Master's in International Business Management

In a rapidly changing world, businesses cannot stand still as there is a constant need to evolve. This evolution needs diverse experts who can challenge the status quo and question the current business practices.

Teaching at the Oulu Business School is based on internationally recognised research by the faculty, and it combines theory and practice in teaching methods. Students with diverse backgrounds and nationalities take on assignments in collaboration with various organisations.

Graduates on the International Business Management master’s programme become change agents in the economy and society at large who can respond to the challenges of dynamic business ecosystems. They can apply their management skills broadly in organizational and business development relying on the principles of change management, sustainable leadership and growth entrepreneurship.

The International Business Management master’s programme provides the basis for expertise in areas such as:

• Business designing, venture growth strategies, and international entrepreneurship
• Developing an innovative mindset and applying it in new and established businesses
• Strategic thinking and organization renewal
• Responsible business management and leadership
• Leading multinationals, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

Courses during the first academic year introduce the students to a framework of multinational corporations and international business. Students learn innovative and entrepreneurship-driven management principles and examination of organizational change in a global context.

There is considerable flexibility in finalizing the degree, as during the second year of studies students can select courses and deepen their knowledge based on their individual interests and professional profiles. Students may take courses from partner universities and customize their learning paths. Many students complete exchange studies in a business school abroad.

International Business Management master’s students can apply for a double degree with the Triple Crown accredited KEDGE Business School to complete their master’s degrees with studies at Bordeaux campus in France.

This opportunity allows you to complete two master's degrees in two high-quality universities with distinct cultural and academic emphasis. Seats are limited and selection is competitive.

Application happens separately during your first year of studies in Oulu. If successful, you will complete your second-year studies at KEDGE, Bordeaux campus.

The University of Oulu’s generic skills framework is applied across all International Business Management courses.

For detailed information about courses and the programme structure, look at the study guide:

• Read the study guide for International Business Management programme

We welcome English proficient and academically talented applicants with diverse backgrounds, highly motivated to grow into international business entrepreneurs, experts or leaders.

We currently have a mix of students whose previous degrees are in business, humanities, or technology.

Ideal candidates share one common trait: they desire to excel in communication, leadership, and teamwork within international multicultural business settings.

Read about eligibility and admissions procedure for this programme, detailed information available at Studyinfo.

The IBM graduates will be awarded a Master of Science degree, majoring in International Business Management. The degree qualifies for doctoral studies in the fields of management and international business and opens career paths that may lead to different managerial positions in a broad spectrum of companies as well as entrepreneurial activities.

Graduates of the programme work in many professional fields from startups to multinational corporations and develop to hold expert and management positions in Finland and internationally with titles such as:

• Business Development Manager
• Management Consultant
• Director of Sales & Marketing
• Global Demand Analyst
• Key Account Manager
• Sales Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Team Leader.