MSc International Business with Placement Year

Why choose Herts?

Work-Related Learning: You have a placement option to gain work experience during the programme. Previous students have worked for organisations such as Bosch, Eisai Pharmaceuticals, and Canada Life.
Industry connections: Hertfordshire Business School is very well connected and hosts regular business networking events with large organisations such as BT, Tesco, and Ocado.
Employment prospects: Our graduates work as Business Developers, Senior Managers, and Commercial Operation Managers in organisations including Royal Mail, Network Rail, and BT.

This course is up for review
To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to be ready for the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by March 2025.

Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:
- module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
- expected contact hours
- assessment methods
- staff teaching on the course

An honours degree (at least 2:2 or equivalent) in any discipline, a degree equivalent professional qualification or appropriate work experience.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency. The following qualifications and grades will be considered:

GCSE English language grade A-C
IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in any band)

Other English language tests are accepted. Please contact the International Office for details.

If you do not have the required level of English for entry, our academic English courses can help you to achieve this level.


Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Business School
Course length	Sandwich, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

What job can I get?

Our MSc International Business graduates find jobs all over the globe. They gain employment in multinational corporations, SMEs, non-profitable organisations, family businesses and as entrepreneurs. They work in a variety of sectors such as marketing, HR, operations and supply chain, finance, and in diverse industries, including fashion, education, hospitality, pharmaceutical and engineering.

Most importantly, through this programme, you will have developed your skills, understanding and confidence. You will graduate as a more mature professional, better able to see opportunities, more sensitive to cultural differences, more resilient to cope with stress and change, and capable of operating in a fast-moving global environment.

Work placement

This course offers you the opportunity to work on a placement/internship relevant to your programme of study as part of the ‘sandwich’ degree.

Please note you must pass all of your first semester modules at first attempt in order to be eligible for the placement. If you fail to meet the academic requirement, you may still continue onto your second year studies by transferring onto our two-year MSc International Business with Advanced Research.

Securing a placement

You are responsible for finding your placement / internship, and support is provided to you by the School and the University to help. The ‘Preparation for the Workplace’ module is designed to prepare you for securing your placement. Our dedicated Placements Team and the University’s Careers and Employment Service are available to support you in your search, and the University has links with several organisations from various sectors that are able to offer suitable opportunities. You may also source a placement through your personal contacts or from the networking sites such as LinkedIn, in which case you must make sure that the University approves it.

You will normally need to secure a placement by the end of the second semester of the first academic year in order to meet the timelines associated with the placement process.

Financing your placement

There are no fees to pay during your placement year, so the cost of your placement depends on the location and type of placement role. Therefore, please give careful thought to your travel and living costs and how you will support yourself financially during this time. The average salary for a paid placement is £21,000, but your salary can range between the National Minimum Wage or may be substantially higher depending on the role and sector. There is funding available if you are a home student for your placement year through Student Finance England dependant on the type of placement you choose.

During your placement

With your placement, you are required to do a minimum number of hours, which is recorded and assessed as part of your overall progress via the ‘Professional Work Placement’ module. The University also have a member of the employability team who will come to visit you on placement and ensure you are safe and secure in your role.

After your placement

When your placement is complete you will return to your course to complete your final research project or dissertation. This is undertaken with the guidance of a dedicated supervisor to support you and involves research and writing during Semester C in the second year.

About the course

MSc International Business is an innovative flagship programme with flexible entry points and pathways. The programme is designed to help you build a strong understanding of the way organisations operate globally, and help develop specialist skills that enable you to work effectively across national borders.

The programme offers three award routes that you can choose to study:

The two-year MSc International Business Placement Year programme offers you the opportunity to work on a placement as part of your degree as well as your academic studies.

As a student on the two-year placement year programme, you will have the opportunity to work on a full-time placement (normally 40 weeks) and gain experience in your chosen career sector.

This follows your first year’s study when you will have the opportunity to explore international business in a number of areas, including economics, finance, strategy, marketing, management, human resource, and supply chain management. There will also be the opportunity to conduct an independent major research project in your area of interest.

Throughout the programme, you will gain a unique combination of skills sought after by employers all over the world. These include communication, numeracy, team-working, cross-cultural awareness, reflective learning and the ability to critically analyse complex business challenges to reach considered creative solutions.

You will also build a strong network with your peers and colleagues at workplace – some will become your close friends, and a few may even become your future business partners.

