International Business Masterclasses

The Henley International Business Masterclasses are an initiative developed in the International Business and Strategy unit at Henley Business School. The masterclasses are delivered in two sets each academic year, in the Autumn and Spring session. The Spring 2026 session will consist of two masterclasses which will be taught in hybrid mode from 13 to 16 April 2026.

The courses have been designed for face-to-face delivery, and participants are encouraged to attend in-person to benefit from face-to-face interactions, but those who are unable to travel to Reading will be able to attend the live sessions online via MS Teams. The masterclasses are offered to PhD students and post-doctoral researchers.

The default way to participate does not involve formal academic enrolment. You’ll receive a certificate of participation, subject to a registration fee of £100 for one module and £180 for two modules, and attendance of at least 80% of the sessions. Returning participants who attended a masterclass session within the past 18 months are eligible for a 15% discount on the participation fee.

If you want to earn academic credits, you can choose the credit-bearing option. You may earn 10 credits per module (equivalent to 5 ECTS credits) upon the positive evaluation of coursework and payment of an additional tuition fee (£230 for Home and £460 for international students per module).

To apply for the masterclasses, please complete an online application form, and email the following supporting documents to Jana Oslejova:

• a CV
• an academic reference supporting the application

An application is considered complete upon reception of the online form and supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be processed, which may result in delays in communication of the decision.

The Spring 2026 Masterclasses application deadline is 12 January 2026.

Funding is available for a limited number of participants thanks to the support of the Alan Rugman Memorial Fund, and it may contribute towards costs of travel and accommodation for the duration of the masterclasses (tuition costs will not be covered).

Funding recipients are selected through a formal process, with nominations provided by PhD supervisors or other academic referees. Applicants must indicate their intention to apply for funding in their application form. The academic reference letter should also nominate the applicant and support their funding application. Supporting documents (CV and academic reference) should be sent to Jana Oslejova by the deadline.

This funding is limited, and we strongly encourage everyone to seek their own financial support from their institution or government.

For in-person participants, lunch and coffee breaks will be provided for the duration of the modules they wish to attend, as well as one gala dinner.

J. Eduardo Ibarra-Olivo, Masterclasses Coordinator

Jana Oslejova, Masterclasses Administrator

Davide Castellani, Head of International Business and Strategy Department

Rajneesh Narula, Director of the Dunning Centre for International Business

Reimagining International Business: Is there still a link between theories and impact? 17–18 April 2026 | Henley Business School, University of Reading

Masterclass participants: Looking to broaden your knowledge and gain fresh insights on your research? Join us at the Reading IB Conference 2026, taking place right after the Masterclasses.

As a Masterclass participant, you’re eligible for an exclusive 20% discount on the early bird delegate registration fee—available only if you register for both the Masterclasses and the Conference by 1 March 2026.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in provocative discussions on the relevance and future of international business scholarship and experience one of the most prestigious conferences in IB!

10th Reading IB Conference - More info HERE

Spring 2026 Masterclass Modules Overview: