Course Summary

This exciting course offers you the opportunity to develop a particular strength in the management of international business issues. You will focus on strategic areas of marketing management and finance, as well as international markets and the developing patterns of world trade invaluable for those who wish to work in the global marketplace.

You will develop the skills required to adopt appropriate strategic responses to different market environments through the study of organisations. You will also understand the impact of contextual forces on organisations, including legal systems, corporate governance and ethical, economic and environmental change issues.

You will develop your knowledge of the financing of organisations including the sources, uses and management of finance and the use of accounting for managerial and financial reporting. You will also study the management and development of people within organisations, the use of relevant communications within the global economy and how cultural differences affect both buying behaviour and marketing approaches. As well as specific knowledge relating to international business, you will develop enhanced personal and inter-personal skills. These include critical thinking, team working, problem-solving, numeracy and quantitative skills, self management and negotiation skills.

Why choose this course?

On successful completion of the International Business and Management Master's course, you will be equipped with a broad range of knowledge and skills that will enable you to analyse and solve a wide range of business problems and situations. You will be in a strong position to pursue a variety of management roles in both public and private sectors in national or international businesses. The course will be valuable to launch a career in international business or for those looking to develop their existing international career.

During the course you will:

• Experience a course designed to help graduates who are not business specialists
• Gain a valuable insight into business and management and enhance your employability
• Mix with other postgraduate students from around the world in a unique environment
• Have opportunities to attend high-profile business events run by the Universitys Knowledge Hub
• Experience a diverse student population so you can experience the benefits and issues of international business first-hand
• Learn from staff teaching on this course who represent a number of nationalities and bring a truly international perspective

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Business communications
• Financial analysis
• Marketing
• Business data analysis
• Managing people
• Digital business management
• Applied management project
• Corporate finance
• International marketing

I want to learn more about the negotiations in international environment.There are many international students on this course and this helps me to understand how to communicate with international market and how to negotiate in international environment.

Dheival Mahatma - MSc International Business and Management

MSXXI

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used throughout the course. You will be required to undertake a variety of group and individually based assessments. These assessments include individual essays, reports presentations and examinations, and group based reports and presentations. The assessments are designed to test knowledge and understanding of the appropriate subject matter, but also to demonstrate the range of skills identified in section 3 above.

The assessment strategy underlines the programmes concern with research and independent thinking, critical knowledge of theory and practice, the ability to make information decisions and communicate these under time pressure and, finally, the all-important skills of teamwork and oral communication of ideas.

The written assignments and group reports contribute to the learning outcomes focusing on your ability to research and critically evaluate elements of the curriculum in depth. They generally allow you to use a variety of named sources to support your viewpoints

The end of unit examinations focus primarily on critical discussion of theory and current practice and provide the reassurance of guaranteed student authorship, and a true measure of your own ability and understanding.

The time-constrained tests will be more cursory in nature, generally assessing awareness, understanding and application of elements of the curriculum.

The significant weighting given to individual and group presentations stresses the primacy of team work and of effective oral communication based on research and creative, `holistic thinking about organisational, media and stakeholder issues.

Educational Aims

This programme of study aims to achieve the following:

• To enable you to operate successfully in an international business and management role within an upon completion of the programme


• To enable you to expand on your undergraduate skills and enable you to gain knowledge and skills relevant to a global knowledge economy


• To enable you to appreciate the integrated nature of business and management study, and to relate both hard and soft issues to decision making


• To assess the cross-cultural nature of international business and management study


• To add value so as to enhance your employment prospects


• To compare, contrast, and choose theories to the practice of business and management


• To apprise and compare studies of people and organisations in a cross-cultural context


• To develop a career in International business and management by developing your skills at an appropriate level


• To develop and modify your ability to apply knowledge and understanding of business and management to complex issues


• To evaluate and organise your lifelong learning skills and personal development so as to be able to work with self-direction to contribute to business and society at large


• To develop a good grounding and knowledge in emerging international marketing and corporate finance management issues


