MSc International Business and Strategy

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc International Business & Strategy at the University of Exeter is designed to help you understand how businesses succeed on a global scale. It’s perfect for ambitious students who want to develop practical skills and confidence to tackle real-world international business challenges.

Curriculum Structure

This one-year master’s blends theory and hands-on experience across three terms:

You’ll start with core modules like Accounting for International Managers, Current Issues in International Business, and Strategic Innovation Management, giving you a strong foundation in how businesses operate across borders and how strategy drives success.
Next, you’ll dive into applied learning with modules such as Purchasing & Supply Chain Management and Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation, where you get to test ideas, manage supply chains, and experience real business decision-making in a safe, guided environment.
Finally, you’ll bring it all together in the International Business Plan module, creating a full business plan based on a real-world challenge. Optional modules like International Human Resource Management, Digital Transformation, and Marketing & New Product Innovation allow you to explore your personal interests and career goals.

Focus Areas

Global strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, international marketing, finance, operations, sustainability, and cross-cultural business management.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this MSc, you’ll be able to:

Apply international business strategies to real-world challenges;
Develop and present a complete, practical business plan;
Think critically about globalisation, sustainability, and innovation;
Lead and make decisions confidently in an international context;
Adapt to different cultural, legal, and economic environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Exeter Business School is triple-accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, giving you a globally recognized qualification that employers trust.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

Ranked 7th in the UK for international trade by QS International Trade Rankings 2026.
Recognised by the Hinrich Foundation as a top international business master’s programme.
Known for strong research impact and close links with global business leaders.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, learning goes far beyond the classroom. On this MSc, you’ll gain practical, real-world experience from day one — working on projects, simulations, and business plans that mirror the challenges of global companies. You’ll also have access to top-notch facilities, specialist labs, and expert guidance from faculty who are active researchers and industry advisors. This hands-on approach means you’re not just studying international business — you’re doing international business.

Here’s how your experience comes to life:

The Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation module lets you work in teams to run virtual companies, make strategic decisions, and respond to market changes, giving you a real taste of business leadership.
Your International Business Plan capstone project gives you the chance to create a full business plan for a cross-border venture, guided by expert advisors — a standout piece to show future employers.
You’ll learn from faculty linked to research centres like the Centre for Simulation, Analytics & Modelling (CSAM), Exeter Centre for Leadership (ExCL), and Initiative in the Digital Economy (INDEX), who bring their latest insights directly into teaching.
Use advanced tools in the Thomson Reuters Lab and the Finance & Economics Experimental Laboratory (FEELE) to analyse real market and financial data, simulating the way decisions are made in the business world.
The Centre for Innovation in Business Education ensures you benefit from collaborative, digital, and group-based learning methods — making your studies interactive and dynamic.
Connect your projects to real career opportunities through the Business School Career Zone, where your coursework and capstone experiences are linked directly to employers.
Explore socially relevant business challenges, like sustainability and circular economy models, with support from the Exeter Centre for Circular Economy (ECCE).

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc International Business & Strategy often step straight into exciting, global roles where they can make an impact. Many go on to work as International Business Directors, Strategy Consultants, Procurement / Purchasing Managers, or Business Analysts, giving you plenty of pathways to build a rewarding career.

Here’s how Exeter helps you get there:

University Services for Employment: The Career Zone offers one-to-one guidance, workshops, employer events, and access to Handshake, Exeter’s job platform — including support tailored for international students.
Employment Stats & Salary Insights: Exeter Business School connects students with over 8,000 employers, and more than 300 students recently secured industrial placements. Business and management graduates often start with salaries around £30,000, giving a strong foundation for your career.
University–Industry Partnerships: Through Exeter’s With Industrial Experience (WIE) programme, students can take placements and internships that often lead directly to graduate roles.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Business School is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), meaning your qualification is recognised and respected by employers worldwide.
Graduate Outcomes: With dedicated Employability & Careers Consultants, you’ll receive support to refine your CV, prepare for interviews, and network effectively — giving you a real advantage in the job market.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, you could continue your studies by pursuing a PhD in International Business, Strategy, or Management, or explore a specialist master’s or postgraduate diploma in areas like International Marketing, Supply Chain Strategy, or Digital Business. You could also join Exeter’s research centres to work on applied projects or consultancy work, turning your master’s experience into practical, research-driven expertise.