Dr. Christine Scheck
Postgraduate Programme Manager
Advance to senior international leadership without pausing your career
Designed for professionals who want to step into senior and middle-management roles in international business, the MSc combines academic rigour with real-world application. The focus is squarely on the things global organisations now hire for: cross-cultural management, global markets, AI integration and sustainable strategy.
- Keep working throughout Intensive, immersive live weekend lectures in London and online, scheduled to fit around your professional and home-life commitments.
- An internationally recognised LJMU Master's A degree that opens doors to leadership roles worldwide, awarded by a respected UK university known for industry-focused education.
- A current curriculum AI in business, sustainability and cross-cultural leadership are built into every module, not bolted on as an afterthought.
- A real-world Research Project An independent investigation of 15,000 to 18,000 words into a genuine international business challenge in an organisation of your choice.
The MSc International Business and Management at ECBM is tailored for experienced professionals who want to progress while keeping their income and their job. It is delivered in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), whose Liverpool Business School won the Times Higher Award for Best Business School of the Year, 2025.
You study part-time over 24 months through immersive weekend sessions in London and online, supported by self-paced learning between sessions. Every module connects directly to your workplace, so you apply what you learn straight away rather than waiting until you graduate.
The programme is a full UK Master's qualification worth 90 ECTS (180 UK credits) at FHEQ Level 7, recognised internationally and built to open doors to director-level and C-suite roles, or onward study toward a DBA.
Everything at a glance
The essentials in one place. If a figure here matters to your decision, you will also find it explained in full further down the page or in the FAQ.
Your entry pathway
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in business or an equivalent qualification.
- Meet the English requirement: IELTS 6.0, or a Bachelor's degree taught and completed in English.
- Study the MSc over 24 months part-time, in London and online.
- Graduate with an LJMU MSc, then progress to a DBA or senior leadership roles.
Your tuition fee
£4,000 scholarship applied automatically
Every student receives the £4,000 scholarship, which reduces the standard fee from £17,250 to £13,250. Payable in two equal instalments, one at the start of each academic year.
Additional costs
Your tuition fee for the academic year is stated above. Completing this programme requires you to attend in person in London for 9 days, delivered as one 5-day block and two 2-day blocks. You arrange and pay for travel and accommodation yourself. These costs are not included in your tuition fee and are not booked, funded or reimbursed by ECBM.
Estimated costs, travelling from Germany, based on 2026 prices:
- Return travel: £80 to £250 per trip (3 trips), £240 to £750
- Accommodation: 6 nights in total, £420 to £900
- Local transport, meals and incidentals: £340 to £650
Estimated total: £1,000 to £2,300 for the programme.
Further optional in-person events are also offered (2 days) for a German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce and alumni event in London. Attendance at these is voluntary and not assessed. If you attend, you arrange and pay for your own travel; as a guide, a 2-day visit to London from Germany costs approximately £230 to £555.
You will also need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation. Check gov.uk for current requirements and fees.
We publish all attendance dates at enrolment and confirm each individually at least 4 weeks in advance, so that you can book early and keep costs towards the lower end of these ranges. If dates or locations change after you have accepted your offer, we will notify you in writing as soon as possible.
These figures are estimates only, provided to help you budget. They are not a quotation. Your actual costs will vary with your departure point, booking date and choice of accommodation.
24 months, seven modules, one internationally recognised Master's
A clear path from enrolment to graduation. Each stage builds on the last, with the Research Methods module preparing you directly for your capstone Research Project.
- Enrolment – Application reviewed, typically within 48 hours, then induction and platform access.
- Core modules begin – Managing International Brands and Managing Resources Internationally.
- Culture and communication – International Business Culture for Managers and Communication in an International Business World.
- Research and specialism – Research Methods for Managers, plus your chosen optional specialism.
- Research Project – Your 15,000 to 18,000 word investigation. MSc awarded by LJMU.
- London weekend sessions Interactive lectures, seminars, case studies and guest speakers drawn from international business.
- AI and sustainability throughout A curriculum built for the changing global business landscape, woven through every module.
- A supervised Research Project An independent investigation that applies your learning to a real international business challenge.
How you will learn
A blend of live, in-person and online weekend teaching with structured independent study in between, so the programme fits a senior professional's week.
- Interactive lectures and seminars with ECBM faculty who are real professionals and academics, with live Q&A and real-time engagement.
