MSc International Business and Digital Transformation

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The MSc in International Business and Digital Transformation at Henley Business School is designed for ambitious students who want to blend global business knowledge with cutting-edge digital skills. Over 18 months, you’ll gain the confidence to help companies grow and compete internationally while navigating today’s fast-changing digital world.

Curriculum Structure:

Term 1 (Henley, Reading — building your international business foundation):
You’ll start with core modules like International Strategic Management and The Evolution of Multinational Enterprises, giving you a solid understanding of how global companies operate and evolve. You can also choose optional modules such as Strategic Marketing or Managing People and Organisations, helping you tailor your studies to your own interests, whether that’s marketing, HR, or entrepreneurship.

Term 2 (POLIMI, Milan — diving into global operations and digital transformation):
In Milan, the focus shifts to Cross-cultural and Digital Agility, International Distribution, and Digital Technologies for Internationalization and Global Competitiveness. You’ll explore how digital tools like AI, blockchain, and smart manufacturing reshape global business, and you can pick optional modules like FinTech in Banking or Digital Startup & Agile Business Models to shape your degree toward the career you want.

Term 3 (final project — real-world experience):
The programme wraps up with an Advanced Project, letting you tackle a real-world challenge in international business and digital transformation. Whether it’s research or an internship-based project, this hands-on experience is a great way to show employers what you can do.

Focus areas:
International business strategy, global operations, digital transformation technologies, cross-cultural agility, supply-chain innovation, digital finance, product and customer strategy, entrepreneurial thinking.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate able to analyse and design global strategies, manage international operations, use digital technology for competitive advantage, lead cross-cultural teams, and deliver practical business solutions through your final project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Graduates earn a dual degree — an MSc from Henley Business School (UK) and a “Master di I livello” from POLIMI (Italy), giving you strong international credentials and credibility.

Reputation (employability / rankings):
Henley is ranked among the top UK schools for career support and value-for-money, and this programme is recognized globally, giving you strong career opportunities in international business and digital sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is all about learning by doing. You won’t just sit through lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience solving real business challenges, working in teams, and applying digital tools that are shaping the future of global business. From group projects to a final practical project, every part of the course is designed to help you build skills that employers actually value. Plus, studying across two countries — the UK and Italy — gives you a first-hand taste of international business life.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Advanced Project (internship or research-based): In your final term, you’ll tackle a real-world business challenge, either through a company-based internship or an in-depth research project, giving you something tangible to showcase to employers.
Group assignments and consultancy-style work: Team projects, case studies, and presentations help you think like a manager or consultant from day one.
International exposure: Studying in Reading (UK) and Milan (Italy) immerses you in cross-cultural business environments, preparing you for truly global careers.
Digital transformation tools and frameworks: Learn how AI, blockchain, IoT, smart manufacturing, and other emerging technologies are reshaping global businesses — and how to leverage them strategically.
Career support and networking: Henley’s career services help you prepare your CV, practice interviews, attend employer events, and connect with professionals ready to hire graduates like you.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme often step straight into exciting roles such as international business manager, global supply chain or operations analyst, digital transformation consultant, or product and digital strategy manager. With the combination of hands-on projects, international exposure, and career support from Henley, you’ll be ready to make an impact in global organisations and fast-moving digital businesses. Here’s how Henley helps you get there:

Tailored career support: Henley’s careers team offers one-on-one guidance on CVs, interviews, networking, and career planning — support that continues for several years after you graduate.
Strong employment outcomes: Most graduates find work or continue their studies within a year of finishing, giving you confidence in the value of your degree.
Attractive salary potential: Graduates report competitive salaries, with many securing positions paying £40,000 or more, depending on sector and location.
Global employer connections: Through Henley’s international network, graduates join leading companies across consulting, finance, operations, and digital business.
Long-term credibility of a dual degree: With qualifications from both Henley and POLIMI (Italy), plus international study experience, your credentials are recognised globally — helping you stand out to employers anywhere in the world.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to go further, you could pursue a PhD or professional doctorate, diving deeper into international business, digital transformation, or global operations research. This is a great option if you’re curious about exploring complex business challenges in more depth or considering an academic career alongside practical expertise.