Whether it's understanding diverse cultures, global trade or international market dynamics, mastering the business skills needed to lead and innovate on a global scale is essential. International Business at Keele provides a pathway to enhance your understanding of how rapid globalisation has interconnected national economies and facilitated market integration. You’ll develop core knowledge in areas including global business strategy, operations and leadership, along with integrated opportunities to gain practical experience engaging with businesses on real-world projects.
Full time: 1 year | 'With placement': +6–12 months
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2026/27 academic year.
This programme is available with a Placement - an opportunity to complete a 6-12 month placement after the taught element of the course. Apply for the 'with Placement' option below.
Why study International Business at Keele University?
Taught by an international faculty with expertise shaped by contemporary research
Professional development and practical industry engagement opportunities
Fully integrates sustainability and ethical business practices
Designed for individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including those new to the field of international business
Our Global Challenge lecture series invites speakers to provide fresh perspectives on the political, ethical and intellectual problems we face as a world today
About the course
Navigating cross-cultural dynamics and understanding the impact of different cultures, markets, and geographies is crucial for identifying international business opportunities and solving issues. Our programme equips you with a comprehensive portfolio of expertise, highly valued by employers, opening up diverse global career possibilities.
Your International Business studies will give you a solid grounding in the foundations of the subject and their practical application. You’ll explore the theory and practicalities of globalisation, international trade and investment, and how businesses respond to economic, political and technological opportunities and challenges. You’ll investigate the complexities of managing a geographically dispersed workforce, explore the theories and practices of international human resource management, and examine strategic decision-making and operational efficiency to enhance global performance. Additionally, you can choose from options such as sustainability measuring and reporting, and business technology and artificial intelligence.
Central to this programme is a strong focus on advancing your professional development and providing practical industry engagement opportunities, strategically enhancing your employability. You’ll connect with experienced professionals, gain insights into the latest trends in your chosen field and have the opportunity to work directly with an organisation to develop solutions for a current business issue, gaining valuable real-world skills.
Our programme provides the flexibility to align your studies to your career aspirations through a core Professional Project. You can choose to undertake a research project, consultancy project, or a strategic business proposal.
Sustainability, ethics and responsible business practices are embedded throughout and by completing Keele Business School’s Sustainability Passport you’ll demonstrate your ability to incorporate sustainability practices in a professional context.
Located in an innovation park that fosters collaboration between academia and industry, Keele’s campus offers a supportive learning environment designed to prepare you to excel in the dynamic world of global business.
Keele Business School's range of postgraduate programmes aim to help you accelerate your career in business. Our authentic business school approach will help develop you in to one of the business leaders of tomorrow.
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Course structure
You will study a mixture of core and optional taught modules. After you have completed the taught modules of the course, you will undertake a large project to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of international business.
The information below outlines a full time study schedule, starting in September. Please note, you must complete 180 credits to achieve the MSc award.
If you choose the 'with Placement' route, you will complete a 6-12 month placement module after the taught element of your programme.
What you will study
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
International Business Context (30 credits) You will explore the theories and practicalities of globalisation, international trade, and investment, focusing on how businesses operate across borders. This module examines the economic, political, and technological forces driving globalisation and their impact on business strategies. You will gain insights into sustainability, cultural challenges, and strategies to address global opportunities and risks in an ever-evolving business environment.
Business Consultancy Project (15 credits) In the Business Consultancy Project, you will build foundational skills and gain practical experience by working directly with a real organisation to develop solutions to real-world challenges. You will learn to engage with businesses, frame organisational issues, and apply creativity and innovation. This module develops core skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, preparing you for the Professional Project and Placement. It provides a strong foundation for success in other areas of the programme.
Managing People in a Global Context (15 credits) The module introduces theories and practices in the management of international human resources. It examines how HRM practices can be transferred across borders. It looks at different strategic approaches and the impact of institutions and culture on the transfer of HRM practices in multinational corporations. The module also discusses how managing a geographically dispersed workforce presents unique opportunities and challenges, particularly when it comes to expatriate management.
International Strategy and Operations (30 credits) This module examines the relationship between international strategy and operations management in global business environments. You will explore frameworks and models that guide strategic decision-making and operational efficiency, addressing challenges and opportunities in diverse markets. Emphasising critical thinking and practical application, the module focuses on analysing competitive dynamics, optimising operations, and developing strategies to enhance global performance.
Professional Development and Industry Insights (15 credits) This module helps you explore the industry you want to work in, including its structure, recruitment practices, and key trends. You will assess your own skills and experiences, identifying how you align with the industry’s needs and expectations. Through active learning, reflective activities, and guest speaker insights, you will develop practical knowledge and career planning skills. The module supports your progression into the Business Consultancy Project, Professional Project, and Placement, preparing you for future opportunities.
