MSc International Business and Finance

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

The MSc International Business and Finance at the University of Derby is designed to give you a strong understanding of how global business and financial markets work together. It’s perfect if you’re looking to launch a career where you can analyse international trade, manage investments, and make strategic business decisions on a global scale.

Curriculum structure

In the first part of the programme, you’ll build a solid foundation with modules like International Economics for Business and Finance, exploring how global trade, currency markets, and economic policies affect business decisions. Strategic Finance and Investment Behaviour will introduce you to portfolio analysis, investment strategies, and the psychology behind financial decision-making. You’ll also study Strategic and Financial Performance Management, learning how to evaluate a company’s financial health and performance to inform strategic choices. Alongside this, modules like HRM in an International Context and Customer Behaviour and Decision Making give you insight into managing people and understanding customers across different cultures.

As you progress, the focus shifts to deeper, practical business and finance skills. International Business Theory and Strategy explores how companies expand globally and adapt to market changes. In International Banking and Finance Law, you’ll get to grips with global regulations and financial compliance. Mergers and Acquisitions teaches you how cross-border deals work, while International Finance looks at funding, investment opportunities, and managing foreign exchange risk. The Advanced Diversity and Inclusion module ensures you understand how to manage diverse teams in multinational settings.

The final stage is your Independent Study, where you’ll put your skills into practice through Research Methods and a Dissertation. This is your chance to dive into a topic that excites you, build your research expertise, and create a substantial project that can impress future employers.

Focus areas
International economics, global financial markets, corporate finance, investment strategy, international business strategy, cross-border mergers & acquisitions, global banking law, human resource and consumer behaviour in a multinational context.

Learning outcomes
You will graduate able to analyse global economic and financial systems, evaluate international investment opportunities and risks, make strategic decisions for multinational organisations, understand regulatory frameworks in finance, and manage business operations with cultural and organisational awareness.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
While the programme does not have a formal professional accreditation, it equips you with skills that align perfectly with careers in international business, banking, investment, consulting, and multinational corporate management.

Reputation (employability / student satisfaction)
Students consistently rate this programme highly — with 100% satisfaction in teaching quality, support, and the ability to enhance academic skills, reflecting the University of Derby’s commitment to providing an enriching and career-focused learning experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Derby, this MSc is designed to get you out of the lecture hall and into the real world of international business and finance. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience using professional tools, working on live projects, and collaborating with peers — all while developing skills that employers actually look for. From exploring real financial data to tackling consultancy-style projects and connecting with industry experts, this programme ensures you graduate confident and career-ready.

Here’s how your experiential learning will come to life:

Financial Markets Lab & professional tools: Work in the dedicated Finance Lab, using the same software and real-time data platforms that financial analysts and investors rely on, helping you analyse markets, investments, and economic trends.
Live projects with real businesses: Apply your skills on real assignments, such as economic studies for local events or strategic business planning with regional enterprises — giving you experience that goes straight onto your CV.
Company visits & industry exposure: Step behind the scenes at organisations like local arenas, historic manufacturers, and other businesses to see how theory translates into real-world operations.
Networking, mentoring & guest lectures: Meet and learn from business leaders, banking professionals, and trade experts through talks, mentoring programmes, and networking events that open doors for your future career.
Futures Award & professional development: Boost your employability through extra-curricular opportunities like volunteering, consultancy work, and leadership activities that enhance your skills and profile.
Independent research & dissertation: In your final project, you’ll tackle a research question that interests you, applying your knowledge, analytical skills, and real-world insights to create a substantial piece of work.

All of this means you won’t just learn about international business and finance — you’ll live it, practise it, and be ready to step confidently into your career the moment you graduate.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc often step into roles such as financial analyst, risk manager, investment manager, or international business consultant. Many go on to work in financial institutions, multinational corporations, trade-oriented firms, or even start their own international ventures. With the practical, hands-on training you’ll receive throughout the course, you’ll enter the job market confident and ready to make an impact.

Here’s how Derby supports your progression and what you gain from the programme:

Dedicated career support after graduation: The Careers and Employment Service offers one-to-one advice on job hunting, CV and interview preparation, access to job listings, and help with planning your next steps. Support continues for up to three years after graduation.
Industry-ready profile & strong employer links: Through real financial data projects, access to the Financial Markets Lab, Bloomberg Terminal, consultancy-style assignments, company visits, and networking opportunities, you’ll graduate with experience and skills that employers value.
Transferable and recognised qualifications: You’ll earn a master’s degree combining international business strategy, economics, and finance, with optional credentials like the Bloomberg Market Certificate and the Futures Award in Leadership in International Business to showcase your leadership and consultancy skills.
Wide alumni network and global career routes: Past graduates have gone on to work at top organisations such as HSBC, PwC, and Ernst & Young, as well as international trade consultancies, SMEs, government trade agencies, or started their own businesses.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re interested in continuing your studies, this MSc provides a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD or entering academic and research careers. The skills you develop during your dissertation and Independent Study will prepare you for deeper research, teaching, or specialist consultancy roles in finance and international business.