Masters in International Business and Finance
This postgraduate programme will help you to develop an international perspective and an understanding of the interrelationships between finance and the global economy.
At a glance
- Gain a practice-centred approach to teaching which will deepen your global perspective as you study in different international learning environments
- This programme equips you with the tools to examine key issues from a business and economic viewpoint to add value to organisations
- Develop an understanding of the international business environment and its competitive investment climate
- Investigate the interaction between firm strategies, economic policies and the changing international environment
- Gain an understanding of the international business environment determined by the policies and regulations established by governments and supra-national institutions
- Locations
- Henley Whiteknights
- Subject area(s)
- International Business
- Start Date
- September 2024
- Duration
- 12 months
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Programme Director
-
Dr Kaz Kirollos
Overview
In this Masters programme, you will examine key issues from both a business and economic perspective. You will observe how multinational corporations leverage financial markets when seeking to exploit international business opportunities. Additionally, you will study the management challenges presented, and the relevance of these to financial and capital markets.
You will gain an understanding of the international business environment and its competitive and investment climate. Using frameworks and methodologies, you will also investigate the interaction between firm strategies, economic policies and the changing international environment.
(The Economist 2021)
(Financial Times 2023)
The Henley pre-study course suite
Exclusively available to Henley Business School offer holders, the Pre-study 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 (-)An innovative short course designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by ICMA Centre faculty to prepare you for your learning journey at Henley if you are undertaking postgraduate study in any finance-oriented subject. Through the course, you will appreciate the purpose of finance and investment, the main types of investment and financial markets, as well as the process of valuing investments and the role of risk and return in investment performance. These are all important fundamentals in understanding the workings of financial markets and being able to apply them to real and practical problems as part of your course. We encourage you to take the course even if you have studied finance before. The course is delivered online, requires around 15 hours of study and can be completed at your own pace. |
N/A |
Building blocks of maths and stats for finance (-)This pre-study interactive course is designed by ICMA Centre faculty to prepare you for your learning journey at Henley if you are undertaking postgraduate study in any finance-oriented subject. Read moreQuantitative techniques and statistics are among the main tools finance and investment professionals utilise in analysing data linked to financial markets and securities. This interactive pre-study course is designed to deliver these essential building blocks in maths and quants and prepare you for a Finance Master’s if you don’t have a finance, maths, or quants background. For those with a relevant background, it can serve as a refresher of this essential knowledge. |
N/A |
Future of Work: Coding with Python for Business & Finance (-)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. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty to introduce you to the world of coding in Python. According to recent employer surveys, coding is a top 5 employability skill in the new world of work. The World Economic forum includes technology design and programming in the top 10 skills of 2025. Coding is an extremely powerful skill to have going forward in all areas of business and finance. Due to the importance of coding skills in your future, you will be using coding in some of your courses depending on your choice of programme at Henley Business School. So, this pre-study course can be seen as a stepping stone in your learning journey. Even if coding is not directly utilised as a part of your programme, completing this course, earning the certificate and complementing this with some further independent learning, could set you apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Python is the most utilised programming language in the world and so the purpose of this course is for you to learn the fundamentals of Python, and how to use it to solve practical problems in your area of interest. |
N/A |
Study skills for success (-)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. Read moreThis pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty, the University of Reading Study Advice Team and the International Study and Language Institute. The course aims to prepare you for your learning journey at Henley and focuses on helping you build important study skills to succeed in your Masters and beyond. Skills such as curiosity and independent thinking, effective communication and collaboration, digital capabilities, storytelling, empathy and professional integrity are not only important in your course itself but are also sought after by employers in all areas of business. Therefore, they are instrumental in succeeding in your professional career. The learning journey of our Masters programmes is designed in a way that allows you to build such skills and this course intends to demonstrate exactly how, and therefore help you to make the most of your Masters. |
N/A |
Part one: Autumn term
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Career and Professional Development (MMM132)What am I going to do when my course ends, and how am I going to achieve it? This module has been designed to help Accounting, Informatics and Business Management students answer those two questions, and empower them to take the actions required. It’s a suite of sessions that pays close attention to the general pathways Business Management, Accounting and Informatics students tend to take, and their aspirations as expressed during pre-sessional career activities & induction surveys. Students will choose this the mix of custom-made sessions that best suit their stage in life and supplement them with the open careers programmes offered at the University, the online content on the Henley Careers Blackboard site and 1-2-1 careers consultations. |
0 [0 ECTS credits] |
Financial Markets and Institutions (ICM332)This module provides an introduction to international financial markets and an overview of financial institutions. The main characteristics and risks of a range of financial markets are presented: equity, fixed income, foreign exchange, futures and commodity markets. A series of interactive workshops are used to learn about ethical investing and alternative trading systems. Read moreTo provide an economic framework for understanding global financial markets, financial institutions, market players and the importance of liquidity and price efficiency. Participants will gain an understanding of commercial and investment banks, mutual funds, central banks, stock, bond and repo markets. Also, participants will learn about specific characteristics and risks of foreign exchange markets as well as futures markets and commodity markets. Students will become familiar with different firms in the industry, how they differ from each other and the various careers available within the industry as an aid to their own career development. Academic authors
Dr Alfonso Dufour
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
International Strategic Management (MMM001)This module aims to introduce students to the core concepts and models underlying contemporary strategic management, their theoretical and empirical foundations, their limitations, the arguments surrounding them and their practical application to real issues facing real companies. This module provides students with an understanding of the conceptual and analytical tools of strategic management and economics.
