Who is this course for? 

The MSc International Management is ideal for ambitious, curious, and globally minded individuals who want to develop the expertise, experience, and network to build a successful career in international business. It is designed for those who see their future in leadership, consultancy, or entrepreneurial roles that cross borders and cultures. 

We welcome applications from:

• Recent graduates who want to fast-track their entry into the world of global business and gain the international experience that sets them apart in a competitive job market.
• Early and mid-career professionals looking to broaden their strategic and leadership skills to move into management positions within multinational organisations.
• Career changers seeking to pivot into a dynamic, globally focused role in sectors such as finance, marketing, supply chain, consultancy, or international development.
  

This programme is open to applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds - business, economics, social sciences, engineering, technology, and more. You don’t need a business degree to join us; what matters most is your drive to understand the complexities of managing across borders, your ability to think critically, and your readiness to learn from diverse perspectives. 

You will thrive on this programme if you are: 

• Eager to work in culturally diverse environments and collaborate with peers from around the world.
• Passionate about solving complex global challenges and making a positive impact in business and society.
• Motivated to build a strong international network that can support your career across multiple countries and industries.
• Ready to combine academic excellence with real-world application, learning not just from textbooks but through practical projects, industry engagement, and international experiences.
  

With its mix of core international business knowledge, specialist electives, applied consulting projects, and the unique International Seminar Week, the MSc International Management offers a learning experience that is both academically rigorous and professionally relevant. By the time you graduate, you will not only understand how global business works - you will be ready to lead it. 

What will I study? 

The MSc International Management offers a structured yet flexible curriculum that blends core international business foundations with the opportunity to specialise through optional modules. 

Core learning areas include: 

• International Business & Strategy - Explore how companies compete and grow in global markets.
• Global Trends & International Management - Understand the geopolitical, economic, and cultural forces shaping today’s business environment.
• International HRM - Learn how to manage and motivate diverse teams across borders.
• International Entrepreneurship - Build financial and entrepreneurial skills to identify and act on international business opportunities.
• International Supply Chain Management.

Optional modules allow you to tailor your studies to your career goals, with choices such as: 

• Leading Change & Business Transformation
• Services Marketing
• Digital, Business & People Analytics
• Negotiations 
• Business & Society
• Corporate Finance
  

Hands-on learning is at the heart of the programme. You’ll work on applied consulting projects with real companies, gaining valuable problem-solving experience. Regular guest speaker masterclasses from global business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers bring real-world insight into the classroom. 

A highlight of the year is the International Seminar Week - an immersive, week-long experience in Europe, where you’ll visit multinational firms, meet industry leaders, and explore the realities of doing business internationally. 

The programme concludes with a Capstone Consulting Project, giving you the chance to integrate your learning, tackle a real-world business challenge, and showcase your skills to potential employers. 

Why this matters for you: 

By the end of the MSc International Management, you’ll have: 

• A deep understanding of global business and management practices.
• Practical, work-ready skills in strategy, leadership, analytics, and cross-cultural communication.
• International experience that sets you apart in a competitive job market.
• A global alumni network to support your career for years to come.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• International Seminar Week - Spend a week in Europe visiting multinational companies, networking with industry leaders, and experiencing business in action.
• Applied Consulting Projects - Work on real-world business challenges for organisations, applying your skills to deliver practical, high-impact solutions.
• Guest Speaker Masterclasses - Learn directly from CEOs, entrepreneurs, and senior leaders from global companies and innovative start-ups.
• Tailored Learning Pathways - Choose from a wide range of optional modules to match your personal interests and career goals.
• Global Alumni Network - Join a connected community of graduates across four continents, opening doors to career opportunities worldwide. 

Graduates of the MSc International Management are highly sought after by employers worldwide. With a blend of advanced business knowledge, cross-cultural competence, and hands-on international experience, you will be ready to excel in leadership and strategic roles across a wide range of industries and sectors. 

Career paths include: 

• Management consultancy
• International marketing and sales
• Global supply chain and operations management
• International human resource management
• Business development in multinational corporations
• Strategic and policy advisory roles
• Entrepreneurial ventures and start-ups
  

Sectors and industries: 

• Multinational corporations in technology, finance, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and consumer goods
• International NGOs, government agencies, and policy organisations
• Consultancy and professional services firms
• Fast-growing global start-ups and scale-ups
  

Sample employers of our graduates include: 

• Accenture
• PwC
• KPMG
• Deloitte
• Google
• Medtronic
• Boston Scientific
• Johnson & Johnson
• Enterprise Ireland
• Global consultancy and strategy firms in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East
  

Your global career advantage: 

• International experience: The International Seminar Week gives you first-hand exposure to global business operations, making you stand out in the hiring process.
• Practical expertise: Applied consulting projects mean you graduate with demonstrable problem-solving and project management experience.
• Powerful networks: You will join a strong alumni network across four continents, opening doors to opportunities around the world.
  

