Master in International Trade and Strategy

Faculty of Business and Logistics
Programme Title (Arabic) ماجستير في التجارة الدولية والتخطيط
Acronym / Abbreviation* MITS
Nature Specialisation
Programme Code ITS9000 Programme Duration 1 Year/Cycle 6 Months Programme Level Level 9
Programme Credits 180 Award Category Masters
Effective From 2024/2025 Sem 1 as of ( February 2025 )
Owner School of Logistics & Maritime
Professional Body
Professional Body Recognition Status Effective From Interim Date Professional Bodies Contact Person Evidence
Employability Skills Yes 29/05/2023        
Target Groups*
International Students
People in Employment
Unemployed
Targeted Industry Groups
Other
Qualification Completion Requirements Criteria

Awarded where candidates have successfully met all the requirements below:

  • Completion of all courses listed in Schedule A.
  • Completion of 180 credits.
Programme Overview*

Bahrain Polytechnic was established by Royal Decree to address the need for a skilled Bahraini workforce to support

economic growth and development. To support the development of the workforce, Bahrain Polytechnic aims to produce

graduates with applied, professional qualifications. The supply chain management sector is critical to this vision. This

includes the different modes which, when joined together, are referred to as the global supply-chain and are made of

separate yet interconnecting industries.

The Master of International Trade and Strategy (MITS) programme aims to develop rounded graduates who have not

only the requisite skills demanded of the 21st Century workplace but also skills and knowledge required in the modern

trade, transport and logistics industry. MITS is specifically designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the

global trade landscape and the various policies, regulations, and procedures that govern international trade. These themes

are covered in conjunction with the wider issues of sustainability and international governance. 


Bahrain Polytechnic's partnership with industry supporters is critical to the qualification and input on the curriculum is sought

from key industry and government stakeholders in order to maintain the currency of the programme and ensure the relevance

of graduates to industry needs.
In sum, the MITS programme is designed to prepare students becoming future professionals and competent international trade

leaders within Bahrain, the wider region and internationally.


The programme is appropriate for candidates seeking to advance their careers and assume leadership positions in multinational

corporations, government agencies, international organisations, or entrepreneurial ventures. The curriculum is intended to provide

students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of international trade and business, as well as the tools necessary

to navigate the dynamic global business environment.

 
Entry and Selection*
  • Recognized bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in all disciplines.

  • A minimum of two years' experience in international trade or business-related fields or positions

  • English entry requirements:

-  IELTS score of 6.5 or evidence of a bachelor's degree with English as the only language of instruction.

-  Or, passing English selection tests / interviews in reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the required level or equivalent.

 
Selection and Criteria and Process*

Where there are more applicants who meet the programme entry criteria than can be accepted, the following shall be used:

Selection Criteria:

  • Recognized bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in all disciplines.

  • A minimum of two years' experience in international trade or business-related fields or positions

  • English entry requirements:

-  IELTS score of 6.5 or evidence of a bachelor's degree with English as the only language of instruction.

-  Or, passing English selection tests / interviews in reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the required level or equivalent

  • Applicants may be required to attend a panel interview to determine whether they will be admitted into the programme.

 
Major Selection Criteria*

Not applicable.

 
Accreditation / External Approval Requirements*

This qualification seeks accreditation through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, UK (CILT UK) which is the leading global organisation providing education and development and guidance for individuals, institutions, and corporations within the industry. 

Furthermore, Bahrain Polytechnic is currently a member of QM.

 
Attendance Requirements*

Attendance requirements are described in the policy Student Attendance A/AB/006. There are no programme specific attendance requirements.

 
Qualification Overview*

The Master of International Trade and Strategy (MITS) programme developed by the School of Logistics

and Maritime Studies is intended for individuals with technical backgrounds, such as banking, finance,

international business, supply chain operations, logistics, engineering, and others, who aspire to or are

about to assume senior management positions in organisations or businesses. The MITS is specifically

designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the global trade landscape and strategic

approaches to navigate various policies, regulations, and procedures that govern international trade.

The programme is structured to provide students with the skills and knowledge they will need to excel in

their future roles managing the entire business. The program covers a wide range of topics such as global

supply chain strategies, international trade and business practices, international trade finance, trade laws,

conflict management, contract management and negotiation skills. These skills are essential for students who

wish to succeed in senior management roles in the international business arena.

