MSc in International Management and Business Development

This course is designed to develop managers who can successfully operate in the dynamic fast-paced global business world.

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Students are eligible for Associate Membership whilst studying on the programme, and subject to CMI approval, may also be awarded a CMI Diploma Level 7 in Strategic Management and Leadership.

Developed in response to the growth of globalisation, the programme advances your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in international management and business development, whilst developing your ability to adapt these to different cultural environments.

The MSc International Management and Business Development provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by managers operating in an international organisational environment as well as the strategies, policies and practices key to developing existing or new businesses in a responsible manner.

You will extend your knowledge and expertise in management and business development in an international arena by studying leadership and strategic development. You will also gain insight into the policies and techniques applicable to managing people and processes to deliver sustainable business performance.

Central to the programme is the development of personal and professional competence with an emphasis on managing self and others, responsible leadership, cross-cultural awareness and global citizenship. The international aspect is essential and interwoven in all modules of the programme, addressing the ever-increasing global and intercultural aspect of organisations.

The programme offers to extend knowledge in business development through developing competence in change management and entrepreneurship. The concept of business development within the programme includes both developing existing business (franchising, continuous improvement, internationalising etc.) and starting a new business (entrepreneurship and start-ups).

Educational aims of the programme

The MSc International Management and Business Development, in common with other innovative programmes offered by GCU London, has a number of unique features which have been developed to meet the growing demand for specialist expertise in the international management and business development arena. These include the study of the complex organisational processes in international organisations and a thorough examination of the issues of responsible business development in a wide range of professional contexts.

In comparison to competitors, the programme incorporates business development as both internal and external processes, including starting new and developing existing businesses. Business development and international perspectives are interwoven through all modules to ensure a holistic exploration of the area and targeted expertise development. The programme focuses on building specialist knowledge and understanding of management specifically related to international markets, with a key emphasis on developing critical insights into entrepreneurship, change management and developing professional competence.

The MSc IMBD programme is underpinned by the expertise of distinguished academic staff based at GCU London, whose work also involves major consultancy and research project projects with leading international organisations and funding bodies. Examples of consultancy work that underpins the programme include developing a Toolkit for learning from incidents in collaboration with large multinational corporations (Shell, Energy Institute, Centrica and Phillips66). Moreover, GCU London staff is leading EU funded international research and development collaborations in the field of intercultural competence. The programme also benefits from the input of other GCU academics involved in key research directly relevant to the international management and business development field of study. The programme is offered on both a full and part-time basis.

Aims

The MSc International Management and Business Development programme aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by managers operating in an international organisational environment as well as the strategies, policies and practices key to developing existing or new businesses in a responsible manner. Central to the programme is the development of personal and professional competence with an emphasis on managing self and others, responsible leadership, cross-cultural awareness and global citizenship.

The international aspect is essential and interwoven and recognised in all modules of the programme, addressing the ever-increasing global and intercultural aspect of organisations. The key idea is that all business is now to an extent global and graduates need to understand international perspectives even in local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In addition, the programme offers to extend knowledge in business development through developing competence in change management and entrepreneurship. The concept of business development within the programme includes both developing existing business (franchising, continuous improvement, internationalising etc.) and starting a new business (entrepreneurship and start-ups). Such a two-faceted treatment of the concept is unique for this postgraduate programme.

Also critical to the study of international business management is an insight into the policies and techniques applicable to managing people and processes to deliver sustainable business performance. This master’s degree will enhance student employability through participation in a wide range of teaching and learning experiences including integrative case studies, group projects and presentations, company visits and industry speakers.

The programme aims to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue a general international management career or professionals who seek to extend their knowledge and expertise in business development in an international arena. Students may come from a background of having studied a business related subject who wish to gain a greater understanding of international business management and business development to enhance their career opportunities. However, the programme will also be attractive to applicants who have studied non-business related subjects (e.g., engineering, social sciences, psychology, etc.) at the undergraduate level. The programme team believe the programme or modules within it will appeal to existing entrepreneurs and working managers and the team is keen for practitioners to apply. The programme welcomes applications through the Flexible Entry route involving Credit Transfer and RPL.

GCU London is a professional postgraduate university campus of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) , located in an ultra-modern environment in the heart of London . Situated in Spitalfields, one of London’s most attractive locations, GCU London is in proximity to the capitals globally recognised financial and fashion industries.

The campus offers a range of MBA and MSc courses , high-quality teaching and links with international businesses. GCU London provides students with an enriching and diverse learning experience underpinned by a vibrant international, intellectual and cultural life. We attract students from over 56 countries, from a range of backgrounds from all corners of the world.

Career Focus

Our university is an institution that believes in "careers come first". Excellence in education lies at the heart of our mission; therefore, we aim to equip our students with the necessary skills to excel in their chosen professions by offering high quality, flexible and accessible learning.