- Facilitated seminars that link academic theory directly to international business practice.
- Case studies and business simulations exploring cross-cultural and global challenges.
- Guest speakers and an alumni network drawn from multinational corporations and international business leaders.
- AI in business, a practical exploration of how technology is reshaping international management.
- Readings, e-learning and recorded content available between sessions, so you can study at your own pace.
- Independent assignments and assessments spread across the programme.
- A supervised Research Project, an independent investigation tailored to your own business area.
- Online discussion forums and peer collaboration with your international cohort.
- Full LJMU digital library access, research databases and academic resources throughout.
- Around 7 weekend sessions Spread across the academic year, in London and online, with an Autumn 2026 start.
- Moodle Virtual Learning Environment All academic materials, recordings and communications in one place, alongside the LJMU platform.
The skills and credentials that define international leaders
The MSc is built around the capabilities that global employers now hire and promote for, and it carries a recognised credential that signals you have them.
- Cross-cultural leadership and management
- International brand and resource management
- Strategic HRM in global organisations
- Ethics and sustainability in business
- AI and technology in business strategy
- Communication across international contexts
- Research and analytical decision-making
- Global business culture awareness
Salary impact · business graduates in Germany
- With a Master's €50,000 to €65,000
- Bachelor's only €40,000 to €48,000
+25% average uplift for a business Master's. Management and consulting roles reach €70,000 to €120,000 and above.
Sources: StepStone Gehaltsreport 2026 and Gisma, 2025. Figures are indicative German market ranges for business graduates, not LJMU graduate outcomes. Individual results vary.
CEO · Director · Senior Manager · DBA pathway
An alumni network inside leading global organisations
ECBM graduates hold roles in some of the most respected companies in international business. Through the alumni network you gain access to their experience, introductions and opportunities.
- CEO and Director roles Senior leadership across industries.
- Finance and consulting Strategic advisory and investment.
- Technology and trade Global operations management.
- Cross-cultural management International HR and brand strategy.
Lufthansa GroupSiemens Energy AGDeutsche BörseMiele KGRobert Bosch GmbHCommerzbank AGDeutsche BankJPMorgan Chase & Co.Mercedes-Benz Group AGVolkswagen GroupNewton Investment / BNY Mellonand many more
Employer names reflect organisations where ECBM alumni have worked. Logos are used only with written permission from each company.
What you will study
Seven taught modules and a capstone Research Project. Five modules are core; you then choose one optional specialism that matches your career direction. Module titles and credits follow the LJMU programme specification.
- Managing International Brands (20 credits) – Critically evaluate and develop international branding strategies: brand equity and positioning across cultures, the marketing and services mix for global brands, sustainable branding, and digital brand management including the impact of AI. Case-study led.Assessed byCoursework, presentations and case-study analysis
- Managing Resources Internationally (30 credits) – A summative module on managing international resources across people, finance, information, knowledge, culture, process and technology to build sustainable competitive advantage. Covers global digital transformation, virtual collaboration and cross-cultural technology adoption.Assessed byIndividual and group coursework, report and presentation
- International Business Culture for Managers (20 credits) – How culture manifests within management structures, with comparative analysis of international management styles. Managing cultural diversity in virtual and geographically dispersed teams, critical use of Hofstede's cultural dimensions, and challenging dominant management stereotypes.Assessed byEssay, report and case-study analysis
- Communication in an International Business World (20 credits) – Using language and communication to enhance management effectiveness internationally. Identifying and repairing communication breakdown in face-to-face and virtual settings, functional business language, and digital channels such as video-conferencing and collaborative platforms.Assessed byPresentation and written coursework
- Research Methods for Managers (10 credits) – Qualitative and quantitative research processes for business: research philosophy, design, sampling and ethics. You produce a research design proposal and ethical approval form. This module is the prerequisite for your Research Project.Assessed byResearch proposal presentation
- Optional specialism
Ethics for Business (20 credits) – The philosophical underpinnings of ethical decision-making: ethical theory and reasoning, moral and cultural relativism, stakeholder management, transparency and accountability, and ethical issues in digital, online and AI-driven business.Assessed byPresentation (30%) and 2,500 word report (70%) - Optional specialism
Managing Human Resourcing Strategy (20 credits) – Effective, ethical employee resourcing internationally: recruitment, selection and predictive validity, psychological testing and assessment centres including virtual approaches, competency and diversity-based resourcing, and the impact of hybrid and remote labour markets.Assessed byPresentation (30%) and 2,500 word report (70%)
180 UK credits total
90 ECTS
FHEQ Level 7 Master's
Owning school: Liverpool Business School
Assessment overall: a mix of individual and group coursework, essays, reports, presentations, case studies and a major research project. The programme is coursework and project led.
