International Trade and Finance – MSc

Why study this course?

Our International Trade and Finance MSc course will develop your knowledge of the global economy, its structure and the roles you could undertake within this evolving world.

You’ll also be invited to formal and informal events that support the scheduled teaching programme. These can include talks from guest speakers, outside visits or broader postgraduate student meetings and activities. This will further develop your understanding of the contemporary international trade and financial environment.

More about this course

On our master’s course you’ll examine and refine your understanding of the drivers of international, inter and intra-corporate trade and investment that are shaping today’s global economy.

We’ll guide your understanding of the different economic theories that aim to explain trade and international investment, as well as the policies and practices of trade and investment across the world. Core modules you’ll study include International Corporate Finance; Research Methods for Global Business; Growth, Trade and Development; and Financial Derivatives and Risk Management.

Specialist subjects

You’ll have a variety of option modules to choose from so you can develop specialist knowledge within global finance and trade. Specialist subjects include:

• International Logistics
• Financial Derivatives and Risk Management
• Environmental Economics and Investment
• Practical Sustainability
• Consultancy

Major players on the world stage

We will give particular attention to how the actions of states and international organisations affect global patterns of trade and finance. This includes the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Bank, the European Union (EU) and the governments of China and the United States of America.

Understanding the impact these organisations have on trade and finance is very important to your career. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be to work for such international and national organisations.

Starting or developing your career

Whether you’re keen to start work in the international arena or progress further within an established career, our International Trade and Finance MSc is ideal for developing your knowledge and skills.

You’ll be well prepared for employment in international organisations, businesses, banks and the finance sector because of what you’ve learnt. See the After the course section for more details.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

Data Analysis for Global Business (core, 20 credits)

Economics of International Trade (core, 20 credits)

Growth, Trade and Development (core, 20 credits)

International Corporate Finance (core, 20 credits)

Business Consultancy Project-portfolio assessment (alternative core, 60 credits)

Dissertation (alternative core, 60 credits)

Professional Development and Work Placement (alternative core, 60 credits)

Advanced Financial Management (option, 20 credits)

Audit and Assurance (option, 20 credits)

Business Work Placement Project (option, 20 credits)

Commercial and Investment Banking (option, 20 credits)

Environmental Economics and Investment (option, 20 credits)

Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (option, 20 credits)

Financial Regulation and Compliance (option, 20 credits)

Fundamentals of CSR and Sustainability (option, 20 credits)

International Business Strategy with Simulation (option, 20 credits)

International Financial Reporting (option, 20 credits)

International Logistics (option, 20 credits)

Practical Sustainability (option, 20 credits)

Where this course can take you

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop will enable you to enter a variety of careers in UK and international organisations including a wide range of public, private and third sector organisations.

As well as providing a firm base for securing employment, our MSc provides the opportunity to enhance your current career. You’ll find many of our master’s alumni working in a diverse mix of industries around the world, including a large number in finance and international trade roles.