Many graduates choose to pursue further study, including PhD research or professional qualifications, while others fast-track into management positions soon after completing the programme. 

The combination of strategic insight, leadership skills, cultural fluency, and real-world experience gained during the MSc International Management will position you for a career that is not limited by geography - giving you the freedom to lead and succeed in any market.

International Seminar Week 

A highlight of the MSc International Management is the immersive International Seminar Week, offering you the chance to experience global business first-hand in Europe.  In AY 2026–27, the International Seminar Week will take place in Lisbon, Portugal.

Over the course of this week-long trip, you will: 

• Visit multinational companies and see how they operate in competitive international markets.
• Engage with senior industry leaders through presentations, Q&A sessions, and networking events.
• Explore dynamic business hubs and gain a deeper understanding of global economic, political, and cultural environments.
• Apply your classroom learning to real-world settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice. 

The International Seminar Week is not just an academic trip - it’s a career-defining experience that will give you the insights, contacts, and confidence to thrive in a global business environment. 

Additional costs associated (contribution of €1,000) apply for the overall costs with the module abroad (including flights and accommodation). This contribution is not included in the tuition fees and does not cover visa costs, travel insurance, transfers to Dublin Airport, or meals in the host country. 

While the MSc International Management does not include a formal work placement, the programme is built around applied, industry-focused projects that give you the same kind of real-world exposure and professional skill development. 

Throughout the year, you will: 

• Work on consulting projects with real companies, tackling genuine business challenges and delivering actionable solutions.
• Collaborate with peers in multidisciplinary teams, mirroring the dynamics of an international workplace.
• Receive feedback and guidance from both faculty and industry professionals to sharpen your problem-solving and client engagement skills.
• These projects are complemented by regular guest speaker masterclasses with leaders from multinational corporations, consultancy firms, and innovative start-ups - offering insight into global business practices and networking opportunities. 

By the time you graduate, you will have: 

• Hands-on experience solving business problems in real organisational contexts.
• Demonstrable achievements to showcase in interviews and applications.
• The confidence to step directly into leadership and strategic roles in the global marketplace.
• Many students find that the skills, contacts, and portfolio developed through these applied projects open doors to immediate employment opportunities after graduation. 

• Majella Giblin
• James Zhang
• Raja Singaram
• Josephine Igoe
• Vanessa Bretas
• Lilia Wasserka-Zhurakhovska
• Shona Lenihan
• Fiona Sheridan
• Aine Ni Leime
• Sinead Mitchell
• Yixin Qiu
• John Nolan
• Ann Torres

Lecturers may vary from year to year.

How will I learn? 

The MSc International Management combines innovative teaching with hands-on, real-world experience to prepare you for success in today’s interconnected business world. 

You will learn through: 

• Interactive lectures led by experienced faculty and international business experts.
• Case studies that bring global business challenges to life.
• Applied consulting projects where you work with real companies to develop solutions for strategic and operational problems.
• Guest speaker masterclasses from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, giving you insight into current trends and career pathways.
• Workshops and seminars that develop skills in negotiations, analytics, leadership, and cross-cultural management.
• International Seminar Week, which takes you out of the classroom and into global business hubs in Europe.
  

This blend of academic study and professional engagement ensures you graduate not only with advanced management knowledge but also with the practical skills employers value. 

How will I be assessed? 

Assessment is designed to reflect the demands of international management roles and to help you build a portfolio of achievements you can showcase to employers. 

You will be assessed through a mix of: 

• Individual and group projects that address real-world business challenges.
• Presentations and pitches to simulate professional communication in a global context.
• Written assignments and reports that develop your analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Examinations to test your understanding of core concepts in international management.
• Capstone Consulting Project, where you integrate your learning to deliver a major piece of applied business research.
  

Regular feedback from both academic staff and industry partners will help you track your progress, strengthen your skills, and prepare for your next career move. 

From 2025 to 2027 Nelipak will sponsor the Best Student Prize  

Contact management@universityofgalway.ie for further details. 

Course queries: 

Programme Administrator 

E: management@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Vanessa Bretas 
E: vanessa.bretas@universityofgalway.ie   
Management Lecturer at J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, 
College of Public Policy, Business and Law

Q: Do I need a business degree to apply?
A: No. While many applicants have a background in business, economics, or related fields, we welcome candidates from a wide range of academic disciplines. What matters most is your motivation to build a career in international management and your readiness to engage with a diverse, global learning environment.

Q: Is work experience required?
A: Work experience is not mandatory, but it can strengthen your application. We welcome both recent graduates and early/mid-career professionals. Candidates with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 degree and at least two years of relevant work experience will also be considered.

Q: How international is the programme?
A: Very - You will learn in a multicultural classroom with students from around the world, take part in the International Seminar Week in the Europe, and work on projects with global companies

Q: What is the workload like?
A: The MSc is a full-time, intensive one-year programme. You can expect a mix of lectures, workshops, group projects, and independent study, with around 35 - 40 hours of combined contact and self-study per week.

Q: How will this programme help my career?
A: You will graduate with advanced management knowledge, practical experience through applied consulting projects, a global network of contacts, and the cultural competence to work anywhere in the world. Many graduates secure roles in multinational companies, consultancy firms, and international organisations soon after graduation.

Q: Is there a study abroad option?
A: Yes - the International Seminar Week is a core part of the programme. This week-long trip takes place in Europe and includes company visits, industry networking, and cultural experiences.

Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes - EU students may be eligible for the Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship. There are also a number of merit-based Global Scholarships for non-EU students.

Q. How many days per week classes are typically scheduled, and which days of the week they usually take place?
A: Classes are scheduled Monday - Friday. There are no specific days as classes are timetabled with room availability.

Q: Is the programme delivered fully on campus, online, or in a blended format?
A: The programme is delivered fully on campus.

Q: Are there an approximate number of teaching hours per day?
A: Each day varies so there are no set hours per day,  but it could be anything from 3 - 7 hours.

Q: What time do classes start?
A: It depends on room availability, but classes can be anytime from 9am.

Our MSc International Management recognises prior learning and acknowledges that learners’ knowledge and skills can be acquired through various learning experiences. Thus, applicants who hold a Second-class honours, (2.2) degree and possess at least two years of relevant work experience will also be considered. Our RPL approach to eligibility encourages broader accessibility. The facilitation of a diverse group of learners amplifies the advantages of peer learning and contributes to a richer classroom experience, fostering an environment that is conducive to robust discussions, collaboration, and growth. 

Graduates of the MSc International Management will leave the programme with a powerful set of transferable skills that can be applied in any industry, sector, or country. These include: 

• Strategic Thinking - The ability to analyse complex problems, evaluate global trends, and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Cross-Cultural Communication - Skills to work effectively and sensitively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Leadership and Team Management - Experience in leading projects, motivating teams, and managing change in dynamic environments.
• Data Analysis and Decision-Making - Confidence in using digital, business, and people analytics to guide strategic choices.
• Negotiation and Persuasion - The capacity to influence stakeholders and achieve positive outcomes in complex business contexts.
• Problem-Solving in Real-World Contexts - Applying academic knowledge to practical challenges through consulting projects and live case studies.
• Networking and Relationship Building - Building and maintaining professional networks through the global alumni community and industry engagement.
• Adaptability and Resilience - Thriving in fast-changing, uncertain global markets by thinking creatively and remaining solutions-focused. 

These capabilities, combined with the programme’s international experience and applied learning, ensure that graduates are career-ready and equipped to succeed in leadership roles anywhere in the world. 

Minimum Entry Requirements

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). However, candidates with a H2.2 honours degree and who have a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience, will also be considered. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements 

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€11,700		€21,500	€140		€11,840	€21,640

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Additional Costs:

International Seminar Week As part of the programme, you will take part in the International Seminar Week in Europe. This is a mandatory component and includes company visits, networking events, and cultural experiences. 

• Students pay a contribution of €1,000 to cover the overall expenses associated with the module abroad (including travel and accommodation costs).
• This contribution is not included in the tuition fees and does not cover visa costs, travel insurance, transfers to Dublin Airport, or meals in the host country.
• The University works to secure preferential group rates to keep costs as low as possible.

Other Costs 

Standard academic materials such as textbooks, printing, and a laptop are the responsibility of the student. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships - J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics  

At J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, we are committed to attracting top students from around the world. Our Merit Scholarships provide up to 50% tuition fee coverage across our Taught Master's programmes for high-achieving students.  

Key Highlights:  

• No application required  - All eligible candidates are automatically considered. 
• Eligibility: Achieve a H1 (or international equivalent) in your primary degree. 
• Competitive selection process - Scholarships are awarded based on merit. 
  

How to Qualify:  

• Accept your offer on a Taught Master's programme. 
• Pay the required deposit to secure your place. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.