Five highlights of our MSc International Management programme

MSc International Management is a top-ranked programme in our Management Master’s portfolio, placing 9th in the Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2021. The programme is tailored for students with prior business knowledge, either through undergraduate degrees in business or relevant work experience. This means that the programme is designed to further develop students’ skills and fast-track their careers to work at leading companies in strategy, consulting and finance.

In this article, we feature the highlights of the programme that uniquely position the MSc International Management at Imperial College Business School in the management master’s market. 

1. Leadership skills

Management theory is one aspect of the programme, but something that is unique to MSc International Management is how it instils solid leadership skills in students. Throughout the programme, there is a dedicated Leadership in Action module designed just for this.

Leadership skills have bigger implications than short-term application. These skills are something as graduates of the programme they can build on and use throughout their entire career. MSc International Management alumnus Mats Brandt says:

With regard to the MSc International Management programme, it was specifically the focus on leadership abilities and international exposure, as well as mindset development, that caught my attention. I want to become a future leader fit for the biggest challenge ahead of us - to drive sustainable and innovative business models and growth in volatile markets and uncertain environments.

The programme begins with a five-week module on organisational behaviour followed by sessions on different types of leadership skills including giving feedback, teamwork, presentation skills and empathy – all of the things that are crucial to becoming a successful leader. These sessions are taught via experiential learning, which means that students will learn by doing.

After the foundation weeks of organisational behaviour and leadership skills, students embark on their Leadership in Action project. This is a design thinking consulting project with an international trip – more on that later – where students will be working with a company to solve a real problem for them.

Following their consulting experience with clients overseas, students will work on a reflective piece, which is another key element of their leadership journey.

2. International experience and a global outlook

As the name suggests, being ‘international’ is a huge component of MSc International Management. So much so, we have four avenues for students to gain international experience during the programme.

We place such an emphasis on international experience because business is a global workplace. To succeed in today's business environment it's essential to adopt an open, global mindset.

Our programme elements allow students on the programme to internationalise further, given that the cohort is already very international. All students attend a two-day European Immersion where they visit a city in Europe to learn about technology and innovation*. 

The second component is the aforementioned international trip on the Leadership in Action module. Students work on a project for a company in another country, and they travel to the location where their project is based for a week-long trip to carry out local research and present their findings to the company*. Aside from teaching students consulting skills, this project helps them develop cultural awareness of doing business in another country. MSc International Management alumnus, Jodie Koh, saw the benefits of doing this module:

The Leadership in Action module and the international trip was beneficial because both activities are curated to build global leaders. As we head into globalisation and our society becomes ever more interconnected, it is important for students to recognise that different problems arise across different geographies.

Students also have the opportunity to take an optional Global Immersion elective alongside students from other MSc programmes. The Global Immersion is a fully immersive experience exploring the socio-economic factors that influence how business is conducted in another country*. 

Finally, there is the Study Abroad elective, where students can apply to study at one of our partner institutions*.

The programme also values the immense benefits of knowing a second language in this global society. Students who come to the programme only knowing one language will learn another language via an online learning platform.

*Subject to Covid-19 travel restrictions 

3. Technology and innovation

In this rapidly changing world where technology is disrupting every industry, it’s essential that all students enter the workplace with the skills to thrive in this environment. This is why technology and innovation is a focal point of MSc International Management.

The management of these new technologies has proved difficult for many companies. Understanding their implementation and management is a vital skill that gives students an edge no matter what industry they’re interested in.

The Innovation and Technology Strategy core module, led by Professor Paola Criscuolo, ensure students understand how companies manage technology and innovation in a company. This module draws on the experiences of leading innovators.

MSc International Management alumnus, Benjamin Driffort, had the opportunity to apply his new-found knowledge in a project to global FMCG giant, Proctor and Gamble: 

"One of the most galvanising experiences on the programme was a group project for Procter & Gamble for the Innovation and Technology Strategy module. We had to find two innovative products in a given sector and present them in front of Procter & Gamble representatives, which was challenging and valuable."

4. Fantastic learning opportunities

MSc International Management has been created for students who already come to the Business School with business knowledge, so the way teaching is delivered is slightly different from our other Master’s programmes.

For some modules, there is flipped classroom situations where students will learn via case studies. This means they prepare for cases before class and the lecture will discuss the case instead of being lectured about it. There is also video material on The Hub to help students prepare.

MSc International Management alumnus, Naomi O'Donnell, enjoyed the fast-paced delivery of the programme:

"I like the fact that each module is short but intense. I believe that it is the best way to prepare us for a variety of career paths. It is a management programme after all, so it is better to have a good understanding of a bit of everything rather than a heavy focus on just one or two subjects. It is also a relief to have assessments rather than exams. I believe that it is a much more accurate way of measuring our capabilities. Rather than memorising information from our textbooks, working in teams on case studies is a much better reflection of the realities of working in a firm."

Blended, active and experiential learning techniques are used widely throughout the programme. This varied approach to teaching is what makes the MSc International Management so dynamic and exciting.

5. Life in London

Of course, one of the big draws of the programme is that it’s located in the heart of London. As well as being ranked the world’s Best Student City in the 2022 QS Rankings, London is also a thriving business hub.

London is home to the majority of the world’s biggest global companies, headquarters and company branches. MSc International Management alumnus, Phillipp Zimmer saw the benefits of being immersed in such a well-connected city:

London offers many opportunities to network with future employers, especially through guest lectures and on-campus and online recruiting events.

On top of the career opportunities, London is an amazing place to live – it’s rich in history, art and culture. Imperial College Business School is located in South Kensington in the ‘Albertopolis’ area. This was Prince Albert’s vision of a mecca of art, music, science, culture and history.

Neighbouring Imperial is the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and Royal Albert Hall. A short stroll away from campus is the beautiful Hyde Park, perfect for running, picnicking and simply relaxing.