Master’s Degree in International Business – MSc International Business

The master’s degree in international business programme at SKEMA Business School, a leading international business school, prepares future global managers to lead organisations in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural business environment.

Through a multi-campus learning experience across five countries, this MSc International Business combines academic excellence, applied courses, real-world business exposure and measurable impact on international careers.

Designed as a postgraduate programme for students seeking careers in global business development, export management, consulting, marketing or supply chain management, this course equips students with the strategic, operational and intercultural skills needed to succeed in global organisations.

Taught entirely in English, the programme is available in a one-year or two-year format depending on academic background.
 

What is a master’s degree in international business?

A master’s degree in international business is a postgraduate programme focused on global trade, international management and cross-border business operations. It prepares students to understand how companies expand internationally, manage multicultural teams and operate in diverse economic, political and legal environments.

An international business master’s programme aims to develop advanced competencies in:

•    international strategy and corporate development;
•    international marketing and global branding;
•    finance and international economics;
•    intercultural communication and management;
•    supply chain and international logistics;
•    international negotiations and trade regulations.

Students learn how to analyse foreign markets, identify international opportunities and manage business activities across borders.

While a master’s degree in international marketing focuses mainly on consumer behaviour and global communication strategies, a master international business programme offers a broader understanding of international trade, business operations and management.

An international management degree generally emphasises leadership and organisational management in global contexts. SKEMA’s MSc International Business combines these dimensions through an applied and highly international approach.

The programme’s multi-campus structure allows students to experience international business directly in five major economic regions: Europe, the United States, China, Latin America and the Middle East.

Why choose SKEMA’s Master’s Degree in International Business (MSc)?

SKEMA’s master’s degree in international business stands out for its global exposure, strong employability outcomes and applied teaching methodology.

  • The MSc International Business was ranked among the world’s best international business masters by The Economist, reaching 5th worldwide in 2021.

    The programme is also accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), reinforcing its international academic recognition.

  • Students can study in multiple international locations:

    •    Paris (France)
    •    Raleigh (USA)
    •    Suzhou (China)
    •    Belo Horizonte (Brazil)
    •    Dubai (UAE)

    Each campus provides specialised insights into regional business environments through “Doing Business in…” courses adapted to local economic ecosystems.

    This immersive approach enables students to gain hands-on international experience while developing a global mindset and strong intercultural competencies.

  • The SKEMA Business School offers MSc International Business offers excellent career outcomes:

    •    100% employment rate within six months after graduation (SKEMA Talent & Careers, 2024 placement survey, MSc class of 2023);
    •    45% of graduates work outside their home country;
    •    career opportunities across multinational companies, consulting firms, NGOs and international institutions.

    Graduates have joined international companies and global brands such as Amazon, L’Oréal, LVMH, Kering, Hermès, Nestlé, Renault, Estée Lauder and Uniqlo. 

     

  • The programme brings together students from approximately 25 nationalities each year. Academic courses, business courses are delivered by an international faculty composed of academics, consultants, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

    Teaching methods include:
    •    business case studies;
    •    group projects;
    •    simulations and business games;
    •    real-world consulting projects;
    •    intercultural teamwork.

    This practical approach ensures students develop operational and strategic management skills directly applicable to international business environments.
     

Who is the Master’s Degree in International Business for?

The master’s degree in international business is designed for students who want to pursue careers in global business and management.

It is particularly suitable for candidates interested in:
•    export and international trade;
•    global procurement and sourcing;
•    international supply chain management;
•    international marketing and business development;
•    consulting and corporate strategy.

The programme also attracts multicultural and multilingual students looking to work in multinational companies, government agencies, NGOs or internationally oriented SMEs.

SKEMA offers two entry tracks:

•    Two-year MSc option: accessible after a bachelor’s degree or equivalent (180 ECTS);
•    One-year MSc option: accessible after a four-year degree or equivalent (240 ECTS) with prior internship or professional experience.
 

As the programme is fully taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following tests:

•    TOEFL iBT: 71
•    IELTS: 6
•    TOEIC: 810
•    Duolingo English Test: 105

 

What skills does a master’s degree in international business develop?

A master’s degree in international management develops strategic, analytical and operational skills required to manage international business activities, enabling graduates to make an impact in global organisations.

