collageWhile there is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, the value of specialized business master’s degrees from leading business schools outside of China continues to be high and it remains a worthwhile investment that will pay off over the course of your career.
Here are our top six reasons to consider studying business abroad before starting your career in China.
1. Access elite job opportunities in China’s booming economy
An MBA or business master’s degree from a leading international business school like Stanford Graduate School of Business, Columbia Business School, London Business School, INSEAD, or Hong Kong University of Science and Technology can open doors to highly competitive job opportunities that graduates of Chinese schools may not have access to. Chinese graduates of foreign business schools are especially prized by Chinese companies, not only for the quality of the education they receive but also for the added international perspective they bring to their work.
Increasingly, Chinese graduates who studied business abroad are returning home to China to take advantage of the wide range of career opportunities in China’s booming economy, particularly in the tech industry. Large tech companies like Tencent and Alibaba are expanding rapidly, creating plenty of opportunities for driven young business professionals. A flood of venture capital into China’s tech startup scene has opened up even more jobs and provided chances to make it big by starting with a company that could become huge in a couple years’ time.
2. Gain in-demand skills at a leading specialized business master’s program
The top schools abroad offer specialized business master’s degree programs like a Master of Finance, Master of Accounting, or Master of Data Analytics, designed specifically for students like you who are just out of your undergraduate studies and have little to no professional experience. These programs are especially popular with international students, and they typically offer a lot of support as you transition into living in a new country and adjust to new surroundings.
After just one year of study in one of these programs, you’ll gain not only a highly-sought-after credential, but also an in-demand skillset that will set you apart in the hiring market and allow you to start your career on the right foot.
You could also choose to extend your stay overseas by pursuing an internship or full-time employment in your country of study after completing your program. This will further solidify your global experience and give you an even richer international background to draw on when you later return to China.
3. Get promoted faster and earn more money
Earning a business master’s early in your career can put you on the fast track to management positions, demonstrating that you are serious about your career and have the maturity and business savvy to make smart decisions on behalf of the organization.
What’s more, data shows that Chinese graduates from foreign universities earn more than graduates from Chinese universities. A past study of business school alumni salaries found that international Chinese graduates who live and work in China earn a salary 5.6 times that of the average worker. In addition, 7 in 10 Chinese citizens who earned their degree outside of China say that their business school experience made their financial situation better or much better.
4. Solidify your English language skills
Truly mastering a foreign language like English is very difficult to do without an immersive experience like living and studying in an English-speaking country. What’s more: to advance your business career and rise to leadership positions, you need an English language education that teaches you how to “speak business” in English—not just understanding it.
Going abroad and committing to a year of business study in a country like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia will undoubtedly take your English skills to the next level and help advance your career in China. Studying with an international cohort at an elite school will give you the confidence you need to command a boardroom and deliver impressive presentations to your superiors.
5. Gain the global mindset you’ll need for leadership positions
Rising to a leadership position in many top Chinese companies requires having a deep understanding of international business practices and being able to manage talent across cultural barriers.
Studying business abroad and earning a business master’s degree from an elite school like Columbia Business School, MIT Sloan, Imperial College London, or the Chinese University of Hong Kong will not only signal to your superiors that you’re management material but it will also give you the knowledge you need to make wise business decisions that benefit your company and reflect well on your judgment.
6. Join a globally elite alumni network in China
The path from China to the world’s most elite business schools is a well-worn one, as thousands of talented young Chinese students have made the journey in the past few years alone. That means when you go abroad to earn your MBA or business master’s degree and return home to China, you’ll be among an enormous alumni network of Chinese graduates who had similar experiences.
This shared experience bonds this elite group of educated young professionals and makes membership in this cohort even more special. You can join them by taking the leap abroad and earning a graduate business degree.
Earning a top score on the GMAT exam in China can help you stand out to business master’s admissions committees
The world’s leading specialized business master’s programs accept the GMAT exam because it’s a proven predictor of your ability to succeed in their classrooms. Applying with a competitive GMAT exam score demonstrates your commitment and motivation and helps you stand out in the admissions process.
Course overview
This programme gives students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and analytical excellence in two fields of increasing importance, international relations and international business, drawing from the combined strengths of UNNC’s School of International Studies and Nottingham University Business School (NUBS). A wide selection of modules allows them to specialise in a variety of different areas in international relations and international business. Dissertations are written under the guidance of experienced academic staff, which include world-leading international relations experts focusing on China, Japan, the UK, the US, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Russia, among others. Students will be introduced to key concepts and theories in both fields, will be trained in research methods, important historical and contemporary cases and hot-button issues, and gain access to (and we hope to contribute to) the latest research in international relations and international business.
