Programme description for Master’s Programme in International Business (2024–2027)

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

General admission criteria 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 credit, 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.

There is no conditional admission to the master's program in International Business.

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

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.

The programme gives students increased cultural understanding and knowledge of international business, making them well suited for positions in enterprises operating in international markets.

International students are admitted to the program as well as Norwegian, and all compulsory courses are taught in English.

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.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NORWEGIAN SIDE TITLE “SIVILØKONOM”

The master programme in International Business will not award students with the Norwegian side title “Siviløkonom” even though students hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or equivalent.

UHR-Economics and Administration (a disciplinary strategic unit for Economics and Administration) has defined the terms for use of the side title “Siviløkonom”. See information here: https://www.uhr.no/strategiske-enheter/fagstrategiske-enheter/uhr-okonomi-og-administrasjon/

The master programme in International Business does not meet the terms to award students with the side title “Siviløkonom”.

Students holding a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or equivalent, who would like to have the side title “Siviløkonom” kan apply for admission to the two-year master’s programme in Business Administration – siviløkonom. Students who get admitted to the master’s programme in Business Administration can apply for approval of courses taken the first year in International Business. Local admission with ordinary application deadline 15 April (for international applicant – see information from the Admissions office about application deadlines).

Students with a completed two-years master’s degree in International Business, who would like to take the two-year master’s degree in Business Administration – siviløkonom, will have to take a minimum of 60 ECTS-credits to get a new degree. These students will also have to write a new master’s thesis.

For more information contact the student adviser.