MSc International Business with Placement Year

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 3 award routes that you can choose to study:

1. One-year full-time MSc International Business (September & January entry)

2. Two-year MSc International Business (Sandwich) (September entry only) 

3. Two-year MSc International Business with Advanced Research (September & January entry)
    

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

The ‘sandwich’ degree is also known as ‘placement’ degree, and refers to a placement /internship ‘sandwiched’ between your first year’s study and your second year’s research project.
 

As a student on the 2-year sandwich 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 sandwich route. Instead you are expected to be paid by your placement/internship employer.
 

Why choose this course?
 

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience. The two-year ‘sandwich’ 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 8 subjects led by experts in the field which include economics, finance, strategy, marketing, human resource 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 onto 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 ‘Professional Work Placement’ module. This will enable you to graduate the award title MSc International Business (Sandwich).
 

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.

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.

UK Students
 

Full time

• £9750 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 inclusive
   

EU Students
 

Full time

• £16000 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 inclusive
   

International Students

Full time

• £16000 for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 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.

Every aspect of this Master’s is designed to give you an international experience. You’ll benefit from our academic team’s international expertise and connections, as well as the School’s excellent global business links. You’ll also study alongside postgraduate students from all over the world, gaining direct experience of other cultures and creating a worldwide network of friends and contacts.
 

The University of Hertfordshire also regularly hosts visiting professors from international universities and speakers from leading companies, who each bring their own perspectives on the challenges facing the business world today.
 

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
 

The two-year MSc International Business (Sandwich) 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.