Students learn how companies expand internationally and how to analyse foreign business environments from cultural, political, economic and legal perspectives.

The programme develops strong intercultural communication and multicultural management skills essential for leading international teams and projects.

Students gain expertise in:

•    international business strategy;
•    commercial negotiations;
•    global market analysis;
•    business development and partnerships.

The programme also covers operational dimensions of international trade including:

•    global logistics;
•    international transport;
•    supply chain management;
•    Incoterms and trade documentation;
•    sourcing and procurement strategies.
 

What subjects are taught in the Master’s Degree in International Business?

The international business master’s programme combines management fundamentals with specialised global business courses.

Core courses include:

• International Project Management
• Internationalisation of the Firm
• International Finance
• International Marketing Management
• Global Supply Chain Management
• International Negotiation Practice
• AI for International Business
• Managing Multicultural Teams
• International Business Game (SKEMA SIM)
• International Legal Issues for Business 

Depending on the campus selected, students can also specialise through regional modules such as:

•    Doing Business in Europe
•    Doing Business in China
•    Doing Business in North America
•    Doing Business in Latin America
•    Doing Business in the Middle East

The programme concludes with a dissertation project, thesis or capstone project.
 

Format, duration and organisation of the MSc in International Business

SKEMA’s master’s degree in international business is offered in a full-time format with international mobility opportunities throughout the programme.

•    One-year MSc for students with a four-year degree;
•    Two-year MSc for students entering after a three-year degree.

  • Students may study on different campuses during the programme and experience various international business environments.
  • Campuses include: Paris, Raleigh, Suzhou, Belo Horizonte, Dubai
     

All courses are taught entirely in English.

Graduates receive:
•    an MSc International Business degree;
•    the DESMI diploma (Diploma of Specialised Studies in 
International Management); a degree recognised at master’s level in France (RNCP n°41056).
 

Students complete a mandatory internship lasting between four and six months, providing valuable professional experience and international exposure.

Career opportunities after a master’s degree in international business

A master’s degree in international business opens access to a wide range of international careers across industries and sectors.

Graduates may work as:

•    International Product Manager
•    International Business Development Director
•    Export Manager
•    Global Account Manager
•    International Buyer
•    International Procurement Manager
•    Strategy Consultant
•    International Project Manager
•    Foreign Subsidiary Director

Graduates work in industries such as:

•    consulting;
•    finance and insurance;
•    luxury and retail;
•    logistics and transportation;
•    technology;
•    manufacturing;
•    food and beverage;
•    energy and sustainability.
 

What to study after a master’s degree in international business?

After completing a master’s degree in international business, graduates may continue their studies through:
•    specialised postgraduate programmes in finance, luxury management or digital marketing;
•    certifications in project management, supply chain or trade compliance;
•    language certifications and intercultural training.
Professional certifications in Incoterms, sustainability or business analytics can also strengthen employability in global markets.
 

How to apply for the Master’s Degree in International Business?

Applicants must hold:
•    a three-year degree for the two-year track;
•    a four-year degree or equivalent for the one-year track.

Admissions include:
1.    Online application submission;
2.    Academic and professional profile evaluation;
3.    Motivation interview.

Applicants must provide one of the following:

•    TOEFL iBT 71
•    IELTS 6
•    TOEIC 810
•    Duolingo 105
 

Applications are submitted online through:

myskemapply.skema.edu
 

International students may access scholarships, tuition support and financing solutions depending on their academic profile and country of residence.

Several intake periods are available depending on the chosen campus and start date.

Frequently asked questions about the master’s degree in international business

  • English proficiency is required. Additional languages are highly valued for international careers and intercultural communication.

  • A master’s degree in international business is ideal for students aiming to build careers in global management, consulting, export, marketing or international development.

  • An MSc International Business is a highly international and professionally oriented postgraduate degree focused on global business operations and management. While 

    A specialised master’s degree is a different type of postgraduate specialisation programme completed through a work-study format.

  • The programme is mainly offered as a full-time MSc with mandatory internships and international mobility opportunities.

  • Yes. Students may study on different SKEMA campuses throughout the programme depending on their academic path and mobility preferences.

  • Graduates can pursue careers in consulting, export management, global marketing, international procurement, supply chain management and international project management.

Start your international career with SKEMA

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