📖Program Curriculum
You will study a mixture of core and optional taught modules during semesters 1 and 2. After you have completed the taught modules of the course you will undertake a large project in semester 3 to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of international business.
Module structure
SEMESTER 1
Compulsory modules
International Business Context
International Strategic Management
International Operations and Supply
Option modules
Accounting for Decision Making
Leadership
Understanding Consumer Behaviour
Marketing Management in the Digital Age
Clean and Green: Technologies from Above the Earth
System Design and Programming
Choice of modern language from absolute beginners to advanced level (subject to availability)
(Mandarin Chinese French German Japanese Spanish or Russian British Sign Language).
Advanced Business English
SEMESTER 2
Compulsory modules
Contemporary Challenges in Global Business
Creativity and Personal Development
Strategic Marketing in a Global Context
Option modules
Group 1
You will choose one of the following:
Entrepreneurship
International Financial Reporting
Strategic Human Resource Management
Strategy and Information Management
Brands and Branding
Marketing Management in the Digital Age
Introduction to International Economic Law (Law module)
Group 2
Cloud Computing
Web Technologies and Security
Collaborative Application Development
Case Studies in Sustainability
Green IT
Choice of modern language from post-beginners to advanced level (subject to availability) - Mandarin Chinese French German Japanese Spanish or Russian British Sign Language.
Advanced Business English
SEMESTER 3
Compulsory module:
Research Methods
After you have completed the taught modules you will undertake a large project to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of management or to tackle a specific management issue within an organisation all of which is designed to enhance your employability. You will choose one of the options below:
Consultancy
During June to September you will spend eight to 12 weeks undertaking a management research project on behalf of an organisation (chosen by Keele Business School). You’ll put into practice what you’ve learned developing and applying your skills to solve a business problem issue or focus on a specific project. As part of the eventual assessment you’ll present your findings to the host organisation exactly as you would do within the workplace. One of our students worked with a premier League football club audit charitable donations made by all 92 clubs in the top four divisions of the English game while another student helped a visual communications consultancy develop a proposition and quantify the value of its innovative approach to initial discovery and briefing meetings.
Please note that participation in the Consultancy Project is only available after a comprehensive selection process.
Entrepreneurship
An excellent opportunity if you have an idea for a new business venture this module will provide you with the time space and expertise to develop it. For between eight weeks to 12 months you’ll be given the option of a base within the University’s incubator and have access to workshops and guidance from a network of entrepreneurs and business advisers. During this time you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence on your idea and present this to an external stakeholder. Places are limited and you will be required to undertake an interview prior to acceptance on this module.
Please note: The Entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK Students only
Placement
In an increasingly competitive job market employers are looking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge skills and workplace experience. With support from the Faculty Placement Officer you will gain first-hand professional experience on a suitable paid work placement for between eight weeks to 12 months. During your placement you will be required to complete an extended project on behalf of the organisation. As part of the eventual assessment you’ll present your findings to the host organisation exactly as you would do within the workplace. Your placement can be based anywhere in the UK giving you the opportunity to work with local national and international organisations.
Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work including placements they can undertake.
Research Dissertation
The dissertation is a formal written academic project of between 15000 and 20000 words making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests and with support throughout from a supervisor with relevant expertise you’ll choose a topic to research in international business and management.
