Programme description for Master’s Programme in International Business (2020–2023)

What do you learn?

Learning outcome

A candidate who has successfully completed this programme should have the following learning outcome defined in terms of general competence, knowledge, skills: 

GENERAL COMPETENCE (Programme Goals)

The candidate should be able to:

• analyse key international dimensions related to the core themes in the programme

• analyse how new ideas, concepts or products emerge within relevant fields

• apply ethical reasoning in work life and understand how organisations can act responsibly

• think independently and critically

• communicate scholarly issues in written texts and oral presentations

• solve problems

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate should be able to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge in the areas of business administration and management in international markets

• demonstrate insight into strategic and operational challenges businesses may face in an international context

• discuss key development trends within the programme's subject areas

SKILLS

The candidate should be able to:

• integrate insights from various disciplines

• discuss theory and methodological approaches relevant to the analysis of empirical and theoretical problems in the subject area

• identify and apply relevant theories and methodological approaches on a specific problem

• assess the economic and social consequences of a given solution to a particular problem

• further develop their knowledge base in a lifelong learning perspective

Structure and content

Admission requirements

General admission criteria to master’s programmes are given in Regulations concerning Requirements for the Master’s Degrees, established by the Ministry of Education and Research. The general requirement is completed bachelor’s degree, cand.mag.-degree, or other degree or vocational education with a scope of minimum 3 years’ duration.
The admission requirements to International Business, master’s programme must include either a major subject of minimum 80 ECTS credits, or an integrated programme of at least two years duration within business administration, marketing, management or equivalent. Further details are available in the Supplementary regulations for admission to master’s programmes.

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.

General description and profile

The International Business master’s programme provides students with theoretical insights and analytical skills in handling business management and challenges in a international markets. Central to the program are multinational companies and how they operate. Challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when entering into the international arena will also be discussed.
The program provides students with knowledge of how the strategic and operational challenges can be analyzed, for example by developing and implementing relevant strategies, management and marketing practices as well as management systems.
International students are admitted to the program as well as Norwegian, and all compulsory courses are taught in English. The programme gives students increased cultural understanding and knowledge of international business, making them well suited for positions in enterprises operating in international markets.

Teaching methods

The International Business master’s programme is an ordinary full-time study. Two courses are taught in parallel in the first half of the semester before the next two courses are taught according to the same principle. Teaching methods are accounted for in the course descriptions and may vary between lectures, discussion seminars, groups, written assignments and presentations. Various software and library databases will be used in several courses. The language of instruction is English in all compulsory courses as well as in several electives.
Teaching is coordinated with a corresponding specialisation in MSc Business Administration - siviløkonom, master’s programme.

Assessment methods

In most courses, there are examination requirements (individually or in groups), and some requirements include oral presentations. Many courses have an individual written in-school examination that counts 100% of the grade, while some courses have combination of a written in-school examination and an assignment. All courses have letter grades A-F, where F is fail. See each course description for further details.

Internationalization

The International Business, master’s programme is international in content and orientation. Students are exposed to international dimensions and issues in teaching as well as in the curriculum. All teaching is in English, and most of the courses are also offered to incoming exchange students. Several faculty members have an international background and are active in international research networks.

Students can apply for exchange in the third semester. The School of Business and Law also offers internship in Nordic enterprises in Asia and Africa combined with studies at one of our partner institutions. Studying abroad provides an opportunity to take courses and subjects beyond what is offered at the School. 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. For further information on exchange opportunities, see the International Office's website.

Requirements for continuing in programme

60 ECTS credits, including ME-423 Research Methods, must be successfully completed in order to be assigned a supervisor for the master's thesis.

Occupational profiles / further studies

Candidates with this specialisation may apply for a variety of positions in public and private sectors, as well as NGOs, and especially in enterprises operating in international markets. The program also provides the basis for establishing and running their own business. Successful completion also qualifies for admission to the PhD programme at the School of Business and Law, and to other PhD programmes in Norway and abroad.

Qualification awarded

Master in International Business

Evaluation

Study programme evaluation is conducted annually in the programme committee in accordance with the Quality System, section 4.2.