Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MSc International Business and Strategy
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc International Business and Strategy | Programme code | PTS1SBESBE50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2025/6 | |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
MSc International Business & Strategy prepares you to discover your career in international business. The aim of the programme is to equip you with the key skill sets required to solve and implement international business strategy. As part of your learning journey you will attend specialist workshops taught by leading international academics on issues pertinent to international business, globalization and sustainability. You will draw from cross-disciplinary scholars in the fields of Marketing, Accounting, Management, Leadership, and Economics, where you will explore International Business Issues from a variety of stakeholder perspectives. You learn the theoretical foundations of international business and its practical applications in explaining the dynamics and constraints of firms’ international strategies.
In addition to core skill-based modules you will have the opportunity to tailor your programme through a series of optional modules that enable you to customise your learning and programme experience. The final capstone business plan module integrates your cross-disciplinary insights into a practical project, allowing you to apply your acquired knowledge to analyse and create a business plan. This will help you to build your own personal portfolio that you can showcase to potential employers. The University of Exeter provides an ideal setting for you to understand cross-cultural issues that will uniquely equip you to compete in today’s global marketplace.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
- To develop student competence in areas pertinent to globalisation, sustainability and international business.
- To train students as evidence-based problem solvers that analyse relevant data, opinions and market context, when making strategic decisions in international contexts.
- To provide insights into the inter-relationship that exists between political, legal, technological, socio-cultural, and economic factors with businesses competing in international environments.
- To stimulate and encourage in students to question strategic trade-offs in relation to developing a successful global business portfolio.
- To act as inclusive learners that can work effectively in cross-cultural environments.
- To develop leadership skills and a student’s awareness of their own inner strengths and values through a process of self-reflection.
- To provide opportunities for learning that is enriched by exposure to people of diverse cultural backgrounds and fields of study.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc International Business & Strategy programme is a twelve-month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
105 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAM045 | Accounting for International Managers | 15 | No |
| BEMM801 | Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation | 15 | No |
| BEMM118 | Strategic Innovation Management | 15 | No |
| BEMM264 | Current Issues in International Business | 15 | No |
| BEMM126 | Purchasing and Supply Chain Management | 15 | No |
| BEMM384 | International Business Plan | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc International Business and Strategy optional modules 24-25 | |||
| BEAM052 | Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | No |
| BEMM059 | International Human Resource Management | 15 | No |
| BEMM069 | Marketing and New Product Innovation | 15 | No |
| BEMM114 | Managing Operations | 15 | No |
| BEMM178 | Innovation Management | 15 | No |
| BEMM394 | Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation | 15 | No |
| BEMM786 | Service Design and Innovation | 15 | No |
| BEMM190 | Digital Transformation | 15 | No |
| BEMM820 | Organisational Behaviour | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Gain a comprehension of theories and practices relevant to strategic considerations and decisions made by businesses operating in international context | BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: The seminars are specifically designed to train students to look at global business problems from a variety of different perspectives that ultimately inform organisational decision-making and global strategy (ILOs 1-3). BEMM384 International Business Plan: This module will take a case study approach to understanding the challenges organisations face when competing in global environments and from multi-stakeholder perspectives (ILOs 1-3). BEMM388: People Management: Provides students with an understanding of behavioural theories in the context of global organisations and multi-stakeholder perspectives.(ILOs 1-3). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: This module leverages an advanced simulation package to provide an authentic learning experience, allowing students to run and grow a business as an entrepreneur. Through experiential learning and gamification, it explores the functions of a business at various stages of development, enhancing understanding of decision-making impacts on business operations. (ILOs 1-3). BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Provides students with an appreciation of the impact of an international context on accounting information and decisions (ILOs 1-3). BEMM118: Strategic Innovation Management: Helps students understand the significance of innovation and how it links to wider strategic issues within the organization. It also provides a foundation in helping students gain insights into contingency factors of firm size, technological complexity and environmental uncertainty which impact business decision-making and strategy (ILOs 1-3) | BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: Self-Reflexive learning log and individual essay (ILOs 1-3). BEMM384 International Business Plan: Individually written business plan (ILOs 1-3). BEMM388: People Management: Individually assessed, written group project (ILOs 1-3). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation; Individual Coursework (ILOs 1-3). BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Examination and MCQ test (ILOs 1-3). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
4. Develop insights into the types of approaches strategy practitioners in International Business context use when solving issues surrounding economic, social, political, cultural and legal environments. | BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: Highlights speakers and topics in international business from cross disciplinary areas of research and business practice. A core objective of the model is a heightened sensitivity to ethical business practice (ILOs 4-7). BEMM384 International Business Plan: The Business Plan draws from practical case study data and requires environmental scanning and situational analysis in cross-cultural contexts with an aim to develop sustainable business practice (ILOs 4-7). BEMM388: People Management: The approach of this module is a practice-based approach to understanding the relationship between organisational behaviour and international business. This course highlights multi-stakeholder perspectives and sustainable organisational practice (ILOs 4-7). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: This module leverages an advanced simulation package to provide an authentic learning experience, allowing students to run and grow a business as an entrepreneur. Through experiential learning and gamification, it explores the functions of a business at various stages of development, enhancing understanding of decision-making impacts on business operations. (ILOs 1-3). BEAM045 Concepts and techniques are taught to reflect that it is the responsibility of all organisations to make ethical financial decisions and actions and to provide financial information so that stakeholders can make their own informed decisions (ILOs 4-7). | BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: Individual essay (ILOs 4-7). BEMM384 International Business Plan: Individually written business plan (ILOs 4-7). BEMM388: People Management: Individually assessed, written group project (ILOs 4-7). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation; Individual Coursework (ILOs 6-7). BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Examination and MCQ test (ILOs 4-7). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Confident Communicator: Able to adapt and adjust both written and verbal communication styles, to meet the needs of diverse audiences. | 8. Confident Communicator: BEMM118 Strategic Innovation Management: Through various seminar activities as well as a class presentation (as part of a formative assessment) students will develop and improve on their interpersonal and presentation skills. 9. Innovative problem-solver: BEMM384 International Business Plan: This module requires students to use applied, simulated, data-driven approach to understand a real business problem and recommend solutions. 10. Proactive collaborator: BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Students are encouraged to share their knowledge of contexts, applications, and variations from their own and other countries. BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: By participating in the activities during workshop, students will be able to develop and improve their collaborative and team working skills. 11. Digitally fluent: BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: Students will be encouraged to read from informational sources online and in publicly available information domains. BEMM126 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Both summative assessments are conducted online. 12. Resilient self-advocate: BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: This module features contemporary issues in the field, which include business ethics and environmental sustainability, thus helping students develop understanding of ethics required in making morally embedded strategic decisions. BEMM384 International Business Plan: BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Concepts and techniques are taught to reflect that it is the responsibility of all organisations to make ethical financial decisions and actions and to provide financial information so that stakeholders can make their own informed decisions. 13. Critical thinker BEMM384 International Business Plan: BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: The module offers the scope of critically engage in cutting edge debates on social and environmental challenges entrepreneurs should engage with and address in their business plan. BEMM126 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: This module develops student knowledge of different challenges around identifying and managing supply chain environmental and human rights risks for international business. BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Highlights how good managers need to be able to understand and interpret accounting results, but also know the limitations of the methods used, and incorporate other considerations. 14. Globally engaged: BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: The module provides a global perspective of problems and solutions for entrepreneurs planning anew business. BEMM126 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: This module focuses on how companies could address potential challenges for companies while managing a growing portfolio of global supply chain network. BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Provides students with an appreciation of the impact of an international context on accounting information and decisions.
| Confident Communicator: BEMM118 Strategic Innovation Management: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14) BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Examination and MCQ test (ILOs 13-14).
Innovative problem-solver: BEMM384 International Business Plan: Individually written business plan (ILOs 9, 11). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14) BEMM118 Strategic Innovation Management: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14).
Proactive collaborator: BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: Individual essay (ILOs 8-9, 12-14). BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Examination and MCQ test (ILOs 8-9, 13-14). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14)
Digitally fluent: BEMM384 International Business Plan: Individually written business plan (ILOs 8-9, 11). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14) BEMM126 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14)
Resilient self-advocate: BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: Individual essay (ILOs 8-9, 12-14). BEMM384 International Business Plan: Individually written business plan (ILOs 8-9, 11). BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Examination and MCQ test (ILOs 8-9, 13-14).
Critical thinker BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: Individual essay (ILOs 8-9, 12-14). BEMM384 International Business Plan: Individually written business plan (ILOs 8-9, 11). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14) BEMM126 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14) BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Examination and MCQ test (ILOs 8-9, 13-14).
Globally engaged: BEMM264 Current Issues in International Business: Individual essay (ILOs 8-9, 12-14). BEMM384 International Business Plan: Individually written business plan (ILOs 8-9, 11). BEMM801 Entrepreneurship: Business Simulation: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14) BEMM126 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Individual Coursework (ILOs 8-14) BEAM045 Accounting for Managers: Examination and MCQ test (ILOs 8-9, 13-14).
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7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MSc International Business and Strategy
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/01/2024 |
Date of last revision | 01/01/2024 |
|---|