Students can choose from a range of modules in international relations and international business, which include, in addition to subjects directly related to international relations and international business, modules in diplomacy/foreign policy analysis, development, international economics, dimensions of world history, international organisations, European politics, regionalism, traditional and non-traditional security, environmental policy, area studies (including China, Russia, the US, Europe, the UK, Japan, the Middle East, Africa, etc.) and of course research methods, to name a few. Small seminars allow students to develop their analytical skills, and oral and written presentation techniques, as well as their capacity to research, compile and produce thematic reports, essays, and papers.
Case studies and occasional simulation games deepen students’ theoretical and practical knowledge of negotiations, diplomacy, world history and international relations. The dissertation will give students the opportunity to prove the breadth and depth of their knowledge.
Course structure
The MA in International Relations and International Business is offered as a one year programme (twelve full months). This degree programme can also be taken in a part-time capacity for over two years. Students must take 180 credits to graduate, comprised of 60 credits each semester (four modules each semester at 15 credits each), plus 60 credits for the dissertation (normally done over the summer for full-time students). Students must pass the taught components before proceeding to the dissertation.
Year 1
Compulsory
The student must take all the modules
- INTS4001 Core Concepts in International Relations and World History: Part One (20 Credits)
- INTS4013 Research Methods (20 Credits)
- NEW International Business Environment (10 Credits)
- INTS3007 China in International Relations (20 Credits)
- INTS2003 International Political Economy (20 Credits)
- ENGL3091 Dissertation (60 Credits)
Restricted Group 1
Students must take a minimum of 20 and maximum of 40 credits from this group.
- INTS4018 Democratisation in Asia, Africa and Latin America (10 Credits)
- INTS4022 Politics and History of the Middle East (10 Credits)
- CHIN4045 Government and Politics of China (10 Credits)
- INTS3001 China and the World (20 Credits)
- INTS4015 Contemporary Security: Theories and Issues (10 Credits)
- INTS4016 International Organisations (10 Credits)
- INTS4020 A Global History of Empire – the British Empire (10 Credits)
Restricted Group 2
And a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 20 credits from this group
- BUSI4548 Project Management (10 Credits)
- BUSI4542 International Business Strategy (10 Credits)
- BUSI4544 Managing International Business in China (10 Credits)
- BUSI4339 E-Business (10 Credits)
Detailed module information can be found through the online module catalogue. Please enter the module title or code when searching.
Please note: This degree structure and modules may be subject to change.
Careers and further study
International Studies combines the disciplines of history, international relations and politics. The study in IS has provided students with a solid foundation and thinking ability，which helps them develop better in the future.
Scholarships, sponsorships and bursaries
To encourage academic excellence, we offer a comprehensive and expanding range of full and partial scholarships.
Historically over 40% of our postgraduate students were awarded scholarships for their entry. Once enrolled, current students are eligible for additional merit and/or performance-based scholarships and awards, which covers approximately 32.5% of our whole student body.
Entry requirements
This mater programme requires the student to have a bachelors degree(or international equivalent) from a recognised institution at the same standard as UK university’s 2:1 (upper second class honours degree or international equivalent)
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have a degree from a UK institution, are required to have the following English language qualifications before they can register on an academic programme: IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in writing) Or PTE Academic 62 (minimum 55) IELTS: 6.0-6.5: a pre-sessional course in CELE https://www.nottingham.edu.cn/en/cele/pre-sessional/programme.aspx Applicants from certain countries may have these requirements waived subject
From the soaring Oriental Pearl Tower to the sweeping Bund across the Huangpu River, Shanghai shimmers with possibility. We invite you to experience first-hand all that this exciting city has to offer.
Shanghai is an economic and cultural hub of more than 24 million people. You will learn and communicate in Mandarin and English while studying the diversity and impact that international influences from all over the globe have on Chinese culture. Witness how globalization affects Shanghai and develop a greater understanding of how China’s influence is increasingly affecting the world.
While in Shanghai, study the diversity and impact that international influences from all over the globe have on Chinese culture. Witness how globalization affects Shanghai and develop a greater understanding of how China’s influence is increasingly affecting the world.
