MSc International Business and Finance
- Develop financial insight to solve real world business problems
- Study global markets and what drives investment decisions
- Understand the power of policy in shaping global business
- Launch your global career, click to see graduate outcomes
What you need to know
Overview
This Masters degree explores international business through both economic and financial lenses. You’ll examine how global firms use financial markets to seize international opportunities, and tackle the management challenges that come with operating across borders. Using frameworks and methodologies, you’ll analyse how business strategies interact with economic policies in a rapidly changing international environment.
Graduate success
Discover the career paths our most recent graduates have taken since completing their studies at Henley.
Highlights from our 2023 graduates*
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Henley Masters Careers Survey 2024)
(Masters Career Survey 2024)
Where are our graduates working?
- Capita
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
- OpenText
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Leeds City Council
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
- AtkinsRéalis
- Levi Strauss & Co.
*Statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2024, which was completed by our 2023 graduates, 12 months after graduation.
Respondents are from 8 Postgraduate programmes.
Careers support & progression
Receive dedicated support from our award-winning careers team during your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation:
Careers Consultant appointments
Our Careers Consultants will help empower you to progress your career, they offer support with:
• advice on your CV
• interview practice
• post application feedback
• next steps to planning your career goals
Careers and Employability Modules
All Henley PGT students receive career management skills sessions designed to help you understand and develop the tools and mindset to compete successfully in the today’s increasingly competitive labour market. These timetabled modules will appear in your calendars.
Events
Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence and employability skills. Additionally, we organise networking events with employers to expand your industry and sector knowledge.
Alumni support
We offer four years support after graduating. You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant, use our online resources and attend events in the UK or globally.
For more information please see our Careers page.
How we teach you
A holistic approach
Henley Business School is where business theory meets real world practice. Our Masters programmes don’t just teach you the tools of the trade; they help you grow as a leader, with a focus on personal development that runs through everything we do.
You will be taught by the best academics with a passion for their subject area, and have the opportunity to interact with guest lecturers and speakers from the industry. We will introduce you to the latest research and thinking, as well as exploring real world issues and challenges.
How you will learn
Our Masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, tailoring your degree towards your needs and career ambitions. You will complete up to 10 taught modules during your programme, totalling 180 credits. One module usually equates to 20 credits or 10 hours of work per week. Your week will include lectures, tutorials, workshops and personal study, with each accounting for 25% of your time on average. This provides you with the opportunity to discuss and explore the material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students.
How we assess you
You will be assessed through a variety of teaching methods depending on your chosen postgraduate course, including:
- online materials
- group assignments
- case studies
- field visits
- presentations
- consultancy work
- examinations
On average examinations form between 50 - 70% of the assessed work. The remaining comes from coursework, in class tests, written dissertation or project depending on your chosen programme.
Ongoing support
Even the most motivated students need support sometimes, and at Henley, you’re never on your own! From lecturers to dedicated support staff, we’re here to guide and encourage you every step of the way.
Boost your business English whilst you study
Clear communication is essential for collaboration in global business, particularly in how you express ideas and influence others. That’s why, as a Henley Masters student, you’ll have access to our free Effective Communication: Language Skills for Business module.
This free, non-credit-bearing course runs alongside your main studies and is designed to help you improve your English fluency and confidence in academic and professional settings. Delivered in partnership with the International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) at the University of Reading, it’s part of Henley Business Schools commitment to supporting your personal and professional development.
The course is designed to help you:
- Speak clearly in meetings, presentations and group settings
- Write professionally for business, everything from emails to reports writing
- Learn industry-specific terminology
- Prepare for your career with confident communication for interviews and networking
Who Can Take Part?
If your English level meets the selection criteria, you’ll be invited to join, however the course is open to any student who wants to enhance their communication skills and boost their career prospects.
With real-world business examples, interactive learning, and expert feedback, this course helps you thrive at Henley Business School and beyond.
Course structure
Exclusively available to Henley Business School offer holders, the Pre-Masters course suite comprises of innovative short courses designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms.
Building blocks of finance (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
An innovative short course designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms.
Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
A course delivered online by Henley faculty and you will receive online support from one of our teaching staff members and be able to interact with other prospective students in your course.
Study skills for success (Exclusive to Henley offer holders)
This course will provide building blocks of knowledge to help you prepare for your learning journey in the area of your choice as well as equip you with key employability and study skills for successfully navigating your studies and professional career.
Financial Securities and Markets (ICM402)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module focuses on fixed income and equity securities evaluation and provides an introduction to international financial markets and an overview of financial institutions.
International Strategic Management (MMM001)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This course provides key analytical and conceptual tools from strategic management, international business and economics as applied to international strategy. The course examines the complexity that accompanies international operations as a result of geographical diversification, and changing market and technological, conditions.
Investments (ICM401)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The module aims to equip students with the main principles of Investment Theory. It begins with an overview of the interaction between users and suppliers of capital and the theory behind investor behaviour towards financial risk and reward.
International Business Environment (MMM071)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module studies the contemporary international business environment from different theoretical perspectives while drawing on relevant empirical evidence. Students learn about the role of multinational firms, institutions and political economic systems, technological changes, and geography in shaping the international business environment.
Multinational Enterprise Strategy and Performance (MMM095)
20 [10 ECTS credits]
Fixed Income Cash and Derivative Markets (ICM306)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module provides students with a comprehensive view of the fixed income cash and derivative markets. Students will study the course material for the internationally recognised ICMA Fixed Income Certificate and will, additionally, also have the chance to sit for this qualification.
Global Marketing Management (MMM006)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module will introduce students to marketing in a global context, and will enable students to understand the complexity and variety of factors playing a role in designing and implementing global marketing programmes.
International Applied Challenge (MMM156)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The module provides intensive experiential learning in an international context, either virtually or via direct travel. This is an opportunity for students group visits a particular country, institutions and particular business communities to explore sustainable and wider management issues and the methods the community has found for addressing these issues.
Managing Transformation (MMM080)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module considers the management of transformation from both an organisational and personal perspective. Students are introduced to key models of change and consider how they might be applied and the barriers to their effective implementation. The module also provides an opportunity for students to learn about and to practice some of the skills required in the leadership of transformation.
Research Project (ICM218)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The aim of the Research Project is to allow students to define and execute a piece of research in finance on a topic of their choice, with direction from an academic supervisor.
Students choose a finance question that is of interest to them, and produce a Research Project which addresses their question.
Advanced Finance Theory with Empirical Applications (ICM289)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module is designed for advanced Master’s students and doctoral students. It has a very high technical content. It aims to equip the students with the foundations of theoretical asset pricing and with the relevant skills for performing empirical tests. The objective of the module is to prepare students to become independent and quality researchers.
Algorithmic and High Frequency Trading (ICM612)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module will equip the students with a basic knowledge of algorithmic and high frequency trading strategies which are commonly used in the trading industry.
Alternative Investments and Structured Products (ICM613)
20 [10 ECTS credits]This module aims to provide students with an understanding of financial decision making in the context of alternative investments and to introduce the key principles and techniques of financial engineering used in structured product design.
International Business Project (MMM187)
20 [10 ECTS credits]Students will have an opportunity to draw on knowledge and experience gained across the programme and apply them to a contemporary business problem or issue.
Stock Index Futures (ICM308)
20 [10 ECTS credits]The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the very large and important global financial markets in futures on national stock market indices.
Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.
Fees & funding
UK/Home
| Year of Entry | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2025 | £15,500 |
International (incl. EU)
| Year of Entry | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2025 | £28,500 |
Scholarships
We're pleased to announce that, following the recent closure of our previous scholarship scheme, we’ve now been allocated additional funding to support more students on their postgraduate journey to Henley. This new funding allows us to provide further financial support to high-potential applicants. If you’re considering postgraduate study, now is a great time to apply!
Current scholarships
Entry requirements
| Entry requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | A good second class honours degree or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised University |
English Language Requirements
Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask for evidence of proficiency. Alternatively, we may ask you to attend an English language course before you begin your studies with us.
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 with no component below 5.5 in any sub-skills |
Pre-sessional English Programme
The Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements. Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.
Find out about our comprehensive range of Pre-Sessional English courses
Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications
We accept the non-SELT version of LanguageCert (which includes the online version) and DuoLingo as suitable English language qualifications. These can be accepted for direct entry onto Undergraduate (except Speech and Language Therapy), Postgraduate Taught (except Speech and Language Therapy) and Postgraduate Research programmes.
For information on individual programme requirements and other English language qualifications, please visit our English requirement equivalent page.
If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact admissions directly by e-mail or telephone at +44 (0) 118 378 5289.
UK visa requirements
If you are not a national of the European Union (EU), you may need to obtain a UK visa. This visa will allow to live and study in the UK. See the UK Border Agency website. Contact the University's International Office with any questions: intoff@reading.ac.uk.
Graduate Route
The UK's Graduate Route post-study work visa allows you to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with the opportunity to undertake skilled work. Visit the University website for the latest information.
How to apply
Apply for 2025 entry now
Apply online now through the University of Reading’s online application service.
The online application service allows you to complete your application information, attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a facility for an email request to be sent to your referees. This enables the referees to send your supporting references directly to us.
When to apply
We operate a rolling admissions system and it is recommended that you apply early to secure your place. There is no specific deadline and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, to allow us time to process your application we recommend that you apply by the following dates:
| UK/Home applicants | International applicants |
|---|---|
| 1 August | 1 July |
After you apply
You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application form. Your application is then reviewed by a member of staff. If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any necessary entry criteria you will need to meet. You'll then be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer.
If you require a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa, details will be sent by email once all conditions of the offer have been met.
Throughout the admissions process we will keep you updated with key information via email. We also provide opportunities to interact with faculty and staff online.
Find us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with news and events at Henley or ask us a question. In addition, you can speak to a current student, our students are always happy to share their Henley experience.
Chat to our students
Our students and alumni are always keen to share their Henley experience. Whether you are a prospective applicant or already applied to a Masters programme at Henley Business School. You can ask questions to a current student by clicking the “Chat to our students” button below.
When contacting one of our students, please introduce yourself and the Masters programme you have applied for.
Speak to a current student
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at postgraduate@henley.ac.uk or by phone on +44 (0)118 378 7593.