Business Communication for International Leadership (with Professional Experience) MA

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

This two-year Master’s is designed to help you become a confident, internationally minded leader. In the first year, you’ll develop essential business communication and leadership skills, and in the second year, you’ll put them into practice through a valuable work placement, preparing you for real-world challenges in global business.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (taught coursework) — You’ll explore modules like Intercultural Communication in Business, International Leadership and Managing Diversity, Communication in Professional Contexts, and Strategies for Sustainability Leadership. This year focuses on understanding how international businesses operate, developing your ability to communicate and influence across cultures, and tackling ethical and sustainability challenges. You’ll also complete a Dissertation/Major Project that lets you dive deep into a business communication or leadership topic that interests you.

Year 2 (professional experience) — This year is all about applying what you’ve learned. Through the Professional Experience module, you’ll spend 8–10 months in a real business environment, whether that’s marketing, HR, banking, or another area. Alongside your placement, the Placement Preparation module ensures you’re ready to make the most of this experience, helping you build confidence, connections, and skills that employers value.

Focus areas: "International business communication, Cross-cultural leadership and diversity management, Sustainable leadership and corporate responsibility, Professional communication skills, Real-world business experience via placement"
Learning outcomes: "Communicate and negotiate effectively across cultures, Lead and manage teams in diverse settings, Think strategically about ethical and sustainability challenges, Gain practical business experience and enhance employability"
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), giving you a recognized qualification for management roles.
Reputation (employability rankings): Graduates go on to work in corporate communication, marketing, public relations, social enterprise, management consultancy, HR, banking, logistics, and more — making this a degree that opens doors to global opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, this MA isn’t just about lectures and reading — you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience from day one. You’ll use modern facilities to develop your communication and leadership skills, work on real-world business challenges, and then put everything into practice during an 8–10 month professional placement. This combination ensures you graduate not only with knowledge, but also with confidence, skills, and connections that employers value.

Here’s how your learning comes alive:

Digital Language Labs — Practice listening, speaking, and comprehension using multimedia tools, perfect for refining your business English and intercultural communication.
Language Corner & Global Café — Join informal sessions to practice English or other languages with peers and tutors, building confidence and cross-cultural fluency.
Dedicated Staff Support — Personal tutors, academic skills advisors, and library staff are there to help with research, writing, and study strategies whenever you need it.
Professional Placement (Year 2) — Spend 8–10 months in a real business environment, gaining practical experience in marketing, PR, HR, banking, logistics, or other sectors, supported by the university’s Careers and Employability team.
Career and Employability Services — Access networking events, one-on-one guidance, CV and interview preparation, and more to ensure you’re job-ready when you graduate.
English and International Student Support — Tailored support to improve written and spoken English, helping you thrive academically and professionally.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MA are well-equipped to step straight into the world of international business. Whether you see yourself shaping corporate communication strategies, leading HR teams, driving marketing campaigns, or consulting on global projects, this programme gives you the skills and confidence to succeed. Typical roles include Public Relations Specialist, Corporate Communications Manager, Management Consultant, and HR Manager.

Here’s how the programme supports your career journey:

Careers and Employability Support: You’ll have access to the university’s Careers and Employability Centre — even for up to five years after graduation — helping with CVs, cover letters, interview preparation, networking events, and graduate opportunity fairs.
Real-world experience through placements: Your second-year professional experience module (8–10 months) gives you hands-on exposure in a business environment, helping you build industry connections and practical skills that employers value.
Professional accreditation: Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), this adds credibility to your degree and strengthens your career prospects in leadership and management roles.
Versatile skill set: With expertise in intercultural communication, leadership, sustainability, negotiation, and professional business communication, you’ll be ready to work in marketing, PR, consultancy, banking, logistics, social enterprise, and beyond.
Entrepreneurial support: If you dream of starting your own business, the university offers dedicated enterprise support and guidance to help you take the first steps.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MA, you could continue your studies with a PhD in areas such as international business communication, global leadership, or cross-cultural management. The programme provides a strong foundation in research and communication skills, opening doors to advanced academic opportunities and specialist roles in your chosen field.