School: SIM Global Education in Partnership with Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, UK

Course: Master of Science International Business

Programme Overview

Developed, fully taught and awarded by Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, UK

The University, founded in 1900, is one of the largest in the UK. It is a major centre of research and academic study, with 8 Nobel Prize winners among faculty and alumni.

The University is ranked 64th in the QS World University Rankings (2014/15).

Birmingham Business School is one of the oldest in England, offering a wide variety of programmes. Birmingham’s offerings are ranked in the top 20 as listed in the UK Complete University Guide for Business & Management Studies, and Economics (2016).

The school has received ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Association of MBAs (AMBA) and European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).

This programme is for you if you have

  • A good Bachelor’s degree
  • Other qualifications and experience can be assessed on individual merits

Awarded by:

Course Start Date & End Date

Two intakes a year, April and October

*Date & period is subject to change by the University

Introduction

Mastering global business

This programme is taught by academics from the Birmingham Business School with expertise in globalisation, the international aspects of accounting and finance, corporate governance, cross cultural issues, e-commerce, talent management, knowledge and innovation management, marketing, research methods, organisation of MNCs, operations and procurement, and strategy.

The teaching staff also includes specialists with expertise on regional affairs.

Career Prospects/Further Education

Armed with the knowledge and skillset relevant across the globe, graduates can further their career in MNCs, government bodies and institutions that have an international, cross-border footprint.

Major directions include jobs in

  • Banking
  • Global Business analysis and development
  • Cross-border Management and strategic consulting
  • Global Corporate finance and investment
  • Global Human resource management
  • International Marketing

Graduates can also pursue a PhD in the University of Birmingham.

Programme Structure

Teaching Faculty

Academics from University of Birmingham

Mode of Delivery

Students have to complete all 10 modules and a dissertation.

All modules are delivered intensively on weekdays, one at a time.
1-2 modules will be delivered each month. Each lecture is 3-6 hours.

All classes are conducted on SIM campus unless otherwise stated.

Session Timetable

April Intake

Semester 1

  • Apr – Aug: Intensive lectures
  • Sep: To complete Part 1 of dissertation

Semester 2

  • Oct – Feb: Intensive lectures
  • Mar: To complete Part 2 of dissertation

October Intake

Semester 1

  • Oct – Feb: Intensive lectures
  • Mar: To complete Part 1 of dissertation

Semester 2

  • Apr – Aug: Intensive lectures
  • Sep: To complete Part 2 of dissertation

Modules

Compulsory Modules

  • Cross Cultural Management (10 credits)
  • Global Shift (20 credits)
  • Global Talent Management (10 credits)
  • International Business Simulation (10 credits)
  • International Business Strategy (10 credits)
  • International Finance and Accounting (10 credits)
  • International Marketing (10 credits)
  • International Operations and Procurement (10 credits)
  • Issues in Management (20 credits)
  • Research Methods in International Business (10 credits)

The modules offered will be at the discretion of the University of Birmingham.

Dissertation

To complete a 10,000 – 12,000 word dissertation in a particular area of International Business. A supervisor will be assigned to guide you.

Duration/Candidature Period

The programme is designed to be completed within a year.

Students who have not completed the programme requirements in the candidature period will not be entitled to any recourse or refund.

Minimum Class Size for Programme Commencement

Minimum class size to commence: 25 students

If the programme fails to commence due to low take-up rate, students will be informed within 1 month before class commencement.

Admission Criteria

Entry Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (Upper 2nd Class Honours or equivalent)
  • Other qualifications – can be assessed on individual merits

Candidates may be required to be interviewed prior to acceptance into the programme. All applications will be based on merit and is subject to the approval of the University of Birmingham. No exemptions will be granted.

English Proficiency Requirement

  • Minimum C6 pass in English as First Language at GCE ‘O’ level; or
  • IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each band); or
  • TOEFL iBT – 88 (with 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing); or
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic): 59 in all four skills

Other Requirements

These are to be submitted with the application:

  • Two references of which one must be academic-related
  • Letter of academic interest and your objective in post-graduate study

Applicants may be required to be interviewed before admission. Admission is based on merit and subject to the approval of the University of Birmingham.

Assessment & Exams

Assessments & Exams

Taught modules contribute towards two-thirds of the programme’s total credits and the dissertation contributes one-third. Modules are assessed either by written exams, coursework or a combination.

Examinations are usually in Feb/ Jun/ Aug/ Nov/ Dec.

Progression

Students will be allowed to progress through the second semester upon passing their first semester’s examinations.

Attendance requirement

100%

Award & Graduation

Complete all 10 modules and a dissertation to earn a total of 180 credits to attain the Master of Science International Business degree.

For more comprehensive information on the programme, please download a copy of its brochure.

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