Professional Project (45 credits) In the Professional Project, you will undertake an independent piece of work that builds on academic and practical skills developed throughout the programme. You can choose from three routes: a research project, a consultancy project, or a strategic business proposal, aligned to your career aspirations. We will support you in preparing for your chosen path with essential research or consultancy skills. The module culminates in a detailed write-up and reflective analysis, showcasing your expertise and professional growth.
Research Methods (15 credits) The research methods module will develop your analytical and research skills to develop competencies for future research or consultancy work. The module provides the essential guidance in conducting the research and problem solving activities that you will undertake as part of your professional project. The module includes how to scope a research or problem solving project, exploring underlying assumptions, designing an appropriate methodological approach and examining the ethical concerns of any research or problem solving project. The module will enable you to examine and apply appropriate paradigms for your sector and context, develop knowledge of the various research styles available to researchers, and explore epistemological rationales and ethical implications. In so doing you will develop an understanding of the potential strengths and weaknesses of each research style so as to enable the critical selection and use of the most appropriate research style, in the light of your chosen professional project.
Sustainability Measuring and Reporting (15 credits) The purpose of this module is to familiarise you with the indicators used to measure progress towards more sustainable behaviour. This includes on one hand, targets related to environmental, social and economic aspects of government policies, linked to their own domestic agenda or to the compliance with international commitments to tackle climate change. On the other hand, it enables you to understand how climate risks can affect businesses performance and reputation, and the instruments that can be used to address these risks. Designed with an applied approach, you will be able to master the practice of reporting about the economic, social and environmental impacts of businesses activities in a manner that can be understandable to a variety of stakeholders, including potential investors, but also compliant with the latest regulations and standards.
Business Technology and AI (15 credits) In this module, you will explore how emerging technologies, such as enterprise systems, automation, and AI, transform business operations and strategy. You will learn to design data workflows, analyse digital systems, and evaluate their ethical and societal impacts. Through case studies, group activities, and interactive discussions, you will develop skills in systems thinking, strategic communication, and critical analysis. You will also practise articulating the value of digital transformation to business stakeholders. This module prepares you to lead and support innovation in areas such as supply chains, analytics, and sustainable enterprise. It builds your ability to engage with the technological challenges and opportunities shaping contemporary business environments.
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"The course provided a good grounding in a range of business studies subjects: a critical approach to studying management and the study of pragmatic subjects, such as accounting and operations management. The course also introduced cross-cultural issues pertaining to working in modern business which I found particularly fascinating."
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Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Typical offer: 2:2 degree in any subjectAdditional criteria apply
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject or 65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject or Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a Bachelor degree (Lisans Diplomasi) in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pre-Master's in Business
The Keele University International College offer a one semester Pre-Master's in Business programme for international students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for a postgraduate business degree at Keele University.
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
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PRME Champions
Keele Business School is proud to have been selected for the 2026-2027 cohort of PRME Champions - a global collective of business and management schools who are dedicated to raising the bar for sustainable business education. Learn more about the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Champions Programme: PRME Champions | UNPRME
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Postgraduate funding and scholarshipsFees, funding and scholarships
Fees
2026/27 academic year
For start dates between September 2026 and July 2027.
Type of study
Fees (per year)
UK - full time
£11,700
International - full time
£18,200
2027/28 academic year
For start dates between September 2027 and July 2028.
Type of study
Fees (per year)
UK - full time
£12,200
International - full time
£18,900
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Placements: The placement year fee for students on a 'with Placement' programme will be £1,955 for 2026/27 entrants and £2,010 for 2027/28 entrants.
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Scholarships
We know that understanding what support is available for postgraduate students is an important step in planning your future and we are committed to rewarding excellence and potential.
Keele Global Scholarship – up to £5000 tuition fee discount for international students (2027/28)
Keele Graduate Scholarship – up to £3000 tuition fee discount for home students (2027/28)
Terms and conditions apply.
Additional costs
Optional costs
There may be optional costs that students can choose to incur to enhance their learning experience. These are not required to complete the course. Details of these optional costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Students may also incur general expenses related to university study, such as for printing, textbooks and other materials. Students who undertake a placement may be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. For further information, please refer to the additional costs information.
travel/subsistence for client visits or business engagement you choose to undertake
discretionary project expenses (e.g. travel for interviews, data purchase)
optional UK/international study visits (including travel, accommodation, insurance)
optional professional memberships/certifications, competitions, conferences, printing, and any premium software or equipment you elect to use are also at your own cost.
Funding or subsidies may occasionally be offered but are not guaranteed and may change vary from year to year. The School may amend or withdraw optional activities if needed necessary.