• To assess and contrast the key concepts, regarding online business measures, their implications and the role in an organisations online strategic development


• To develop the ability to confidently use your strategic and analytical skills to solve strategic international business problems

Student support

You will have a number of induction sessions before the formal classes begin. These will cover areas such as administrative arrangements, academic study in the UK, financial regulations and personal safety. If you have questions or problems with academic matters support is provided by the Course Manager. In the event of an illness during the course or have significant personal or family problems the Student Services offers independent and confidential advice. They are also the only people who can give you extensions to hand in dates for assignments; but they will only do this if you have a good reason. Other support is provided by Student Services, and by the Students Union.

For international students there is a Dedicated International Students' support team. The team are here to help you settle in to University life and give advice on a range of issues such as: part-time work, how to open a bank account, places of worship and local places of interest. There is also an international student induction programme designed to enrich your time of study at the University as well as help you settle in, adjust to your surroundings and get to know your way around.

Team working

Organisations where people do not work together fail. In most units you will find that group work forms a component of the activity. In some units this draws from in class discussions and in others it is a fundamental part of the assessment. We value the diversity of background that participants in the course bring. We try to capitalise on this in class by drawing from your knowledge and background in the in-class group activities and assessments. Tutors facilitate the group and provide feedback and support where necessary. Group working is so important that we use this as the starting point of your finishing point the Advanced Management Project. Here the group is presented with a significant management issue and the team scopes and defines the problem (with support). The team then collects appropriate information and shares this prior to their creation of an individual report and reflection.

Career Management Skills

The course is aimed at providing you with advanced knowledge and skills to facilitate your employment and subsequent career development in management. Throughout the course we will develop your ability to reflect on your performance, and to develop teamwork, written and oral communication skills which are skills essential to you to develop your career.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

As the name suggests this course is intended to equip you with the knowledge and skills to take up a career in the management of an internationally related businesses. This course will equip you for a variety of management roles in both public and private sectors in national and international businesses. The course will be valuable both to people looking to launch a career in international business, and those already working in such an environment and who are looking to develop their career with a relevant qualification.

Further study:

This course is primarily aimed at people wanting to move directly into employment but if you find your studies particularly stimulating and want to study further then there is always the possibility to continue to Doctoral studies, i.e. a PhD.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Professional, Statuatory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

We welcome applications from disabled students and make sure that our campuses are accessible and welcoming to all. Our disability advice team is available to discuss any issues you may have and can provide advice and a range of support and services. On this course there are no foreseeable issues that may discriminate against students with disabilities, and all such students are able to undertake any element of the course. Unit tutors have undertaken awareness programmes provided by the University.

Skills Development

Communication

The ability to communicate effectively is universally recognised as a key skill in an aspiring manager. We try to help you develop your communication skills in a variety of ways in all of the units that you study. There is a core unit in business communication which demonstrates how important we consider this to be. While communication is typically broken down to written and oral this broad classification in no way represents the diversity of opportunities that you will be give. To develop your written communication skills you will be exposed to a wide variety of applications. Business reports and essays (there are not too many essays) are obvious ones but you will also be completing briefing papers, keeping notes, writing proposals and plans. The oral side is equally diverse and you are encouraged to develop your oral skills through class discussions and presentation. A PowerPoint presentation combines both oral and written communication and you will become more experienced at using these.

Information Literacy

In the UK, information literacy is defined by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals as: Information literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner. Right from induction you are introduced to the sources that the university has. We invest heavily in electronic sources of information as well as paper based ones and you are introduced to the range and diversity of what is available to you. The majority, if not all of the units that you study will expect you to search out relevant information and so your skills will improve throughout the course.

To help with the development of this you will use of the Internet as a research tool; analysis of websites, SMS etc. as communication media; use of online data / journals e.g. Keynote, EBSCO, use of PowerPoint as a presentational medium

Research and Evaluation

Through the analysis, processing and justification of numerical data: budgets, brand equity, return on investment measurement e.g. AVEs, other technical formulae OTS, CPT, TVRs. Problem solving permeates much of the course. In most, if not all, units you will be expected to search out relevant information and academic literature. Identifying information and theory is only the start, you must assess the relevance of information and the applicability to the context at hand of the competing theories that you find. This requires critical assessment of the material that you have. Obviously, tutors will present their own critical evaluations of theory and the applicability of theory in particular contexts within class and you should learn from this to develop your own perspectives.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

If running a business were a simple thing then all you would have to do to succeed is read a textbook and follow the guidance given. Theories are a great basis for running organisations but the way that you implement them is critical to how well they can help you. This is where creativity comes in. You need to be looking for different and creative ways to apply what you learn on the course. Of course we give you ample opportunities to develop your creativity. You will find class sessions provide opportunities for discussion of case examples where other classmates have very different solutions to the ones that you have thought of, some more creative than yours and others less. Most of the assignments that you tackle will call for some degree of creativity and so you will get plenty of practice in developing and arguing creative solutions.

Critical thinking, on the other hand represents the application of logic and evidence rather than creativity. Again class discussions provide you with ample opportunity to present logical solutions to case problems and receive feedback on the strength of the argument. Indeed, the majority, if not all, of your assessments need logic and evidence to support your case not least when you have come up with a creative solution.

Improving learning and performance

Most of us are not perfect and most, if not all, of the things we do could be improved. We help you to improve your learning and performance in several ways. When you prepare for an in-class discussion you will find that others have tackled the problem in a different way. This gives you an opportunity to learn from your fellow students (although you have to recognise when your interpretations are better than theirs). You will also interact with the tutors during class sessions, again an opportunity to learn different perspectives and approaches that you can apply later on. For assignments you will receive feedback. This feedback is very much more than simply the grade given. You will find in the feedback suggestions of how your work could have been improved and can apply this information for further pieces of work. Finally, the best management practice draws heavily from reflection. This is your reflection on how you could tackle things differently to improve learning and performance. We do include reflective components in some assessments (in particular the Advanced Management Project) but you will be encouraged to reflect on what you do throughout the course.

Progress files

The course builds on the progress files that you will probably have developed in your previous studies. The main vehicle for demonstrating developments will be in the Advanced Management Project element (analogous to the level 3 Undergraduate approach). Nevertheless, the majority of units provide enabling opportunities for autonomous development in the areas of needs analysis, performance planning and management (especially within a group context) and presentation and evaluation. The most substantial evidential output is the Advanced Management Project but you will have a (self maintained) portfolio of individual and group tasks. The main mechanism for implementation will be through structured discussions with the dissertation supervisor but there will also be inputs from unit leaders.

Professional standards

We believe that being on a postgraduate course is very much like working as a professional in an organisation. We therefore expect that you will behave like an employee and we will do our best to behave as your employer. This has a number of imperatives:

• Staff and students will work with professional integrity at all times


• Staff and students will abide by the Code of Conduct as stated in the Universitys Student Regulations


• Staff and students should ensure contact details are current; staff should ensure that their availability is publicised and appropriate communication channels are agreed


• Students are expected to attend all classes, where there are mitigating circumstances staff must be informed promptly


• Staff and students must arrive on time for classes


• In all situations students and staff should dress and act appropriately


• Staff and students should work to sustain a culture of mutual respect


• All assessed work should be a students own and correctly referenced where material is taken from other sources


• Electronic devices must not be used during classes without express permission and mobile telephones must be switched off


• Student concerns should be raised promptly, through the appropriate channels

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

The professional standards are included in the course handbook for reference by students. A range of the issues covered are explicitly included in induction sessions (putting them all in would subvert the purpose of induction) as they are of most significant impact in terms of the potential outcomes students, e.g. plagiarism. Many are also reinforced explicitly within unit handbooks and implicitly through the operation of the units and the example given by unit leaders.