What You’ll Study
You have the opportunity to study on the campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), a member of the Chinese equivalent of the Ivy League, the C9 League. You will take IES Abroad-taught courses in English on the SJTU campus in subjects such as International Business and Relations, Political Science, Cultural Studies, and more. These are smaller classes, allowing for lots of discussion and opportunities to get to know faculty and your classmates. You can also enroll in English-taught courses at Fudan University—another top-tier Chinese university.
As China’s financial powerhouse, Shanghai provides an environment for learning not only about China but also about Asia and the world at large. Discover the eclectic mix of Eastern and Western influences in the city’s architecture, and browse the galleries of the iconic China Art Museum. Explore the Yuyuan Garden in the Old City to get a sense of Shanghai’s past. Relax at one of the city’s many tea houses. Comparative course-related field trips to Taipei or Seoul (fall) and Hong Kong or Tokyo (spring) put the city’s powerful global and historical influence into context.
Daily Life
We want you to feel at home in China, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in Shanghai. From relevant coursework to unique local course-related trips— including visits to businesses, NGOs, and research institutions—we help you explore Shanghai in its local, regional, and global contexts.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Chinese language, international relations, business in China, and culture through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You will take 15-18 credits per semester. You create your academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
- Chinese language course (required, 4 credits)
The required 4-credit Chinese language course developed exclusively for IES Abroad students is offered at varying language proficiency levels, from beginning to advanced levels.
AND
- Business Chinese elective course (optional, 3 credits, must be placed in 300-level Chinese or above)
- IES Abroad elective courses (optional, 3 credits)
- Fudan University courses (optional, 3 credits)
Academic highlights include:
- Academic lectures will take place in Shanghai and the location of your course-related trip (Fall: Seoul or Taipei, Spring: Hong Kong or Tokyo) and will provide an intercultural comparative analysis
- Visits to the stock exchanges and key investment or economic development offices
- Observations of elementary and secondary schools
- Attend a panel discussion on Chinese politics and economics
- Visits to active religious institutions and cultural areas of interest in Shanghai, and the location of your course-related trip
Courses
This is a list of possible course offerings. The availability of courses varies from term to term.
- An Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy and Religion
- Intercultural Communications Competence (formerly CM 395 – Intercultural Communications Competence)
- Chinese Language in Context: Novice Abroad
- Chinese Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad
- Business Chinese
- Chinese Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad
- Business Culture in China (formerly IB 395 – Business Practice in China)
- Chinese Economy and Politics: Transition and Development
- Global Supply Chain Management
- International Politics in East Asia from a Chinese Perspective
- An Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy and Religion
- Chinese Economy and Politics: Transition and Development
- International Politics in East Asia from a Chinese Perspective
- An Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy and Religion
The following are potential course options at Fudan University:
- The Transitional Chinese society
- The Chinese Marketplace; Globalization and Local Transformation
- Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Management in China
- China through Contemporary Chinese Film
- International Marketing
- Political Economy in China
- Doing Business in China
- Religion in Chinese Society
- Psychology and Life
Partner Institution(s)
Fudan University
Founded in 1905, Fudan University is ranked as one of the top three universities in mainland China. Fudan University offers undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. programs with strengths in Arts, Sciences, and Business, and is a member of the world-class Universitas 21. Fudan’s campus has a unique architectural character that reflects traditional Chinese-style buildings and gates, European-influenced structures, and the very modern Guanhua Twin Towers. The main Handan campus is easily accessible by Shanghai’s extensive subway system. The university enrolls 34,000 students, of which 2,200 are international students. Chinese students admitted to Fudan University are considered among the best in China.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Shanghai, our field trips and excursions take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. You are fully responsible for all costs associated with these field trips. Below are a few possible destinations.
You also have a few long weekends to make plans to travel independently to other cities in China to provide contrast and context for what you’re learning in Shanghai.
Day Trip
Tongli
1 day | Fall & Spring
Explore the town often referred to as “Chinese Venice,” where 15 small, crisscrossing river lanes are spanned by nearly 50 bridges. These bridges are regarded as sacred architecture by the local people. Nine hundred years of history can be seen by admiring houses built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, complete with courtyards.
This trip is included in the program cost, with the exception of personal expenses.
Course Related Trips
These course-related trips are associated with specific IES Abroad courses you may take while abroad and are considered an integral part of your learning experience. They are organized to complement your IES Abroad courses, while also giving you helpful general knowledge about Chinese culture and society. Participation in a course-related trip is based on course registration.