Research Project An independent, supervised investigation of 15,000 to 18,000 words that applies your learning to a real-world international business challenge in an organisation of your choice. You select and refine your topic with a supervising tutor, building directly on Research Methods for Managers, and develop your critical skills as a researcher in both methodology and your chosen subject area.
★ Choose one optional specialism. Students take either Ethics for Business or Managing Human Resourcing Strategy, depending on the direction they want their career and Research Project to take.
What you receive
The MSc is a Collaborative Programme, delivered by ECBM and validated by Liverpool John Moores University. On completion you receive a certificate and transcript as appropriate, confirming an LJMU Master's degree.
ECBM arranges a graduation ceremony so you can mark the achievement with your cohort, faculty and family.
Why LJMU
LJMU is a renowned UK institution known for its industry-driven programmes and focus on employability. Its Liverpool Business School won the Times Higher Award for Best Business School of the Year, 2025.
ECBM provides complete administration and tuition of the programme in full agreement with LJMU, which awards the degree. Although the award is given by LJMU, your financial arrangement is with ECBM, and tuition is paid to the College, not to LJMU.
Further details can be found in the LJMU Programme Specification.
You are supported at every stage
Guidance from people who teach you
Office hours with the programme team, a coordinator for day-to-day guidance, writing, research and referencing workshops, and full access to the LJMU digital library.
Help with every tool you use
Platform orientation and training, with troubleshooting by email, phone and live chat, and alternative arrangements when you need them.
A real person as your first contact
A programme coordinator as your primary contact, flexible arrangements when life gets in the way, faculty who monitor your progress, an Academic and Student Wellbeing Mentor, and peer study groups and forums.
A clear route to the top
Graduates move into CEO, Director and Senior Manager roles across finance, consulting, technology and international trade, with the option of further study toward a DBA.
Eligibility and entry
What qualifications do I need to apply?
You need a Bachelor's degree in business or an equivalent qualification. The programme is designed for people who already hold an undergraduate degree and want to add a Master's at Level 7.
Do I need an IELTS score?
You need either an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent, or a Bachelor's degree that was taught and completed in English. If your previous degree was in English, you are exempt from the language test.
Do I need work experience?
Professional experience is preferred and helps you get the most from the programme, since every module connects to a real workplace. It is not an absolute barrier if your academic background is strong, so it is worth discussing your situation with the team.
My Bachelor's is not in business. Can I still apply?
An equivalent qualification can be considered alongside relevant professional experience. Contact the programme team with your background and they will advise whether you meet the entry requirements.
Can I apply if I am not based in Germany?
Yes. The programme is international by design and is delivered in London and online, so professionals from any country can join, provided they meet the entry requirements and can attend the weekend sessions.
Fees and funding
How much is the tuition fee?
The standard fee is £17,250. Every student automatically receives a £4,000 scholarship, which reduces your fee to £13,250. There is no separate application for the scholarship; it is applied to all students at enrolment.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. The £13,250 fee is payable in two equal instalments, one at the start of each academic year.
Are there any other costs?
The fee covers tuition, LJMU registration and award, weekend teaching and materials, tutor and student support, access to the ECBM alumni network, and a graduation event. You should budget for your own travel and accommodation for any in-person London sessions.
Who do I pay, ECBM or LJMU?
Although the degree is awarded by LJMU, your financial arrangement is with ECBM. Tuition is paid directly to the College, and you are not required to pay anything directly to LJMU.
Can I use a UK student loan?
Students on these programmes should not rely on UK Government student finance, as the programmes do not meet the Student Loans Company qualifying criteria, and German applicants are typically not eligible unless they meet specific UK residency or status requirements. Please plan your funding on that basis and ask the team if you are unsure.
Format and commitment
Can I keep working full-time while I study?
Yes. The MSc is part-time and built specifically for working professionals. Teaching is concentrated into immersive weekend sessions and supported by self-paced study between them, so you continue earning throughout.
How long does it take?
