MSc in International Business

Overview

The MSc in International Business is an official one-year programme taught in English. Its aim is to train specialists in global business management and covers the fields of finance and accounting, marketing, operations, human resources and strategic management.

Globalization of the economy is a tangible reality nowadays. Hence the need for companies to develop a strategy for internationalization in order to safeguard their competitiveness in global environments. In this sense the MSc in International Business arises from the need to train future managers in worldwide companies operating at an international level.

This programme contributes in a decisive way to a wider specialization for graduates in International Business, Management and Business Administration, and such like, who have acquired a more generalized training during their studies. The skills that students develop with this Master’s Degree are substantially those of an advanced post-graduate level. This training is complemented by applying these skills to the analysis and resolution of practical cases which might arise during their professional activity. The studies focus on a participatory methodology which addresses different situations that are at all times applicable to the reality of the company.

Once the programme is achieved the student will reach an academic level that will allow him or her a solid placement in their specific fields as general manager, marketing manager, operations manager, human resources manager or managing director in an international corporation.

Erasmus+ Exchange

The programme offers the chance to do an Erasmus+ Exchange during the second semester. Current opportunities include the following Erasmus agreements at world-class universities:

Who should apply?

Admission Requirements

The MSc in International Business is aimed at students interested professionally in the practical fields of an international company.

Candidates wishing to apply to this programme must meet the following requirements:

An official degree in Business Management or related field (International Business, Business Administration and Management, Economics, Law and International Relations, as well as engineers). Students who have followed other official courses and have a wide working experience in business management will also be considered*.
Proof of proficiency in English. Candidates will have to prove at least a B2 Level or equivalent**. Applicants are exempt from documenting English certificate if they are native speakers or hold a university degree taught in an English speaking country.

*Only the following officially recognized English Certificates will be accepted:
Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
Cambridge Linguaskill (level B2)
TOEFL iBT 72-94 (Codi C086)
IELTS 5.5-6.0

Certificates issued more than two years ago will not be valid.

* Applicants who have fully or partially completed the studies outside of the Spanish university system can submit their grade equivalency declarations issued by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. Online platform | Instructions in English.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is based on the following selection criteria:

1) A previous qualification in a field related to the master’s degree (50%). Holders of bachelor’s degrees in International Business, Business Administration and Management, related disciplines, and degrees with an international orientation shall be given priority.

2) Academic background of previous studies (40%). Previous training in business and international business will be reviewed. Candidates should demonstrate that they have a sufficient level of training to meet the requirements of the master’s degree subjects.

3) Professional experience in the area of international business management (5%). Credit is given for professional experience in fields related to the course subjects.

4) Letters of recommendation (5%) from former lecturers or people who have had a professional or academic relationship with the candidate.

Programme content

The MSc in International Business offers students advanced knowledge of basic aspects on how to manage an international company.

The programme consists of 60 credits given throughout two semesters (an academic term), namely: 32.5 credits in compulsory subjects, 17.5 optional credits and 10 End-of-Term project credits. All compulsory-subject credits are given taking into account their core curriculum during the first semester. The optional courses are focused on specialization according to student’s own interests, and take place during the second semester, including the Master’s End-of-Term project.

FIRST SEMESTER
Core Subjects (32.5 credits)
– Global Supply Chain Management
– Multinational Financial Management
– Multinational Accounting
– Legal Aspects of Global Business
– Global Marketing
– International Human Resource Management
– Corporate International Strategy
– Research Methods for International Business

SECOND SEMESTER
Elective Subjects (17.5 credits)
Master Thesis (10 credits)

Academic year 2024-2025

> Programme syllabus and outline
> Schedule

Student profile

The MSc in International Business brings together a diverse group of young recent graduates in Business Management or International Business. Our students come from a wide range of countries, cultures and backgrounds. In the past years, over 90% of them are international students. Besides, more than half of the typical cohort is women. This diversity in one of its greatest strengths of the master’s. Not only will you be surrounded by ambitious top talents from all over the world, but you will also study and enjoy life in Barcelona, a global and multicultural city open to everyone.

Get to know more our students HERE.

Career opportunities

Students who complete this Master’s degree can find employment in a wide array of positions within the business sector.

The most usual jobs for students who complete the degree are posts of management, as well as specialized tasks in multinational companies, such as human resources, finances, foreign trade or international marketing.

Furthermore, the MSc in International Business trains students to find employment in public organizations and NGOs dealing with international cooperation.

Fees and funding

Fees

Student’s fees for university master’s degrees are decreed on an annual basis by the Catalan government and Universitat de Barcelona.

Please find below the public fees that correspond to the academic year 2024-2025:

– 1,660.20 euros (60 credits | 27.67 euros/credit) for national students from EU member states, from countries that are members of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein) or from Switzerland, Andorra, and China; or long-term residents in Spain.
– 6,600 euros (60 credits | 110 euros/credit) for foreign students who are not nationals of EU member states, of countries that are members of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein) or of Switzerland, Andorra, and China; or residents who are not long-term residents in Spain.

More information about tuition fees, deductions and increases HERE.

Funding

You can find information about available scholarships at the Universitat de Barcelona’s website.

Lecturers

Programme ambassadors

Apply now

APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026 WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2025

In order to present your application you will have to follow these steps:

FIRST

Check that you meet the entry requirements for the MSc in International Business.

SECOND

Complete the specific application form here, which will allow the academic committee to evaluate your candidacy.
Only applications with all the required documentation will be considered completed.

Academic Committee Resolutions

1st round | Applications received from January 15 to February 26, 2024 at 12:00 PM CET. Resolutions by March 22, 2024*
2nd round | Applications received from February 27 to April 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM CEST. Resolutions by May 24, 2024

* The opening dates of the application process for the academic course 2025 – 2026 are still to be confirmed, but the application period will commence in January 2025.

If there are any vacancies, a third round of applications will be opened.

THIRD

Pay the application fee for taught master’s degrees. Please note that you will have to indicate the degree you are applying for. Choose the option “Empresa Internacional / International Business”. After completing the form, you will have to pay the €30’21 application fee.

Important Notice: The application fee payment platform is enabled and operational.

– Make sure you attach the required documents on the form before the round’s deadline:

Bachelor Degree (if you have it)
Transcript of Records (final or provisional version)
ID / Passport
Curriculum Vitae
The name of two professionals or colleagues who support your application. They will receive automatically an email with a few questions about your profile
Letter of motivation (1 page)*
Online video pitch (maximum 2 minutes)**

Application Fees will only be refunded if the master’s degree is suspended

*What should you include in your letter of motivation? Here you should include aspects like the description of your background, your motivation to pursue the MSc in International Business programme at the UB, your academic interests, your research and teaching experience and your professional goals, among others. Upload your letter of motivation in pdf format (size limit 3MB).

**Share the link of your video (YouTube). If you publish it on private mode, make sure we can visualize it. On the video, you should address the following topics:

– Presentation of the candidate and his/her academic and professional background

– Motivation to do the Master in International Business at the UB Business School

The transcript of records has to be in English, Spanish or Catalan. It has to include the average grade and grading system of your academic institution.

FOURTH

In case of being admitted, you must provide the following DOCUMENTS in order to get the final approval and formalize the enrolment. More information will be provided to admitted students.

The MSc in International Business offers students advanced knowledge of basic aspects on how to manage an international company in the fields of accounting, marketing, operations, human resources and strategic management.