Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in Business Administration (2026–2029)

A candidate who has completed this program should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of general competence, knowledge, and skills:

GENERAL COMPETENCE (Competency Goals)

The candidate should:

• be familiar with important international dimensions related to central topics in the program
• be able to identify and understand how new ideas, concepts, or products are developed within relevant fields
• be able to identify ethical challenges and understand how organizations and businesses can act responsibly
• be able to think independently and critically

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate should have:

• broad knowledge of how businesses are financed, how investments are assessed, how management tools are applied, and how financial statements are prepared, analyzed, and communicated
• broad knowledge of how business strategies are developed and implemented, how organizations are organized, developed, and led, and how products and services are marketed
• broad knowledge of how consumers and producers make their choices and how these choices are influenced by economic policy and international frameworks
• good familiarity with scientific methods used in the field, allowing them to apply these to relevant issues
• broad knowledge of entrepreneurship and innovation processes
• broad knowledge of ethical aspects of organizational decisions
• broad knowledge of theoretical development within the field

SKILLS

The candidate should be able to:

• apply theoretical knowledge and results from research and development work to address specific issues in businesses
• plan and conduct group projects
• apply relevant theoretical knowledge and analytical skills in problem-solving and decision-making processes
• assess the social consequences of organizational decisions and be able to act within given legal and ethical frameworks
• maintain and further develop a knowledge base in a lifelong learning perspective
• have developed good oral and written communication skills
• have developed problem-solving abilities

The Bachelor's programme in Business Administration is a three-year integrated program aimed at educating candidates with a high degree of analytical, theoretical, and practical competence. This competence will provide a solid foundation for the candidates' professional careers and further education.

The content of the study program is based on national collaboration, offering candidates opportunities for further education at the master's level, such as the business administration program at the UiA School of Business or other institutions. Due to national collaboration, the first two years consist of compulsory subjects in the following five fields: (1) business economics, (2) administrative subjects, (3) social economics, (4) methodology subjects, and (5) ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability.

In the fifth semester, students can either go on exchange to one of our partner institutions or undertake one of the specializations along with a course in communication, internship, or entrepreneurial lab. In the final semester, students write a bachelor's thesis, in addition to taking a course in strategic management, and either international economics or international business. It is possible for students to replace the entire last year of study with the one-year program "HR ang Management," worth 60 credits.

Various teaching methods are used in the programme, as described in the different course descriptions, ranging from lectures, seminars, labs, project work, case studies, student presentations, and group work. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to engage in academic discussions with a critical perspective. Several courses are taught in English. Attendance is mandatory for some courses; please refer to the individual course descriptions for details.

Students at UiA are expected to have laptops for use in learning and at examinations, cp. the Examination Regulations for the University of Agder section 12d.

Students are exposed to international dimensions and issues in both teaching and the curriculum literature. Many lecturers have international backgrounds and are active in international research networks. Several courses are taught in English, and international students also come to the UiA School of Business and Law to take parts of their degree as exchange students. This contributes to an international study environment where most students interact with foreign students and actively use English during their studies.

The program is designed to facilitate exchange opportunities in the fifth semester. A stay at a foreign educational institution provides the chance to delve into topics and subjects beyond those offered at the UiA School of Business and Law. Studying abroad also adds a dimension of encountering different languages and cultures in an academic context.

The School of Business and Law at UiA is internationally accredited by AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which opens doors for collaboration with esteemed institutions worldwide. For further information on exchange opportunities for the bachelor's program in Economics and Administration, please visit the International Office's website.

The Bachelor Programme in Business Administration is a vocational, interdisciplinary undergraduate degree that provides the foundation for a number of positions in both the private and private sector. The study also provides the basis for starting your own business.

Students who have completed the bachelor degree in Business Administration are qualified to apply for admission to several graduate programmes, such as the Master Programmes in Business Administration and in Accounting and Auditing at the University of Agder.

The Bachelor programme also provides a solid foundation for further studies at other institutions, both nationally or internationally. Please note that other institutions may have additional requirements for admission to their graduate programmes.

Student evaluations are conducted annually in the study council in accordance with the quality system for education chapter 4.2. Prior to the meeting of the study council, student representatives may gather feedback from their fellow students.