Skip to main content
Banner for springboardcourses.ie and its funding by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.  Please see  www.EUFunds.ie

What is the Master of Business in Internationalisation?

The MBS in Internationalisation is a one-year, fully online postgraduate programme designed for ambitious professionals who want to build a global career—whether you’re just starting out or looking to pivot into a more internationally focused role.

In today’s fast-moving, interconnected economy, businesses need people who can think globally, adapt quickly, and drive sustainable growth across borders. Ireland’s export-driven success has created a dynamic ecosystem of global companies and innovative SMEs—fuelling demand for graduates with a strong international business mindset.

This programme is built to help you step confidently into that space.

You’ll gain practical, future-focused skills through a cutting-edge curriculum that includes:

  • International Business Negotiations
  • International Sales & Marketing Strategy
  • Digital Marketing
  • Critical Thinking & Creativity
  • Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Delivered 100% online, the programme offers the flexibility to balance your studies with work and life—so you can upskill without putting your career on hold.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped to make a real impact—whether that means advancing in your current role, transitioning into a new industry, or contributing to the growth and success of international businesses worldwide.
 

What Makes This Programme Different?

The MBS in Internationalisation is designed for professionals who want practical, future-ready skills and a qualification that genuinely sets them apart in a competitive global market.

  • Study from anywhere, without putting life on hold
    This 100% online programme is built for real life—giving you the flexibility to upskill while working, travelling, or managing other commitments. No relocation. No career pause.
  • Earn a double Master’s degree in just one year
    Graduate with qualifications from SETU and Brest Business School (France)—an AACSB-accredited Institution. It’s a powerful international credential that immediately strengthens your global profile.
  • Develop in-demand skills for a global career
    Go beyond theory and build capabilities that employers are actively seeking—from international market expansion and sustainability to consulting, global marketing, and entrepreneurship.
  • Work on real-world, impact-driven projects
    Apply what you learn to live business challenges, with a strong focus on aligning commercial success with societal and environmental responsibility—skills that matter in today’s purpose-driven economy.
  • Accelerate your career with dedicated support
    Gain access to SETU’s careers platform, expert-led webinars, and personalised guidance from the Careers Development Centre—helping you navigate your next career move with confidence.
  • Grow a global, future-focused network
    Collaborate with like-minded professionals through team-based projects and connect with international business leaders via the Contemporary Issues in Business speaker series.

Immersive Summer School with applied learning (30 ECTS)

In Semester 3, you’ll take part in a practical Summer School focused on International Business, Politics, Governance, Ethics, and Applied Research. This hands-on experience makes up one-third of the programme and is designed to bridge the gap between knowledge and real-world execution.

Delivery

The MBS in Internationalisation is designed to fit around your life—while still delivering a structured, high-impact learning experience.

The programme runs over three focused twelve-week semesters, allowing you to build knowledge progressively and apply it in real-world contexts:

  • Semester 1 (September–December)
  • Semester 2 (January–early May)
  • Semester 3 (Mid May–August)

During Semesters 1 and 2, you’ll engage in online classes each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The format blends live, interactive sessions with on-demand content, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while still benefiting from real-time discussion and collaboration.

This balance is ideal if you're working, exploring a career transition, or managing other commitments—so you can upskill without stepping away from your current path.

A Summer School That Sets You Apart

What truly differentiates this programme is Semester 3—an immersive Summer School experience designed to move you beyond theory and into real-world application.

Rather than a traditional dissertation, you’ll:

  • Explore international business in a geopolitical context, including politics, governance, and ethics
  • Tackle applied research projects aligned with real industry challenges
  • Develop and complete three focused research papers that demonstrate your ability to think critically, solve problems creatively and apply knowledge in practice

You’ll begin with guided preparatory sessions before moving into more independent, self-directed work—mirroring the kind of problem-solving and initiative expected in global business roles.

This hands-on, portfolio-style approach not only deepens your expertise but also gives you tangible outputs you can showcase to employers.

Built for a Digital, Global Career

All teaching is delivered fully online through a mix of live (synchronous) and flexible (asynchronous) learning. There’s:

  • No requirement to attend campus
  • No on-site exams

This means you can study from anywhere in the world while gaining a qualification that prepares you to work anywhere in the world.

Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3
International StrategyInternational Economic EnvironmentResearch Paper Series 1: Applied Research Methods Paper
International EntrepreneurshipInternational Business NegotiationsResearch Paper Series 2: International Business and Politics Paper
Contemporary Issues in BusinessInternational Study TripResearch Paper Series 3: Governance and Ethics Paper
Research MethodsMarketing & International Business 
Contemporary Sales & Marketing StrategyStrategic Digital Marketing 
Knowledge ManagementManaging Corporate Creativity 


Notes:

  • There are 12 taught modules on the MBSI programme each with a value of 5 credits (ECTS).
  • There is no formal dissertation on the MBSI programme. Students instead complete 3 Research Papers – each with a value of 10 credits (ECTS).
  • The MBSI programme commences in September each year and students complete their studies in August of the following year.
  • The programme is delivered in a blended mode incorporating in-person and online delivery approaches.
  •  A H1 or 2H.1 overall award in a specialist business undergraduate degree or a general business undergraduate degree.
  • Students from a non-business degree (example - BA in Hospitality Management) must have taken relevant business modules during one year of their studies.
  • In some instances, graduates who have achieve a 2nd class honours grade 2 in the degrees listed above, and who can demonstrate a high level of performance in the business-related subjects, may be considered for the programme.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see SETU's English Language Requirements for details.

How to apply

Once our application portal opens, the link to apply will appear on the course page above.

Subject to satisfying the aforementioned entry criteria, applicants will be offered places on a first-come-first-served basis per their application submission.

Where This Programme Can Take You

The MBS in Internationalisation is designed with one clear goal: to help you translate learning into real career opportunities—fast.

At the heart of the programme is a strong connection to industry. You won’t just study international business—you’ll work on it in real time.

Through collaboration with export-focused companies and high-growth start-ups, you’ll engage with live business challenges as part of your learning. These organisations act as your clients, giving you the opportunity to build practical experience in areas like market expansion, problem solving, strategy, and innovation.

Real Experience. Real Advantage.

Unlike more traditional business programmes, this degree is built around experiential learning. That means:

  • Working on live consultancy projects with real companies
  • Collaborating through team-based projects and case challenges
  • Developing solutions through problem-based learning
  • Presenting ideas and strategies in a professional, business-focused context

You will graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical experience you can confidently talk about in interviews—and apply from day one on the job.

Career Pathways Without Limits

Graduates of the programme go on to build careers in internationally focused roles across sectors such as:

  • Banking and Financial Services
  • Advertising and International Marketing
  • Consulting and Business Development
  • Global Enterprise and Trade Promotion
  • International NGO’s

Whether you’re aiming to grow within your current field or pivot into a new industry, this programme gives you the skills, confidence, and global perspective to make that move.

Dedicated Career Support

You’ll be supported every step of the way by the Programme Director and SETU’s Careers Office, with tailored guidance designed to help you succeed in a competitive global job market.

This includes:

  • Personalised career mentoring and coaching
  • CV development and interview preparation
  • Insights into global job markets and recruitment trends

Ongoing updates on graduate roles and international opportunities

"The MBSI programme at SETU has leveraged my career by providing me with the necessary tools to succeed in the marketplace at an international level. The proximity between students and lecturers is a definite advantage of the programme, and the study trip to Brest, France is a wonderful learning experience – students can learn, network and enjoy the French culture at the same time! I definitely recommend this course to all prospective students."

-Adriano Bassoi, Manager / Financial Advisor, Deloitte Office Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

“The MBSI postgraduate programme opened the door of the international business world to me. It helped me to establish an international vision and network and to connect me to many different resources. I not only benefited from the teaching faculty - but also learnt a lot from my fellow students.”

-Ada Rong, Economic Specialist, US Consulate General in Shanghai

The MBSI course is well designed and has helped me to improve my conceptual, technical and human skills, and equip me with the qualitative and quantitative skills necessary for the employment market. The seminar series where business professionals share their experiences is a particular highlight in that it helped me greatly to relate theory to practice. The MBSI dual degree provides the opportunity to study in both Waterford, Ireland and Brest, France. This opportunity has helped me to learn from peers and professors from all over the world. Equally, the opportunity to serve as SETU International Student Ambassador has been an enriching one for me. The facility at the SETU Waterford campus has everything to accommodate the needs of a student including an excellent library, lecture halls and a newly developed sports complex. Waterford city offers a great cultural experience and numerous internship opportunities for students. The programme helped me to gain an internship experience in a firm during summer break which was great. In summary, I can say that studying the MBSI here has been a life changing opportunity for me. Special thanks to Prof. Declan Cahill, MBSI Programme Director at SETU Waterford campus & Ms. Sinead Day, International Manager at SETU Waterford campus.”

