MSc International Business with Placement Year

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

SOAS University of London

Program Overview

If you’re looking to build a global career, the MSc International Business with Placement Year at SOAS is designed for you. It combines the study of how international companies operate with a full‑time placement year, so you’ll graduate not just with knowledge, but with real-world experience that employers value.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year sets the stage for understanding the global business world. You’ll dive into courses like International Business Strategy, International Management, and International Human Resource Management, learning how multinational companies plan, make decisions, and manage people across cultures. Alongside these, you can pick from optional modules such as Corporate Finance, Cultural Intelligence and Global Business Communication, or Data Analytics with Python, letting you shape your degree to suit your interests — whether that’s leadership, finance, or data-driven business.

Year 2
Year two is where theory meets practice. You’ll spend 10–12 months on a full-time placement at a company, giving you hands-on experience and a taste of real-world business challenges. At the same time, you’ll work on your dissertation in International Business, a project that allows you to explore a topic you’re passionate about while applying the knowledge and skills you’ve gained. This combination of placement and research will give you a real edge in the job market.

Focus areas:
Global corporate strategy, international management and HR, multicultural communication, finance and risk in emerging markets, business analytics, practical workplace experience through placement.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to evaluate international business strategies, manage teams across cultures, analyse financial and market data, and apply theory in a practical setting — ready for leadership or specialist roles in multinational companies or organisations dealing with global markets.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This MSc is part of SOAS’s School of Finance and Management. Its blend of rigorous academic study, optional modules in finance and analytics, and the placement year ensures your skills are aligned with professional standards in international business, consultancy, banking, and policy-focused roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):
SOAS is recognized globally for its focus on emerging markets and international business. Ranked 42nd in the UK for Accounting and Finance in the 2025 Complete University Guide, the school offers a strong network and excellent connections for students aiming to work in global industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At SOAS, learning doesn’t stop at lectures or textbooks — you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that prepares you for the real world. From day one, you’ll be building skills you can use in a global business career: analysing real-world challenges, working with peers on projects, and connecting with professionals in the field. The programme is designed so that by the time you graduate, you won’t just understand international business — you’ll have lived it, practiced it, and added tangible experience to your CV. Here’s how you’ll put your learning into action:

SOAS Library: Explore one of the world’s most respected libraries with over 1.2 million volumes, special collections, and extensive electronic resources — perfect for research, projects, and understanding global markets.
Virtual Industry Projects: Work in teams on real business challenges via Practera, developing problem-solving, strategy, and teamwork skills in a practical setting.
Full-time Placement Year: Spend 10–12 months in a real organisation of your choice, gaining direct exposure to international business operations and workplace culture — experience that will make your CV stand out.
Professional Development Support: SOAS Careers team helps with CVs, interviews, and placement preparation, giving you guidance every step of the way.
Networking & Industry Seminars: Attend events with business and finance leaders through the Finance and Business Network Seminar Series, making valuable industry connections while gaining insider insights.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the MSc International Business with Placement Year at SOAS opens doors to exciting global careers. Many alumni step into roles such as international business analysts, management trainees in multinational firms, trade consultants, or policy advisors in financial and development organisations. Thanks to the placement year and SOAS’s global focus, you’ll graduate not just with academic knowledge, but with hands-on experience that employers really value:

Personalised support from the SOAS Careers Service: One-to-one guidance, CV and interview preparation, career fairs, and alumni workshops help you find the right role after graduation.
Strong graduate outcomes: Many former students now work at major global companies like Deloitte, KPMG, J.P. Morgan, UBS, Santander, as well as international organisations such as the World Food Programme.
Industry connections and networking opportunities: Through the Finance and Business Network Seminar Series, you’ll meet leaders from business, finance, and the public sector — a great way to gain insights and make professional connections.
Globally recognised SOAS credential: The degree’s focus on emerging markets and multicultural business environments gives you a credential that’s respected worldwide, making it easier to work internationally.
Diverse career paths: The combination of strategy, management, finance, data skills, and cultural intelligence prepares you for roles in consulting, banking, global trade, NGOs, start-ups, or public and policy-oriented organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying, this MSc also lays the groundwork for a PhD in international business, finance, or related fields. You could also pursue specialist diplomas or professional certificates in areas like international trade policy, finance, or development economics — perfect if you want to move into consultancy, research, or senior roles in global organisations.