International Business

Overview

This programme is geared at providing non-business graduates with the skills required to develop and promote products and services in an international environment while furthering their= business skills and knowledge. Students build upon their own discipline (science, engineering, computing etc.) to develop solid understanding of business development, internationalisation and innovation in an interesting educational environment. Students will expand their business knowledge and skills through simulation, guest speakers, and an international trip. Students will also undertake an industry consultancy project which will prepare them for opportunities in the workplace.

The programme is an excellent opportunity for students who want to complement their degree with business skills, broadening their skillset in a way that adds value to an organisation.

Award

Master of Science in International Business

Key Features:

Field Trip

The International Business Field Trip is an opportunity for immersion in non-Irish culture which serves to enhance and deepen the learning experience for students involved. The five day field trip will entail preparation work, learner activity while on the trip and subsequent submissions following the trip. The trip focuses on the skills required to develop business opportunities in new markets. Factory visits on recent trips include Coca-Cola, Audi and the Port of Antwerp. 

Seminar Series

The Seminar Series module allows students the opportunity to draw upon their learning throughout the programme and to synthesise that in the context of some direct exposure to industry leaders. Speakers, drawn from the private, public and voluntary sectors will be invited to speak on a weekly basis and to explore concepts relating to leadership, growth, change, people management, the macro environment, and personal & professional development.

Students will attend these sessions and develop their knowledge of the topics being discussed and coupled that with insight into their own understanding of the business environment.

Applied Business Project
The Applied Business Project is a capstone module which brings together the learning from the programme which is applied to a business-set project. Students will undertake a significant piece of work tacking a project for a linked company on a consultancy basis. The may be for a company the student is working for. The project will help to develop analysis and research skills but also further a student’s understanding of the international environment.

What will I study?

The programme is completed Full-time over 1 year (3 semesters, September to August).

• No of weeks per semester: 13
• No of timetabled hours per week: Semester 1 (circa 14 Hours).
• Semester 2 (circa 12 Hours, and a week for the international trip in February).
• Semester 3 (mainly independent learning)

Some weeks will contain extra sessions to support independent learning.

• Which days: Monday to Friday
• Duration: 3 semesters

(M) = Mandatory Modules       (E) = Elective Modules

SEMESTER 1

Global Marketing Management

This course explores the development of global marketing programmes from the determination of global branding objectives through to the design of marketing communications, distribution, and pricing activities. Students examine the international similarities and differences in marketing functions as related to the cultural, economic, political and social dimensions of the environment.  

Financial Management & Systems for International Business

The graduates will be prepared to understand the essentials of key financial and management accounting techniques with a view to being able to understand the implications.  Finance and Operations IS will also be investigated.

Innovation

The focus of this module is on the process and scope of innovation - the classification of different types of innovation - big and small, new and existing, and their application to products, processes and services. Exploring innovation as a core business process in today's interconnected global economy: the core abilities of the innovative organisation, and how innovation is managed by the global innovation leaders, will also be developed.

Strategic Thinking

This course covers the concepts, theories and techniques on which strategic management is based and explores their application in a wide range of business settings.

International Business Development (10 Credits)

This module will introduce students to the principles of selling and facilitate them to develop the skills necessary to influence and persuade clients about their product or service with the complexities involved in selling in multiple markets dealing with varying selling situations and ethical issues.

SEMESTER 2

Sustainable Marketing Practice (M)

The focus of this module is on developing and communicating sustainable practices within organisations in today’s interconnected global economy. Decisions relating to the different facets of sustainability, and developing these with the various stakeholders in the supply chain, will be examined. This study programme provides participants with knowledge of both the strategic and operational aspects of sustainable practices, knowledge that can then be applied in a practical situation. Consequently the emphasis of the module will be on application of acquired knowledge.

Seminar Series (M)

The seminar series uses an innovative approach to exploring key concepts relating to international business from a variety of perspectives. Speakers from diverse organisations will present a series of guest lectures on overarching business challenges and students will be tasked with reflecting on integrated problems across many functional areas.

International Business Study Trip  (M)

The International Business Study trip takes participants to an international destination to experience first-hand what it is like to do business in another country. Students will meet with representatives of international organisations and undertake a series of lectures and workshops on various facets of international business in the host country. This module will display the practical side of the business concepts studied in other modules on the course, developing the student’s understanding of global managerial issues and challenges and the competitive framework in which global organisations operate.

Economics of Global Markets (M)

This module aims to provide students with the tools of analysis necessary to examine the international economy and to explore the key issues that are shaping our global economy.

Supply Chain Strategy (E)

People Management Strategies for International Business (E)

This module will provide the learner with an understanding of human resource practices in an international arena. It will provide the student with a comprehensive and critical knowledge in human resource management theory and its application in different countries and cultural contexts.

Customer Experience Design (E) 

This module aims to provide students with methodologies to support examination of customer experiences and the identification of opportunities for enhancement of experiences. It specifically the module addresses the role of technology in the delivery of customer experiences.

Technology Management in Global Business (E)

Technology advances have enabled organisations to expand across geographies and markets. An understanding of the key technology trends driving this expansion is crucial to managers operating in an international context. This module aims to equip the manager with the necessary skills and know-how to understand how technology can deliver for the global enterprise.

Digital Environment (E)

The purpose is to provide students with skills, concepts, frameworks, and experiences that are useful for developing digital marketing strategies for businesses or non-profit organisations. Students will learn practical skills on how to leverage a company's presence on social media platforms to generate more connections and build relationships with customers.

SEMESTER 3

Business Environment Simulation

The aim of this module is to provide students with an interactive platform to test assumptions and learn from mistakes so they are better prepared to step confidently into their business career. Through this module, students get the chance to apply what they've learned across all disciplines of business in a strategic, competitive, engaging learning experience.

Applied Business Project

This module provides students with a broad range of knowledge and skills to conduct research at a post-graduate level. This module will provide students with the skills necessary to structure an individual enquiry in a business management discipline. Students will examine research principles in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to formulate a research question, research strategy and research design and appropriate analyses for these. This will provide students with the practical skills necessary to undertake an independent research project.

Entry Requirements

• 2.2 in an honours degree in a non-cognate area. All areas where the specialism is not business, Marketing, Accounting/Finance or Business Information Systems will be considered.
• A personal statement must be provided by the applicant.
• Non-native English speakers must have an IELTS of 6.5 (or equivalent). Full English language requirements are available at https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/cork-campus/
• An interview may be held with certain candidates.

What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

Fees

• EU Applicants Full-time: €6,200 (includes International Business Field Trip)
• Non-EU Applicants: €13,500 (+ €500 approx for International Business Field Trip)

Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Levy
The USI membership levy of €7 has been introduced as a result of a referendum where students opted to affiliate to the national Students’ Union. This levy must be paid before the start of Semester 1 .

EU Applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €550 online if a place on a course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee.

Non-EU applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €1,000 online if a place on a course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee.

Note: You will not be charged for applying for the programme by clicking the 'apply now' button, you are only asked to pay an acceptance fee if a place is offered to you and you wish to accept it. Please attach and upload any documents such as transcripts, CV, other details relevant to the application.