-Arindam Pal, Sr. Admin & Facilities Specialist at Observe.Al, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

“My personal experience at SETU has been a very memorable one. I spent four years studying a BBS programme before deciding to proceed to the MBSI course. As a result of studying the MBSI programme, I have gained significant knowledge and expertise in a range of key business areas.  The course not only gave me an excellent knowledge of international business but it substantially improved my organisational, presentation and management skills. Do not stop your education at primary degree level. Take the opportunity to consider the MBSI course.  I am know I am pleased I did, as this has paved the way to a successful career for me.”

-Karen Carpendale, BBH Advertising 

"Looking back I can say completing the MBSI programme at SETU was a very memorable yet challenging experience. Choosing the right fit for me was important as I was returning as a part-time student. From day one the MBSI programme was very welcoming and adaptable to my needs. The modules taught were very well structured and included group interactions, assignments, individual and group presentations, guest speakers and in-class discussions. The programme also included an international study trip abroad. This study trip to France was a real highlight as it had a good balance between academic material and practice experience that was really quite impressive.

Through completing this master’s degree I have enhanced my presentation skills, management skills, organisational and communications skills and have also gained significant knowledge and expertise in a range of key business areas on an international level. Overall, the MBSI programme was well structured and managed so students can learn and experience in a practical way to adjust in the international business world. I would highly recommend this course to future graduates."

-Rebecca Caulfield, Marketing Manager at Carten Controls Ltd. 

I first decided to undertake my Masters in Business Internationalisation (MBSI) with the hope of learning advanced marketing strategy from a theoretical perspective, this course however provided me with that and so much more. This was an entirely unique learning experience for me, which offered both a theoretical understanding of contemporary international marketing techniques, as well as how to practically implement the theory in an actual business context. The team of lectures’ respective methods of teaching was beyond reproach and Course Director, Declan Cahill’s proactive management of the curriculum always ensured that the subjects were current, relevant and interesting! As part of the course, I travelled with my peers to France to study economics with our French counterparts, a remarkable experience I will never forget. The trip had a profound way of bringing everyone together as we worked collectively towards a mutual goal, whist still being afforded the opportunity to explore and enjoy Paris and the incredibly rich culture of the region. Since my graduation, the MBSI’s double degree from both SETU and FBS (France Business School) was often the talking point throughout the interview process, which proved an invaluable asset in my job search. Working as an E-commerce and Analytics Specialist for Bank of Ireland is both a highly challenging and rewarding role, one which the MBSI degree has thoroughly prepared me for. In my experience, it is vital for a graduate to differentiate themselves from the competition and this course will provide graduates the opportunity to do so.

-Darren Byrne, E-commerce and Analytics Specialist, Bank of Ireland

"The MBSI programme had a range of modules to help any professional or graduate student in gaining experience and insight into the global world of business. As a Business Development Executive at Spearline Labs, I can honestly say that the MBSI programme is more than a Masters Programme and it has been the right choice for me. This course improved a number of my skills (negotiation, presentation and networking skills) but most importantly I have gained significant knowledge and expertise in a range of key business areas on an international level. It was also great for developing my interpersonal relations, while I had to deal with different cultural backgrounds and to create a cooperative atmosphere with my colleagues. It was a way of learning about life and enhancing my own points of view about business and marketing simultaneously to the development of my networking capabilities. The MBSI programme allows students to work and learn from lecturers who worked for multinational companies and have that first-hand international business experience. I would highly recommend this course to students interested in developing global career opportunities".

-Tomas Piacek, Business Development Executive at Spearline Labs

Contact

Course Leaders

Dr Clare Gately

Lecturer in Strategy and Entrepreneurship -

Email: [email protected]

Profile

Prof Denis Harrington

Head of Department of Graduate Business -

Call: +35351302427

Email: [email protected]

Profile

Elaine Evoy

Graduate Business Administrator -

Email: [email protected]

Profile
1 of 5