The Master's Degree Programme in International Business focuses on the identification and management of challenges arising from planning, controlling and coordinating business operations on an international scale. Based both on the required competencies of international managers as well as core areas of research within the University of Vaasa, the teaching on the programme centres around current theory and practice in three key areas of international business - international strategic management, international marketing management and international human resource management.
Studies in International Strategic Management will create a basis for understanding and analysing the strategic decisions of multinational firms. Students will come to understand the international strategic planning process, learn to develop and manage internationalization strategies and be able to select appropriate international business operation modes.
International Marketing Management studies will help students to plan and manage international marketing strategies and business networks across borders. More specifically, students will able to design and manage the international marketing strategies of firms at different phases of foreign market expansion, learn to establish and manage business networks and customer relationships, and gain knowledge of how to communicate and negotiate in cross-cultural settings.
International Human Resource Management modules introduce students to the challenges presented in managing an international and diverse workforce. Students will understand the role of the human resource management function within multinational firms, acquire knowledge on how to develop global leadership, how to manage international teams and projects, and discover how to shape their own global careers.
Besides these three key areas of international business, the programme offers students several area-focused courses which prepare students to do business in specific parts of world, as well as electives that allow students to deepen their knowledge in other areas of international business.
The programme prepares students for careers in internationalising and already multinational firms, whether this is work in international positions, different kinds of international assignments, or involvement in international projects and teams. In addition, the programme offers a good foundation for working in internationally-oriented governmental organisations or in research- and teaching-related positions. The programme also prepares students for an academic career and provides eligibility for further studies.
The programme supports and guides students in developing a range of key skills that they can take with them into their future careers. The key skills fall under four skill categories: 1) academic skills, 2) self-management skills, 3) communications skills and 4) interpersonal skills. Through the use of personal skill development plans that are discussed with programme tutors, students are encouraged to develop their key skills via both curricular and non-curricular activities and to take responsibility for their own personal and professional development.
The programme also seeks to instil the following attitudes in its students:
Global mindset (attitude towards the world): Openness to and awareness of the ‘big picture' and changes in the global business environment, whilst understanding the need to strike a balance between strategic integration and responsiveness to local markets
Customer orientation (attitude towards customers): Understanding the importance of customer relationships and a service mentality
Valuing diversity (attitude towards others): Respect for the talents and beliefs of others regardless of background
Integrity & responsibility (attitude towards society and the environment): Honesty, strong moral principles, and an awareness of how business can impact society and the environment.
Application requirements
Applicants should have a university level Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field (e.g. marketing, management) before applying. Please see the basic application requirements. The annual application period is 1 January – 28 February.
