Table of contents

Study Model

Learning outcomes

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 program
  • analyse how new ideas, concepts or products emerge within relevant fields and be able to contribute to innovation processes
  • 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, management and methods
  • summarize scientific developments within their field of study
  • discuss theory and methodological approaches relevant for analysis of empirical and theoretical problems at hand

SKILLS

The candidate should be able to:

  • integrate insights from different fields of study
  • identify and use relevant theories and methodological approaches on a specific problem
  • evaluate the financial and societal consequences of a given solution to a particular problem
  • apply relevant theories and methods in the planning and realisation of a given project
  • continue developing their knowledge base in a lifelong learning perspective

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification with specific requirements in mathematics (R1 or S1 + S2).

Recommended previous knowledge

A thorough knowledge of English is recommended as several of the courses are taught in English.

General description and profile of the programme

The Master's programme in Business Administration provides candidates with a high level of theoretical competence, empirical insight and analytical skills. The candidates have insight into contemporary theories and practices and they are able to reflect critically on theoretical, empirical, and ethical problems and challenges they might face in their professional work. In addition, the candidates have insight into global issues. Candidates graduating from this programme are attractive to a wide range of positions within private businesses, organisations and public sector.

International degree students are admitted to two-year master's programme, and also, international exchange students take part in several courses. This contributes to an international study environment where most students during their studies will meet foreign students and have the opportunity to practice their English as well as their cross-cultural communication skills.

The five-year master's program is an integrated program of study consisting of a three-year bachelor's degree in business administration and two years of study at Masters level. The first two years of the programme consists of compulsory courses within four disciplines: (1) business administration and accounting, (2) economics, (3) marketing and organisational theory, and (4) methodological subjects. In the third and final year the students can either choose 60 ECTS in Human Relation Management and Organizational Development at campus Grimstad or continue at campus Kristiansand with a mix of elective courses in the fall semester and compulsory courses and the BA thesis in the spring semester.

The last two years - which is at the master level - consists of twelve 7,5 ECTS credit courses and a 30 ECTS credit Master's Thesis. The specialisations are: Financial Economics, Management Accounting or International Management. Within each specialisation the first and second semester consists of compulsory courses, whereas in the third semester the students choose their electives. In the last semester of the programme the students write their Master's thesis.

Students wishing to travel on exchange can do this in the 5th and / or 9th semester.

For detailed information about the first three academic years, see the program description for the Bachelor Programme in Business Administration. For detailed information on the fourth and fifth year of study, see the description for the Master programme in Business Administration.

Teaching and learning methods

The Master's Programme in Business Administration is a full-time study programme. Teaching methods are accounted for in the course descriptions, and may vary between group lectures, seminars, and group work. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in academic discussions. The language of instruction is Norwegian. However, several courses are taught in English.

Assessment methods

Several of the courses require the students to submit written assignments (individually or in groups) in order to take the final examination. Some courses might also include oral presentations. Most courses have individual written examinations with graded marks. See each course description for details.

Internationalisation

Students are exposed to international dimensions and issues in teaching as well as in the curriculum. Many faculty members have an international background and are active in international research networks. A number of courses are taught in English for incoming exchange students. This contributes to an international study environment, and students use English actively during their studies.

The School of Business and Law offers excellent exchange opportunities at partner institutions in Europe, USA, South Africa, Australia and Asia. Students can go on exchange in their 5th semester or their penultimate semester. Studying abroad provides an opportunity to take courses and subjects beyond what is offered at the School of Business and Law at UiA. 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.

On master level there is also an opportunity for internship in a local business or a Nordic enterprise in a high-growth economy in Asia or Africa. Internship is taken in combination with two electives at the School of Business and Law or electives (exchange) at a partner university abroad.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme

The student should normally have completed the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Business Administration (180 credits) before continuing to the Master's 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 of graduates and access to further studies

The programme provides solid knowledge in Business Administration, an so a solid foundation for executive level positions in both private and public sector. 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

Successful completion of the programme awards the degree master i økonomi og administrasjon - Siviløkonom (Master of Business Administration - "Siviløkonom").

Student evaluations

Student evaluations are carried out annually in the Study Programme Advisory Committee in accordance with the quality system for education chapter 4.2.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:40:13 PM