What you'll learn

This interdisciplinary course integrates the three principle pillars within trade and business management: namely international trade, strategy, and operations management. It comprises of eight 15-credit modules and a 60-credit dissertation.

The course comprises of the following core modules:

• International TradeLink opens in a new window
• Global Business Environment and MarketsLink opens in a new window
• International Business Strategy, Analytics and ManagementLink opens in a new window
• Global Digital Marketing StrategyLink opens in a new window
• Operations Management and SustainabilityLink opens in a new window
• International Business DevelopmentLink opens in a new window
• Study, Professional and Analytical SkillsLink opens in a new window

Elective Choice

Alongside your core modules, you will be required to select one elective module. Elective module options will be provided to you at the start of the academic year, but an illustrative list can be found below. These options may be subject to changes.

• Trade PolicyLink opens in a new window
• Corporate and International Trade FinanceLink opens in a new window
• Transport Techniques and ManagementLink opens in a new window

Please note that whilst the module catalogue shows the latest approved version of each module and what is currently being taught (academic year 2024), there may be minor updates to content or learning objectives year on year to reflect the evolving state of knowledge and the requirements of teaching best practise. Any such amends will be updated following the department 'module approvals process' and reflected in the module catalogue before the start of the next academic year in 2025.

Project

Your dissertation project is worth 33% of your MSc credits and your final grade. Most are major individual projects, which will develop your research and analytical skills and enable you to specialise in an aspect of particular interest to you and is submitted in the form of a dissertation at the end of the year.

For International Trade, Strategy and Operations the project should relate to one or more of the following aspects of trading in an international context:

• International sales and marketing
• Transport, logistics, supply chain and customs compliance
• Financial management
• Legal aspects of international trade
• Business management and trade strategy
• Operations and service management

Students on the ITSO course also have the opportunities to engage in alternative project options, including a Company Collaboration Project (CCP) or an Industry Impact Project (IIP).

Through the CCP, students can undertake a project in collaboration with one of a series of key industrial partners, giving them the opportunity to tackle real-life challenges facing industry. They enable the development of key skills and employment capabilities, whilst helping organisations to resolve some of their challenges through systematic research.

Through the IIP, students work within an interdisciplinary team of up to six students with a key industrial partner on a pre-defined subject relating to Supply Chain and Trade. Through this opportunity students will gain additional team-collaboration and consultancy skills.

Learning style and assessment

This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two-thirds of your time and effort, and a research component (dissertation) accounting for one-third.

Our course is modular in structure with each module accounting nominally 150 hours of learning, which includes your class attendance, independent study, and assessments. Modules are generally delivered in a four-week learning block, allowing you to focus on one module at a time and engage deeply with the subject material. The exception to this is the Study, Professional and Analytical Skills (SPA) module which is programme wide and is taught across the year.

A taught module typically consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, simulations, case studies, group exercises, reflective practices, on-line learning and self-study. The majority of modules are taught in small classes to facilitate and encourage interaction. Others practice large-scale lectures, which are then supported by smaller class seminars and group or workshop activities.

In addition to our innovative teaching practices, we provide experiential learning through 'lecture trips' enabling students to gain on-site subject knowledge and see how theory is implemented in real context. Through our collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, students will have Institute membership and the opportunity to attend their trade-shows, conferences, and networking events.

Our module leaders have extensive industry experience and guest speakers from industry also contribute regularly, bringing real-world insight into your learning experience.

Modules are predominantly assessed by way of written assignments, but assessment can also be in other formats. In addition to the main assessment, you may have assessed presentations, online tests, self-reflection, and a range of other assessment methods during each module.

Your project will be assessed by your Project Supervisor plus an independent assessor. As part of the assessment, you may be required to present your research project and answer questions at a poster session.

Module leaders are experts in their fields and are often supported by external speakers from industry or academia who bring real-world perspective into the classroom.

Read more information about the course structure.

Entry requirements

In order to meet our academic entry requirement, you should have obtained the minimum of a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).

Candidates with a UK 2:2 (or equivalent) may be accepted upon demonstration of relevant professional experience.

