Master of Science International Business

University of Birmingham

Programme Overview

Academic Level
Academic Level

Postgraduate/Masters, Single Major

Awarded by
Awarded by

Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, UK

Programme type
Programme type

Full-time, 1 year

Campus location
Campus location

SIM Campus

Application Dates
Application Dates

Direct Entry: Now till 04 August 2023 (International applicants) Now till 16th September 2023 (Local applicants)

Estimated Fees (incl. GST)
Estimated Fees

(incl. GST)*

S$31.104.00 to S$32,529.60

* Exclude application fee, preparatory or bridging course fee, and other fees. Refer to the Fees & Financial Aid section for details.

Programme Outline

Awarded and developed by: Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, UK

As the business sector continues to undergo a digital transformation, it has become even more important that the next generation of leaders understand the challenges facing international business. When studying our MSc in International Business, you will consider the latest practical issues facing international firms, including, the multifaceted concept of responsible business, trade-offs in operations, cooperative strategies, and new approaches to enhancing competitiveness. Through this research informed and practice-orientated programme, you will develop your problem solving and decision-making skills to ensure you are ready to handle the fast pace of global business.

The programme is designed around a pathway-to-practice approach that focuses on developing key skills including understanding the latest business models, international competition, optimising modern technology, innovation, and data analytics.

With responsible and ethical business practices embedded at its core, this programme will enable you to become part of a new generation of leaders who can make positive and sustainable changes to the industry. On this programme you will join an innovative community of leaders studying International Business.
 

Why a Master’s from University of Birmingham?

  • Degrees are of the same standings and standards as those awarded in the UK
  • Long tradition and established track record of teaching business and management
  • Established international reputation of the University and the Business School
  • Research led – cutting-edge research feeds directly into teaching
  • International syllabus with a focus on the issues of globalisation
  • Dedicated staff who provide continuous support for your studies
  • Join the alumni community of more than 300,000 graduates. From television and sport to research and government, the University has outstanding alumni across all sectors.

learning-outcome

Learning Outcomes

You will:

  1. Appreciate the global nature of business
  2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding in key areas of international business
  3. Apply theoretical knowledge, practical skills, tools and techniques in a written dissertation
  4. Improve and enhance your skills and practice for the fast-paced changes now faced by many international businesses.

Further Studies & Career Prospects

Armed with the knowledge and skill set relevant across the globe, graduates can further their career in MNCs, government bodies and institutions that have an international, cross-border footprint. While some will accelerate their careers with existing employers, others can create potential for change.

Major directions include jobs in:

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

Graduates may further their studies in the PhD and doctoral programmes in universities around the world on programme completion.

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Why study at SIM x University of Birmingham

uni-of-birmingham-fully-taught
SIM is the leading private education institution in Singapore.
uni-of-birmingham-ranked-90
University of Birmingham ranked 91st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023).

Among Masters in International Business, Birmingham Business School was ranked 9th globally, 6th in Europe, and 3rd in the UK. (QS International Trade Rankings 2023 - in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation)
Ranking is based on University's Edgbaston campus data.
uni-of-birmingham-no1-most-frequented
Top 5 frequently targeted university among UK’s top employers for graduate employment (The Graduate Market in 2022, High Fliers Research).
uni-of-birmingham-gold-rating
University of Birmingham ranked 20th in the UK (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).
Learn more about University of Birmingham

Intake Dates

Oct 2023 Intake

PROGRAMME DURATION

02 Oct 2023 to 30 Sep 2024 

APPLICATION PERIOD

Direct Entry:
Now till 04 August 2023 (International applicants)
Now till 16th September 2023 (Local applicants)

Date & period is subject to change by the University.

The programme is designed to be completed in a year.

There will not be any refund or recourse should students fail to complete the programme within the candidature period.

Curriculum

Structure

  • Comprises 6 taught modules (120 credits) and a written dissertation (60 credits).
  • Fully taught by Birmingham academics from the UK home campus to ensure equivalent academic inputs to the Singapore programme.
  • Average teacher-participant ratio is 1:45
  • Exemptions: Nil
  • Minimum class size to commence: 25 students
    If the class fails to commence due to low take-up rate, students will be informed within one month before programme commencement with the refund of application fee.

Taught Modules

  • Delivered on a block teaching basis through classroom learning.
  • A 10-credit module is equivalent to one week of intensive weekday lectures. One to two modules are expected to be delivered monthly.
  • Class duration: Typically 6 hours per day on SIM campus with each lesson about 3 hours. Saturday classes may occasionally be scheduled if required.
  • Face-to-face Delivery: Generally held on SIM campus unless otherwise stated.

Dissertation

  • There will be workshops, consultation sessions and assigned supervisors to guide students on dissertation.

Assessment & Attendence

  • Attendance requirement – 100%
  • Typically, students will need to complete each module’s assessments and/or exams before progressing to the next module.
  • Assessment schedule is subject to change by the University.

Taught Modules

  • Taught modules are assessed either by written exams, coursework*, or a combination of both. They are normally scheduled one to two weeks after a module’s completion. Exams will be held on SIM campus unless otherwise stated.
  • Re-assessment will be advised by the University for students who did not fulfil the passing requirement of any taught modules.

Dissertation

  • Students will need to complete a 10,000 – 12,000 words dissertation for submission. The submission period is normally in August/September.


*Coursework can take a variety of forms including essays, practical assignments, presentations and reports etc. Some coursework may be group based.

Requirements to Graduate

  • Obtain a total of 180 credits to attain the Master of Science International Business awarded by the University of Birmingham.
  • A degree congregation presided by University of Birmingham is annually held in November on SIM campus. Alternatively, graduates may choose to attend the ceremony in July in the UK.
  • The awarded degree and degree certificate is the same as that awarded in the UK.

Modules

Year 2023 Modules 

A 20-credit module is equivalent to 60 contact hours.

  • International Business (20 Credits)
  • International Strategy (20 Credits)
  • Practising and Managing International Business (20 Credits)
  • Governance and Global Responsibility (20 Credits)
  • International Business Data Analytics (20 Credits)
  • Disruptive Innovation and International Business (20 Credits)
  • Dissertation (60 Credits)

View a list of lecturers’ teaching modules (PDF 66 KB)
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Admission Criteria

All admissions are based on merit and are subject to the final approval of the Programme Director. Applicants may be interviewed prior to acceptance into the programme.
 

Accepted Entry Qualifications

Designed for bachelor’s degree holders who wish to understand business in the international context.

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline (Upper 2nd Class Honours or higher); or an equivalent qualification
  • All other qualifications will be assessed on individual merits

English Language Requirements

  • A minimum C6 pass in English as First Language at GCE ‘O’ Level; or 
  • IELTS 7.0 (with no band less than 6.5); or 
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills; or 
  • TOEFL iBT –  95 overall with no less than 22 in any band
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced or Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
  • Successful completion of a SIM Pre-Sessional English course, or equivalent

Other Requirements

  • Two satisfactory references of which one must be academic-related; and
  • A letter of academic interest and your objectives in undertaking postgraduate study.

Pre-sessional English Course (if applicable)

Developed and awarded by SIM, Singapore.

Part Two and Three
Applicants who have not reached the required IELTS English Language proficiency level or equivalent shall have to complete and pass a Pre-Sessional English Course before progressing to any of the MSc programmes.

Part Two and Three Structure

  • Duration & Intake: Full-time, 16 weeks commencing in May 2023
  • Admission Requirement: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
  • To attain Language Proficiency of: IELTS 7.0

Part Three Only
Applicants who have not reached the required IELTS English Language proficiency level or equivalent shall have to complete and pass a Pre-Sessional English Course before progressing to any of the MSc programmes. The course is developed and awarded by SIM, Singapore.
  • IELTS 6.5 overall or
  • TOEFLS iBT: a minimum of 88 (with no less than 20 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE-A): a minimum of 59 n all four skills or equivalent

Part Three Structure

  • Duration & Intake: Full-time, 8 weeks commencing in July 2023
  • Admission Requirement: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
  • To attain Language Proficiency of: IELTS 7.0
View module synopses

Structure

  • Mode of delivery: Face-to-face on-campus unless otherwise stated
  • Class duration: Typically 6 hours on weekdays. Some lessons may also take place on Saturdays if required.
  • Assessments: Continuous assessments include in-class tests, individual / group assignments, online quizzes etc. There are no re-assessments.
  • Average teacher-student ratio – 1:30
  • Minimum class size to commence – 25
    If the class fails to commence due to low take-up rate, students will be informed at least 1 week before programme commencement with the refund of application fee.
  • Attendance requirement:
    • Local students – at least 75% rate
    • International students – at least 90% rate

Certification

A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful passing of Part Two of the Preparatory Course. There will not be any refund or recourse should students fail to complete the course within the course duration.

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Fees and Financial Aid

All fees are inclusive of prevailing GST and payable before course/term commencement (exclude textbooks). Valid for 2022 intake and assumes that students complete the programme in one year.

Payment to SIM can be made through SIMConnect using Credit Card (Visa or Master), PayNow, eNETS, OCBC Interest-free Instalment Plan (min. S$500) and cheques.
 

Programme Fees 

Pre-sessional English Course* (if applicable)

  • Part Two & Three: S$4,968.00
  • Part Two: S$2,484.00


*Fees are inclusive of 8% GST and are payable in full before course commencement. Fees will be subject to revised GST of 9% on 1 Jan 2024. Fees do not include textbooks. 

Master’s Programme (Fees are valid for intake in 2023)*

Local Students

  • Per 20 credits: S$5,148.00
  • Total: S$31,104.00

International Students

  • Per 20 credits: S$5,421.60
  • Total: S$32,529.60

*Fees are inclusive of 8% GST and are payable in instalments based on the number of taught module credits undertaken in a term. Fees will be subject to revised GST of 9% on 1 Jan 2024. Fees are payable before term commencement and do not include textbooks. 


To request a brochure for Master of Science International Business (2023 Intake), please contact us via email: he3@sim.edu.sg.


Scholarship

University of Birmingham Scholarships of S$1,000 are currently available for masters' applicants achieving a 2.1 or above in their first degree.

Please click here to view the administrative details and terms and conditions for the University of Birmingham scholarships

Mandatory One-time Fees

All fees inclusive of prevailing GST.

International Student Induction Fee

A one-time fee payable by new full-time international students. This fee covers pre-arrival and arrival support, including activities to enhance the international student learning experience.

As applicable, payable with the programme fees’ first instalment.

S$432.00

Application Fee

Payable for each application form that is submitted. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be refunded fully only if the intake does not commence. Unpaid applications will not be processed.

Local applicants: S$97.20

International applicants: S$486.00 (not inclusive of all fees related to Student’s Pass application)