Extended Program-Related Trip
As a Shanghai Economy, Business, and Society program student, you will participate in a 5-7 day program-related trip to another Asian business hub, which will add a comparative element to your studies. You will visit historic sites and participate in cultural events and workshops; attend lectures by leading academics and professionals on politics, business leadership, and global economy; and have the opportunity for urban exploration during your free time at any of the possible Asian destinations. Previous locations for this trip have included: Tokyo, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Seoul, South Korea; and Hong Kong, China.
Optional Field Trips
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
3 days | Fall & Spring
Yellow Mountain is one of the most famous and beautiful mountainous areas in China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its spectacular natural scenery includes oddly-shaped pines and rocks, and mystical seas of clouds. Hike, visit an ancient village and have the opportunity to explore the Tunxi old street.
Taishan
3 days | Fall & Spring
Taishan Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the Shandong Province. Mount Tai is known as the eastern mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China and is often regarded as the foremost of the five. Mount Tai has been a place of worship for more than 3,000 years and served as one of the most important ceremonial centers of China during large portions of this period.
Hangzhou
2 days | Fall & Spring
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is known as “Heaven on Earth” with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It was described by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world,” and listed in the “Top 52 places to go in 2016” by The New York Times. Hangzhou is one of the Seven Ancient Capital Cities, with a history of about 2,500 years. The main attractions include the West Lake, Lingyin Buddhist Temple, and Chinese Dragon Well Tea hills.
Nanjing
2 days | Fall & Spring
The capital of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River and is one of the most delightful destinations in China. Known as the capital city of many dynasties in ancient Chinese history, it has a brilliant cultural heritage. During the trip, you will visit the Presidential Palace, Purple Mountain, Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, and enjoy the night view of Confucius Temple Bazaar.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Shanghai is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or a field trip that takes you to places that enrich your cultural and academic learning—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
The program begins with a specially designed, three-day orientation introducing you to the IES Abroad staff, your fellow students, health and safety procedures, the current social and political conditions in China, the expectations of you as a student in a Chinese institution, and the city of Shanghai.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Beyond orientation sessions, you will explore the city with a scavenger hunt designed to help you feel at home in your new environment. Feel prepared to begin classes with practical Chinese lessons and activities designed to help you learn your way around campus facilities. Additional cross-cultural and re-entry information and support is provided throughout the semester.
You also take a day trip to one of China’s “Water Towns,” Tongli, which is included in your program cost.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Shanghai, it will feel like home.
Apartments – Live in an apartment with other IES Abroad students at the modern New Harbour Service Apartments (where the IES Abroad Shanghai Center is located). Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and jacuzzi. It is five subway stops from the historic Xuhui campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The standard, fully furnished apartment has two or three bedrooms with one or two bathrooms and one kitchen. You may share a double bedroom with another IES Abroad student or have a single room.
This option does not include a meal plan, but you can cook for yourself, eat in a campus cafeteria, or at nearby restaurants.
Homestays – Homestays offer the ideal environment for learning about China and improving Chinese. While living in a local home may require an initial adjustment period, our Chinese homestay families are eager to get to know you and share their ideas, language, and culture.
You have a private bedroom and are provided two meals a day by your host family (breakfast and dinner) five days a week while the program is in session. Homestay opportunities have an additional cost.
Please Note: Homestay opportunities are extremely limited.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Shanghai through our cultural activities, such as:
- Joining student clubs
- Volunteering for community service
- Watching professional soccer, baseball, and basketball teams
- Boating on the Huangpo River
- Visiting local museums and historic sites
University Clubs & Events
While in Shanghai, you can take advantage of available on-campus activities. Clubs are student-run and provide an excellent opportunity for increased campus integration. Past clubs have included:
- Explorer Volunteers Association (Provides assistance to disadvantaged groups in rural areas)
- Air & Health (Environmental Protection Association)
- Management Association
- Modern Dance (Reggae, hip-hop, jazz, tap)
- Shaolong Kungfu
- Sports (Badminton, tennis, volleyball, baseball, cycling, and more)
- Music PlayGround
- Photography Association
- Drama Club
- Taichi
Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Spring 2020
| Term | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
| Spring 2020 | $12,800 | $3,565 | $230 | $16,595 |
Academic year
| Term | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
| Academic Year | $22,575 | $6,980 | $455 | $30,010 |
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
Up to $1,000; awarded to 2 students each year.
John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
Up to $3,000; awarded to 2 students each year.
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
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