Course options
Key information
Duration: 1 year full time
Institution code: R72
Campus: Egham
UK fees*: £16,100 (Jan 2026 entry), £16,700 (Sep 2026 entry)
International/EU fees**: £26,100 (Jan 2026 entry), £27,000 (Sep 2026 entry)
The course
International Business Management (MSc)
The Royal Holloway International Business Management MSc is a rigorous and rewarding programme aimed at ambitious and self-motivated individuals at the outset of their professional working life. It is ideal for those who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in general management with an international orientation and will prepare you to enter the globalised world of work on a competitive footing, maximising your potential and widening your choices.
On graduating you will have a comprehensive and integrated knowledge and understanding of organisations, their management and the environment in which they operate. As part of this, you will have examined accounting and finance from a manager's point of view and evaluated the impact of internal and external factors on the kinds of human resource strategies drawn up by international organisations. The course will provide an understanding of how international management fits into the organisation and running of a company or multi-company corporation. There is also the option to participate in a field study trip, involving visits to a range of companies in a different country and an examination of how businesses operate at an international level. Read more about the 2024 trip to Helsinki and Tallinn here.
As a member of the School of Business and Management you will join an intellectually stimulating, friendly and supportive research environment and, through working closely with our expert and experienced academic staff, you will be in a position to realise your full potential.
Reasons to choose International Business Management MSc at Royal Holloway:
- Career management and employability skills to make competitive applications to multinational enterprises, non-governmental organisations or as a platform to pursue additional qualifications (such as in accounting or Marketing).
- Conversion course so therefore particularly relevant if you did not study management as part of your undergraduate degree or have less than two years full-time work experience. It is also applicable to graduates who are involved in family-owned and own businesses.
- Inspiring international community; approximately 60% of our Management students come from overseas, with over 130 countries represented across the University.
We sometimes make changes to our courses to improve your experience. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Course structure
Core Modules
This year we will be running the following insightful modules which are all mandatory:
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This module provides you with an understanding of the substantial issues a firm and its managers have to deal with. It contains two halves. The first half of the module introduces you to (a) the strategic decisions a manager must make in order to survive and compete in the marketplace, and (b) the resource allocation problems between and within firms, their consumers, and how to address them. The decisions to address these ‘big issues’ are discussed in the context of varying economic characteristics of a firm and the competitiveness of its environment. The second half of the module aims to give a fundamental understanding of key accounting and finance techniques and practices; provide awareness of the impact of contexts (different countries, industries, markets, and regulatory regimes) on accounting and finance ideas and practices; and develop an awareness of the analytical usefulness of accounting and finance data, in a manner that emphasises the importance of a wider business understanding for such analysis and the limitations as well as the strengths of the data.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of how international strategy and entrepreneurship fit into the organisation and running of a commercial entity. You will look at the ways in which a firm can achieve sustainable competitive advantage through strategy and entrepreneurship, evaluating the processes that firms use to develop, renew and reconfigure these. You will also examine the theoretical frameworks of strategy and entrepreneurship in the real business world.
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This module provides you with an understanding of people management and organisational issues that a firm and its managers have to deal with. The aim of the module is twofold: a) to enable you to consider the impact of globalisation, culture and communication on people and organisation; and b) to enable you to examine managing people in the context of modern geopolitics and employment relations.
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This module provides you with an understanding of the substantial issues a firm and its managers must deal with. It contains two halves. The first half of the module introduces you to some key issues concerning digitalisation in today’s global business environment. Starting with the use of information systems and digital technologies for attaining competitive advantage, the module will address organisational and managerial concerns in the effective implementation and use of information systems. Emphasis will be placed on recent developments such as big data, digital business transformation, and the opportunities and challenges these create for organisations. A variety of case studies will help make explicit the problems involved in the management of technological change in organisations as well as the impact of information systems on organisational culture and context. The second half of the module explores how marketing practice fits into the organisation and running of a global corporation. After an introduction of key marketing concepts, this exploration is guided by a series of contemporary topics, ranging from the global marketing environment and the evaluation of standardisation and adaptation strategies to a discussion of cultural forces and their influence on consumer behaviour. The module concludes with a reflection on common criticisms of marketing practice and discusses typical responses from marketers.
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This module is delivered to build personal effectiveness in the business environment. You’ll study essential business skills related to communication, employability, and discipline-specific academic literacy providing an opportunity to successfully engage with learning on the course, including reading for and participation in workshops and completion of coursework assignments. You’ll learn to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific research and the appropriate use of different research methods and the module provides the foundation for the Independent Business Project to be conducted in the summer term.
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The aim of the module is to introduce you to some of the main topics in the important field of operations management. Operations management is concerned with the design, planning and control of operating systems for the provision of goods and services. This module provides you with an insight into the tools and techniques used in the management of operational systems and into the factors that affect the choice of operating methods. The module also provides you with a sound understanding of the essentials of modern operations practices and introduces principles of supply chain management, logistics and transportation required to support global supply chains.
