Course Summary
Prepares you with the knowledge and professional skills to lead and manage business towards a world of opportunities.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
(a) have gained:
(i) a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body or from an institution or another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard, or
an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;
and,
(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); the minimum English language requirements for non-native English speakers, are IELTS 6.0 (with no contributing band at less than 5.5).
or, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b):
(c) in exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements
• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country
Exemptions and transferability
Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by Ulster University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme provided that they shall register as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level. If students are exiting with the PgDip or PgCert, they need to have registered as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final 50% of the credit value of the award at the highest level. exemption is not permitted from the International Management or International Business Environment modules, as these are core modules within the programme. Nor will the Dissertation module be exempted, due to the need to complete at least 50% of the credit value at the MSc level.
Application Details
Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.
Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.
Start Date: September 2026 and January 2027.
Fees
Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
Student and employer needs are reflected in the development of this programme and evidenced in the career destinations and further development of our graduates. The nature of the provision is such that it equips individuals for employment in a wide range of international roles within the public and private sectors and a significant number of graduates are successful in gaining promotion in their chosen fields or alter their career paths following completion of their programme of study.
A sample of graduate employers includes:
Marriott Hotel Group
PWC
KPMG (Germany)
Deloitte
Laterooms.com
Halfords
Smile Communications
The European Space Agency
NI Civil Service
O'Neill's International Sports Ltd
First Derivatives PLC
A number of graduates from these programmes have also undertaken their doctoral studies, both within Ulster University and beyond.
Duration
All modules are delivered in a six-week block format.
The part-time MSc is completed in 2-3 years. Full-time participants can also exit with a PgCert after successful completion of one semester (four modules) or alternatively exit with a PgDip after successful completion of two semesters (eight modules).