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Master of Commerce (International Business)

Postgraduate course

  • This information is for local students.
  • View course information for international students.
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Overview

The Master of Commerce (International Business) provides a unique opportunity for students to gain specialised knowledge through coursework or a combination of coursework and research to apply their learning in both simulated and real work international business environments.
The Master of Commerce (International Business) forms the final stage in a three-stage nested suite of programs consisting of:
Duration1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Semester 1, Semester 2
Study modeFull-time
Part-time (evening)
Part-time (weekend)
Course codeCMIB640
Fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.
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Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The Master of Commerce (International Business) provides a unique opportunity for students to gain specialised knowledge through coursework or a combination of coursework and research to apply their learning in both simulated and real work international business environments.
The Master of Commerce (International Business) forms the final stage in a three-stage nested suite of programs consisting of:

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Commerce (International Business) form a nested suite of programs. A nested program is a sequence of courses which is followed to obtain the highest available award and which has multiple entry and exit points. This structure allows students the flexibility to qualify for the ultimate award or exit at an earlier stage. Students may not receive multiple awards for continuous study in a nested program.
As a nested program, applicants may enter at stage 1 (Graduate Certificate level) and progress through to stage 2 (Graduate Diploma level) and stage 3 (Master level). However, progression from stage 2 to 3 will be dependent on the achievement of a credit average or better across both stages 1 and 2 of the program.
To qualify for the award of Master of Commerce (International Business) students must complete 12 units of study or equivalent (150 credit points) comprising of:
Option 1
  • Four stage 1 core units (12.5 credit points each)
  • Three stage 2 core units (12.5 credit points each)
  • Three stage 3 core units (12.5 credit points each)
  • Two elective units (12.5 credit points each)
Option 2
  • Four stage 1 core units (12.5 credit points each)
  • Three stage 2 core units (12.5 credit points each)
  • One elective unit (12.5 credit points)
  • Two stage 3 core units (12.5 credit points each)
  • One Research Project unit (25 credit points)
Full-time students undertake four units of study per semester*. Part-time students normally undertake two units of study per teaching period. In addition to formal class time, students are expected to spend a minimum of the equivalent class contact hours per week in private study, assessment preparation and team project work where applicable.
*Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time.

Units of study

Stage 1 - Graduate Certificate
HBI450 Introduction to International Business
HBI451 International Trade and Finance
HBL450 International Commercial Law
HBM470 International Marketing and Research
Stage 2 - Graduate Diploma
HBH522 Managing People Across Cultures
HBI553 Australian Trade and Investment
HBI552 Business in Asia, the Americas and Europe
Elective One
Stage 3 - Master
Option 1 - Coursework
HBI550 Trends in International Business
HBI650 Global Business Strategy
HBI651 International Case Studies
Elective Two 
OR
Option 2 - Coursework and Research
HBM620 Research Methodology*
HBI650 Global Business Strategy
HBI660 Dissertation / Action Research Project (25 credit points)
Course electives (12.5 credit points each)
HBI528 International Entrepreneurship
HBI560 Asia - Business Context
HBI561 European Union - Business Context
HBI562 International Business in the Italian Context
HBI563 Ethical Issues in International Business
HBI564 International Finance
HBI566 International Investment and Economic DevelopmentHBI590 European Union Study Tour
HBI591 Asia Pacific Rim Study Tour
HBI593 Americas Study Tour
*Students choosing Option 2 within the master level must successfully complete HBM620 Research Methodology in either the semester immediately prior to commencing HBI660.
Satisfactory completion of pre-requisites for the electives would be enforced prior to commencement of any elective.
Note: In addition to the approved International Business electives listed above students can also choose from:
  • A range of formal international programs such as study abroad, international work placements and exchanges, subject to approval from Program Co-ordinator
  • Any other unit from of any master program*
All electives outside of the prescribed MCom(IB) elective list, or as pre-approved, are subject to approval by the MCom(IB) Program Co-ordinator and the relevant equivalent Program Co-ordinator for the unit. Students selecting this option must complete the Postgraduate External Unit Application Form available on the Faculty of Business and Enterprise website.
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Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives.

Aims and objectives

At the completion of  the course, graduates can expect to:
  • have developed a strategic approach and further honed analytical skills to effect change in an international business environment
  • be equipped to make a suitable contribution to the theory of international business or application in an international business environment
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Course experience

On this page: Swinburne Abroad.

Swinburne Abroad

Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Education Abroad website.
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On this page: entry requirements

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Completion of an approved undergraduate degree at credit level, from a recognised tertiary institution equivalent to a three year Australian bachelor degree.
or
Completion of an approved undergraduate degree with less than a credit average. In addition applicants submit a 500 word statement demonstrating their suitability for the program.
or
Completion of the Graduate Certificate of Commerce (International Business) with a credit average.
or
Completion of the Graduate Diploma of Commerce (International Business) with a credit average in the final four units.

Special Non-Graduate Entry
A special entry provision is available for those applicants who do not have an approved undergraduate degree, but have a minimum of five years of approved work experience.
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Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees and find out more.

How to apply

Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/ly/

Course fees

The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Find out more

Submit an Online Enquiry 
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au
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Enquire
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