Innovation-Driven Business Growth
Master of Business Administration
This Master’s degree is designed for professionals who want to lead research, development and innovation in organizations and translate these activities into strategic renewal and business growth.
The programme develops advanced competences in managing RDI processes, leveraging data and emerging technologies, and integrating development work into strategic decision-making.
Applying
– Rolling Admission 15.11.2026-15.2.2027
– Joint Application 7.-21.1.2027
Tuition fees & scholarshpis
Master’s degrees 13 500 euros / academic year for students from outside the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
Online studies
Online
Online studies
Online
Degree titles
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Culture and Arts
- Master of Engineering
- Master of Health Care
- Master of Health Care and Social Services
Lead Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) and Drive Strategic Renewal
Innovation-Driven Business Growth programme responds to the growing need for professionals who can lead research, development and innovation (RDI) activities and translate development work into strategic organisational renewal. It prepares graduates for roles such as Development Manager, Project Manager, Innovation Manager, and RDI Manager, as well as other expert and leadership positions responsible for growth and innovation.
A key strength of the programme is its strong integration of applied research, innovation processes, and strategic leadership. Learning is embedded in real organisational development contexts, where students implement RDI projects that create direct value for their organisations.
The programme is designed for professionals already working in development, project, expert, or leadership roles who wish to strengthen their competence through a master’s degree while continuing their careers.
- innovation management
- business growth and renewal
- data-driven decision making
- RDI
- innovation and RDI-leadership
- RDI funding and impact
- strategic business management
- multidisciplinary collaboration
- international networks
Why to study Innovation-Driven Business Growth at Xamk?
Real Impact Through Applied RDI Projects
Designed for Working Professionals
Strengthen Leadership for Innovation and Growth
Learn in a Multidisciplinary and International Environment
Study contents
The scope of the degree depends on the applicant’s previous educational background.
90 ECTS study path
For applicants with a background in social services and healthcare, humanities, business, or hospitality management
- Development and innovation competence – 15 ECTS
- Leadership competence – 20 ECTS
- Complementary competence studies – 25 ECTS
- Thesis / RDI development project – 30 ECTS
60 ECTS study path
For applicants with a background in engineering, natural resources, culture, or maritime studies
- Development and innovation competence – 15 ECTS
- Leadership competence – 10 ECTS
- Complementary competence Studies – 5 ECTS
- Thesis / RDI development project – 30 ECTS
The programme consists of core competence studies, complementary competence studies tailored to individual professional goals, and a practice-oriented thesis implemented as an RDI development project. The core competence study modules focus on development, innovation and strategic leadership in multidisciplinary operating environments.
The Development and innovation competence (15 ECTS) study module strengthens student´s ability to plan, implement and evaluate development processes based on applied research and data. Key themes include applied research methods, co-creation, innovation management, business model development, and the commercialisation of innovations.
The Leadership competence (10–20 ECTS) study module develops strategic and data-driven leadership in innovation contexts. Students learn to connect development activities to organisational strategy, utilise knowledge management practices, assess impact, and make use of national and international funding instruments.
Throughout the programme, students apply what they learn in authentic development contexts in cooperation with their own organisations or Xamk’s research environments. This integrates theory, data and strategic decision-making into practical organisational renewal.
Complementary competence
You can choose complementary competence studies from a wide selection of Xamk’s Master School’s common studies according to your interests.
- Digitality and technology in society
- International operating environments and communication
- Management, leadership and entrepreneurship
- Research and development
- Language studies.
Master´s thesis (30 ECTS credits)
The thesis (30 ECTS) is a practice-oriented RDI development project carried out according to the principles of applied research. It is typically conducted in the student’s own organisation and addresses a concrete strategic development need.
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Implementation of studies
The programme is organised fully online and is designed to be completed alongside full-time work. Each course or study module begins with scheduled online sessions where learning objectives and assignments are introduced. Typically, courses include 1–3 real-time online teaching sessions held on weekday evenings from 17:00 to 20:00 (Finnish time).
One ECTS credit corresponds to approximately 27 hours of student work. Studies consist of independent work, guided online learning situations, reflective discussions, and practice-oriented development assignments. Learning takes place in various settings, such as virtual classrooms, international guest lectures, co-creation workshops, and authentic RDI contexts within students’ own organisations or Xamk’s research and development environments.
More detailed schedules for each module will be confirmed before the studies begin.
Development-oriented approach to work
Xamk has strong partnership relationships with the private, public and third sector. In terms of studies and practical training, privately owned companies, particularly in Kymenlaakso region, are considered the most important partners, but Xamk also cooperates with public sector organizations and constantly aims to expand its network of cooperation.
The degree programme is multidisciplinary, providing you with the opportunity to meet professionals from various fields during your studies. Together with your teachers, they aim to encourage critical thinking and improve your argumentation skills. As a result, you do not only gain new perspectives to your own field, but also contribute to the development of other fields.
The networks created with experts during the studies are also a considerable advantage for you after graduation. This is something that students graduating from Xamk Master School consider one of the most important aspects of the education.
The Master’s programme at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk, offers an authentically international study environment with students and staff members coming from over 30 countries.
At Master School, you learn to retrieve and process field-specific research data and apply it to your own work. Learning is research-based, development-oriented and aimed at promoting innovation.
You can also carry out research work and other assignments as part of Xamk’s research, development and innovation (RDI) projects.
RDI specialists are an essential part of Xamk Master School, building bridges with the world of work. Among Finnish universities of applied sciences, Xamk stands out as the largest in the field of RDI activities. The total number of ongoing projects per year is nearly 300.
FAQ – the most frequently asked questions
Finland’s education system is regarded as one of the best in the world. Education is a strong part of Finnish culture from pre-school years into adulthood.
We are strong believers in equality and education. That is why Finland has a good education system with high standards and efficient quality assurance – this provides excellent opportunities for studying. In addition, we have very highly qualified teachers in Finland. At Xamk, we have top-class teachers who have years of expertise in their respective fields.
Master School is a learning community for Master’s degree students at Xamk. It provides you with the opportunity to build the career path of your choice and expand your professional network.
Campuses in 4 cities
Xamk’s campuses are located in Kotka, Kouvola, Mikkeli, and Savonlinna. Some degree programs are offered entirely online.
Get to know your own campus!
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For international students
Finland’s education system is regarded as one of the best in the world. Education is a strong part of Finnish culture from pre-school years into adulthood.
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Study in Finland
Study in Finland
Why choose Xamk?
Why choose Xamk?
Student life
Student life
Study business in Finnish
Study business in Finnish
See all the Master´s degree programmes in business taught in Finnish language.
Study Master´s degree programme in english
Study Master´s degree programme in english
See all the Master´s degree programmes taught in English language.
Further information on studies
Contact Admission Services
Xamk’s Admissions Services primarily assists with matters related to applying for degree studies. You can contact us by phone or through our online form.
Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00
Degree education in Finnish:
- +358 44 702 8891
- +358 40 585 6610
Degree education in English:
- +358 40 585 6610
Contact request via online form: