MSc International Business

The MSc International Business programme is designed for students with diverse academic backgrounds, offering a deep understanding of global business operations and decision-making processes. It will prepare you for global career opportunities by fostering discussions that embrace cultural diversity and encourage self-reflection. Through a varied curriculum, you will develop skills to address global challenges while prioritising sustainability. Graduates exit with a nuanced understanding of global economics, poised to navigate the international marketplace effectively.

Locations: Aberdeen, Edinburgh
Study mode:
Start date: September 2025
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: INB1

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Course Overview

We are dedicated to preparing you for a successful career in global business through our Master's programme in International Business. This course will help you develop your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills within the realm of international trade. By the end of the programme, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how organisations operate across different economies, currencies, and regulatory environments. You'll also be skilled in engaging with stakeholders from diverse cultures and collaborating effectively with teams spread across various locations.

The curriculum covers essential business areas such as accounting, people management, and strategy, all within the context of international regulatory frameworks and business practices. Additionally highlighted are the importance of ethical, environmental, and sustainability considerations, which are increasingly crucial in today's global business landscape.

Please note: This course is subject to validation

Additional Information

: You can apply for this course using the apply now button located at the top and bottom of this page. Detailed information on how to apply can be found on our applications instructions page.

International students can also speak with a local authorised agent in their country who can assist you in applying for this course. Find your local agent by visiting our SRUC in your country page.
: This postgraduate degree is suitable for graduates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any subject.

All applications are assessed individually on their own merit.

Specific academic and English language requirements may apply for international students. For country-specific details, please see our dedicated international entry criteria page.
: Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.
: SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.
: Scotland has so much to offer, it’s no wonder that each year thousands of students from across the globe make it their number one choice for their study destination.

Learn more about studying at SRUC in Scotland
: SRUC offers a choice of campus locations and accommodation options. Learn more about each campus, including its facilities and accommodation options, by visiting our campus pages.
: Phone:

From inside the UK: 0800 269 453
British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us through an interpreter via Contact Scotland BSL

From outside the UK: +44 (0) 131 535 4000

Email:

Scottish, Irish, and UK students: study@sruc.ac.uk

International students: internationalstudents@sruc.ac.uk

Online:

All prospective students are welcome to contact us by filling in our online enquiry form
: MSc Business Consultancy

MSc International Food and Agriculture Business

MSc Project Management

MSc Sustainability in Agriculture and Business

MSc Ecological Economics

What you'll learn

International trade: Examine the importance of international trade in the modern business landscape.
Globalisation: Grasp the challenges and opportunities brought about by globalisation.
Management strategy: Develop various strategies for managing businesses in a global context.
Business ethics: Investigate the ethical and environmental issues arising from globalisation and their impact on consumers.
Business management: Enhance management skills in report writing, networking, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Professional development: Emphasise personal and professional development to enrich your learning throughout the academic year.

Core modules

: This non-credit bearing Leadership Programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective leadership in today's dynamic business environment. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, you will explore key leadership concepts, strategies, and styles.

The module emphasises personal development, ethical decision-making, and effective communication. You will engage in team-building activities, case studies, and real-world projects to enhance you leadership capabilities. By the end of the programme, you will be well-prepared to lead diverse teams, drive organisational change, and navigate complex challenges with confidence and integrity.
: This module prepares you to navigate the complexities of marketing in an ethical and socially responsible manner, covering essential marketing principles while emphasising the importance of sustainability, consumer well-being, and ethical decision-making. You will analyse case studies, engage in discussions on contemporary issues, and develop strategies that balance profitability with social responsibility. Through practical projects and real-world scenarios, you will learn to create marketing campaigns that are both effective and ethical. By the end of the module, you will have the skills to implement marketing practices that foster trust, transparency, and long-term success.
: This module equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and implement effective business and financial strategies. Covering core topics such as budgeting, financial forecasting, risk management, and strategic planning, this course emphasises practical application and real-world scenarios. You will learn to analyse financial statements, create comprehensive business plans, and make informed decisions to drive organisational growth. Through case studies and hands-on projects, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of how to align financial planning with business objectives and craft robust financial strategies for sustainable success.
: This module delves into the dynamics of how individuals and groups interact within organisations. We'll explore key concepts such as motivation, leadership, team dynamics, communication, and organisational culture. You'll examine theoretical frameworks and apply them to real-world situations to understand and improve workplace behaviour. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical projects, you'll develop the skills to analyse and influence organisational practices. By the end of the module, you'll be equipped to foster positive organisational environments, enhance employee performance, and lead effectively in diverse and complex settings.
: This module is designed to prepare you to lead effectively in the global marketplace. We'll cover essential leadership theories and practices in the context of international business, with a focus on cross-cultural communication, global strategy, and ethical leadership. You'll explore the challenges and opportunities of leading diverse teams across different cultures and geographies. Through case studies, interactive simulations, and practical projects, you'll develop the skills needed to navigate complex global environments and drive organisational success. By the end of the module, you'll be equipped to lead with confidence and integrity in international business settings.
: This module is all about inspiring and equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to launch and manage successful ventures. We'll cover key aspects of entrepreneurship, such as generating ideas, developing business models, analysing markets, and exploring funding strategies. You'll learn how to spot opportunities, assess risks, and create detailed business plans. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and real-world projects, you'll gain hands-on experience in starting and growing a business. By the end of the module, you'll be ready to turn your innovative ideas into viable enterprises and tackle the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey.
: This module delivers the essential skills for designing, conducting, and analysing research in a business context. Covering both qualitative and quantitative techniques, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies, data collection, and analysis. You will learn to formulate research questions, select appropriate methods, and interpret results to make informed decisions. Through hands-on projects and case studies, you’ll develop practical experience in applying research methods to solve real-world business problems.
: The MSc concludes with an opportunity to undertake an in-depth investigative or research project on a topic closely related to the programme. You'll collaborate with a Project Supervisor to choose a relevant research topic. Throughout the project, you'll critically evaluate and present novel information, demonstrating your ability to synthesise and interpret complex data. This project will build on the knowledge and skills you've acquired during the programme, fostering your ability to conduct independent research and contribute original insights to your field of study.

Student experience

Jingyi Wang (Lily) was city-born and city-bred - she'd never seen a cow and had never been on a farm. After high school, she began to self-study English and found that she particularly enjoyed the BBC series This Farming Life. Taken with the idea of learning more about where food comes from, she applied to several UK universities. but accepted her offer from SRUC.

Starting a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture with no background in farming was no small challenge, let alone in another country and in a different language. She had to work harder and with less established knowledge than her peers, but this didn't deter her, in part due to the support she received from staff.

Graduate employability
91% of our graduates are in work or full-time employment within six months of graduation (DLHE survey 2023)

Research excellence
The research power of Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences at SRUC and the University of Edinburgh is ranked No.1 in the UK based on the quality and breadth of work (REF2021)

Global impact
SRUC is ranked in the top 200 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

"I watched some documentaries, especially This Farming Life, and at the end it showed SRUC. I knew that's where I wanted to be."

Jingyi Wang (Lily), BSc (Hons) Agriculture

Meet the lecturer

Bill Mackay

Senior Lecturer

Before becoming a lecturer, Bill’s career was in management, working with three multinational PLCs and three regional private limited companies, working in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London, including being an Operations Manager and Marketing Director. He then switched to an academic career in 2005 starting at Langside College lecturing mostly in financial management, business planning and marketing before joining SRUC in 2008.

"My style of teaching is experiential. I like to use a variety of activities in the classroom including games and simulations. My lecturing style suits active learners with a focus on visits to real rural businesses and taking those experiences back into the classroom. I’m lucky in that I work with terrific students and excellent colleagues.

SRUC is about creating and mobilising knowledge and talent to benefit Scotland’s natural economy. That is something that I buy into and take satisfaction from contributing to."

View Bill's Pure profile

Rachael Stark

Senior Lecturer

Rachael graduated from Robert Gordon University with a degree in Publishing where she particularly focussed on marketing during her work placement. Prior to SRUC, Rachael worked in marketing roles across various different industries including oil and gas, and as Faculty Marketing Officer for a Higher Education institution.

Rachael joined SRUC’s commercial arm (SAC Consulting) as Marketing Co-ordinator in 2012 and that’s where the interest in becoming a lecturer began and so joined the education arm of the organisation in 2015.

Rachael says: “The most rewarding thing in the world is attending graduation day and watching students who enrolled as nervous, shy first years accept their awards as the confident, accomplished professionals that they have matured into.”

“I am passionate about dynamic marketing and branding – I enjoy trying to understand consumer behaviour and what makes people tick. My teaching style involves using lots of case studies and examples to contextualise theory and to stimulate interactive debate. My most popular lecture involved analysing (and tasting) a variety of chocolate brands!”

Fiona Malone

Senior Lecturer

Fiona graduated with a degree in commerce and accounting from Edinburgh University before working in the health service. After a role involving training new recruits, she then moved into education, completing a post graduate certificate in education at Strathclyde University. Before joining SRUC 12 years ago, she taught at Napier University and Edinburgh College while also delivering the teacher training and assessor courses for internal staff and writing many study packages for students and staff across Scotland.

Fiona developed an interest in delivering not only the theory involved in management but the practical application to specific contexts and moved into delivering commercial courses, vocational qualifications and professional training to a wide range of Scottish financial institutions including Baillie Gifford, Scottish Widows and Standard Life.

Fiona says “Over the years I developed an interest into teaching methods and learning styles which is reflected in my approach to teaching – making sometimes complex subjects as simple as possible. I am particularly focussed on the financial and business development subjects and teach in such a way that students gain the confidence to tackle subjects (like maths!) that they might have struggled with at school. I love seeing how students’ progress through their years with us and evolve into the successful graduates who can make a real contribution to the rural economy”.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for this course:

Scottish students: £9,000
RUK students: £10,000
International students: £19,000

More detailed information about these fees can be found on our higher education fees page.

Funding available:

Scottish students: you may be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan through SAAS. Learn more
RUK students: you may be eligible to have your tuition fees paid as part of a bursary through your local government department. Learn more
International students: you may be eligible for international student scholarships through SRUC. Learn more

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