School of Business and Law

International MBA International Business Administration

International MBA Full-time 12 months, Part-time 2 years

The International MBA (IMBA) is a globally focused postgraduate programme designed to develop strategic, leadership, and management skills for professionals aiming to operate effectively in international business environments.

The International MBA (IMBA) is a globally focused postgraduate programme designed to develop strategic, leadership, and management skills for professionals aiming to operate effectively in international business environments.

Award
International MBA
Start date(s)
14 September 2026, 11 January 2027, 10 May 2027
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (12 months),Part-time (2 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus

Why choose this course?

Develop the global business knowledge, strategic thinking and management skills to build an international career with the International MBA International Business Administration at the University of Wolverhampton. Designed as a pre-experience postgraduate business qualification, the course is particularly suited to graduates who want to develop their understanding of management before moving into or progressing within international business. You will explore how key business functions connect with the wider global environment, developing knowledge across finance, marketing, human resources, operations, strategy and innovation.

Standout modules include Creativity and Innovation in Business, Strategic Business Planning and Global Marketing Strategy and Practice. Together, these areas help you understand how organisations identify opportunities, respond to international markets and develop strategies for growth and change. You will also study Managing Financial Performance, Contemporary Issues in International HRM and Operations and Project Management, building a broad understanding of the different functions involved in running successful organisations.

The Independent Business Analysis Project gives you the opportunity to bring your learning together through Masters-level research focused on a business or management issue. By graduation, you will have developed skills in strategic planning, research, problem-solving, project management and critical decision-making, alongside an understanding of how organisations operate at local, national and international levels. The qualification can support progression into management and business roles across a wide range of international sectors, as well as providing a foundation for further specialist or doctoral study.

What's unique about this course?

  • Designed for pre-experience applicants, making it ideal for graduates who want to build broad management expertise before progressing into international business and leadership roles. 

  • Global business focus, developing your understanding of how organisations operate across local, regional, national and international environments. 

  • Broad management curriculum covering key areas including strategic global marketing, financial decision-making, international human resources and operations management.

  • Strong focus on contemporary business challenges, including strategy, sustainability, organisational change, adaptability and operating within complex global environments. 

  • Masters Research Project allows you to investigate a business or management issue in depth while developing valuable skills in research, problem-solving, project management and evidence-based decision-making. 

What happens on the course?

On the International MBA International Business Administration, you will build a broad understanding of how organisations operate across local, national and international markets. You will explore key business functions including finance, human resources, marketing, operations and project management, while examining how organisations respond to global competition, changing business environments and strategic challenges. Modules such as Managing Across Borders, International Business Environment and Global Marketing Strategy and Practice help you develop an international perspective, while the Independent Business Analysis Project gives you the opportunity to investigate a business issue in depth and apply your research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills at Masters level. Alongside your studies, you may also have opportunities to take part in activities such as guest lectures, company visits or residential experiences, helping you connect your academic learning with contemporary business practice.

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

The International MBA can support progression into a wide range of managerial and leadership roles across international business sectors. Throughout the course, you will develop strategic thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, networking and business analysis skills that can be applied across areas such as marketing, human resources, finance, operations, project management and general management. The qualification is designed to strengthen your prospects for management roles in organisations operating at local, national and international levels, while also providing a foundation for further professional study in areas such as accounting, marketing and human resources. Graduates who want to continue in academia can also use the IMBA as preparation for further research and PhD study.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Study your International MBA with a Business School that has more than 80 years of experience in management education and was among the first in the UK to offer MBA programmes. Wolverhampton combines this long-standing expertise with a strong focus on applied, career-focused learning, supported by academics with extensive business and management experience. The Business School also has established links with employers and industry, helping ensure teaching reflects the challenges organisations face in today’s global business environment. Located in the heart of the UK, Wolverhampton also provides easy access to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands business community, creating a well-connected base for postgraduate business study.

  1. Critically analyse the use of the key functional areas of marketing, HR, finance, accounting and operations management in support of wider organisational activity.
  2. Critically evaluate strategic planning alternatives to take account of business environmental conditions.
  3. Critically evaluate the relationship between the organisation and its global environment and the importance of change and adaptability.
  4. Evaluate the role and contribution of creativity and innovation in the development of organisations
  5. Critically analyse contemporary issues, challenges and problems relating to business and management that impact on business and management at functional, strategic and global  levels.
  6. Synthesise relevant critical thinking through academic research completing an independent research project/dissertation at masters level

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Jan intake Fee May intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £12813 per year £12813 per year £12813 per year 2026-27
Home Part-time £5508 per year £5508 per year £5508 per year 2026-27
International Full-time £19859 per year £19859 per year £19859 per year 2026-27

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years of study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

UK Entry Requirements 

Academic Pathway: 

  • A degree classification of 2:2 or above. 

Or  

  • A professional qualification of equal depth to a degree. Professional qualifications will be assessed on an individual basis.   

And 

  • A reference will also be required from an academic member of staff who has supervised your undergraduate studies, this would be requested after you have successfully applied. 

Work Experience Pathway: 

  • 3 – 5 five years of relevant managerial work experience, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the sector for the subject matter you are interested in pursuing.   

All work experience-based applicants will be required to provide a reference detailing your role(s) and responsibilities from your line manager this would be requested after you have successfully applied. 

EU and International Entry Requirements: 

We have specific entry requirement information for EU and International applicants.  

English Requirement: 

  • All International Applicants are required to have a sufficient level of English to satisfy student visa requirements, here is a list of acceptable English qualifications

  • Our country specific entry criteria will also provide clear guidance on whether your high school English qualification is accepted as an equivalence to the above.   

Personal Statement Requirement: 

All international applicants are required to showcase their reasons for applying to study in the UK please use our personal statement template to support your application.  

Study Gap Information: 

International applicants also provide education information and work experience information. It’s important that when you complete your application you cover all of this information on your application to ensure we can satisfy this admissions assessment. 

Postgraduate Loan (Home Fee Status):

You may be able to get a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance England of up to £13,206 to help pay for a Master’s degree. Applications are made through Student Finance England and more information on the regulations and eligibility criteria can be found at Masters Loans gov.uk.

* Any RPL will invalidate your eligibility as you must study a minimum of 180 credits


Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


Postgraduate Loyalty Discount:

You can get 20% discount on a taught on-site postgraduate course if you’re a University of Wolverhampton Graduate.

The University offers a generous 20% Loyalty Discount to students progressing from an undergraduate programme to a taught postgraduate programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree as long as this is your first Masters level qualification.

The discount applies to the first year of enrolment only. Students who receive a loyalty discount are not entitled to any further tuition discount or bursary. For full terms and conditions click here.


Self-funded:

If you are paying for the fees yourself then the fees can be paid in 3 instalments: November, January and April. More information can be found by clicking here.


Sponsored - Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

Your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Charitable Funding:

You might also want to explore the possibility of funding from charitable trusts. Please contact Association of Charitable Foundations, Directory of Social Change or Family Aid. Most charities and trust funds offer limited bursaries targeted to specific groups of students so you will need to research whether any of them are relevant to your situation.


You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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