Managers in international companies increasingly need to develop global perspectives on business, informed by a deep understanding of the different national and cultural contexts. The programme aims to generate an integrative understanding of these issues preparing you for a successful career in the world of international business.
KEY BENEFITS
- Taught by an internationally recognised faculty.
- An outstanding location, perfect for beginning to build a career.
- Close links and regular speakers from outside organisations gives students insights and up-to-the-minute knowledge of the subject area.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Graduates go on to management consultancies, the financial sector, and large retail and manufacturing organisations, international NGOs and to further study.
Programme leader/s
Professor Tony Edwards
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, September to September.
Location
Waterloo Campus
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Management
Closing date
31st July 2012 or until programme is full (applications will still be welcome after this date, however places are limited and so only exceptional applicants are advised to apply)
Intake
Approximately 65 FT.
Fees
FT Home: £9950 (2012)
FT Overseas: £21250 (2012)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 7204 / 1434
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email
Website
PURPOSE
Managers in international companies increasingly need to develop global perspectives on business; informed by a deep understanding of the different national and cultural contexts in which firms operate. Our MSc offers an integrative understanding of these issues that prepares students for successful careers in the world of international business.
DESCRIPTION
This programme is delivered by a group of world-renowned scholars, many with practical experience in business and public policy. It is highly international, with faculty from over ten countries and a diverse student body from all regions of the world.
The programme provides a stimulating learning environment using various techniques to link theoretical knowledge to good business practice. You will have the chance to pursue your own interests via a selection of modules and dissertation topics. Our objective is to develop your management talent and provide you with the global capabilities required for business success.
After completing a series of core courses students may pursue electives in a range of areas including strategy, finance and accounting, comparative management and marketing. Please note that the modules for next year are currently being prepared. See below for further information about modules.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- International Business Strategy
- Comparative Management
- International Accounting & Finance
- International Marketing
- Research Methods in Management
Indicative non-core content
- International Human Resource Management
- International Corporate Governance
- International Financial Reporting & Analysis
- International Business Negotiations
- International Marketing Communications
- Consumption, Markets & Culture
- Marketing and New Technologies
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Term one: The international business environment; how & why businesses differ around the word. Term two: Advanced international and comparative management; an opportunity to pursue your own interests. Term three: individual research project.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7SSMM103
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s
Perspectives on comparative management; Analysis of management decision areas; Charting broad geographical clusters; Analysis of national systems, in a representative range of countries; The role of supranational bodies and institutions and the case of the European Union; The nature and process of globalisation; Approaches to the analysis of national cultures; The comparative analysis of selected management decision areas; Convergence, divergence, and transference.
Module code: 7SSMM102
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s
Multinational financial management - an overview; International investment appraisal; The determination of exchange rates -international parity conditions and other forecasting models; Valuation models of bonds and equities; Derivatives - futures, options and forward contracts; Exchange rate risk management; International mergers and acquisitions; Multinational capital budgeting and the cost of capital; Long term financing; International accounting differences and harmonization; Multinational transfer pricing; Accounting for intellectual capital.
Module code: 7SSMM101
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s
The Global Trade and Investment Environment; Forms of International Business; Globalisation, Competitive Advantage and Business Strategy; Theories of the Multinational Enterprise; International Business and International Trade Theory; Strategy and the Multinational Enterprise; Location of MNE Activity; The Choice of Entry Mode; The Organisation of MNE Activity; Governments and MNEs; The Effects of MNEs on Host and Home Economies; Case Studies of Business Strategies in Manufacturing; Case Studies of Business Strategies in the Service Sector.
Module code: 7SSMM104
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s
Establishing differences between domestic and international marketing; analysis & planning for international markets; market entry strategy and modes; marketing in emerging markets; marketing and culture; communication and the international promotions mix; international product and brand positioning decisions; pricing, financing and payments in international markets.
Module code: 7SSMM100
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
written examination/s
Research design, Key stages in the research process, Basic concepts in research analysis.
Module code: 7SSMM506
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
coursework
The aims of the module are to introduce and outline the core areas of and theoretical approaches to branding in the international marketplace; explore the role and influence of the cultural and creative industries upon international marketing; introduce students to the cultural and creative industries in international markets and explore the role of new technology in developing brands and markets. The course will cover the following topics; introduction to branding theory; unpacking the elements of brands; the intersection of art and commerce; concepts of value; the development of the marketplace; physical and virtual markets; modernism and postmodernism; understanding the market through film; globalisation and cultural artifacts; building brands through cross promotion; case study session.
Module code: 7SSMM505
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
written examination/s
The explosion of international business activities has had a marked impact on our lifestyles, income and on the economic environment in general. Companies are forced to seek international trade and investment opportunities in distant markets. Doing business overseas is, however, still considered to be a difficult task. Often we hear stories about unsuccessful encounters between business executives from different cultures mainly because they are not able to communicate and negotiate effectively with each other. Treating negotiations as a technique that can be learned and adapted to international business relations, this module deals with four main inter-related themes: conflict resolution, business negotiations skills, the cross-cultural communication and management of cultural differences in international business deals, and ethical issues in doing business abroad.