In short, the placement is an excellent way to apply the knowledge and skills you learn on your programme as well as increase your employment prospects following graduation.

There are no required fees for the placement year route. Instead you are expected to be paid by your placement/internship employer.

Why choose this course?

Our Postgraduate studies are sector leading amongst over 100 Higher Education Institutions in the UK as evidenced by our extraordinary achievement:

6th in Business and Management in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024)
1st for Skills Development, 2nd for Support, Resources, Community and Assessment (Advance HE, 2023)

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience. The two-year ‘placement’ programme is an excellent choice for you to enhance your qualification and experience by spending two semesters on an internship. It also offers you the opportunity to:

strive for sound academic performance, while proactively exploring career possibilities and making valuable contacts alongside your studies
apply your knowledge and skills to manage complex business challenges at your workplace and in a real business world setting
gain valuable experience and place yourself at a favourable position to pursue your chosen career path upon graduation
obtain a two-year study visa and enjoy a wider experience of study and work in the UK (for international students).

What will I study?

In the first two semesters, you will study eight subjects led by experts in the field which include economics, finance, strategy, marketing, human resources and supply chain management. You will be taught through a varied programme of teaching and learning that includes small group discussions, practical workshops, web-based learning, case study analysis and lectures. Sessions will be delivered by subject specialists as well as practitioners and consultants to provide a diverse perspective on the topics covered.

You will be assessed individually or in teams through a variety of assessment methods including written reports of various lengths, presentations, in-class tests and practical assignments. You will also be required to complete a longer research project for the research component of your programme.

In addition to this, you will also be enrolled on the module ‘Preparation for the Workplace’ and be expected to attend the workshops and pass the associated assignments which are designed to prepare you for securing your placement.

Once you have secured a work placement/ internship you will normally work for 40 weeks from the beginning of the third semester through to the end of the second semester of the next academic year.

While you are on placement, you will be visited by a member of the employability team and you will also be required to complete the placement related assessment as specified in the ‘Professional Work Placement’ module. This will enable you to graduate with the award title MSc International Business with Placement Year.

