International Trade, Strategy and Operations (MSc) (2024 Entry)
Explore our International Trade, Strategy and Operations taught Master's degree.
Modern business trades across international boundaries, so a thorough knowledge and understanding of the management and operational requirements to trade successfully in international markets is essential to success. International Trade, Strategy and Operations MSc delivers just that. Learn to manage and lead change within international businesses while studying amongst leading experts in the multidisciplinary WMG department.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade.
Course overview
Accredited by the Institute of Export, this MSc delivers a thorough understanding of the management and operational requirements necessary to trade successfully in international markets.
The programme is heavily focused on the application of theory into practice and how the skills developed throughout your studies will be used to best advantage in a professional environment. You will learn how international companies operate, and will develop the skills to enable your involvement in the whole process from initial engagement with a new market, right through to the delivery of a product or service.
Throughout the year, you will learn to identify business opportunities, formulate strategic options, and define business-winning propositions, as well as learning to manage, lead change, and improve operational and supply chain processes.
The International Trade, Strategy and Operations MSc investigates and analyses real-world applications. It is set within a truly global context due to the international nature of case studies and examples which illustrate the issues and challenges facing a range of stakeholders, from businesses at a micro-level, to governmental bodies at a macro-level. Teaching from the course team will be both research and experience led, as many of the course team members are active research participants and/or have experience of engaging with business in a variety of areas on an international scale.
This course will appeal equally to those students with a background in international trade or business and students from a wide range of other disciplines who wish to pursue a career in the field of international trade.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
Candidates with a UK 2:2 (or equivalent) may be accepted upon demonstration of relevant professional experience.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
Candidates with professional experience should include their CV with their application.
Core modules
Core modules are required modules that all students will complete whilst on this programme. For International Trade, Strategy and Operations (ITSO), your core modules are:
- International Trade
- International Business Strategy, Analytics and Management
- Operational Management and Sustainability
- Global Business Environment and Markets
- Global Marketing Strategy
- International Business Development
- Study, Professional and Analytical Skills
Optional modules
One elective module should be chosen from the following list, allowing you the flexibility to tailor the course in line with your specific interests:
- Trade Policy
- Financial Aspects of International Trade
- Transport Techniques and Management
Read the module descriptions for this course on WMG's website.Link opens in a new window
Teaching
This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two thirds of your time and effort, and a research component accounting for one-third.
For the taught component, we blend synchronous and asynchronous lectures and seminars, with syndicate exercises, simulations, and case studies. Many modules are taught in small classes to facilitate and encourage interaction. Others practice large-scale lectures, which are backed up by seminar and syndicate activities.
Our module leaders have extensive industry experience. Guest speakers from industry also contribute regularly, bringing real-world insight into your learning experience.
In addition to your taught modules, you will undertake a major project as part of your Master's degree, which will develop your research and analytical skills and enable you to specialise. This is nominally 600 hours (60 CATS points) of learning, mainly taking place during the Spring and Summer terms. You will be expected to engage regularly with your Project Supervisor or Coach and to provide progress updates and drafts of your work to an agreed schedule.
Class sizes
The typical intake for this course is around 200 students, with several modules being delivered in smaller classes of 30.
Typical contact hours
Module delivery patterns vary, but most will be delivered in a short learning block of up to 4 weeks, allowing your focus to be on one module at a time. Each module nominally accounts for 150 hours, which includes scheduled classroom time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments.
The Study, Professional and Analytical Skills (SPA) Module also consists of 150 hours of learning and is purposefully designed to meet the complex learning and professional needs of postgraduate students. The module is taught across the year, and is composed of three interlinked yet distinctive learning strands: Study Skills, Professional Skills, and Analytical Skills. SPA is a blended module, which runs asynchronously and synchronously with the student learning journey, providing a programme of carefully designed learning activities, materials, and resources.
Assessment
Modules are predominantly assessed by way of written Post Module Assignments (PMA), but assessment can also be in other formats. Most modules will also have a degree of In-Module Assessment (IMA), which will vary by module and may take the form of presentations, on-line tests, self-reflection or a range of other methods.
For the research component, you will undertake a major project. Project submission is likely to include both a written and a presentation element, accounting for 33% of your overall academic grade.
Your timetable
Core modules will be allocated to students at the end of the first week of term - you will then be able to view your individual module schedule for the rest of the year via the WMG module selection system.
Your elective module will be bookable through the same system later in the term.
Modules will include scheduled classroom time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments, and will usually be delivered within a 4 week timeframe. Occasional classes and study skills sessions may be held at weekends or in the evenings.
As a Master's student, you are expected to manage your own time appropriately. On average, you are expected to commit 38-40 hours of study each week, in order to successfully achieve your Master’s degree.
This is a full-time postgraduate course - undergraduate term dates do not apply. Whilst there are no holidays as such, there will be no teaching scheduled when the University is officially closed, during the two weeks over Christmas and New Year.
Your career
The International Trade programme will prepare you 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.
Helping you find the right career
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- WMG Future Fest
- Options in Engineering sector event
- Careers for experienced hires
- Careers in Cyber Security
- Careers in healthcare
- Careers in project management
WMG at Warwick
Having forged strong links with global companies through 42 years of collaborative research and development, we really understand the global market you’ll be operating in, and have designed our programmes to match.
Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window
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Visiting WMG
There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. WMG also organises events for prospective students including a weekly Live Chat so you can connect directly with the department to speak with staff and students from WMG. For more about university wide open days and tours, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits *
- Dissertation binding *
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
* - Dissertations and Assignments are only submitted digitally. However students may wish to print and bind their dissertation for their own purposes. Students on some courses will have a final poster presentation as part of their project and the printing of posters will be at the students’ expense.
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
WMG funding opportunities
WMG will be awarding over £1million in scholarships and bursaries to students commencing study on our full-time MSc programmes
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Additional funding information
We have a number of research projects available which are fully or partially funded. The majority of these are for UK/EU applicants, though occasionally we advertise positions that are also open to overseas applicants. Please refer to specific project descriptions for details. See our Research Degree opportunities here.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course in WMG
Please note, places are often limited, so we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. Please check our department webpages for more specific information.
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window
Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.
Live chats
Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.
Warwick Talk and Tours
A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.