Module code: 7SSMM111
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
coursework
The purpose of this module is:
- To identify global financial accounting issues arising for multinationals from both conceptual and technical angles within the context of International Financial Reporting Standards, UK General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and US GAAP
- To engender an understanding of contemporary issues in financial reporting from an investor perspective
- To provide tools to analyse financial statements and draw inferences about the performance of a firm to foster an ability to understand and apply equity valuation models
Module code: 7SSMM118
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
written examination/s
The main aims of the module are:
- To examine the relationship between national institutions and HRM and answer why and to what extent companies located in different countries implement distinct practices of compensation, work design, training, and workforce flexibility.
- To identify key HRM issues and challenges facing the multinational organizations
- To understand the particular roles of HRM in successful management of multinational firms.
Module code: 7SSMM514
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
written examination/s
Concept of integrated marketing communications (IMC); marketing communications' impact on consumer behaviour; Organisation and management of marketing communications in an international context; Tools and media of advertising and marketing communications' campaign.
Module code: 7SSMM123
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
written examination/s
The aims of the module are to introduce students to different theories and conceptions of corporate governance and to examine the distinctiveness of national forms of corporate governance in comparative perspective. The module will focus on the identification of the processes through which international patterns of corporate governance are emerging and changing in a context of increasingly global markets and how such changes affect the position of different stakeholder groups within the firm.
Module code: 7SSMM512
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 15
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
coursework
The aims of this module are to introduce and explore the impact of new technological developments on international marketing practice, research and communication; explore the relationship between societal and technological developments, marketing and consumption; examine how new technologies are used to create new relationships between producers and consumers of goods and services on international market places; and to discuss the ways in which to assess the effectiveness of technologically enhanced marketing practices.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A first or high (65 per cent or above) 2:1 honours degree in social sciences (eg management, economics, sociology or other appropriate social science subject) or equivalent overseas qualification.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your application will be assessed by academic staff in the department; we aim to process all applications within four weeks, but during February, March and holiday periods, applications may take longer to process.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
A personal statement is required.
FUNDING
Most students are self-funded, a few are sponsored by employers.
Student profiles
International Management MSc
When I finished my undergraduate studies in the UK I received several graduate study offers, but I was unhesitant about choosing King's because this institute has incredible programmes and a worldwide reputation.
It was fantastic studying at King's; all campuses have excellent facilities and are located in the centre of London, the heart of a multi-cultural society which makes studying at King's more enjoyable. I have met many friendly and amazing people, who came from all over the world, and the student union is well organised with many wonderful events and activities that make me enjoy networking with other people.
I aim to go into the field of international business consultancy at an international firm as I believe my future career lies within the area of FDI strategy. The Department of Management at King's provides unique and valuable opportunities to increase my skills and knowledge which I will require for my future career. The staff are regular contributors to academic journals and help raise the reputation of the College. At the same time, they provide students with the most up-to-date research around the subject of international management.
My advice to prospective students that are considering graduate study is that King's will become one of the best memories of your life, you will learn something unexpected not only from gaining academic knowledge but also from social experiences that will be very useful in your future career.
International Management MSc
I chose King's because I wanted specialise in a subject that is highly applicable in the business world at an institution in a highly reputable position. King's is situated in the heart of London, with opportunities to experiences things you will never forget. I have made great friendships and, socially, the London culture and entertainment scene is wonderful.
International Management MSc
I chose King’s for my postgraduate study because studying in the heart of London gives you all possible opportunities for your career and personal development.
Staff within the Department of Management are very supportive. You get a personal tutor who can answer any question about the programme and your studies overall. The quality of teaching is high and the courses are well structured.
All of my lectures and seminars were at the Waterloo Campus, which is a five minute walk from Waterloo station. The building is new and has every facility that students might need; big lecture theatres, small seminar rooms and plenty of computer labs.
The most enjoyable part of this course for me was that I could choose what I wanted to study. I chose whatever interested me in the wide area of management and then wrote about it in my dissertation during the summer.
The social life at King’s is also great. There are a lot of different societies you can join and events you can attend every week. Overall, King’s creates plenty of amazing opportunities for its students in order to make studying more entertaining and useful.
International Management MSc
After I completed my first degree in Germany I wanted to do a taught course which gave me insight into international perspectives. King's was perfect for this ambition as it is first of all located in the heart of London, which is so multinational and multicultural like no other city in Europe and it provides great exposure and contact opportunities to multinational companies. Secondly, King's itself has an excellent reputation for taught courses.
The International Management programme offers a broad range of subjects which also includes specific modules. My aim is to work in an international field of work related to marketing and consulting. Therefore the course at King's helped me to gain a deeper knowledge and analytical skills in the key areas of international management.
With its many extracurricular activities, King's prepared me extraordinarily well for a career in an international environment. I joined a business association and a cultural club to have balance after my studies and also took part in Careers Service programmes, such as skills workshops, employer presentations, recruitment fairs and application training.
There are many advantages to living in London, including the various opportunities for free entry into museums, galleries and theatres, which can also have good price deals for students. London has great night life with bars and clubs where you can find something for every taste. Moreover, other beautiful cities like Oxford, Cambridge or Brighton are just a short trip away and a must to visit. And of course, the excellent infrastructure makes travel (train, flights, tube) to anywhere very easy and fast.