Academic authors
Professor Rajneesh Narula
Dr Jongmin Lee
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Introductory Quantitative Methods for Finance (ICM129)This module provides you with the foundation necessary to successfully understand and apply the quantitative techniques commonly used in the finance industry. The lecture covers the theory and key concepts. The seminars and workshop provide the opportunity to emphasise the practical applications of the techniques in the global financial markets. Academic authors
Dr Gita Persand
|
0 [0 ECTS credits] |
Securities and Investments (ICM331)This module focuses on cash securities evaluation (fixed income, equity, and FX) and the use of these securities for investments (derivatives and portfolio theory). Part I of the module applies general valuation methods to specific financial instruments: fixed income, equity securities, and FX. It describes the characteristics of each security/market and develops practical strategies for finding its value and assessing its risk. Part II of the module provides an in-depth introduction to financial derivatives (futures and options) and their evaluation. Part III of the module analyses the main framework behind portfolio theory and optimum asset allocation, followed by the introduction of the main pricing models, their applications and limitation. Equity and FX trading simulations sessions (INVEST sessions) are paired with the modules. Exercises based on Eikon, and Bloomberg data will be used. Read moreThe module deals with the valuation of fixed income and equity securities. It focuses on the basic characteristics of each security and the strategies used for approximating their fundamental value and assessing their risk. Its primary aim is to discuss how certain characteristics and relationships can affect the value of fixed income and equity securities and how can they be exploited to form optimal investment strategies. The module also develops ways of optimally selecting portfolios of assets and develops models of how these portfolios may be priced in financial markets. Through a detailed overview of derivatives instruments, their characteristics and valuation, it is shown how they can enhance portfolio returns and help in the management of investment risk. The analytical techniques introduced in this module are widely applied in other elements of the programme. |
30 [15 ECTS credits] |
Study and Research Skills: Sources, Methods, and Practice (MMM070)To strengthen students’ ability to make best use of the learning opportunities during the MSc degree course. To provide students with an understanding of what is required to perform well in essays, dissertations, report writing and examinations at Henley Business School. To provide students with an awareness of the appropriate use of methodology, theory, data, literature reviews and original research in a Masters dissertation/project.
Academic authors
Professor Peter Scott
|
0 [0 ECTS credits] |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Culture and Competition (MMM159)This module focuses upon the impact of business culture on competition. It comprises an inter-disciplinary approach with perspectives from strategic management, human resource management, general social sciences and the humanities. It aims to introduce the business culture concepts at both macro and micro levels and gives students some first hand experience in understanding the values of nations, industries and firms. Academic authors
Dr Denise Tsang
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Theories of the Multinational Enterprise (MMM073)The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the changes in our theoretical understanding of international business. The understanding of multinational enterprises (MNE) can serve as a basis for practical evaluation of the behaviour, strategies and performance of these companies. Academic authors
Dr Kaz Kirollos
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Part two: Spring term
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
International Business Environment (MMM071)This course studies the contemporary international business environment from a macro, meso, and micro economic perspective. Theories from economics, political science, economic geography, and international business are examined. Students learn about global economic developments, the role of institutions and political economics systems, and the impact of technological changes and the differences of regional and national locations in business.
