The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
International Management and International Relations
MSc
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: 12 months
Part time: 24 months
Department
Accreditation(s)
Chartered Management Institute
Overview
On our unique International Management and International Relations MSc, you will:
- develop your international management skills
- study international relations
- study the current economic, political and social situation.
Our course will increase your understanding of the global environment in which business, government and non-governmental organisation (NGO) sectors function.
You’ll gain practical experience by undertaking live research projects for an organisation. This enables you to put your knowledge of business management approaches and theories into practice.
Our student cohorts are international and our teaching staff come from a variety of academic and non-academic backgrounds. So you'll benefit from working with staff and peers with varied experiences and perspectives.
This course is ideal if you are looking to:
- work within a policy development role
- to become a manager in the business, government or NGO sectors
- or are seeking to study further.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2) in any academic discipline, or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional or other qualification.
Applicants who possess a diploma rather than a good degree may be eligible for entry provided they have compensatory work experience and can demonstrate career development.
The MSc in International Management and International Relations attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are welcome from those in work and seeking continuing professional development.
Entry will also be subject to two satisfactory references (one of these must be an academic reference).
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to satisfy the university's English language requirements:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking).
- If you have completed your undergraduate degree in the UK (at least one full year of study) you will automatically meet our English language requirements.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
We offer an International Business in Practice Study Trip module. This study trip is voluntary and all costs associated with the trip will need to be funded by you.
The destination varies from year to year, so it is not possible to give a precise cost. As an example, the fee for the Boston USA field trip in July 2019 was £1580 and included: accommodation for 7 nights in the Boston area, insurance, company visits (e.g. Facebook, Dunkin Brands, Trip Advisor, Microsoft, Bank of America), group transportation for all activities and some of the meals. This fee did not include international airfare, visa application fee (if relevant), dinners and activities during your free time.
Learning and assessment
This course is suitable for individuals:
- from a variety of educational backgrounds
- who may have no previous work experience
- wanting to further their knowledge and understanding of business and management to support their career aspirations.
We have designed a flexible course for a wide range of interests in a variety of different subject areas/roles/sectors.
We link theory to practice through:
- workshops and seminars
- company visits
- external speakers
- assessment.
You'll have varied opportunities for business/industry exposure such as:
- company visits
- field trips
- guest lectures
- student projects.
Our guest external speakers typically hold the position of managing director. We have recently welcomed speakers from Harley-Davidson, the RAF, the UN, Barclays Bank, and Taylor Wimpey.

Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Most of the teaching on this course takes the form of interactive workshops.
You will strengthen your practical analysis and decision-making skills with:
- lectures
- discussions
- role-play exercises.
- These are linked with selected case studies and assessments.
Structured group assignments allow you to develop your skills in working as part of a team.
Our teaching staff are engaged in academic research or come from an industry background with in-depth practical experience of business and management issues. This gives you a comprehensive and diverse learning experience.
You’ll take part in leading edge discussions and specialist events due to the input of visiting speakers from:
- business
- industry
- consultancies
- research bodies.
Field trips
The International Business in Practice Study Trip module allows you to experience ideas and practices of global business. During the trip you will have direct interaction with management executives and experts, go on site visits to major corporations and agencies. This study trip is voluntary and you will need to find all costs associated with the trip. We have also run study trips to Chenqdu, Kuala Lumpur and Budapest.
If you choose the study trip (which runs in July), we will give you all the details by March so that you can make your decisions ahead of the trip in July.
If you successfully complete this non-credit bearing module, it will be recorded on your transcript as P58335 International Business in Practice: Study Trip.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
We use a range of assessment methods, including:
- examinations
- assignments
- individual or group reports
- group presentations.
These methods allow you to develop the analytical and presentation skills that employers within different organisations look for.
Research
There are two research clusters in the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies and the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice which relate to this subject:

After you graduate
Career prospects
Reflecting the uniqueness of the course, you will be well positioned to follow a career in international relations, policy development or a management career within international commercial, third sector and NGO organisations. The course helps you to develop expertise to launch into specialist careers in teaching, law and the media.
Our Staff
Dr Sola Adesola
Cranfield University alumnus Dr Sola Adesola is an international management academic, lawyer, researcher and director of studies with specialties in entrepreneurship education and development, energy policy and international business, and university-industry collaboration.
Read more about SolaTom Elsworth
With his 35 years of experience, Tom has worked for multi-million-pound companies, acting as Head of Employee Relations, Head of Public Relations as well as Directorships of SMEs. Tom shares his knowledge as a senior lecturer in the Business School.
Read more about TomProgramme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.