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This module will describe the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning will be described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities will be described. Activities, with feedback, will provide you with opportunities to reflect and develop your understanding of academic integrity principles.
Optional Modules
Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.
You will take one of the following:
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This module provides you with the opportunity to investigate, analyse and make recommendations for a business project related to general management areas, developing the skills to critically evaluate and select the appropriate method to conduct the project. Analysis will then be communicated in the form of a project brief and 10,000-word report.
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The module will provide you with direct access to varied industry professionals and management practices in a cross-cultural, international setting. The aim of the module is to provide a variety of opportunities for experiential learning such as company visits, presentations by and discussions with business leaders, and in-class workshops. The study trip will provide you with the opportunity to learn from the business models and practices of major domestic and global businesses operating in the destination country or countries chosen for the field trip each year. An important learning outcome is to enhance your appreciation of the significant cultural challenges entailed in managing business operations in a global context. You will be required to engage in pre-trip preparatory work as well as post-trip reflection activities in-class in groups in order to embed the experiential learning gained through the study trip. You will also be required to submit an assignment that will challenge you to reflect on your study trip while addressing specific questions relating to one of the companies visited.
Teaching & assessment
Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including written assignments, closed-book examinations, in-class tests, oral presentations, group work and independent research.
Entry requirements
2:2
UK Honours degree or equivalent in any degree subject.
Candidates with substantial and relevant professional qualifications or professional experience in an associated area will also be considered.
International & EU requirements
Bachelor degree from the American University of Armenia or a Specialist diploma with 80% or a GPA of 3.5 overall.
Bachelor degree (Honours) with a 2:2 or a Bachelor degree (Ordinary) with a Pass with 58% overall.
Bachelor degree or Fachhochschuldiplom/Diplom (FH) with a Grade 3.9 overall.
Bachelor degree (Bakalavr) or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5 or 70% overall.
4 year Bachelor degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) with a First Class Division or a Masters Degree following a 3 or 4 year degree.
Bachelor degree with grade 12 overall or the Licentiaat or Licence and other two cycle diplomas with grade 12 overall.
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani with Grade 8
Bakalavar or Diploma of Completed Higher Education with a Grade 4 out 6 overall.
4 year Bachelor degree with 62%, a GPA 2.5 out of 4, Grade 6 out of 12 or grade C+ overall OR 3 year Bachelor degree with 73%, a GPA of 3.1 out of 4, Grade 8 out of 12 or grade B overall, depending on the grading scheme.
4 year Bachelors degree with an overall 70% to 75% or GPA of 2.8 to 3.0 out of 4.0 depending on the institution.
3 out of 5 overall in the Baccalaureus Prvostupnik or Visoko Obrazovanja/Level VII/1 (second level degree obtained on completion of 4-6 year course).
Overall 6.5 out of 10 or a GPA of 2.85 out of 4 in a Bachelor degree from a public university, Ptychion (from University of Cyprus) or Bachelor degree awarded by a private institution (the programme must be accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture).
Bakalar with dobre (good), score of 2 or Grade C overall.
7 from 13 points grading system or 4 from 7 points grading system in a Bachelor degree, Candidatus Philosophiae or Professionbachelor.
University bachelors degree with a GPA of 2.4 overall or 65% overall
75%, 2.5 or C overall in a Bakalaurusekraad/Diploma, Magister or Magistrikraad
GPA of 1 where marks are in 1 - 3 system or GPA of 2.3 where marks are in 1 - 5 system in a Kandidaattii/Kandidat or Maisteri/Magister
Licence awarded from 2009 with grade 12 or Maitrise (pre-Bologna) with grade 11
Grade 3 overall in a Bachelor, Fachhochschuldiplom or Magister Artium
Bachelor degree with a Second Class Lower Division overall.
6 out of 10 overall in a Diploma from the Faculties of Engineering and Agriculture or a Ptychion (Bachelor degree) awarded by an AEI.
Bachelors degree degree with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division.
Egyetemi Oklevel /Foiskola Oklevel/ Alapfokozat with 3 out of 5 overall.
Baccalaurreatus with grade 6.5 out of 10 overall or Kandidatsprof / Cadidatus Mag with 6 out of 10 overall.
Bachelor degree with 55% to 60% overall or a CGPA of 5.5 to 6 out of 10 overall depending on the institution.
Bachelor degree or Diploma IV with overall GPA of 2.8.
Bachelor Degree/Professional Doctorate with 13 out of 20 overall.
Bachelor’s degree (four years) with 70% overall.
Bachelors degree with at least 75% overall depending on the mark scheme.
Diploma di Laurea or Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti with 84 out of 110 overall.
Bachelor degree (Gakushi) with a B overall, dependent on the mark scheme.
Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5, 70% or 3.0 out of 4.33 overall.
Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours (lower division) overall.
Bachelor degree with B or a GPA of 3.0 overall.
Bakalaura Diploms or Professional Bakalaura Diploms with Grade 6 overal.
Dipl Ing (FH) or Dipl Arch (FH) from Liechtenstein Technical College with a Grade 4 overall.
