Programme description for Master's Programme in Business Administration (2026–2028)

A candidate who has completed this programme is expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:

General Competence/ Competency goals

The candidate should:

• Be able to analyze significant international dimensions related to key themes in the programme.
• Be capable of analyzing how new ideas, concepts, or products are developed within relevant fields.
• Apply ethical thinking in the workplace and understand how organizations can act responsibly.
• Be able to engage in independent and critical thinking.

Knowledge

The candidate should:

• Possess advanced knowledge in economics, administration, and management.
• Have thorough knowledge of key developments within their fields of study.
• Be able to discuss theories and methodological approaches relevant to the analysis of empirical and theoretical issues within their discipline.

Skills

The candidate should be able to:

• Integrate knowledge from various disciplines.
• Identify and apply relevant theories and methodological approaches to specific problems.
• Assess the economic and societal impacts of a given solution to a particular problem.
• Utilize relevant theories and methods in planning and executing a given project.
• Communicate academic issues effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Appy analytical and creative approaches to solve problems.
• Further develop their knowledge and skills from a lifelong learning perspective.

Additionally, students will acquire knowledge, skills, and general competence related to their chosen specialization. Detailed descriptions of these are provided in the individual course descriptions.

The academic basis is a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Auditing or equivalent education that is based on Universities Norway (UHR) Disciplinary Strategic Unit for Economics and Administration’s plan for bachelor programmes in Business Administration (November, 2018).

120 ECTS credits, of which a minimum of 20 credits at level 2 / additional level, must be within business administration subjects. The following subject areas, including subcategories, must be covered:

Business Economics (30 ECTS credits)

• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Investment Analysis and Finance

Administration (30 ECTS credits)

• Marketing
• Organisation and Management
• Business Strategy

Economics (15 ECTS credits)

• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics

Methodology (20 ECTS credits)

• Mathematics for Economists
• Statistics for Economists
• Social Scientific Methods

A minimum of 7.5 ECTS credits in Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility must be included in the academic basis.

The weighted average grade of C or better is required.

The Master’s program in Business Administration aims to educate candidates at a high level in terms of theoretical competence, empirical insight, and analytical skills. They will have solid theoretical knowledge in fields related to economics and administration. They will also be able to critically reflect on theoretical, empirical, and ethical issues and challenges they may encounter in their professional work and how businesses can relate to them. In addition, they will have insight into global issues, how globalization and global conditions can affect businesses and markets, and how businesses can respond to these changes. Graduates from this program will also have insight into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how individuals, societies, and enterprises are influenced by and can contribute to achieving these goals.

Students choose one of three specializations:

• Finance
• International Business
• Management Accounting

The English names of two of the specializations indicate that all mandatory courses in these specializations are taught in English. Within each specialization, the first and second semesters consist of mandatory courses. In the third semester, students choose elective courses, go on exchange, or apply for an internship at a local company in Agder or a Nordic company in an emerging economy in Asia or Africa. Internships are taken in combination with elective courses or studies at a partner institution in the country where they have an internship.

In the final semester, students write their master's thesis.

Finance

Financial theories are constantly evolving, the finance industry is changing rapidly, and data volumes are increasing. Consequently, there is a growing need for employees who have a solid understanding of economic theory related to finance and who can process and analyze large amounts of data.

The specialization provides strong knowledge of financial modeling, programming skills, and experience in quantitative analysis of financial data. Based on fundamental theories in finance and econometrics, students will use relevant software and data from real cases in various financial models. The specialization includes equilibrium models in capital markets, numerical optimization, programming, econometrics, forecasting, and an overview of financial markets. It also includes corporate finance, including asset valuation, risk and return, capital structure, financial and real options, long-term financing, and mergers and acquisitions; international finance, including understanding exchange rates, international capital structure, capital budgeting, and financing decisions from a multinational perspective; as well as financial crises and the global economy focusing on the interaction between finance and macroeconomics. An important aspect of the specialization is the use of tools applied in finance, making students well-suited for positions in insurance companies, banks, and other financial institutions. Analytical competence will also be in demand in other types of positions and enterprises.

International Business

The specialization focuses on the development of analytical and practical skills necessary to address challenges in business management and governance in an increasingly global market. It emphasizes how multinational corporations operate and also addresses challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises when entering the international scene.

The specialization provides insight into the analysis of strategic and operational challenges that businesses face, as well as how strategies, management styles, marketing practices, and governance systems can be designed and implemented to tackle these challenges. Students gain an understanding of the interaction between AI, data, and people, focusing on ethical and strategic use of AI from a business perspective, as well as the opportunities and challenges related to the adoption of various AI solutions. This specialization offers deeper cultural understanding and competence in international business, preparing students well for roles in companies operating in international markets.

Economic Management

The specialization in Economic Management provides insight into how business results are obtained, measured, and managed. It focuses on how various market conditions and framework factors affect business strategies and outcomes. The specialization emphasizes understanding accounting standards and how they influence businesses' financial reporting, along with applying this knowledge to evaluate company assets and value. Furthermore, there is a focus on designing and using management and control systems to support and oversee business goals and strategies. Ethical reflection on challenges in decision-making situations is also an important part of the specialization. In addition, there is strong emphasis on key econometric methods, with a focus on practical data analysis. This includes executing own analyses and assessing others' empirical work, with themes such as linear multiple regression, panel analysis, experiments, diff-in-diff, instrumental variables, and introduction to big data. The specialization provides a solid foundation for positions in finance and control in business, public sector, and nonprofit organizations.

The master's programme in Business Administration is international in content and orientation. Students are exposed to international themes and issues through the teaching, as well as through international literature in the form of textbooks, research articles, and other teaching and learning materials. Many lecturers have international backgrounds and are active in international research networks.

The master's programme includes both international degree students and incoming exchange students in courses taught in English. This contributes to an international study environment where most students engage with foreign peers and actively use English during their studies, thereby developing cross-cultural competence.

Students can apply for exchange opportunities in the third semester, and The School of Business and Law also offers internships with Nordic companies in Asia and Africa, combined with studies at one of our partner institutions. The School of Business and Law encourages all its students to undertake an exchange stay during their studies to gain further depth and academic breadth. Additionally, an exchange stay provides students with social benefits and greater insight into and understanding of international and global issues and challenges.

The School of Business and Law at the University of Agder (UiA) is internationally accredited by AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). This accreditation opens doors for collaboration with prestigious institutions worldwide.

Graduates from this programme have a versatile education in Business Administration, which offers a wide range of career opportunities both in Norway and internationally. The "Siviløkonom" title is well-known among employers in Norway and serves as an excellent foundation for work across various sectors. In Norway, a Siviløkonom can work in different industries, such as finance, where they might be employed in banks, insurance companies, or investment funds. They can also apply their expertise in public enterprises, working with financial management, budgeting, or strategic planning. The consulting industry is another popular area where Siviløkonom graduates can provide advice on business development, efficiency enhancement, economic analysis, or market research.

A Siviløkonom education also opens doors to positions in multinational companies and organizations both in Norway and internationally, where they can work in international trade, supply chain management, or economic consulting. With their analytical and strategic skills, a Siviløkonom is well-equipped to tackle challenges in a world characterized by globalization and digitalization. The opportunities are numerous, and a Siviløkonom can tailor their career path according to their own interests and ambitions.

Completion of the programme qualifies graduates for admission to PhD programmes at The School of Business and Law at UiA and other similar programs in Norway or abroad.