Master of Science - Management and International Business (Professional Placement)

The MSc Management and International Business degree at Birmingham City University is designed to equip students with the essential skills and attributes required to become effective international managers. Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the course develops students’ ability to make strategic and tactical business decisions, understand cultural differences in global contexts, and manage and motivate teams across international organisations.

Throughout the programme, students work collaboratively in diverse, international teams on projects that mirror real-world professional practice. These projects involve producing reports and presentations as part of module assessments, helping students build practical skills. The course team provides ongoing support to help students develop their knowledge, confidence, and career readiness.

In the first stage of the course, students explore key challenges faced by global businesses, gaining insight into the complexity of leadership and management. This stage focuses on developing organisational, communication, and teamwork skills, particularly within culturally diverse environments.

In the second stage, students examine international operations management alongside corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and innovation. They also study international strategy and enhance their research skills in preparation for their final project.

The final stage consists of a Major Project tailored to individual career goals. Students can choose from three options: a work-based study linked to a current employer, a consultancy project addressing a real international business problem for a client, or a traditional dissertation involving in-depth research. This flexibility allows students to specialise in areas aligned with their career ambitions. Previous projects have explored topics such as international marketing strategy, global supply chain management in the food industry, and sustainability in cotton sourcing.

The course includes a professional placement, offering students the opportunity to spend 20 weeks with an employer after completing their taught modules. This placement is designed to enhance employability by providing valuable real-world experience.

Through the placement, students can demonstrate their professional skills, attitudes, and behaviours, helping them prepare for entry into the postgraduate job market. Those who choose this option are responsible for securing a placement that aligns with their area of study, with support available from the University’s Careers team and its extensive network of local, regional, and national employers. If a suitable placement is not secured, students will be transferred to the standard, non-placement version of the course.