Students may have already studied a business-related programme, but this course is also open to those with other academic backgrounds looking to break into international business.

English language

If you are a non-native English speaker, we need to confirm that your English language competency is sufficiently good for you to get the most out of your Master's study. You therefore require you to take a SELT (Secure English Language Test) and submit your results as one of your academic requirements. If you are taking an IELTS test, we require a score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any one component). Please view our web page here for a full list of accepted tests, together with the grades required.

Tuition fees

For 2025 entry, the tuition fees are as follows:

• Home students: £12,300
• Overseas students: £35,340

If you are successful in receiving an offer, a deposit payment is required in order to secure your place on the course. Please note that sponsored students can apply for a deposit waiver. For further information, please see our tuition fee deposits pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

Your remaining tuition fee is then payable at the start of the academic year, or in three instalments. For information about how to pay your tuition fees, please review the University's finance web pagesLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

WMG Excellence Scholarships

At WMG, we invest more than £1.5 million per year into supporting our talented students and creating a diverse and inspiring learning environment.
Our funding opportunities range from the competitive merit-based WMG Excellence Scholarship open to all offer-holders, through to guaranteed bursaries for specific countries and partnership awards with third-party funders.

WMG Excellence Scholarships are merit-based awards, available on a competitive basis. Awards range from £5,000 to £15,000 tuition fee discount.

Applications will be judged on past academic achievement, professional experience, reasons for study, and your vision for the future. View our WMG Excellence Scholarship pageLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for full details on how to apply for this award.

Additional Scholarship opportunities

You might also be eligible to apply for other scholarships from the University of Warwick, such as the Warwick Taught Masters Scholarship Scheme; as well as awards from external funding bodies, including Chevening Scholarships. For additional funding opportunities and eligibility details, please visit our Funding web pageLink opens in a new window

Careers

The International Trade programme will prepare graduates to take on a senior role within a company that trades internationally. The breadth of the programme enables students to gain a clear overview of all the elements of international trade whilst giving the opportunity to also focus or specialise on a particular aspect of interest to the individual.

The programme opens up a range of career options including transportation and logistics; customs and the legal aspects of international business; business development, relationship management and negotiation; implementation of strategy.

The onus on the practical application of theory means graduates will be in the advantageous position of being able to take on a useful professional role right from the outset, thus maximising employment prospects.

Below we have listed some examples of the roles that ITSO graduates have secured:

• Business Development Specialist
• EU Sourcing Procurement Manager
• Export Operations Specialist
• Foreign Procurement Officer
• Import Planner
• International Trade Consultant
• Logistics Customer Service Coordinator
• Strategy and Business Development Manager
• Supply Analyst
• Tax Valuation Services Analyst

International trade is a relevant and important discipline across a broad range of sectors. Below we have provided examples of the types of companies that some of our recent graduates are now working in:

• Trade finance (Tradewind)
• Trade regulation (World Trade Organisation)
• Third-party logistics (FedEx, Coldman Logistics)
• Energy (World Fuel Services)
• Food and drink (Innocent Drinks)
• Technology (Alibaba)
• Chemical production (Invista)
• Consultancy (Deloitte)
• Manufacturing (Lanaro Steel Technology)

How to apply

Application is through the University’s online form and is currently open. The course code for MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations is P-H1S8

What to include with your application:

• A completed application form and £75 application fee.

• A Personal Statement which can be included in the online application.
• A scan of your transcript (marksheet). If you are still studying, please send us your transcripts to date. NB: if you are made an offer, we will then require you to upload your degree transcripts and certificate in order to clear your conditions.
• English language test result (if applicable) - this can be submitted after you have an offer.
• One reference. If you completed studies less than 2 years ago, this should be an academic reference. If you graduated more than 2 years ago, we will require a professional reference. We contact your referee directly, so please include their valid professional email address on your application form.
• Candidates with professional experience should include their CV with their application.

You can read more about the application process, and access a link to the application form, on our how to apply web page.

Application Deadline

Our official application deadline is 2 August 2025, however please note that this course will close early if capacity is reached ahead of that deadline. We strongly recommend you apply as soon as you are ready in order to avoid disappointment.