You will be expected to return to your academic studies in the last semester of your second year (Semester C) in order to complete your independent major research project, the research component of your programme, supported by a supervisor.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
The Global Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
The Global Economy introduces the complex patterns, processes and institutional context in which international businesses operate. It emphasises the importance of measurement and considers the concepts, theories and narratives used to explain the global economy, emphasising its dynamic nature, vulnerability to shocks and how businesses can gain from greater understanding to gain competitive advantage. The module is divided into four units: i) the nature of economies and the changing balance of economic and political power; ii) interaction through trade, financial flows, labour and information; iii) the role of businesses in orchestrating the economy, in allocating resources and shaping patterns of development; and iv) the political and regulatory framework within which businesses operate. The latter illustrates the challenges of working across a mosaic of cultures and regulatory regimes. There is also a critical assessment of the role of the state, of supra-national institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation, intergovernmental groupings, and of sub-national institutions such as regional and local political bodies.
International Business Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the challenges faced by international firms in building and sustaining competitive advantage within a complex, uncertain and rapidly changing global business environment. It will use a range of theoretical tools and concepts to explore the meaning of both quantitative and qualitative case study evidence. Students will examine how and why firms develop a range of strategic approaches to international business challenges, balancing a consideration of internal organisational influences and stakeholder pressures against an evaluation of the impact of competitive rivalry and broader environmental forces. A range of theoretical perspectives and debates will highlight the conflicting tensions felt by managers engaged in the international business strategy process, particularly the tension between demands to be responsive to national differences and economic pressures while also becoming more efficient and globally integrated. Students will generate and critically assess a range of strategic options available to managers in specific case situations.
International Supply Chain Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The focus of this module is on the theory and practice of international supply chain management in the context of organisations. Topics to be covered include: supply chain strategy, performance and structure of supply chains; supplier relationships; managing quality; matching supply and demand; inventory control, sourcing and managing suppliers; risk management, sustainability; corporate social responsibility; humanitarian supply chain integration and future contemporary challenges of supply chain management. The module will introduce the students to the main methods and techniques commonly used in the management of international supply chains; these include techniques such as simulation, forecasting, optimisation, distribution, network analysis, and so on.
Global e-Business	15 Credits	Optional
This module is primarily focused on areas such as the development of e-commerce components, E-commerce as part of the total company profile, E-commerce marketing, Internal and external effects of e-commerce, International methods of e-commerce, strategic advantage through e-commerce, payment Systems, privacy and security.
Marketing Across Cultures	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will investigate how marketing practice needs to adapt to take account of different international macro and micro environments and in particular cross cultural issues. The marketing function and activities will be addressed to investigate how these may need adaptation to best suit their different trading environments. Not only will the marketing function be addressed but also the management and control across different cultures. The learning outcomes will be achieved through student investigation, research and case study analysis.
International and Comparative HRM	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to provide an in-depth and theoretically informed exposition of the human resource complexities in managing across borders as a primary strategic concern of multinational corporations (MNCs). It is organised around international and comparative themes on an integrated basis. In exploring international HRM themes, students examine the challenges of managing staff in home and host localities, including the selection, training and rewarding of expatriates. Cultural awareness will be explored through the examination of diverse institutional and cultural environments in host destinations for MNCs. These include North America, 'Western' and 'Eastern' Europe, Japan, China and a selection of emerging/developing countries.
Preparation for the Workplace	0 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to support postgraduate students in their search for work placements and their applications. Students are given an overview of the employment market, and information on what employers will be looking for when selecting. During their study, students will analyse current recruitment and selection methods used, and the module provides students with support to prepare for these.
Work Placement Portfolio	0 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a sandwich placement provides students with the opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context. It also provides an opportunity to gain practical experience of the professional workplace, and to strengthen key employability skills. The Work Placement Portfolio module requires students to reflect on the learning gained throughout their placement, both in relation to their personal development, and their learning from their programme of study.
Leadership and Management in International Business	15 Credits	Optional
The module explores a range of leadership and management attributes and skills in their application to people in a multicultural and international business context. Leadership and Management theory, models and styles are analysed, including their impact on individual and team performance. Key concepts of leadership, management, motivation, teambuilding, group behaviour, communication, feedback, power and conflict are explored and presentation, communication, critical thinking and self-assessment skills are developed.
Business Research Methods	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module covers a range of research related skills in the business context. Areas covered normally include: understanding contemporary business issues; formulating research aim and objectives, identifying relevant literature; examining different approaches to data collection and data analysis; considering ethical guidelines for reliable and credible research. On completion of the module, students will have the ability to execute the next stage of their research.
Accounting and Finance for International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to enable you to become more confident in the use and limitations of financial information and, thus, interact more effectively with both financial and non-financial management. You will learn how to assess and use financial information, both that provided to external stakeholders (financial statements) and internal management reports essential tools to assist with management decision making across the organisation. In addition, you will analyse financial information which you will develop to help solve business problems, including alternative techniques for evaluating major investment projects and explore ways in which they may be financed. The module also explores how financial management and business performance is monitored and managed. A practical approach will be used. The use of scenario exercises and case studies will enable you to acquire and develop new financial skills and understand how to use them in a practical context.
Professional Work Placement	60 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a placement year provides students with the opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context, to gain practical experience of the workplace, and to strengthen key employability skills. The Professional Work Placement module provides opportunities for students to reflect on the learning gained throughout their placement, and to prepare themselves for articulating their experiences and enhanced skills when applying for future employment.
MSc IB Industry Research Project	60 Credits	Compulsory
The Industry Research Project is an original piece of work incorporating research and evaluation. It is the culmination of a successful Masters programme demonstrating the student s ability to work independently. It is underpinned by a formal teaching module in Business Research Methods. The project may focus on any aspect of the MSc International Business programme. Each student will be supported by a supervisor who will approve the final selection of the topic and offer guidance and support during the research and assessment process to ensure the learning outcomes are met.

Key staff

Farjana Mostofa
Deputy Programme Leader (Placement Year)
Find out more about Farjana Mostofa

Dr Priyanka Roy
Programme Leader
Find out more about Dr Priyanka Roy

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc International Business	Download

Programme specifications
MSc International Business	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Mandatory
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £14805 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £17950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £17950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £15720 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £18800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £18800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
25/09/2025 31/05/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
25/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Get info and updates

Apply now

MSc International Business with Placement Year

Why choose Herts?

What job can I get?

Work placement

Securing a placement

Financing your placement

During your placement

After your placement

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025

2026