International Business

To ensure students are well-prepared for the global business landscape, the MSc incorporates practical group work as a cornerstone. This approach empowers them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, making them industry-ready. These projects include:

• Global Business Plan (GBP): Students undertake the challenge of creating a global business plan showcasing international development strategies. Upon completion, they present their projects to a panel of potential investors, providing them with a valuable platform to launch real projects or businesses.
• Strategy case: A crucial aspect of the programme involves students working on multiple international strategy case studies, analysing real-world business scenarios and proposing innovative areas for improvement. At the culmination of the project, they present their strategic recommendations to a distinguished jury, competing for recognition as the top-performing team.

The MSc features a significant international dimension directly on campus:

• Teaching entirely in English from the first year, providing students with a strong level of competency needed to grasp the subtleties around the specific vocabulary of international trade.
• Courses by experienced teachers from around the world who bring their own culture and viewpoints into the mix.
• Around 50% of students on campus from international backgrounds – further adding to the cultural diversity.

Taught over two years, the MSc is strategically crafted to equip students with not just technical expertise, but also the vital negotiation and behavioral dimensions essential for success in the global business landscape. This includes:

• Holistic preparation: Beyond technical skills, the approach emphasizes soft skills, teamwork, and impactful oral presentations. Courses nurture well-rounded professionals capable of navigating international complexities confidently.
• Negotiation and behavioral dimensions: Specialised modules focus on developing negotiation and behavioral skills through practical exercises, case studies, and simulations, preparing students for diverse cultural contexts.
• Soft skills emphasis: There is a dedicated training in communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, ensuring graduates can apply theoretical concepts in real-life scenarios.
• Teamwork and collaboration: The collaborative nature of international business is embraced through group projects, fostering a collaborative mindset and preparing students for teamwork in professional settings.

In acknowledgment of the integral role of geopolitics in the strategies of major corporations, the International Business degree dedicates a core course to this vital topic. The curriculum that reflects the evolving dynamics of the international business landscape provides students with insights essential for navigating the complex intersections of global politics and business strategy.

This training offers a rich and varied academic experience that goes beyond the conventional, as exemplified by the array of elective courses available on each campus. Students can tailor their learning journey to align with their interests and career aspirations. Diverse elective options are available:

• Bordeaux campus

-Operations Management with a focus on the wine industry & supply chain management
-Doing business in Asia, Africa, India, Europe & Middle East

• Marseille campus

-Luxury Marketing
-Doing business in North America, Europe & Middle East, Latin America, Asia

• Paris campus

-Leading people & business across borders
-Doing business in India, Middle-East, Europe, Asia (focus on Japan)

The programme prides in its robust network of connections with internationally recognised companies. Strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Airbus, Alcatel Lucent, Apple, Bank of China, Barton & Guestier, Dior, Daimler, Decathlon, Google, Kraft Foods, Kuehne+Nagel, LinkedIn, L'Oréal, LVMH-Hermès, Natixis, Sony, and many more provide unparalleled opportunities for students. These connections open doors to internships, collaborations, and potential employment, enhancing the employability of our graduates through a direct link to the sector. Read more about employability

Embedded within the MSc in International Business is a mandatory six-month internship within a company. This immersive experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings (in France or abroad), aligning with individual aspirations. In the two-year programme, featuring two additional semesters at the outset, students have the flexibility to organise a second internship, providing additional opportunities for practical learning both in France and internationally.

Every year, students embark on a three-day study trip to Brussels in the second semester of their specialisation year. This deepens their understanding of the organisation of key European institutions, and their roles in shaping policies and governance. The itinerary includes a day focusing on geopolitical aspects, as well as visits at companies like IBM, exploring current issues such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics. Beyond academic insights, it offers a unique opportunity to discover Brussels, contributing to personal and professional development.

Exploring negotiation within an international context is a key focus of the programme. Participants gain insights into the complexities of international trade, covering transactions both within and beyond the European Union. Through comprehensive coursework and hands-on experiences, they develop a solid understanding of the regulations governing cross-border commerce. This ensures a versatile skill set, applicable across various cultural settings and responsive to the evolving demands of the global marketplace.

Cultural differences can sometimes make communication complicated and subsequently make negotiations more difficult. Students will learn techniques to carry out negotiations in a multicultural context, and be equipped to effectively navigate and thrive in multicultural settings, addressing the complexities posed by cultural differences in communication and negotiation.

When negotiating, it is essential to know how to put forward the best image of a company. However, the rules abroad are not always the same as in one's home country. Students must therefore understand how to adapt and convey a professional image. Negotiation expertise extends to projecting a positive company image. They learn to adapt and present a professional image tailored to diverse cultural landscapes, essential for international business success.

Entrepreneurial thinking takes centre stage throughout the curriculum. This is particularly important when drawing up a Global Business Plan for a company (real or hypothetical). At the end of the year, students present their GBP to a panel of potential investors. They also develop entrepreneurial and coaching skills by developing business projects in groups throughout the programme.

Launching a new product or service abroad requires a thorough knowledge of local customer codes - a skill that students acquire during their International Business Management course. This is one of the tools they are equipped with to boost their careers in international business, providing a deep understanding of local customer codes.