International Business (Dual Award) MSc

15 Months On Campus Masters Program

Nottingham Trent University

Program Overview

The MSc International Business (Dual Award) is perfect if you want to stand out in the global business world. In just 15 months, you’ll earn two master’s degrees — one from Nottingham Business School and one from a top international partner university — while gaining real-world skills in international strategy, cross-cultural leadership, and global business management.

Curriculum structure

Semester 1 (on-campus at Nottingham, UK)
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in international business. Modules like International Business Environment and Strategy help you understand how global trends affect business decisions, while Organisation and Management in the International Context shows you how companies operate across borders. Cross-Cultural Management prepares you to lead diverse teams, and Research Methods for Managers gives you the tools to tackle real-world business questions. You’ll also develop your professional identity through Professional Practice and polish your Foreign Language skills for your time abroad.

Semester 2 (study abroad at a partner university)
Next, you’ll head overseas to one of NBS’s partner universities in Europe or Asia. Here, you’ll dive into a specialisation such as international management, marketing, finance, or HR, depending on your chosen partner. This experience not only broadens your academic knowledge but also gives you firsthand exposure to a new culture and business environment — a huge advantage when stepping into a global career.

Semester 3 (work placement or professional project)
After studying abroad, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting through a work placement or professional project. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, solve real business challenges, and make valuable professional connections.

Semester 4 (dissertation)
Finally, you’ll complete an independent dissertation on a topic of your choice. This capstone project lets you research a real international business problem, analyse data, and present solutions — showing employers that you can think strategically and act decisively.

Focus areas

International business strategy, cross-cultural leadership, global management, foreign-language skills, international marketing/finance/HR specialisation, professional experience, research and analytical skills.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, you’ll be confident in evaluating international business challenges, leading diverse teams, making strategic decisions, conducting rigorous research, and applying your knowledge in real-world global settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Nottingham Business School is triple-accredited (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), a global mark of excellence in business education.

Reputation (employability rankings)

This programme is designed with employability in mind. Graduates go on to roles such as international manager, project manager, foreign trade manager, policy advisor, business consultant, or senior analyst in multinational organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Nottingham Business School, we believe the best way to learn international business is by doing it yourself. On this MSc, you won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience with real business tools, real companies, and even a chance to study in another country. From day one, you’ll be using professional analytics platforms like SPSS and Bloomberg terminals, developing your research skills, and tackling projects that mirror real-world business challenges. Combined with study abroad, work placements, and a dissertation, this course gives you the practical experience that employers love. Here’s how you’ll get immersed:

Professional research & analytics tools: Work with SPSS, Bloomberg terminals, and market research databases to analyse data and make business decisions just like a pro.
Work placement / professional project: Apply what you’ve learnt in a real business environment through a supervised internship or project with an international partner.
Study abroad experience: Spend a semester at one of NTU’s partner universities overseas — in Europe or Asia — and gain firsthand exposure to international business culture.
Capstone research / dissertation: Complete a research project on a real-world business issue, gathering and analysing data to create actionable insights.
Mentoring & professional development: Receive guidance from an Academic Mentor to help you build skills, confidence, and employability.
Industry exposure & field trips: Attend guest lectures, company visits, and business challenges to meet industry leaders and see business in action.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Dual Award opens doors to a wide range of global business careers. Many of our students move into roles such as International Business Manager, Management Consultant, Market Analyst, or Global Strategy / Trade Manager. Because this programme combines hands-on experience with study abroad and two master’s degrees, you’ll stand out to employers looking for professionals who can thrive in multicultural, fast-paced business environments.

Here’s how Nottingham Business School supports you along the way:

Tailored career support: The university’s Employability Team provides one-on-one advice, helps you polish your CV, prepares you for interviews, and even supports you for up to three years after graduation — giving you a real advantage when launching your career.
Strong industry links: Through NTU’s partnerships and employer connections, you’ll get access to recruitment events, guest lectures, and networking opportunities that can lead to internships or graduate roles.
Proven employability: A large percentage of postgraduates find work or continue their studies soon after finishing the course, showing that employers value the skills and global perspective you gain here.
Dual degree + triple accreditation: Graduating with two master’s degrees — and from a school with EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA accreditation — gives your CV serious international credibility.
Real-world readiness: Thanks to study abroad, work placements, international projects, and a research-based dissertation, you’ll leave with not just theory but practical experience that employers love.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, this MSc is a strong springboard for a PhD or other research-focused master’s in International Business, Global Management, or International Strategy. You’ll also be well-prepared to specialise further — for example in international finance, global consulting, or cross-cultural management — or to pursue professional qualifications and executive education programs later in your career.