 
Qualification Aim*

Upon successful completion, graduates:

  • Demonstrate extensive detailed knowledge and understanding of advanced international trade strategies

  • affecting supply chain operations, logistics, trade finance, and governance.

  • Apply professional level skills to address complex and unpredictable international trade scenarios.

  • Develop robust solutions for complex legal and technical import/export issues supported by specialized

  • negotiation and conflict management techniques for international business contexts.

  • Demonstrate critical investigative skills in analysing industrial development and competitiveness, international

  • trade policy and environmental sustainability.

  • Demonstrate the ability to connect micro-level, operational issues – such as customs operations, excise duties

  • and procedures, and export controls – with broader macro-level factors such as Foreign Direct Investment.

  • Demonstrate rigorous research practice and analytical skills to address complex phenomena in the field of

  • international trade.

 
Graduate Pathways and Destination*

Students who complete the qualification can progress to higher learning pathways such as further fields

of study in doctorate degree or advanced professional qualifications.

Graduates with specialisation in international trade and strategy typically pursue careers in various levels

such as managerial roles in international business, supply chain management, logistics, finance, contract and trade law.

  • Government agencies: associates and managers in EDB, Tamkeen, Ministry of Commerce, BCCI
  • Freezone management: Business Development managers, BLZ, BCCI, BIW, United States Trade Zone (USTZ)
  • Consultants in international trade
  • Manufacturing sector: managers in sales and marketing, production, and planning
  • Logistics sector: managers in inventory, warehousing, transportation
  • Trading houses: import and export operations and contract negotiations managers
  • Banking and Finance: business analysts
  • Insurance: credit insurance specialists
 
Other Information*

Employability Skills Generic Definition:

Communication

Communicate in ways that contribute to productive and harmonious relationships across employees and customers.

Team work

Work effectively independently and in collaboration with others.

Problem solving

Think critically and respond appropriately to changing needs within a growing and diversifying economy.

Initiative and enterprise

Apply resourcefulness, innovation and strategic thinking to a range of workplace situations.

Planning and organisation

Plan and manage their working lives.

Self management

Demonstrate self discipline and adaptability, and be able to plan and achieve personal and professional goals.

Learning

Understand the need for and engage with continuous learning throughout the lifespan.

Technology

Utilize information technology effectively and ethically in their personal and professional lives.

 

Programme Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this programme the learner will be able to :

Description
Demonstrate extensive detailed knowledge and understanding of specialized theories and concepts in international trade and strategy, including international law, finance, trade relationships, supply chain management, commercial management, conflict management and negotiation, environmental sustainability.
Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of research methods and research practice within the field of international trade and strategy.
Apply specialised theories, concepts, methods, and analytical techniques to complex international trade scenarios in diverse business settings.
Critically analyze and solve complex trade and strategy related problems using empirical data to inform decision making in local, regional, and global contexts.
Develop original and creative value propositions and research projects to address complex international trade and strategy problems using professional level analytical and interpretative skills.
Demonstrate a professional level of written and oral communications skills to explain complex relationships, concepts, techniques, and research ideas within the domain of international trade and strategy.
Apply specialised analytical tools, techniques, and information technologies to analyse and synthesize different forms of data in research and projects within the field of international trade and strategy.
Critically evaluate a wide variety of numerical and graphical data to address financial, commercial, environmental and operations performance that can be understood by a range of stakeholders.
Demonstrate the ability to work professionally, ethically, and effectively in unpredictable contexts with substantial responsibility for individual and group work decision making.

Semester Schedules

Year 1 / Semester 1

Core
Course Code Title
TS9100 Contract and Commercial Management
TS9002 Environment and Sustainable Development
TS9300 International Business Environment and Trade Relationship
TS9006 Research Methodology

Year 1 / Semester 2

Core
Course Code Title
TS9201 International Trade Finance
TS9005 International Trade Law
TS9003 Negotiation and Conflict Management
TS9202 Strategic Supply Chain Management

Year 1 / Semester 3

Core
Course Code Title
TS9500 Master Thesis