24 months, part-time. The programme runs across the academic year with around seven weekend sessions, followed by your Research Project.
Do I have to travel to London? How often?
The programme is blended, delivered in London and online. There are around seven weekend sessions across the year. Some sessions are in person in London and others are online, so you do not need to relocate.
When do sessions take place?
Teaching is delivered through weekend sessions, so it does not disrupt your working week. The exact dates for your cohort are confirmed by the programme team ahead of enrolment.
What happens if I cannot attend a weekend?
Recorded content and e-learning materials are available between sessions, and the programme team offers flexible arrangements when life gets in the way. Speak to your coordinator as early as you can so they can support you.
What is the next start date?
The next intake is Autumn 2026, with limited places per cohort. Apply early to secure your place.
Academic and assessment
Is this a full Master's degree?
Yes. It is a full UK Master's qualification worth 90 ECTS, which is 180 UK credits, at FHEQ Level 7, awarded by Liverpool John Moores University.
Is the degree recognised internationally?
Yes. It is an internationally recognised LJMU Master's, awarded by a UK university regulated by the Office for Students. It is designed to open doors to leadership roles worldwide.
What modules will I study?
Five core modules: Managing International Brands, Managing Resources Internationally, International Business Culture for Managers, Communication in an International Business World, and Research Methods for Managers. You then choose one optional specialism, either Ethics for Business or Managing Human Resourcing Strategy, and complete a Research Project.
How am I assessed? Are there exams?
The programme is coursework and project led. Assessment is a mix of individual and group coursework, essays, reports, presentations and case studies, plus the major Research Project. It is not built around traditional sit-down written exams.
What is the Research Project?
It is your capstone: an independent, supervised investigation of 15,000 to 18,000 words into a real international business challenge in an organisation of your choice. You refine your topic with a supervising tutor and build directly on the Research Methods module.
What is the difference between the two optional modules?
Ethics for Business focuses on ethical theory, responsible leadership, stakeholder management and ethics in digital and AI-driven business. Managing Human Resourcing Strategy focuses on international employee resourcing, selection and assessment, and people strategy across hybrid and remote labour markets. You choose the one that fits your career and Research Project.
What platform is used for online learning?
Teaching materials, recordings and communications are delivered through the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment, alongside the LJMU platform and full LJMU digital library access.
Outcomes and support
What roles do graduates move into?
Graduates progress to CEO, Director and Senior Manager roles across finance, consulting, technology and international trade. Many work in leading organisations including Lufthansa, Siemens, Deutsche Börse, Bosch and Commerzbank.
Can I continue studying after the MSc?
Yes. The MSc opens a clear progression route to a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and to senior leadership development.
What support will I get while I study?
You receive academic support including office hours and writing workshops, technical support for every tool you use, and personal support including a programme coordinator, an Academic and Student Wellbeing Mentor, and peer study groups.
How big are the classes?
Classes are kept small, which means personalised academic support and direct access to faculty rather than being one of hundreds in a lecture hall.
Will there be a graduation ceremony?
Yes. ECBM arranges a graduation ceremony on successful completion so you can celebrate with your cohort, faculty and family.
Applying
How do I apply?
Complete the online registration form with your qualifications and experience. Your application is then assessed, you receive a formal offer if accepted, you confirm your place, and finally you complete induction and platform access before your first weekend session.
How long does a decision take?
Applications are typically reviewed within 48 hours of submission.
Is submitting the form a commitment?
No. Submitting the registration form expresses your interest and is not a final commitment. You confirm your place only after you receive and accept a formal offer.
When should I apply by?
Places per cohort are limited, so apply as early as you can for the Autumn 2026 intake. The team will confirm any specific deadline for your cohort.
Who can I talk to before applying?
You can contact Dr. Christine Scheck, Postgraduate Programme Manager, or Sonja Lindemann, Deputy Director of Academic Programmes, by emailing study@ecbm.org.uk or calling +44 (0)20 7749 5930.
Five steps to your degree
Submit your application
Complete the online registration form with your qualifications and experience.
Assessment
Your qualifications are reviewed, typically within 48 hours.
Receive your formal offer
A formal offer from ECBM if your application is accepted.
Confirm your place
Accept your offer and pay to secure your place on the programme.
Induction
Complete orientation, access Moodle and prepare for your first weekend session.
Get in touch
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Sonja Lindemann
Deputy Director, Academic Programmes
