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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Through your learning you'll develop relevant skills for your future employment.
The course will help you develop the analytical skills to solve complex international business problems. You'll also have the opportunity for independent study to help you progress your research skills.
You'll have the opportunity to be part of the business challenge week. This is where businesses present real business issues for student groups to work on and present a solution.
Finally as part of your Final Research Project module you can carry out valuable independent work with an external business client or carry out your own research project.
Learning and teaching
You'll learn through self study time as well as face-to-face taught sessions. Your modules have specified times for scheduled learning, self study and teaching activities.
Your tutors are academic researchers and/or from an industry background. They have in-depth practical experience of business and management issues. Your studies will include:
 interactive workshops
 business simulations
 lectures
 guest corporate speakers
 experiential learning.
The theory you learn on the course, will give you the working knowledge to put it into practice. You’ll also study international case studies which will inform your learning, and build your analytical and practical skills.
The Association of MBAs and the Chartered Management Institute recognise the high quality of teaching and learning that you'll experience. You'll graduate equipped ready to enter the corporate world.
Overview
Study MSc International Business and Supply Chain Management and take the first step of your international career. You'll develop the knowledge, skills and adaptability to work in a commercial or a not-for-profit organisation.
The course specialism enables you to focus on the area of supply chain management and logistics. You'll study how businesses align supply chains and their logistics with their corporate strategy, and gain understanding of key decisions driven from a supply chain perspective. You'll also explore different supply chain operations. Also you'll study the core principles of Business and management to help you to take on a managerial position in an organisation.
You'll learn to identify, analyse and assess business related issues. You'll then build the skills and develop key responses to these issues. You'll then be able to then select the appropriate course of action. All these skills are essential for success in the corporate world.
You'll graduate ready to be:
 a supply chain analyst
 procurement manager
 logistics specialist
 or a management consultant.
Modules
Compulsory modules
Research Methods
This module helps to prepare you for completing high quality, systematic business and management research. You’ll also gain the skills and knowledge to be successful in your Final Research Project.
You’ll learn how to undertake effective research, and draw upon a range of secondary and primary data sources. You’ll be introduced to a range of research tools that will help you build a strong base for research including methodological issues, data collection techniques and study skills.
Procurement and Supply Chain Management
In an increasingly globalised business environment, the ability of organisations to identify, and then to manage, supply networks and individual chains of supply has grown in its significance.
In this module you will learn about the key elements and activities within procurement and supply chain management, how this function supports the wider organisation and its objectives, and how these activities can be managed to ensure the optimal outcome.
You will build your knowledge of upstream and downstream relationships with suppliers and customers are managed effectively to ensure value is added whilst controlling costs and ultimately satisfying the customer.
Strategic and Sustainable Logistics
Physical logistics is concerned with managing and controlling the activities and processes along a chain of supply, and delivering finished goods that satisfy customer orders.
This often involves customised products and services, quick response deliveries, and state-of-the-art information systems. With a new era of customer ‘pull’ as well as the globalised business environment, alongside with the emphasis on sustainability, has led to the concept of ‘Strategic and Sustainable Logistics’.
You will evaluate how effective logistics and distribution systems can become key business enablers, and you’ll look at the importance of managing international logistics systems.
Developing Skills for Leadership and Employability
You’ll develop self-awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses as an effective leader and team player. This module will help you develop and improve a range of definable skills which are pivotal to successful management practice and effective leadership.
You’ll progress essential skills such as the confidence and the ability to articulate your skills and attributes that are required for professional development, lifelong learning and employment. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore different leadership perspectives on:
 ethics
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
 sustainability
 technology
 and change.
The Practice of Business and Management
This is a first semester module and will help you build and develop your knowledge in the area of international business and management.
You’ll learn about four of the business functions:
 Operations
 Finance
 Marketing
 Human Resources
 Managing information systems.
You’ll build a base of knowledge and understanding of how the business functions contribute to the success of an organisation and give a competitive advantage.
Strategic, Change and Innovation Management
You will develop knowledge in the area of strategic management, change and innovation management. You’ll gain understanding of the organisation and the economic context of the business environment.
Through this module you build your insight into a series of relevant and current topics that represent key issues around innovation and change and the organisational context in modern general management; strategic management, including the critical evaluation of the business and economic environment.
Optional modules
International Business in Practice: Study Trip
This elective study trip will give you a hands-on, intensive experience with the ideas and practices of global business. You’ll meet with leaders of global firms, receive presentations from global academic experts, and tour company facilities. You’ll also have direct interaction with management executives and practices through site visits to major corporations and agencies.
All costs associated with the trip will need to be funded by you. It is not linked to university assessments in any way. If you successfully complete this module you will have it recorded on your transcript. As the destination and therefore precise costs vary from year to year, the programme fee of the study trip will be communicated to students before the application deadline.
Academic English for Postgraduate Studies
Academic English for Postgraduate Research
Compulsory modules
Final Research Project
Your final research project module runs over two semesters. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project by applying and extending the streams of study, knowledge and practical skills you’ve gained in other modules.
You’ll be able to demonstrate a range of skills such as:
 researching
 critical thinking
 project planning
 problem-solving
 writing/oral skills.
You’ll be able to choose from different research project options, providing you with the opportunity to explore in detail an area of particular interest or relevance to you.
The options currently are Dissertation, Client Project, Integrated Business Research Project, and Business/Concept Development.
Optional modules
Work placement (compulsory for sandwich mode)
This supervised work experience module is part of the two-year sandwich mode for students who join the Programme in September. The module supports and assesses students who are engaging in paid supervised work experience (a placement) in a role relevant to their programme. It provides students with the opportunity to understand first-hand how businesses work and to apply the learning gained from the taught element of their programme within a real working environment.
We will provide support to help you find a placement - our team has a database of opportunities and runs events where you can meet potential employers. A placement will provide you with valuable experience, although securing one takes a lot of effort and success is not guaranteed. You would need to cover your own living and travel costs throughout the duration of your placement.
Fees will be charged for the placement year in Year 2 and are available on request from finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk in May of the year of study.
Research
Business School academics explore core issues facing contemporary societies, ranging from refugee entrepreneurship and internationalisation to sustainable tourism, security and the changing world of work and organisations including the impact of artificial intelligence. We address questions such as:
 What characterises the interconnections of trade, transportation and technologies?
 How do we organise for security?
 How can social media address well-being and social isolation?
 How can individuals be happier and navigate the increasingly complex world of work?
We also have an expertise in Coaching and Mentoring as well as in Diversity (such as examining pay gaps and gender and spin-outs) and we are always keen to include students into our projects where possible.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter. Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2) in any academic discipline, or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional or other qualification.
Applicants who possess a diploma rather than a degree may be eligible for entry provided they have compensatory work experience and can demonstrate career development.
This course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are welcome from those in work and seeking continuing professional development.
Entry will also be subject to two satisfactory references (one of these must be an academic reference).
If you’re considering submitting an application for this course, but you have more than three years of relevant work experience, why not consider applying for our Oxford Brookes Global MBA (Master of Business Administration) course? Find out more about our MBA here.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to satisfy the university's English language requirements:
 IELTS minimum level 6.0, (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing, and 5.5 in listening and speaking).
 If you have completed your undergraduate degree in the UK (at least one full year of study) you will automatically meet our English language requirements
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Career Opportunities
The MSc International Business and Supply Chain Management will help you develop the knowledge and skills for roles that centre on managing supply chains, logistics, operations or other functional areas of an organisation. Typical roles might revolve around:
 Supply Chain Analyst
 Procurement Manager
 Operations Manager
 Supply Chain Coordinator
 and general manager.
This may be in commercial, non-profit or public organisations.
Many of our graduates find managerial positions at a wide range of organisations, including:
 companies producing fast moving commercial goods
 consultancy firms
 financial institutions
 retail giants
 charities
 SMEs
Recent examples of these employers include:
 Amazon
 IBM
 Deutsche Telekom
 Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY
 Oxfam
 BASF Group
 Kautex Unipart
 Raiffeisen Bank
 Revolution Insurance
 American Business Conferences
 Consilio Global
 Or return to their family business.
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