courses, including finance, measuring and managing performance, managing diversity in business and project management.
- Expert faculty: Learning will be informed by expertise of our research-active academics whose work covers Employment, Work and the Professions, Logistics and Sustainability, Networks and Enterprise Excellence and Social and Economic Data Analysis.
- Supported learning: Delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and interactive learning activities and be assessed by coursework, examinations and a dissertation while receiving support and feedback throughout the programme.
- Blend of skills: A curriculum based on a mix of mandatory and elective courses including fundamental business principles and versatile management skills to develop modern managerial capabilities that complement existing experience and support a career transition or progression into leadership roles.
The Future Shapers scholarship
The Future Shapers scholarship is looking for students who want to use research to create solutions to solve major global challenges. This has been established for 2026 by one of our generous donors and is a testament to the talent and world-shaping potential of our University's students and researchers. We are offering 12 scholarships across our 4 research areas, worth 50%, 75% and 100% of your tuition fee respectively.
Apply nowYour student experience
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics whose work covers four key areas:
- Employment, Work and the Professions
- Logistics and Sustainability
- Networks and Enterprise Excellence
- Social and Economic Data Analysis
Their expertise ensures that teaching is grounded in current research and real-world business challenges, helping you develop knowledge that is both relevant and future-focused.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory September
- Competitive Strategy
- International Business Context
- HR Strategy and Practice
Optional September
- Finance and Financial Reporting
- Measuring and Managing Performance
Mandatory January
- Research Philosophy and Practice
- Business Economics
- International Marketing
Optional January
- Managing Diversity in Business
- Project Management
Mandatory May
- Dissertation
January Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory January
- Research Philosophy and Practice
- Business Economics
- International Marketing
Optional January
- Managing Diversity in Business
- Project Management
Optional September
- Measuring and Managing Performance
- Finance and Financial Reporting
Mandatory September
- Competitive Strategy
- HR Strategy and Practice
- International Business Context
Mandatory Second January
- Dissertation
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Student testimonials
Anirudh's story
Graduate, International Business Management MSc
The MSc taught me basics as well as some advanced theories, methods, and management concepts, which has given me great confidence to apply the learned skill set in global work environments and how I can contribute to the company's growth .
Pankaj's story
Graduate, International Business Management MSc
The support system at the university is commendable. Even before arriving in the UK, current students are readily available to answer all queries and provide assistance on various aspects, making the transition smoother.
Wojciech's story
Graduate, International Business Management MSc
My degree provided a strong foundation in market analysis and change management, which proved invaluable. The academic support from my supervisors was outstanding, guiding me through the project.See more
See moreHeriot-Watt stood out as the perfect choice; the program’s robust academic framework, combined with industry collaboration, promised a comprehensive learning experience. The two-year format, with its industry placement component, was especially appealing because it allowed me to gain hands-on experience while I applied the theoretical knowledge I was developing in class.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £12,744 | £6,372 |
| International | £24,952 | £12,476 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in any academic subject provided that it includes evidence of essay writing and use of critical thinking.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Student life
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