7 out of 10 overall in a Bakalauras or Specialist Diploma.
Bachelor degree, Diplome d?Ingenieur Industriel or Dipl?me d'?tudes Sup?rieures Sp?cialis?es with 40 out of 60 or 14 out of 20 (Bien) overall.
Bachelor degree with Class 2 Division ii, B or 2.8 out of 4.0 overall.
Honours degree with a Second Class (Lower Division) overall.
Bachelor degree or Doctoraal with Grade 6.0 out of 10 overall.
Bachelor degree Honours or Ordinary with an overall Grade C+ or Grade 3 out of 9 points grading system.
Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division or overall GPA of 2.5 out of 5.
Visoko Obrazovanja with 7 out of 10 overall.
Overall 6.5 out of 10 or a GPA of 2.85 out of 4 in a Bachelor degree from a public university, Ptychion (from University of Cyprus) or Bachelor degree awarded by a private institution (the programme must be accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture).
Bachelor degree, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeni-r (siv. ing.) (Engineering degree ) or Sivil?konom (siv. ?k.) (Economics degree) Grade D or 2.6 to 3.2.
Bachelor degree with an overall GPA of 2.6.
4 year Bachelor degree or combined bachelors degree and Master degree for the duration of 4 years with 58% - 65% or a CGPA of 2.8 - 3.2 overall depending on your institution.
Licencjat, Inzynier or Bachelor with grade 3.71 overall.
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializadoswith grade 14 overall or Licenciado with grade 13 overall.
Bachelor degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 overall.
Diploma de Licenta, Diploma Inginer or Diploma de Arhitect with 7.0 out of 10 overall.
Bakalavr Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5 or 70% overall.
Bachelor degree with 70%, 3.0 out of 5.0 or 2.8 out of 4.0 overall.
Diplom Visokog Obrazovanja (second-level degree obtained on completion of a four to six-year course) with 7.5 out of 10 overall.
Bachelor degree (from a public university) with a Class II (lower) overall.
Bakalar or Magister / Inzinier with vel'mi dobre (very good) or Grade 2 overall.
Diplomirani / Diplomirani Inzenir from Visoko izobrazevanje, University Diploma or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) with 7 out of 10 (8 for Visoko Obrazovanja) overall.
Bachelor (Honours), Bachelor or Professional Bachelor degree with 60% or Second Class Lower Division.
Bachelor (Haksa) degree with 3.0 out of 4.5, 2.9 out of 4.3 or 2.8 out of 4.0.
Licenciado, Titulo de Ingeniero or Titulo de Arquitecto with 6 out of 10.
Bachelor degree from National University or Private University with 68% to 73% or GPA 2.8 to 3.0 depending on your institution.
Bachelor degree with a 2nd Class Honours (Lower) overall.
Bachelor degree GPA 2.6 to 2.8 depending on your institution.
Bachelor degree GPA 2.6 to 2.8 depending on your institution.
Bachelor degree (post 2007) or Specialist Diploma (after 1991) with a Grade 3, 9 out of 12 or 4 out of 5 overall.
Bachelor degree with 80%, a GPA of 2.8 out of 4, C+ or Good overall.
Bachelor degree with a GPA of 2.6 overall.
Kandidatexamen with at least a Pass (godkand) overall.
Bachelor degree or Bang tot nghiep dai hoc with 6.5 out of 10.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. No subscore lower than 6.0.
- Pearson Test of English: 67 overall. No other subscore lower than 64.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
- TOEFL iBT: 88 overall with Reading 22 Listening 20 Speaking 22 Writing 24.
- Duolingo: 120 overall and no sub-score below 115.
Your future career
On graduating with a MSc in International Business Management from Royal Holloway you will be in a position to take a variety of different career paths. You may choose to combine this qualification with your first degree studies to indicate a market sector or a functional specialism. Important skills are gained for those entering fields such as finance, accountancy and regulatory bodies; we also recognise the role of family and closely held business enterprises for some.
We will help students to recognise their own strengths, skills and abilities so that they can make strong applications for their chosen job or further study.
Postgraduate students from our School of Business and Management have gone on to roles in a variety of companies including Amazon, Tesco, Accenture, Ogilvy, KPMG, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bloomberg LP, Ocado Group, HSBC, Fuji film, Huawei, Deutsche Bahn and Qatar Airways.
Fees, funding & scholarships
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £16,100 (Jan 2026 entry), £16,700 (Sep 2026 entry)
EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £26,100 (Jan 2026 entry), £27,000 (Sep 2026 entry)
Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course. For those who select to participate in the Optional Module 'International Business Study Field Trip', there will be some additional costs relating to the expenses of the trip.
How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.
* and ** These tuition fees apply to students starting their course on a full-time basis in the academic year 2025/26 (January 2026 entry) or 2026/27 (September 2026 entry). Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. For further information, see fees and funding ,and terms and conditions.
*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the academic year in which you start: 2025/26 (January 2026 entry) and 2026/27 (September 2026 entry). They are included as a guide only. Costs such as accommodation, food, books, other learning materials and printing have not been included.
