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.
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).
January start courses are ideal if you want to take a career break and enhance your skills. Take your career further or jump lanes and break into a new field.
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.
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 Medway campus, just 40 minutes 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 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.
The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.
For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.
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.
Compulsory modules currently include
International Accounting for Decision Making (15 credits) - Spring term
Organisational Behaviour and HRM: A Global Perspective (15 credits) - Spring term
Business in an International Perspective (15 credits) - Spring term
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility (15 credits) - Spring term
Project Management (15 credits) - Spring term
Global Strategy (15 credits) - Summer term
Managing the Multinational Enterprise (15 credits) - Summer term
Global Value Chains, Strategy and Development (15 credits) - Summer term
Strategic Marketing (15 credits) - Summer term
Research Methods and Consulting Skills (15 credits) - Summer term
Business Report (30 credits) - Autumn term
Duration: 1 year full-time
The January-entry version of this course consists of five compulsory modules in Stage 1 and five compulsory modules in Stage 2, finishing with a piece of research.
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:
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.
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. You can catch up with our most recent Open for Business Seminar Series.
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 café 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: ifs (Institute of Financial Services); dunnhumby, who partners the Consumer Insight Service in the Centre for Value Chain Research; Hong Kong Baptist University, with whom we offer a joint Master’s programme in Operational Research and Finance Business Statistics; University of Castellanza (Italy); Audencia Nantes Business School (France); Aarhus School of Business and Social Sciences (Denmark); Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; University of Ingolstadt, Bayern (Germany); City University of Hong Kong; Renmin University of China, School of Business.
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.
Kent Business School is a research-led business school. Our research strategy is developed around the core theme of sustainable innovation which cuts across the entire School. This theme can be seen as being divided into two sub-strands of research aimed at answering these main questions:
Kent Business School advances knowledge through constant promotion and support of innovative research. We have an impact on wider society through extensive collaborations with external partners which range from other academic institutions to a variety of local, national and international businesses as well as the NHS. Within this wider context, our main strategic aim has been geared towards establishing ourselves as a leading institution for research in sustainable innovation.
Kent Business School is a global leader in research and develops a wide portfolio of research related activities including workshops, conferences and research seminar series. This has led to a large number of international collaborations and to over 200 co-authored papers with international partners.
Our MSc International Business and Management programme is part of the department of marketing, entrepreneurship and international business. When studying with us you'll be joining a community that brings together experts in the areas of three key management disciplines promoting interdisciplinary teaching and research as well as cross interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
This approach allows the department to offer a world class educational experience to our students preparing them to become the drivers of innovation, change and performance in an interconnected business environment advancing sustainable development and growth.Our expert academics are at the very forefront of this, meaning that when you graduate, you will be ready to take the knowledge, skills and crucial context you have learned into industry to kickstart your career.
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Humanitarian Logistic, European, The International Journal of Project Management, International Journal of Human Resources Management, International Business Review, Journal of Business Research, Technology Forecasting, and Social Change.
Dr Maggie Zeng is the director of studies for our MSc International Business and Management programme. With a strong background in academia and research she brings strong real world experience to the course. As well as this, Dr Maggie has focused on business ecosystem and strategic management of digital platform by exploring the emergence, governance and dynamic interaction between platform ecosystem players, and strategy in changing environment. Her focus on contemporary, global issues means these interests are embedded into the teaching of this programme, ensuring our graduates are ready to go into the world and effect change. You can find out more and view her staff profile here.
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.
You gain much more than an academic qualification when you graduate. We enhance your student experience and accelerate your career prospects to help you achieve your ambition.
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. 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 PGT students at Kent Business School takes place from Welcome Week through to the end of the academic year and is designed to enhance your career prospects further.
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 annual tuition fees for students starting this course in January 2024 can be found on the Student Finance page.
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.
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