Academic authors
Dr J. Eduardo Ibarra-Olivo
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Multinational Enterprise Strategy and Performance (MMM095) This module aims to examine international business strategy and financial performance of the multinational enterprise (MNE). It will provide students with an understanding of what globalisation and regionalisation mean for today’s managers, the best way to extend their knowledge of how MNEs function, how to turn the messages from the academic literature into effective business strategies within an MNE and how to measure the financial performance of MNEs.
Academic authors
Dr Quyen Nguyen
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Study and Research Skills: Sources, Methods, and Practice (MMM070)To strengthen students’ ability to make best use of the learning opportunities during the MSc degree course. To provide students with an understanding of what is required to perform well in essays, dissertations, report writing and examinations at Henley Business School. To provide students with an awareness of the appropriate use of methodology, theory, data, literature reviews and original research in a Masters dissertation/project.
Academic authors
Professor Peter Scott
|
0 [0 ECTS credits] |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Corporate Finance and Investment Banking (ICM311)The main aim of the course is to provide a rigorous grounding of the theory and practice of corporate finance and more specifically the long-term financial management decisions of the firm pertaining to investments, financing and payout and how they affect its value. It deals with how corporations are governed, their financing structures, payout policies, the processes involved in the issuance of public and private equity, as well growing through inorganic investment (mergers and acquisitions). Read moreThis course also deals with advanced financial analysis and enterprise valuation methods employed by financial advisors/investment banks as part of providing advice to corporations. Students on this course take part in a bespoke investment banking pitch-book simulation challenge whereby they work with their team to produce a real life pitch-book including financial analysis on a real transaction as part of assessing the company’s strategic alternatives. In addition to lectures and case study based seminars the module also includes a 2-day financial modelling and valuation training by Financial Edge, the company responsible for training the analysts of the top-3 investment banks. |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Fixed Income Cash and Derivative Markets (ICM306)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. |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Governance, Power and Accountability (ICM336)This module introduces students to the theory and practice of governance. The module then focuses on a critical discussion of power and accountability, with an emphasis on accountability to a range of societal stakeholders. |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Investment Portfolio Management (ICM340)This investment portfolio management module covers key topics, techniques and discussions, including investment styles, in relation to constructing and maintaining an optimal investment portfolio. The teaching approaches all topics from academic and market, practical perspectives. More detailed aims and learning outcomes are included below. |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Mergers and Acquisitions (ICM227)This module tracks the M&A process from the strategic decision to undertake mergers and acquisitions, through the deal-making process and then considers the extent to which M&A activity produces the desired results |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Research Project (ICM218)Students choose a finance question that is of interest to them, and produce a Research Project which addresses their question. The Research Project starts in the middle of the Autumn term, and continues during the Spring term. This gives students plenty of time to complete their Research Project, and the flexibility to phase it to fit in with other demands on their time. The Research Project usually involves the analysis of data. At the start, each student is allocated an academic supervisor who offers advice on their Research Project. Student assessment is based solely on the quality of their Research Project, which is submitted on the first day of the Summer term. Academic authors
Professor Charles Sutcliffe
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Strategic Planning and Budgeting (ICM252)This module enables students to explore the concepts of strategic planning and strategic (or ‘capital’) budgeting. It introduces a range of techniques for strategic budgeting. It illustrates concepts using topical, real-world events and cases. |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Part three: Summer term
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Advanced Finance Theory with Empirical Applications (ICM289)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. Academic authors
Professor Marcel Prokopczuk
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Algorithmic and High Frequency Trading (ICM325)Industry participants estimate that 70-80% of equity trades are executed through computers. Market-makers in fixed income and currency markets use algorithms to automatically adjust their quotes. This module reviews the current state of the trading industry and identifies aims, features, regulations, and limitations of three main groups of algorithmic trading strategies: market making, trade execution and statistical arbitrage. Practical seminars are used to demonstrate how to apply trading algorithms to high-frequency data. Academic authors
Dr Alfonso Dufour
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Alternative Investments (ICM327)In this module, alternative forms of financial investments are discussed. In particular, the following topics are covered: Academic authors
Professor Marcel Prokopczuk
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Business and Management Project (MMM154)In this module students will have an opportunity to draw on knowledge and experience gained across the programme and apply them to a contemporary business or management problem or issue. Projects can be developed in conjunction with specific organizations (upon availability) or can be student-led. Academic authors
Professor Peter Scott
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Stock Index Futures (ICM308)This is a less quantitative option that offers an in-depth study of an important financial product - stock index futures. For almost all countries, the value of trading in stock index futures exceeds the total value of trading in all the equities listed on the underlying stock market. So stock index futures are very liquid financial instruments with an important role in financial markets. They are used by fund managers, arbitrageurs, hedgers, speculators, investment banks, pension funds, etc. for a wide variety of reasons. The aim of this module is to understand why this very large market exists, and how it works. Much of this material on how stock index futures markets work also applies to other futures markets, e.g. currencies, energy, metals, agricultural commodities. Academic authors
Professor Charles Sutcliffe
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Structured Products (ICM326)An applied, innovative approach to the structured product market from a practical point of view. Topical issues are addressed in a systematic way to discuss the principles of financial engineering and application to structured products. Academic authors
Professor Marcel Prokopczuk
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. 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.
