MSc International Business and Marketing

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

The MSc International Business and Marketing is designed for ambitious students who want to combine a strong understanding of global business with practical marketing expertise. You’ll learn how to navigate international markets, create effective marketing strategies, and understand the economic, legal, and cultural factors that shape business worldwide — perfect if you’re aiming for a career that blends strategy, creativity, and global impact.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (Postgraduate Certificate stage)
In the first stage, you’ll build a solid foundation with modules like International Economics for Business and Finance, where you explore how global markets, exchange rates, and national policies impact international trade. Market Analysis equips you with the skills to study consumer behaviour, gather insights, and use real-world tools like Excel and SPSS to make data-driven marketing decisions. You’ll also dive into Intellectual Property in the Digital Age, learning how legal frameworks protect ideas and content in a global business environment.

Year 2 (Postgraduate Diploma stage)
This stage focuses on strategy, branding, and leadership. In International Business Theory and Strategy, you’ll understand what drives companies to go global and how they succeed across different markets. Creating and Managing Brand Equity teaches you to build strong, memorable brands and effectively position products and services worldwide. You’ll also explore Advanced Diversity and Inclusion, gaining insight into managing multicultural teams and promoting inclusive practices. Optional modules let you tailor your learning to your interests, whether that’s marketing campaigns, international finance, or corporate strategy.

Final stage (MSc)
The programme concludes with an Independent Study and Dissertation, where you choose a topic that truly excites you — perhaps international marketing strategies, cross-cultural consumer behaviour, or brand expansion. This gives you hands-on experience in research, critical thinking, and data analysis, preparing you for either an exciting career in business or further study.

Focus areas: “Global business strategy, international economics, marketing analysis, brand management, digital and legal aspects of commerce, diversity and inclusion, data-driven consumer insights.”

Learning outcomes: “Develop the skills to analyse international markets, design marketing strategies for a global audience, build strong brand identities, apply research and data analysis, and navigate cultural and legal challenges in international business.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): The course is closely linked with industry, with input from major firms like PwC and Lloyds Bank, ensuring what you learn is relevant to real-world business challenges.

Reputation (employability / graduate outcomes): Graduates have gone on to careers with global companies such as HSBC, PwC, Ernst & Young, marketing agencies, or even started their own ventures. The mix of international business and marketing skills makes you highly competitive in today’s global job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Derby, this programme isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about getting your hands dirty in real-world business scenarios. You’ll develop practical skills in marketing and international business by working with real data, collaborating on projects with actual companies, and using the same tools and technologies professionals rely on every day. Whether it’s analysing markets, building brands, or tackling global business challenges, you’ll leave with experience that makes your CV stand out — not just a piece of paper.

Here’s how you’ll get that hands-on experience:

Financial Markets Lab – Work with real-time market data, analyse international trends, and build reports just like a professional analyst would.
Live business projects & case studies – Collaborate with external partners on real briefs, from market-entry research to branding and marketing campaigns.
Guest lectures, masterclasses & mentoring – Learn directly from industry leaders and get practical insights into how business works in the real world.
Company visits & networking events – Step inside companies and organisations to see operations firsthand and build valuable professional connections.
Group work, workshops & data-analysis assignments – Gain hands-on experience through collaborative exercises, case studies, and practical lab sessions.
Independent Study / Dissertation – Conduct a research project on a topic that matters to you, often linked to real-world business challenges.

All of these opportunities are designed to make sure you’re not just learning theory, but actually applying it in ways that prepare you for a successful career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc often step into exciting roles such as international marketing manager, business consultant in global firms, brand or product manager, and international business analyst. This programme equips you with practical, global business and marketing skills that make you stand out — whether you’re joining a multinational company, a marketing agency, a consultancy, or even launching your own venture.

Because the course is designed around real-world experience and strong industry connections:

University career support: Derby’s Careers and Employment Service is on hand from day one, helping you with CVs, interview prep, career planning, and access to job and placement opportunities.
Industry partnerships: The programme is closely connected with companies like Lloyds Bank, PwC, PKF Cooper Parry, and marketing analytics firms, giving you chances to attend guest lectures, masterclasses, company visits, and even work on live consultancy projects.
Employability & long-term value: The blend of international business, marketing strategy, and data analysis gives you a versatile skill set that employers across sectors value — from finance and consulting to brand management and global trade.
Ongoing support: Even after graduation, Derby offers up to three years of career guidance to help you land your first role or advance in your career.
Graduate success stories: Alumni have gone on to roles at global firms like HSBC Canada, PwC, Ernst & Young, marketing agencies — and some have even started their own businesses.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re interested in continuing your studies, this MSc also sets you up for research at PhD level in international business, marketing, or global economics. You could also explore teaching or lecturing, using the research and analytical skills you’ve built through your dissertation and independent study as a strong foundation for further academic work.