MSc International Business with Extended Professional Practice

University of Hertfordshire

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.

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.

The Principles of International Business introduces the complex processes, patterns, and institutional context in which international businesses operate. The module content focuses on the nature of economies and the changing balance of economic and political power; interaction through trade, financial flows, labour and information; the role of states and businesses in orchestrating the economy, in allocating resources and shaping patterns of development; the strategic aims of business organisations and the sustainability of the modern economy in the face of climate change.

Success at university requires a full understanding of institutional expectations as well as the development of key academic skills needed to enable students to fulfil their potential. This module will provide a structured step-by-step guide along the student journey to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to best achieve their goals. Using engaging and interactive content, this module aims to provide students with all the tools and a strong foundation upon which to build successful academic and professional experiences.

This module is designed to introduce students from all backgrounds to the fundamental concepts of financial and management accounting within an international context. It provides a solid understanding of key concepts such as financial statements, investment appraisal, budgets and budgetary control, sustainability, and the risks associated with international business, including exchange rate transactions and translations. Additionally, students will develop the skills necessary to analyse, evaluate, and effectively communicate business performance to relevant stakeholders using appropriate financial information.

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.

This module covers the role of digital marketing in a global business context. Key topics include digital marketing strategy development (SEO, SEM, social media, content marketing), consumer insights and data analytics, e-commerce, and digital branding. Students will explore tools for understanding consumer behaviour, campaign planning, and measuring ROI. Practical applications include group projects, presentations, and the ethical and legal aspects of digital marketing, with a focus on data privacy and cultural sensitivity in global markets.

Through studying this module, you will gain an understanding of the international business and cultural factors that influence the strategic development of International Human Resource Management. You will examine both the significance of strategic macro frameworks and explore the complexities and challenges associated with HRM in international enterprises. Through the understanding of the different cultural, economic, legal and ethical challenges you will develop the ability to identify and design people management solutions to meet the business need and enhance organisational effectiveness.

This module allows students to understand and carry out a research process as appropriate for a master's degree. It will allow them to work independently while being supported on their research journey by a dedicated supervisor. The research skills developed will help them make effective critically evaluated decisions. They would also develop their discussion and presentation skills within a group of their peers preparing them for future success in research or a workplace environment.