A holistic approach
Effective leadership requires more than first-class business acumen, it also requires a degree of self-awareness and sensitivity. Our Masters programmes offer you a unique practice-centred approach to teaching equipping you with the tools to become a compelling leader. This approach creates emotionally intelligent graduates who can be fully effective in their chosen careers.
How you will learn
Henley has a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts. We are underpinned by academic excellence and the strength of our research. We offer high-quality technical skills training as well as a deep understanding of the importance of personal development for leaders. This is a thread that is woven through all of our Masters programmes.
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.
You will be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings then have the opportunity to challenge those that have created it. You will also explore real-world issues, tackle current business challenges, and interact with guest lectures and speakers from industry. This gives you the opportunity to test, extend and refine your knowledge and skills with confidence.
How we assess you
You will learn and be assessed through a wide variety of teaching methods which vary depending on your chosen Masters programme. These include online materials and multimedia content, guest lectures, individual and group assignments, case studies, field visits, dealing room simulations, presentations, applied projects, consultancy work and 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
While Masters students are self-motivated and determined individuals, study at this level can present additional pressures which we take seriously. Lecturers are available to discuss the content of each module and your academic tutor can meet with you regularly. Support staff are here to help with anything that may arise during your time at Henley.
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| 2024 entry | £15,300 |
Scholarships
We offer a number of scholarships for UK/Home and International applicants. Please note that scholarship application is via the University of Reading applicant portal once an offer has been made. You can only apply when you have received an offer (conditional or unconditional). When you view your offer in the portal you will see the link to apply for scholarship(s) relevant to your offer.
Current scholarships
| Entry requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | Minimum 2:1 or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised university |
| Degree discipline | Any discipline |
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 6.0 in any sub-skills |
Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications
We appreciate the difficulties that some students are having with the availability of English Language tests, as the impact of the global pandemic continues. As a result of this, we are pleased to announce that we can now 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.
Pre-sessional English language programme
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.
Where are our 2021 graduates now?
2021 graduates in this area are working at the following organisations:
Siemens
PwC
Deloitte
Investec Bank
Knight Frank
Cloudreach
Financial Times
University of Oxford
Banco de Brazil
Please note the above statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2022, which was completed by our 2021 graduates, 12 months after graduation.
Respondents are from the following programmes: MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation, MSc Human Resource Management, MSc International Business and Finance, MSc Management, MSc Management (International Business), MSc Marketing (Consumer Marketing), MSc Marketing (Digital Marketing) and MSc Marketing (International Marketing).
How can Henley Careers work with you?
We have an award-winning careers team that will support you through your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation.
Here is how Henley Careers can help you:
- Careers Consultant appointments: Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s CV advice, practicing for an interview, providing feedback if applications aren't successful or support planning your career goals. We are here to help empower you to progress in your career.
- Events: Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for. Additionally, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
- Alumni support: You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources. For up to four years after graduating we’re here to help and support in your career.
- Career Smart: Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK. As well as where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different roles available to you.
For more information please see our Careers page.
Continuing your career
After graduating from this postgraduate course, you may follow a variety of career paths in finance or general management. This could be working for a range of employers such as large corporations or multinational enterprises, banks, securities companies or government agencies.
You will learn the necessary skills and knowledge to build a career in finance. This includes roles in multinational enterprises, government agencies or financial institutions.
Apply for 2023 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.
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.