MSc International Business with Extended Professional Practice

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

If you want to truly understand how businesses operate on a global scale and get hands-on experience while you study, this MSc is perfect for you. It blends academic learning with a real-world professional placement, helping you develop skills in international business strategy, finance, marketing, HR, and emerging business trends — all while gaining valuable work experience.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (Academic study):
In your first year, you’ll get a solid foundation in the essentials of international business. You’ll explore Principles of International Business to understand global markets and organisational strategy, Financial Management for International Business to master budgeting, investment appraisal, and international finance, and Digital Marketing and Consumer Insights to learn how to reach and understand global consumers. Modules like International Enterprises and Human Resource Management show you how global companies manage people, culture, and ethics effectively. You’ll also get to choose optional modules like Supply Chain and Negotiation Analysis, Artificial Intelligence in International Business, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, or Leading Innovation and Change, allowing you to tailor your learning to your interests.

Year 2 (Professional placement + project):
The second year is where theory meets practice. You’ll spend over 30 weeks in a professional placement, working within a real company and applying everything you’ve learned. Alongside this, you’ll complete an Industry Research Project, giving you the chance to solve real-world business problems while gaining experience that employers really value.

Focus areas:
International business strategy · Global finance and risk · Digital marketing & consumer analytics · International HR & organisational behaviour · Supply chain and operations · Entrepreneurship and innovation · Technology & AI in global business

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this MSc, you’ll be confident making strategic business decisions in a global context, analysing financial and operational data, understanding international marketing, and managing people across cultures. You’ll also have practical experience from your placement, strong research and project-management skills, and the kind of problem-solving abilities that employers are looking for.

Professional alignment (accreditation / career readiness):
This program is designed to connect you with industry. The extended placement gives you real-world experience that can lead to roles like international business development manager, global strategy consultant, international marketing manager, supply chain manager, sustainability consultant, or international HR manager.

Reputation (employability & institutional ranking):
University of Hertfordshire is highly regarded for postgraduate experience, ranked 5th in the UK for Postgraduate Taught Experience (PTES 2024). It also holds recognition such as the King’s Award for Enterprise and University Enterprise Zone status, reflecting its strong links with industry and commitment to employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This MSc is designed so you don’t just study international business — you experience it. From the start, you’ll develop practical skills using the university’s excellent facilities, including modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, computer labs, and a dedicated postgraduate centre. The de Havilland Campus also features an “Enterprise Hub” where you can collaborate on innovative projects, and the Learning Resources Centre, giving you access to academic support, digital tools, and research resources to help you succeed.

When you enter your second year, you step into a real business environment for over 30 weeks, applying everything you’ve learned in a professional setting — it’s the perfect bridge between theory and practice. This hands-on approach ensures you leave with both knowledge and experience that employers value.

Here’s what your experiential learning will look like in practice:

Professional Work Placement (30+ weeks full-time): Gain real-world experience in a company, applying your classroom knowledge to actual business challenges and building a professional network.
Industry Research Project: Tackle a substantial research project based on your placement experience, analysing real business issues and presenting solutions — a standout piece for your CV.
Collaborative Projects & Group Work: Work with peers from diverse backgrounds on assignments, case studies, and business projects, developing teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Guest Lectures & Live Business Challenges: Learn directly from industry professionals through guest lectures, competitions, and live business challenges that reflect real corporate work.
Digital & Library Resources: Access the Learning Resources Centre and digital tools to support research, assignments, and your professional development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc step confidently into global business roles, armed not just with knowledge but with real-world experience from their placement year. Many go on to exciting positions such as international business development manager, global strategy consultant, international marketing manager, or supply chain manager. With this combination of academic learning and professional practice, you’ll leave well-prepared for the workplace — often standing out from other entry-level candidates.

Here’s how the University of Hertfordshire supports your career journey:

Careers and Employability Support: Access dedicated career coaches, the Careers Studio, CV guidance, interview preparation, and networking opportunities to help you land your first role.
Strong employability outcomes: Around 96% of postgraduates from the university are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.
Industry connections: The extended professional placement and links with businesses mean many students secure graduate roles with their placement employers.
Global relevance & long-term value: Your skills in international business strategy, cross-cultural operations, marketing, HR, and ESG are in demand worldwide, giving you flexibility to work across sectors and countries.
Hands-on graduation portfolio: The combination of coursework, placement, and an industry research project means you graduate with a practical portfolio that shows both knowledge and experience — a real advantage in today’s job market.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying, you could move into research-based degrees such as an MRes or PhD in International Business or Global Management. Alternatively, you might specialise further with postgraduate courses in areas like global supply chain management, international marketing, sustainability/ESG, or international human resource management — building on the strong foundation this MSc gives you.