International Business Management
Master´s Degree Programme
Develop expertise in international business management. Prepare for demanding management, development and specialist roles.
The International Business Management programme strengthens your competence in managing and developing business in international operating environments.
Master School boosts your professional competence and connects you with a vast network of professionals from different fields of study and business.
Applying
Tuition fees & scholarshpis
Master’s degrees 13 500 euros / academic year for students from outside the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
Part-time studies
Kouvola
Full-time studies
Kouvola
Degree titles
- Master of Business Administration
Take your career to the next level
After completing the International Business Management degree, you will be able to analyse international business environments, develop business processes and customer-oriented operations, and apply marketing, innovation and cross-border management approaches in organisational development.
You will also be able to use research and development methods and business data to support evidence-based decision-making and sustainable growth. The programme develops your capabilities to work in demanding management, development and specialist positions and to lead collaboration across organisational and cultural boundaries.
A master’s degree from a university of applied sciences guarantees the same qualification to hold a public office as a master’s degree obtained from a scientific university, for example Master of Science in Economics (KTM). At Xamk, the master’s degree programmes are organised within the framework of Master School. The learning approach is based on action learning and interdisciplinary teamwork between students, teachers and companies.
Master School boosts students’ professional competence and connects them with a vast network of professionals from different fields of study and business. The International Business Management programme provides students with the competence that is necessary in taking their career to the next level.
Master School is a learning community for Master’s degree students at Xamk.
- Business Management
- Digital Business
- Digital Marketing
- International Business
- International Business Management
- International Business Processes
- International Entrepreneurship
- Innovation Management
- Marketing Management
Why to study International Business Management at Xamk?
Advanced Career Opportunities
Global Business Focus
Flexible Learning
Interdisciplinary Approach
Practical Experience
Networking Opportunities
Study contents
The scope of IBM studies is 90 ECTS credits divided into three parts: core competence (45 ECTS credits), complementary studies (15 ECTS credits) and master’s thesis (30 ECTS credits).
Core competence (45 ECTS credits)
Core competence courses are:
International Business
- Business process development
- Sustainable growth
- Marketing management
International Business Processes
- Cross-border management
- Supply chain management and smart logistics
- Innovation management in business
Business Development
- Research methods and RDI competences for business
- Strategic business game
- Customer intelligence
The language of instruction is English. The tuition, assignments, exams and master’s thesis writing process are instructed, conducted and completed in English.
Core competence courses are mandatory for all students in the degree programme and aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills that allow them to utilize and integrate a wide range of business data necessary for the planning, implementation and development of management operations in an organization or company. The theoretical models and methods of international business management are an essential part of the core competence studies. The scope of one course is 5 ECTS credits.
Complementary competence
You can choose complementary competence studies from a wide selection of Xamk’s Master School’s common studies according to your interests.
These common studies cover courses both in Finnish and English and include the following:
- Digitality and technology in society
- International operating environments and communication
- Management, leadership and entrepreneurship
- Research and development
- Language studies.
As part of the complementary competence studies, students may develop their own business idea, work on product or service development commissioned by local companies or business networks, or combine both approaches.
Master´s thesis (30 ECTS credits)
Master’s thesis (30 ECTS credits) is an important part of your studies. Its topic should be aimed at developing your own work or work community. In writing the thesis, you identify development needs in your professional field and plan and implement a related research or development process. You can also complete your thesis as part of Xamk’s RDI projects or by commission of the degree programme partners.
Student stories
From Banking to Global Business
Employers value international degree certificates!
Just do it, the perfect timing doesn´t exist!
Combine your studies and sports career at Xamk
Full-time studies, Kouvola
The degree programme is implemented as daytime teaching. Studies include lectures, expert and guest lectures, project work, teamwork, independent study and virtual learning methods where appropriate. All courses are instructed in English. On average, there are 2–3 days of on-campus studies per week, normally on weekdays from Monday to Wednesday at the Kouvola Campus. Some courses may be delivered in an intensive format by visiting lecturers or industry experts, depending on their availability.
Regular participation in scheduled on-campus teaching is strongly recommended, as classroom-based teaching, group work, workshops and other in-class learning activities form an essential part of the studies. Students receive personal study guidance from their Studies Coordinator. The studies, including the thesis, can be completed in approximately 1.5 years.
Implementation of studies
Part-time studies, Kouvola
The degree programme is organized as blended studies involving project work, teamwork, independent study and online learning. All courses are instructed in English.
The 45 ECTS core competence studies are scheduled over the first three semesters (approximately 1.5 years) and include fixed contact teaching sessions for which attendance is required. On-campus teaching is typically scheduled on approximately 2–3 weekdays per month, often on Thursdays and Fridays at the Kouvola Campus. The exact contact teaching schedule varies by course and semester.
The planned duration of the degree is 2.5 years. The core competence studies are scheduled over the first 1.5 years, while complementary competence studies and the master’s thesis are completed according to the student’s personal study plan. With appropriate personal study planning and guidance, earlier completion may also be possible.
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
Study in Finland
Finnish higher education is renowned for its practical approach, critical thinking, and world-class teachers. At Xamk, you will learn through real-world projects and teamwork guided by industry experts.
Student life
Moving to a new country is a major step. From student tutors and integration teams to events organized by Student Union Kaakko, we ensure you feel at home and supported throughout your journey in Finland.
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: