International Business and Politics MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The MSc International Business and Politics at Queen Mary University of London is perfect if you’re curious about how politics and business intersect on a global scale. You’ll explore how multinational companies operate, how governments influence markets, and how global events shape the way we do business.

Curriculum Structure

In this programme, you’ll start with core modules that give you a strong foundation. World Economy and Development shows you how globalisation and trade have evolved, using real-world case studies, while Approaches to Political Economy helps you understand the big ideas behind capitalism, neoliberalism, and alternative economic systems.

As you move on, you’ll get to choose four elective modules that suit your interests. You might study Risk and Crisis in the Global Economy to see how countries and firms respond to global shocks, or Global Governance and Sustainability Transitions to explore the challenges of tackling climate change and ethical governance. Other options let you dive into areas like Global Supply Chain Management, International Business Strategy, or International Relations of the Middle East.

Finally, the summer is dedicated to your dissertation, where you’ll research a topic that combines international business and politics, giving you hands-on experience in tackling real-world issues.

Focus Areas

Global business and politics, multinational firms, supply chains, geopolitical risk, sustainability, political economy of development.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll finish the programme with strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of how politics and business interact globally, and the ability to apply theories to real-world challenges — from international trade to risk management.

Professional Alignment / Accreditation

This course is delivered by QMUL’s School of Business and Management (AACSB-accredited) alongside the Department of Politics and International Relations, preparing you for careers in consulting, policy, risk analysis, international organisations, or global business strategy.

Reputation & Employability

Queen Mary University of London ranks #110 in the QS World University Rankings, and its School of Business and Management is in the top 8% of business schools worldwide. Graduates go on to work in trade, consultancy, policy-making, and international business, giving you strong career prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. On the MSc International Business and Politics, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in real-world contexts, develop practical skills, and build connections that matter. From lively seminars and group projects to research-led guidance on your dissertation, the programme is designed to help you gain confidence in analysing global business and political issues. You’ll also have access to top-notch facilities and digital tools that make learning collaborative, interactive, and hands-on.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can experience:

Mile End Institute: Attend talks and networking events where policymakers, academics, and professionals discuss real-world global and local issues.
Graduate Centre: Postgraduate-only study spaces with collaboration pods, rooftop lounges, and video conferencing facilities — perfect for group projects and presentations.
Media Suite (QUBE): Use professional editing software and multimedia tools to create presentations, videos, or seminar content.
London Resources: Take advantage of nearby world-class libraries, including the British Library and Senate House Library, to deepen your research.
Interactive Seminars & Group Work: Modules like World Economy and Development and Approaches to Political Economy include debates, discussions, and team projects to sharpen your analytical and communication skills.
Supervised Dissertation: Work closely with a faculty supervisor on a 12,000-word independent research project, giving you practical experience in investigation, analysis, and reporting.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with an MSc in International Business and Politics from Queen Mary opens doors to exciting global careers. Many of our students go on to become trade analysts, consultants, risk analysts, or policy advisors, working in international organisations, governments, or multinational companies. The programme equips you with the practical skills and critical thinking that employers value most:

Here’s how Queen Mary supports you along the way:

Career Support: The Careers and Enterprise team offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, and access to internships and graduate schemes.
School-Specific Advice: Your department provides workshops, employer talks, and networking events with organisations like Chatham House, UN bodies, and leading consultancies.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: Around 85% of graduates from the School of Business and Management are employed or pursuing further studies within 15 months, with average starting salaries near £30,000.
Practical Experience: Through initiatives like QTemps and the Aspire Programme, you can gain internships and hands-on work experience while studying.
Long-Term Recognition: The programme is delivered by QMUL’s AACSB-accredited School of Business & Management in collaboration with the Department of Politics & International Relations, giving your degree strong professional credibility.
Alumni Success: Graduates have moved into roles such as junior consultants, foreign trade associates, and policy analysts, showing the real-world value of your studies.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to continue your studies, you could pursue a PhD in Political Economy, International Business, or International Relations. Alternatively, you might consider an MRes in International Business and Politics, giving you advanced research training and the foundation for an academic or consultancy career.