Our International Business MSc prepares you for a global, culturally diverse career with opportunities across nearly every sector and industry, whether working abroad or for companies with an international client base or supply chain. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to address international business issues, including international operations and supply, international strategy, business environment analysis, and cross-cultural management. You will also be ideally placed to pursue further studies at MPhil or PhD level.
Previous graduates from this programme have progressed to managerial and professional careers working for employers such as large multinational corporations and SMEs in various sectors including Hays, Enterprise Rent-A Car, Santander and Warburtons.
Jobs that a graduate of this programme could go on to include:
International Business Analyst
International Business Development Manager
Management Consultant
Project Manager
Risk Manager
Sales Executive
Supply Chain Manager
Enhance your employability
Keele Careers and Employability offers comprehensive support for careers and placements, including workshops, personalised guidance, and access to job opportunities. Their services include CV development, interview preparation, and career planning to help you succeed with confidence in your professional journey.
Placements
Giving you an opportunity to undertake a 6-12 month industry placement after the taught element of the course
This practical experience enhances employability, strengthens transferable skills, and demonstrates professional capability in the competitive jobs market. To apply for this programme with a Postgraduate Placement, start your application.
Whilst placements are competitive and therefore not guaranteed, our dedicated Placements and Projects Team will support you in finding a suitable opportunity, and will provide guidance throughout the process. We strongly encourage students to actively engage with these services as soon as possible to maximise the chances of securing a placement.
To apply for this programme with a Postgraduate Placement, use the Apply Now button above.
For eligibility criteria, information on transferring onto the Postgraduate Placement route, fees and additional costs, visa information and support available, please see our dedicated Postgraduate Placements web page.
For key information about the programme, including the structure of modules, assessment methods and awards, please see the relevant programme specifications.
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Co-located with businesses
As a Keele Business School student, you will study alongside innovative companies that are based in the Business School building, a hub for fostering networks and linking with industry.
Keele Business School is located at the heart of the Keele University Science & Innovation Park, one of the leading developments of its kind in the UK. The Park offers companies a business environment that provides an innovative research culture, combined with academic expertise and the University’s specialist resources, with a variety of opportunities for students to get involved, from internships, knowledge exchange partnerships, and student enterprise initiatives.
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Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching on our International Business MSc combines interactive and applied learning methods to create a dynamic and engaging experience. You’ll benefit from interactive, in person lectures, small group tutorials, and web-based learning via the Keele Learning Environment (KLE). Independent study is encouraged, allowing you to explore your interests in greater depth, while reflective practice helps you evaluate and enhance your learning journey. Communication and teamwork skills are developed through peer-assisted learning and collaborative projects. Additionally, you’ll engage with real-world scenarios through live business challenges, company visits, and guest lectures, gaining valuable insights directly from industry professionals.
How you'll be assessed
You will be assessed using a wide variety of methods which reflect the breadth of the knowledge and skills you will have developed on the programme, including assignments, group assessments, literature reviews, portfolios, reports, and research paper proposals and summaries.
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Postgraduate life
Support, community and opportunities for postgraduate students.
As a postgraduate student at Keele, you'll have access to a range of support and events through Keele Students' Union. You can also make use of The Clubhouse, a welcoming place to study, socialise and connect with other postgraduate students. With postgraduate representation and plenty of ways to get involved, you'll quickly feel part of the Keele community.
Staff within Keele Business School have extensive teaching, research and work experience in their fields. The School maintains a strong commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and research. Our staff members have substantial teaching experience and are committed to continuing professional development as academic teachers. Many of our permanent lecturers have PhDs or other higher degrees or professional qualifications.
You will be taught by a range of leading experts in entrepreneurship, international business, operations and supply chain management, organisation studies, human resource management, information management, and accounting, who will share their own professional experiences, which helps broaden your knowledge of the context of the global business environment.
Launched in 2026, Keele Business School’s Postgraduate Hub at Home Farm provides a professional environment designed to enhance postgraduate success and employability. With modern teaching rooms, dedicated study areas and an MBA Business Suite, the hub supports advanced learning, collaboration and career development.
As a central base for the postgraduate community in Keele Business School, it strengthens links with local businesses, creating opportunities for real-world projects, professional engagement and progression into employment.
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Supporting you
Throughout your studies, you’ll be fully supported and have access to a variety of resources. The programme begins with a comprehensive induction, designed to help you transition smoothly and confidently into your academic journey. An academic mentor will be assigned to you, offering guidance and advice on academic challenges and general support. You’ll also have regular opportunities to engage with the programme team to provide feedback on learning and teaching. Additional support is available from our Student Experience and Support Team based within our Faculty, who work closely with teams across Keele ensuring you have easy access to comprehensive advice and support, including services for Disability Support and Inclusion, Student Financial Support, Counselling and Mental Health, Residence Life and Chaplaincy, and International Student Support.