Course Summary
The MSc in International Business has been specifically designed for those wishing to gain deeper knowledge of the international business environment as both employees or as owner/managers of businesses operating internationally.
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 are required to hold a minimum of a 2.2 honours degree in either a cognate or noncognate area at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The College operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning non-graduates with extensive professional experience and other prior qualifications may also be considered.
Laptop Requirement
All students applying to NCI must have access to a laptop that will allow them to attend classes online and, where relevant, to participate in on-campus learning. Some students may be able to avail of the Student Laptop Loan Scheme, subject to eligibility.
Application Details
Application: Apply online at www.ncirl.ie
Part-time Option
Start Date: September 2026
Full-time Option
Start Date Sept 2026 and Jan 2027
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.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
The MSc in International Business course is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This award will allow transfer to level 9 research degrees and in some cases progression to taught doctoral courses at level 10 on the NFQ.
Duration
Duration:
2 full calendar years: 5 semesters; 4 taught semesters and a final dissertation to be submitted in the final year.
Delivery:
Blended - Livestream (online) classes with some in-person (on campus) delivery. Exams may take the form of online or in person.
Indicative Schedule:
Monday and Wednesday 18.00 - 21.00 plus some Saturday workshops.
Full-time Option
Duration:
September Starts
1 year taught plus a final dissertation: 2 semesters (Sep-Dec and Jan-May), dissertation due in August
January Starts
(where available and subject to numbers) 1 year taught plus a final dissertation: 2 semesters (Jan May and Sep-Dec) Dissertation due in May the following year.
Delivery
On-campus faceto- face classes
Indicative Timetable
Students need to be available 09.00-17.00 Monday – Friday. Some classes may be scheduled after 5pm. Class days and times vary.