International Business Management
Master´s Degree Programme
The Master’s Degree Programme in Business Administration aims to strengthen your professional competence, providing you with skills to cope in demanding development, management and expert positions.
Master School boosts your professional competence and connects you with a vast network of professionals from different fields of study and business.
Apply
Rolling Admission 15.5.-31.8.2025
Joint Application 1.9.-11.9.2025
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
Part-time studies
Kouvola
Degree titles
- Master of Business Administration
Take your career to the next level
The International Business Management (IBM) studies focus on the aspects of international business which are of vital importance for the international strategic management and growth of companies. Xamk offers students the possibility to complete exchange studies in numerous partner institutions.
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
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.
Master´s thesis (30 ECTS credits)
The master’s thesis is an important part of your studies. Its topic should aim at developing your own work or the performance of a work community. In the thesis study, 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 as commissioned by one of the degree programme partners.
The master’s thesis is commissioned by an organization that you will find by yourself. The goal of the thesis project is to improve the organization’s business through research.
Student stories
A new adventure of life!
Employers value international degree certificates!
Just do it, the perfect timing doesn´t exist!
Study while working!
You can study either on-line or on campus where the premises are especially designed to promote learning, or you may complete your studies in various companies and organizations and benefit from the cooperation between students, teachers and company representatives. The latter way of learning provides you with an insight into the world of work and the possibilities available around you.
The on-campus classes are mandatory.
Implementation of studies
The degree programme is organised on the basis of blended studies involving a great deal of project work, teamwork and independent study. All courses are instructed in English and carried out through blended learning methods, including lectures, online studies and project-based tasks.
On average, there are three days of on-campus studies per month. Most of the studies are completed online individually or in small groups. In this respect, students are supported by online study counseling. The on-campus classes are normally during the weekdays, typically on Thursdays and Fridays and mainly on Kouvola Campus. The studies can be completed approximately within two years.
All courses, irrespective of their implementation method, use the instruments of e-Campus (e.g. virtual learning environment Learn), which facilitates group work and document sharing. In addition, various e-materials, special systems and digital environments such as e-books, databases, office tools, financial management systems, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems, business games and research work programs are widely available. Network tools, student intranet (Student) and social media channels are used to enhance communication and cooperation.
The language of instruction is English. The tuition, assignments, exams and master’s thesis writing process are instructed, conducted and completed in English.
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.
Get to know us and what we stand for!
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: