MSc International Business Administration

Program Overview

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It fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation for the diverse contexts in which businesses operate globally. Through a blended learning approach, students gain knowledge in core areas such as strategy, finance, and marketing, while elective modules allow for specialization. The program culminates in a dissertation, providing students with valuable research experience.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Master of Science in International Business Administration (MSc IBA) at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

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Overview:

The MSc IBA program at SOAS is designed for students who are seeking a globally focused and critically reflective understanding of the complex world of international business. It equips students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly changing global business environment.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and practices of international business.
• Develop students’ analytical and problem-solving skills in a global context.
• Foster critical thinking and reflection on the ethical, social, and cultural dimensions of international business.
• Cultivate students’ appreciation for the diverse range of economic, political, and cultural contexts in which international business operates.
• Prepare students for careers in international business, finance, management, and related fields.

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Program Description:

The MSc IBA program is a rigorous and intensive one-year program delivered through a blended learning approach.

• International Business Strategy
• Managing the Transnational Corporation
• Corporate Finance
• International Marketing
• Banking Strategy
• Dissertation
The program also offers students the flexibility to tailor their studies by choosing four elective modules from a wide range of options, allowing them to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as:
• Human Resource Management and Development
• Management Information in Business
• Project Appraisal
• Banking Strategy
• Finance in the Global Market
• The Business and Economy of China
• Risk Management: Principles and Applications
The program culminates in a dissertation, providing students with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a specific topic related to their chosen field of study.

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Outline:

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Course Schedule:

The MSc IBA program is offered on a part-time basis, with students taking one module at a time. Each module lasts for ten weeks and is typically available in at least two of the year's study sessions. This flexible structure allows students to fit their studies around their professional, family, and personal commitments.

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Individual Modules:

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International Business Strategy:

• This module explores the key elements of international business strategy, including globalization, competitive advantage, and market entry strategies.
It also focuses on the challenges of managing international businesses in the face of political and economic uncertainty.

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Managing the Transnational Corporation:

• This module examines the nature and challenges of managing multinational corporations (MNCs) within the contemporary global economy.
It covers topics such as international production and sourcing, organizational structures, and control mechanisms.

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Corporate Finance:

• This module provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of corporate finance in a global context.
It covers topics such as capital structure, valuation, and risk management.

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International Marketing:

• This module explores the unique challenges and opportunities of marketing products and services internationally.
It covers topics such as global market analysis, branding, and consumer behavior.

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Banking Strategy:

• This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of the strategic challenges facing banks in the 21st century.
It covers topics such as competition, technological innovation, and regulation.

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Dissertation:

• The dissertation is a supervised research project allowing students to explore a topic of their choice in detail.
This provides them with valuable research and writing experience and the opportunity to demonstrate their independent study skills.

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Other Modules:

Additionally, students can choose four elective modules from a range of options, allowing them to further specialize in a particular area of interest within international business. See the "Program Description" above for a complete list of available modules.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

Students are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. Coursework typically includes assignments, presentations, and group projects, while examinations are typically in the form of three-hour written papers.

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Assessment Criteria:

Assessment criteria vary depending on the module, but typically include:

• Critical thinking: demonstrating an ability to analyze complex problems and issues, evaluate evidence, and formulate reasoned arguments.
• Effective communication: communicating effectively both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner.
• Research skills: demonstrating the ability to conduct independent research, collect and analyze data, and produce a well-researched and well-written dissertation.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The MSc IBA program utilizes various teaching methods to engage students and encourage active learning. These include:

• Lectures: delivered by expert faculty members with extensive experience in international business and related fields.
• Seminars: small-group discussions allowing students to engage with the module content in depth and exchange ideas with their peers.
• Case studies: analyzing real-world business situations to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Group projects: working collaboratively with fellow students on research and presentations to develop teamwork and communication skills.
• Virtual Learning Environment (VLE): providing access to online learning materials, discussion forums, and communication tools.

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Faculty:

The faculty of the MSc IBA program are internationally renowned scholars and experienced practitioners with expertise in various areas of international business. The program encourages students to engage critically with current business practices, ethical considerations, and social and cultural nuances in the international business world. It also provides students with a deep understanding of the complex political, economic, social, and cultural contexts in which international business operates, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies.

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Tuition fees 2022/23 MSc Single module £10,920 £1,820 Fees are inclusive of all required resources. Whilst we incorporate all of the costs into your module fees, depending on your country of residence, you may incur local costs such as: fees paid to local examination centres for sitting your examinations. Fees may increase each year, therefore may be higher in subsequent years of study. Pay as you learn Our distance learning programmes can be paid in full at the time of enrolment or on a pay as you learn basis. Postgraduate loans If you have been a resident in England for 3 years you may be eligible. See postgraduate funding and finance for more information. Look through the postgraduate scholarships available. Alternatively, we recommend students approach their local British Council, British High Commission or British Embassy, for information on local funding. Dependent on nationality, employment circumstances and other factors, funding and sponsorship sources can include: United Nations (UNESCO, FAO, UNDP, UNEP etc); Bilateral Aid Agencies (SIDA, GTZ, etc), European Union; British Council; NGOs; Educational and other charitable trusts.