International Business Management MA (Hons)

Business Management at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School was ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 10 in the UK in the Guardian University League Tables 2018. It also achieved the 7th highest level of student satisfaction in the UK in the National Student Survey 2018. <br/><br/>This degree, MA (Hons) International Business Management, puts specialist business theory through a real-world filter. It develops the knowledge and interpersonal skills you will need to thrive in the positions, organisations and industries of the future. <br/><br/>Our respected faculty use their industry experience and research-led knowledge to bring courses to life with a dynamic mix of lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops and case study-informed learning. <br/><br/>In Year 1 you will study a common suite of mandatory courses to provide you with a solid, universal understanding of the key principles and practices of modern business. Maintaining a consistent programme of study across all seven International Business Management pathways in Year 1 means it is easy for students to switch their specialism as they move into Year 2.<br/><br/>Year 2 introduces functional areas of business and management such as Marketing, Operations Management and Human Resource Management. Years 3 and 4 offer greater choice to allow you to tailor your degree to your career aspirations.<br/><br/>In addition to specialist business knowledge, you will develop important transferable skills, such as: critical thinking, problem solving, communication and team working, as well as creativity, confidence and research abilities – these skills will help you succeed in your career and personal life.<br/><br/>**The Edinburgh Business School approach**<br/><br/>An industry-focus is built into every course on this degree to ensure that your studies reflect current thinking and practices of successful organisations and their leaders.<br/>Our courses are brought to life with case study-driven assignments, applied group projects and guest lectures from industry leaders. <br/>For example, the presentation series Edinburgh Business School Presents gives you the chance to attend regular guest lectures from CEOs and Directors of national and multinational organisations who share their vast experience across key areas of business. <br/><br/>**The Professional Development Track**<br/><br/>The Professional Development Track (PDT) is our suite of practice-focussed courses that run through this degree and prepare you to add real value to your employer as soon as you graduate. On our PDT courses, you will learn how to analyse, report, present and consult in a professional way, and learn about the real-world contexts in which global business operates. <br/>These courses have been designed in response to the needs of practitioners and employers who told us what they are looking for in graduating students. By building-in the requirements of industry, the PDT allows graduates to hit the ground running with the attributes, skillsets and practical knowledge that future employers value.<br/><br/>**Go Global**<br/><br/>Heriot-Watt University’s unique Go Global project is open to those studying undergraduate International Business Management degrees at the Edinburgh Business School. This means our students can spend one semester, or up to two full academic years, studying at our campuses in Dubai and Malaysia. The chance to travel, study and gain experience in three different countries with different business cultures will help you stand out as a global citizen and give you an edge in the recruitment market following graduation.<br/>Indeed, students who have taken part in inter-campus transfers have told us how it has helped build their confidence, broaden their horizons and given them new perspectives. Employers have also told us that students with such a rich range of learning, working and life experiences stand out as candidates.

Heriot-Watt are 2nd in the UK for undergraduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024) and 25th in the UK overall (Complete University Guide, 2025). You’ll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service and join the oldest alumni association in the UK with over 166,000 members in 190 countries – The Watt Club.<br/><br/>A vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green space – Edinburgh has it all. It’s a safe and friendly city and a great place to be a student. That’s why it’s ranked UK’s 2nd best student-friendly city (QS Best Student Cities, 2025). <br/><br/>Moving away from home is a big decision, which is why students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are offered a £1,500 bursary. This no-strings-attached bursary means you can visit home anytime during your first year (or spend it on something else).<br/><br/>Register for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team.