MSc Management with International Business and Development

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Birkbeck University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Management with International Business and Development is designed for ambitious graduates who want to combine advanced managerial skills with a strong understanding of global development issues. It suits students aiming for leadership roles in international organisations, NGOs, or businesses operating across borders, offering both theoretical insights and practical applications in management and development.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Core Modules – Autumn & Spring):
You’ll begin with Strategic Management and Leadership and Innovative Business Practices, where you’ll explore how organisations design and implement strategies in competitive environments. Alongside this, International Business and Development introduces you to global markets, cross-cultural management, and the role of business in sustainable development.

Year 1 (Core Modules – Summer):
The focus shifts to Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility, where you’ll critically evaluate ethical and governance frameworks in international organisations. You’ll also study Research Methods in Management, preparing you to undertake independent applied research.

Final Stage (Dissertation):
You’ll complete a 12,000-word dissertation investigating a live issue in international business or development. This project allows you to apply your learning to real-world challenges, producing evidence-based recommendations that mirror consultancy practice.

Focus Areas

Strategic management, international business, global development, corporate governance, leadership, innovation, applied research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and implement international business strategies, critically evaluate development policies, lead diverse teams across cultures, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in global organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is awarded by the University of London and benefits from Birkbeck’s strong research strengths in international business, strategy, innovation, and corporate governance. Students also gain access to Birkbeck’s Careers and Enterprise Service, including micro-placements, career coaching, and alumni clinics.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Birkbeck is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in management teaching and research.
Academic staff regularly publish in leading journals and collaborate with public and private sector organisations.
Located in central London, Birkbeck offers access to a vibrant business community and extensive professional networks.
Birkbeck has been consistently ranked highly for research excellence and employability outcomes, with strong links to industry and professional bodies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Management with International Business and Development at Birkbeck is built to give you more than theory—it immerses you in real-world practice. You’ll gain practical skills through applied projects, research-led teaching, and exposure to London’s global business environment. With evening study designed for working professionals, you’ll be able to integrate classroom learning with your current role or internships, making your studies immediately relevant. Birkbeck’s central London location also means you’re surrounded by opportunities to connect with international organisations, NGOs, and businesses.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your MSc journey:

Applied Research Dissertation – You’ll complete a 12,000-word dissertation on a live issue in international business or development, applying research methods to real organisational challenges.
Group Projects and Case Studies – Modules such as International Business and Development and Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility involve collaborative projects, where you’ll analyse global strategies and propose solutions to development challenges.
Digital Tools and Resources – Students benefit from Birkbeck’s online learning environment (Moodle), access to international business databases, and research tools that support evidence-based management practice.
Library and Research Facilities – The Birkbeck Library provides extensive collections of management, economics, and development journals, alongside digital resources for corporate governance and international business research.
Careers and Enterprise Service – You’ll have access to micro-placements, career coaching, and alumni clinics, helping you gain practical experience and build professional networks while studying.
London Advantage – Studying in Bloomsbury places you at the heart of London’s business and development community, with opportunities to attend guest lectures, networking events, and industry seminars hosted by Birkbeck’s Department of Management.
Research-Led Teaching – Academic staff are active researchers in international business, innovation, and development, ensuring you learn from current case studies and policy debates.

This combination of applied research, group projects, digital tools, career placements, and London-based networking opportunities ensures you graduate with both the academic knowledge and practical skills to thrive in international business and development leadership roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Birkbeck’s MSc Management with International Business and Development are prepared for impactful careers in global organisations, NGOs, and international businesses. Typical career paths include International Business Analyst, Development Consultant, Corporate Governance Specialist, and Strategy Manager. With Birkbeck’s strong research expertise and central London location, students gain both academic depth and professional exposure to thrive in diverse international contexts.

Here’s how Birkbeck supports your career progression and future opportunities:

University Services for Employability: Students benefit from Birkbeck’s Careers and Enterprise Service, which offers micro-placements, career coaching, alumni clinics, and employer networking events. Evening study also allows you to combine learning with professional work experience.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Birkbeck graduates are highly employable, with many progressing into international organisations and consultancy roles. Management graduates in London typically earn between £35,000–£55,000 annually, with senior strategic roles exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Department of Management collaborates with public and private sector organisations, ensuring teaching is informed by current industry practice. Students benefit from guest lectures, research-led projects, and London-based networking opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The MSc is awarded by the University of London, a globally recognised institution. This enhances the long-term value of your qualification, opening doors to international career mobility.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into leadership roles in multinational corporations, NGOs, consultancy firms, and public sector organisations. Many graduates also leverage Birkbeck’s research strengths to move into policy and development-focused careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Management with International Business and Development at Birkbeck, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Management, International Business, or Development Studies. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to cutting-edge research, and prepare for careers in academia, consultancy, or high-level organisational leadership.