MSc International Strategic Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of York

Program Overview

The MSc International Strategic Management at the University of York is designed to give you the skills to think strategically and make an impact in global businesses. It’s perfect if you’re ambitious, enjoy solving complex problems, and want to help companies succeed in an international context.

Curriculum Structure

This one-year full-time programme blends theory and practice so you can apply what you learn straight away.

Core study (first two semesters):

You’ll start with Strategy and Strategic Management, where you explore how companies make big decisions and adapt to change in today’s fast-moving world.
In International Business in the Global Context, you’ll see how political, economic, and social factors shape business across borders.
Managing People in the Global Context teaches you how to lead teams in different cultures, giving you the skills to manage talent effectively worldwide.
International Political Economy & Business helps you understand how global politics and trade influence corporate strategy.
Strategy in Global Organisations ties everything together, showing you how multinational companies innovate and stay competitive.

Specialisation / Options (third semester):

You can pick modules that match your interests, such as Sustainable Operations & Supply Chain Management, Management and Sustainability, or International Business Management and Emerging Markets.
You’ll finish the programme with a dissertation, giving you the chance to research a topic you’re passionate about and apply your learning in a real-world context.

Focus Areas

Global strategy, international business, leadership and cross-cultural management, innovation, sustainability, and applied research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, you’ll be able to make strategic decisions with confidence, understand complex global business environments, conduct independent research, communicate effectively, and reflect on your personal and professional growth.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While this MSc does not hold a specific professional accreditation, the programme is designed around internationally recognised strategic management principles and is taught by experts with strong industry links.

Reputation / Employability

The University of York is part of the prestigious Russell Group, so your degree is highly respected worldwide.
Graduates move into roles like management consultant, analyst, project manager, or director across a variety of industries.
With practical case studies, simulations, and research-led teaching, you’ll leave ready to make a real impact in global organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At York, studying the MSc International Strategic Management isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and experiencing strategy in action. You’ll take part in business simulation games, work on real-world case studies in teams, and test your ideas in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Learning happens in the modern Church Lane Building, which offers bright classrooms, breakout spaces, and social areas perfect for brainstorming with classmates. You’ll also have access to world-class libraries, cutting-edge research centres, and expert faculty who bring real business challenges straight into the classroom.

These are just some of the ways you’ll gain practical experience:

Business simulation games: Make strategic decisions in real-time, facing challenges that mimic the complexity of international markets.
Team projects: Collaborate with classmates to analyse business cases, create strategic plans, and present solutions — learning to lead and work in diverse teams.
Independent research & dissertation: Dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about with a supervised project, developing skills in analysis, critical thinking, and professional reporting.
Research centre engagement: Learn from the School for Business and Society’s research centres, exploring topics like sustainability, ethics, and global strategy.
Modern facilities: The Church Lane Building provides flexible teaching spaces, breakout rooms, and areas for informal discussion and teamwork.
Library & study resources: York’s libraries give you hundreds of study spaces, extensive academic collections, and areas for quiet or collaborative work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this MSc are well-prepared for leadership and strategic roles across a variety of global organisations — you might become a management consultant, analyst, project manager, or even a managing director in an international firm. With a strong strategic framework and a global mindset, you’ll be ready to make a real impact in private or public sector businesses.

Here’s how York supports your career journey and the long-term value this degree offers:

Careers services: The University of York provides expert, tailored careers support through its dedicated Careers & Employability team, including specialist advice for postgraduates and international students.
Employment outcomes: Around 92.5% of York’s graduates are in work, further study, or other positive destinations within 15 months of completing their degree.
Industry connections: Through the School for Business and Society, students benefit from strong university–employer links — York is one of the top targeted universities by major graduate recruiters, with thousands of employers advertising roles to students.
Long-term degree value: While this MSc doesn’t hold a specific professional accreditation, the curriculum is designed around internationally recognised strategic management principles, giving your degree strong relevance to employers.
Graduate career paths: Past alumni have gone into roles such as finance manager, management consultant, director, analyst, and project manager.

Further Academic Progression:
If you choose to continue your studies after this MSc, you could move into the School for Business and Society’s doctoral programme (PhD in Management), deepening your expertise in strategy, international business, or organisational studies.