International Business and Marketing - Master's Programme

Are you interested in the intricacies of international business? Are you curious about how customer-focused innovation and entrepreneurship lead to new business models and start-ups? Do you see the need for digital skills in working in either of these areas? Is sustainability in business important to you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the MSc in International Business and Marketing (“Siviløkonom”) program at NTNU in Ålesund may be for you.

On successful completion of the MSc the candidate will:

• Be able to analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations within the subject areas of the program and work both independently and in teams on practical and professional problem solving.
• Be able to use relevant methods in research and in the development of professional work.
• Be able to accomplish an independent, well-defined research and development project under guidance in accordance with professional codes of ethics and norms.
• Have developed skills in international business or innovation and marketing by working with practical applications.
• Be able to consider ways to influence positively a company’s scope of activity and performance.

On successful completion of the MSc the candidate will:

• Have advanced knowledge of economics and business administration and specialized insight into international business
• Have advanced knowledge of economics and business administration and specialized insight into marketing and innovation
• Have in-depth knowledge of scientific theories and methods that is relevant to the subjects of the master program.
• Be able to analyze professional problems based on the history, traditions, distinctive character, and position in society of the subject area.
• Be able to use the knowledge in new settings within the fields of economics and business administration.
• Have knowledge of digital technologies used in international business
• Understand concepts, principles, ideas and theories within sustainable business development

Are you interested in the intricacies of international business? Are you curious about how customer-focused innovation and entrepreneurship lead to new business models and start-ups? Do you see the need for digital skills in working in either of these areas? Is sustainability in business important to you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the MSc in International Business and Marketing (“Siviløkonom”) program at NTNU in Ålesund may be for you.

The MSc program in International Business and Marketing focuses on themes within international business, marketing, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and digitalization. The program also provides a foundation for work in other sectors. Compulsory courses (including the master’s thesis) amount to 67.5 ECTS credits for the core program and 30 ECTS for your chosen major. Elective courses and master thesis make up the remainder of the programs to complete the required 120 ECTS credits. Up to two elective courses may be chosen from outside the business management fields. English language is an integral part of the study as courses are taught entirely in English.

CORE PROGRAM COURSES

The first semester introduces you to core elements of the program through the introductory course in International Business and Marketing (AE511416) and International Business Strategy (AI521716). The latter course provides you with knowledge of international business strategy theories and models. You will also be introduced to Qualitative Research Methods (AM521917). These courses are general and provide you with a foundation upon which to pursue later courses and your chosen major. The remaining course in this semester is determined by your major (see below).

In the second semester, you will further build on your research skills in Quantitative Research Methods (AM521817). Here, you will learn to use quantitative methods to research business issues through more advanced statistical analyses using common statistical analysis and programming software. Experts in Teamwork (EiT) is an obligatory course for all study programs at the second degree (master's) level at NTNU. Courses in English at NTNU in Ålesund can be found here: . There are also many courses in English available at our other campuses, though you would be required to travel to take them. The remaining two courses in this semester are determined by your major (see below).

In the third semester, there is one required course determined by your major. Others are electives. These courses build on the courses you have taken in your first year and will help you prepare for you master's thesis to be completed in the fourth and final semester. The list of available electives may change from year to year, depending on interest and capacity.

MAJOR COURSES

In addition to core program courses, you will need to choose a major. We have two majors the reflect the strategic focus of the Department of International Business: International Business and Innovation and Marketing. You will need to take at least 4 courses (30 ECTS) from your chosen major. At least one course in your final semester must be taken from outside of your chosen major. You have the option to complete a minor, but this is not required.

Major in International Business:

The major in International Business provides you with deeper knowledge of the issues and challenges of international business through a quantitative focus. Required course in the first semester is Management Accounting (AE511516). This course provides you with knowledge and tools to analyze the costs and profitability in doing business internationally. In the second semester, you will take a course in International Financial Management (AE512317) that will help you gain sophisticated knowledge about international finance . The third specialization course is International organization and management (AL510311) – where you will delve into how firms design and adapt their strategies, structures, and leadership practices to operate effectively across borders, cultures, and institutional environments. In the third semester, you will take Global Sourcing and Supply Network Management (AM510512), which builds on knowledge gained in the previous semesters to give you even deeper understanding of the international business environment.

Major in Innovation and Marketing:

The major in Innovation and Marketing provides you with skills in customer-focused innovation and marketing. We take the view that innovation and marketing start with understanding customers preferences first and then designing the business and its activities accordingly. The required course in the first semester is Marketing Management (AI521516). This course focuses on analyzing and understanding customer preferences and the marketing plan given the digital environment that affects all businesses. In the second semester, you will take a course in Innovation Management and Intellectual Property Rights (AI521112). This course will give you knowledge regarding important themes, methods and challenges in innovation research and protection of intellectual property rights. These themes are important in relation to your master’s thesis. ESG in Business and Finance (AE512021), the third specialization course, will enable you to identify sustainability-related risks and opportunities and use them to shape innovative business models, products, and financial solutions that support the transition to a more sustainable economy. In the third semester, you will take AL530120 Leadership and Change Management, a course that prepares you to guide and support organizational transformation in response to evolving competitive, technological, and global trends.

MASTER’S THESIS

You will write a master’s thesis during your second year of the MSc program. This is your chance to shine by demonstrating the knowledge and competence you’ve gained throughout your two years of study. You will choose a topic early in the third semester and begin working on it; completing it in the fourth semester. The thesis should be clearly focused on research related to your chosen major, as it will build on knowledge and skills you obtained throughout the program. You will likely write your thesis along with another student under faculty supervision, though it is also possible to do this individually. You can choose a topic from a list provided by the Department of International Business or of your own choosing within your chosen field of study. The thesis must provide new knowledge and will document that you have gained sufficient competence in analyzing actual research problems.

Non-EU/non-EEA students: 1 December

EU/EEA students: 1 March

Norwegian/Nordic students: 15 April