International Business

Upon successful completion of this programme you will have gained an understanding of the international aspects of management, marketing and strategy, an awareness of the cultural aspects of international business, and an ability to use theories in analyzing international issues. This comes in addition to advanced knowledge in the areas of business administration and a thorough knowledge of scientific methods. You will be able to integrate insights from different fields of study and use relevant theories on a concrete problem. Furthermore, you will know how to evaluate consequences of a given solution to a particular problem, and ethical and cultural issues in various settings. 

Candidates are well suited for a variety of positions in public and private sectors, as well as NGOs, and especially in enterprises operating in international markets. The programme also provides the basis for establishing and running their own business.

The first year of study includes six 7.5 ECTS credit courses and one course worth 15 ECTS credits. In the third semester students take electives at the School of Business and Law or they go on exchange abroad, and in the fourth semester students write a master's thesis worth 30 ECTS credits.

General admission requirement is completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent education with a scope of minimum three years’ duration (180 ECTS credits).

Academic basis: 

Either a major subject of minimum 80 ECTS credits, of which a minimum of 20 credits at level 2 / additional level, or an integrated programme of at least two years duration within business administration, marketing, management or equivalent.

The following subject areas must be included in a total of at least 60 ECTS credits:

• Business Economics
• Economics
• Methodology
• Marketing
• Organisational and management subjects

All subject areas must be covered.

A weighted average grade of C or better is required.

Admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to study programmes and courses at the University of Agder. 

Recommended previous knowledge

A thorough knowledge of English is highly recommended because the language of instruction is English in all compulsory courses as in several electives.

Application period

• Non EU/EEA international applicants: From 1 November till 1 December (subject to change)
• EU/EEA applicants: From 1 February till 1 March.
• Nordic citizens and applicants with a permanent or renewable residence permit in Norway: From 1 February till 15 April.

The Norwegian government has introduced tuition fees for students from countries outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

Please read more about the tuition fees here.

In the penultimate semester you may apply for internship in a local business in Norway or a Nordic enterprise in a high-growth economy in Asia or Africa or in USA/Canada. Internship is taken in combination with two electives at the School of Business and Law or electives (exchange) at a partner university abroad.

The Internship offers valuable practical experience and insight into real-world business challenges. It puts academic learning into a contextual and applied perspective.

The following companies have been offered to former Internship-students abroad: Yara, Jotun, Ikea, Equinor, Kongsberg Maritime, Aker Solutions, DNV (Veritas), Elkem, Noratel and Innovation Norway.

Local companies and enterprises in the Agder region where students have taken their Internship are: MHWirth, 3B Fibreglass, Business Region in Kristiansand, NHO, GCE Node, Sparebanken Sør, Skagerak Maturo, Stimline and the University of Agder.

There is a separate application process for admission to Internship.

Students can apply for exchange in the third semester. Studying abroad provides an opportunity to take courses and subjects beyond what is offered at the School of Business and Law. Additional benefits of studying abroad are improved language skills and cross-cultural communication skills, both highly valued by many employers.

The School of Business and Law at UiA is internationally accredited by AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), and the accreditation opens the doors for collaboration with good institutions worldwide. Student exchange agreements with several universities and business schools in Europe, USA, Africa, Australia and Asia are available for students in this study programme. For further information on exchange opportunities, see the International Office's website. Separate application process for student exchange.

All you need to know about exchange studies

Successful completion qualifies for admission to the PhD programme at the School of Business and Law, and to other PhD programmes in Norway and abroad.