Programme Specification for MA International
Business Management
1. Programme title
2. Awarding institution
3. Teaching institution
4. Programme accredited by
5. Final qualification
6. Academic year
7. Language of study
8. Mode of study
International Business Management
Middlesex University
Middlesex University
MA
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
2012/2013
English
Full Time/ Part Time
9. Criteria for admission to the programme
An honours degree (1st or 2nd class), or equivalent, in any discipline
from a British university or a recognised overseas equivalent.
Alternatively students who have successfully completed an Advanced
Diploma in Management from Middlesex University .
Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate
English Language proficiency in addition to the other entry
requirement. A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or a TOEFL score of
575 for the written test or 230 for the computer test, or a recognised
equivalent qualification must be obtained.
10. Aims of the programme
The programme aims to:
 develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the theories that
inform contemporary international business practice;
 develop students’ decision-making abilities in the context of complex
business environments;
 enable students to participate in different areas of organisations’
international operations;
 enable students to manage people and organisational activities in
dynamic international business environments;
 enable candidates to manage products and services in international
markets;
 develop advanced skills in analysis and critical evaluation.
In the case of the Masters awards these aims will be realised in full. For
earlier exit awards, achievement of aims will be as follows: for the Diploma,
all aims stated above will be achieved in full, with the exception of
completion of dissertation outcomes. For the Certificate exit award, aims
will be achieved at an initial core, but not specialist, level.
11. Programme outcomes
A. Knowledge and
understanding
On completion of this programme
the successful student will have
knowledge and understanding of :
Teaching/learning methods
Students develop knowledge and
understanding towards the specified
outcomes through a combination of
lectures, directed reading,
1. key concepts, theories, models
and contemporary issues
related to international
business;
2. current theory and practice of
decision-making techniques in
management contexts;
3. emerging issues and
developments related to work
and employment relations in
global and international
contexts;
4. contemporary concepts and
theories of marketing in global
and international contexts;
5. methods, techniques and
theoretical perspectives
deployed in business
management research and
scholarship.
independent study, case studies,
group work, coursework, electronic
and online learning methods,
facilitated discussion, guest/ speakers
and individual and group research.
B. Cognitive (thinking) skills
On completion of this programme
the successful student will be able
to:
1. analyse and critically evaluate
complex business issues in an
international context;
2. synthesise information from
multiple sources and reach
justifiable conclusions related
to people, markets and
products in international
contexts;
3. apply conceptual and analytical
frameworks to inform effective
management practice in an
international context;
4. select appropriate and
justifiable methods/approaches
to complex managerial
problems in an international
context.
Teaching/learning methods
Students develop their cognitive skills
at the appropriate level through
methods outline in Section A above,
while analysis, synthesis and critical
thinking are strengthened through
seminar participation and independent
study. Formative and postassessment feedback is provided on
all assessed coursework.
C. Practical skills
On completion of the programme
the successful student will be able
to:
1. develop a variety of
communication skills including
by making written and/or oral
presentations, demonstrating
an awareness of cross-cultural
contexts;
2. calculate, interpret and present
Teaching/learning methods
Students learn practical skills through
participation in workshops, seminars
and guided discussions. Additionally,
practical skills are learnt through
individual and group coursework,
independent study and research
methods training.
Assessment Method
Students’ knowledge and
understanding is assessed by a
combination of individual and group
coursework, presentations,
examination and dissertation.
Assessment Method
Students’ cognitive skills are
assessed by individual and group
coursework, presentations,
examination and dissertation.
Assessment Method
results from a variety of
decision-making and/or
problems-solving techniques;
3. develop and demonstrate a
capability to collaborate with
people from different
national/cultural backgrounds;
4. demonstrate an advanced
capability for self-managed,
self-directed learning;
5. demonstrate appropriate
research skills, particularly
applied to international
business.
Students’ practical skills are assessed
by individual and group coursework,
presentations, examination and
dissertation.
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression
requirements)
12. 1 Overall structure of the programme
The programme is designed for one year full time or two years part-time study,
and comprises of five independent learning units --- also known as module. All
learning units are at level 4 and each has a credit value of 30, except for
dissertation module which is 60-credit. All modules are compulsory.
MA International Business Management
Students can enter the programme and achieve the above award by obtaining
120 credits in taught modules of the programme, including 60 credits from
compulsory modules (MGT4139, STX4113), and subsequently completing the
dissertation (60 credits) successfully.
PG Diploma International Business Management
To gain the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business Management
students must successfully complete the two compulsory modules (MGT4139,
STX4113) and two option modules (one from HRM and one from MKT) (120
credits).
PG Certificate in International Business Management
To gain the Postgraduate Certificate in International Business Management
students must successfully complete MGT4139 and STX4113 (60 credits).
Information for Part Time Students
The programme can be studied on part time basis over a period of two years.
In the first year, part-time students normally take two compulsory modules. In
the second year, they study one compulsory and one option module selected.
Alternative study plans are possible in some special circumstances, for
instance the need to accommodate an unusual work schedule, however, such
alternatives might carry some risks to students’ progression and must only be
considered in accordance with the advice and guidance given by the
Programme Leader.
12.2 Levels and modules
Starting in academic year 2010/11 the University is changing the way it
references modules to state the level of study in which these are
delivered. This is to comply with the national Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications. This implementation will be a gradual
process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is
bracketed below.
Level 4 (1)
COMPULSORY
OPTIONAL
PROGRESSION
REQUIREMENTS
Students must take all
Students must also
of the following:
choose ONE from the
following set of HRM
All modules must be
modules:
passed in order to
MGT4131
progress to the
MGT4139
HRM4250
dissertation stage.
STX4113
HRM4320
AND
ONE from the following
set of MKT modules:
MKT4010
MKT4023
12.3 Non-compensatable modules
Module level
Module code
7
MGT4139, MGT4131
13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules
See Curriculum Map on Page 56
14. Information about assessment regulations
University and School regulations apply to this programme.
15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support
Not applicable to this programme
16. Future careers
The programme will develop candidates’ knowledge, skills and capabilities
to an advanced level in managing in an international context, enabling them
to assume managerial positions in organisations already engaged in
international business or contemplating internationalisation of their
operations.
Graduates will be better equipped for entrepreneurial activity in an
international context and for employment in a relevant managerial capacity.
For those who have taken a career break to study, this programme will
enhance opportunities for career progression.
17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)
 Induction programme
 Programme and Module Handbooks
 Module information and learning/support material on Oasis
 Library and learning centre resources
 Postgraduate room in Sheppard library
 Guest lectures
 English Language and Learning Support in Sheppard Library
 Designated ‘office hours’ and one-to-one meetings with teaching staff
18. JACS code (or other relevant coding
system)
19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark
group(s)
Masters Awards in Business
and Management
20. Reference points
 QAA Masters Awards in Business & Management
 QAA Qualifications Framework
 AMBA Criteria for Pre-experience Masters in General Management
 The Learning Framework: Programme design Guidance (2006)
University Regulations
Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main
features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might
reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning
opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can
be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.