The Master of Science in International Business at UPF-BSM, the best in Spain according to the QS International Trade Rankings

The Master of Science in International Business (Máster Universitario en Negocios Internacionales) at UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF-BSM) has been recognized as the best in Spain by the QS International Trade Rankings 2025, a ranking that evaluates programs in the field of international business.

The UPF-BSM master's program ranks as the eighth best in the world, thus securing a Top 10 global position alongside International Business master's programs from other prestigious business schools. The ranking is led by Thunderbird School of Global Management (Arizona State University), followed by Saïd Business School (University of Oxford), with IMD Business School in third place.

“Having a prestigious ranking like QS recognize our Master in International Business as the best in Spain and the eighth best in the world is a great achievement for us. It demonstrates the high quality of our teaching, the practical approach of our methodology, and our continuous relationship with companies and the job market,” says José M. Martínez-Sierra, Director General of UPF-BSM.

Number One in Innovative Teaching

The QS ranking, one of the most internationally recognized evaluations in the academic field, has assessed International Business master's programs from a total of 87 business schools worldwide. The evaluation was based on six dimensions:

• Program content (30%)
• Reputation among key stakeholders (20%)
• Career outcomes for students (15%)
• Industry engagement (15%)
• Innovative teaching methodology (10%)
• Research (10%)

Among these six variables, the UPF-BSM master's program achieved the highest possible score in the innovative teaching category (100/100), positioning itself as the best in the world in this aspect.

“This is a significant recognition for the program and its teaching methodology. Our goal is to provide students with a learning experience focused on professional practice, combining classes that cover theoretical and technical fundamentals with active learning methodologies. We employ strategies such as flipped learning, project-based work, company visits, guest expert sessions, and computer-based simulations. The master's program offers a holistic and integrative view of international business, bridging theory and academic rigor with deep, applied knowledge of organizational practices,” explains Mercè Roca, Academic Director of the Master of Science in International Business at UPF-BSM.

“Throughout the course, students attend lectures by top executives from international companies and also participate in an international business trip. Additionally, each year the program welcomes up to 30 students from different countries and cultural backgrounds, creating a truly multicultural and international classroom environment,” adds Manuel Cienfuegos, Co-Academic Director of the Máster Universitario en Negocios Internacionales at UPF-BSM.

Top Rankings in Career Outcomes and Industry Engagement

The career outcomes of master's students were also highly rated in the ranking, receiving a score of 92.4/100. This earned the program first place in Spain and seventh place worldwide in this category. The ranking highlights that graduates of the program achieve a 100% employment rate after completing their studies.

Regarding program content, with a score of 98.2/100, the UPF-BSM program ranks fourth in the world. In the industry engagement category, with a score of 69.4/100, the program ranks second in Spain. These results emphasize the high level of professional experience among faculty members.

In the research indicator, which measures the impact and quality of academic research produced by the school, the UPF-BSM master's program achieved a score of 76.8/100, ranking first in Spain in this area.

“This achievement is the result of the collective effort of the entire UPF-BSM academic community. Our commitment to innovative teaching and excellence in training future leaders has been crucial in attaining the international prestige we currently enjoy, as recognized by the most important rankings and accreditations in the sector,” states Rodrigo Cetina, Co-Academic Director of the Máster Universitario en Negocios Internacionales at UPF-BSM.

About the UPF-BSM Master's Program

The MSc in International Business at UPF-BSM is a program designed to equip students with the tools and skills necessary to navigate today’s dynamic global business environment.

The curriculum is structured so that students gain a comprehensive understanding of all strategic decisions and processes involved in business internationalization—from interpreting current political, economic, and social issues in international business, to acquiring and applying the analytical tools necessary to develop and implement an international business plan.