Decisions and guidelines

The programme is primarily aimed for students wanting to work internationally in companies, intergovernmental organisations and non-profit organisations. However, the programme also conveys knowledge and skills that are valuable to the self-employed and entrepreneurs who have their sights set on a regional or global market. Within the programme management is studied from a broad perspective with particular emphasis on critical perspectives on organisations and markets. Focus is on how organisations and markets can be managed and controlled in a sustainable manner, both from regional and global perspectives.

The programme provides a broad knowledge and includes fields such as small businesses in a global perspective as well as the organisation of financial markets . After a Masters Degree in Sustainable Management the student will have specific knowledge of how businesses can work for both sustainability and growth in a regional context and of how regions can be competitive globally while promoting a sustainable society.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits with at least 90 credits in business studies including an independently written academic work of at least 15 credits. If this is not apparent from the transcript, a statement from the university must be submitted with the application regarding the independently written academic work of at least 8000 words, in what course this is included, and a summary of one page in Swedish or English.

Proficiency in English. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Aims

The Master programme in Sustainable Management is a one-year programme (60 credits) that integrate several fields of study. The purpose of the programme is to train students into responsible citizens who can work in senior positions in both the private and public sectors.

The programme has a particular focus on sustainability and responsibility in private and public organisations: nationally, regionally and on transnational levels. The programme contributes to regional development projects in the Baltic Sea Region.

Learning outcomes

Goals as expected outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

After completing the program, students should

• demonstrate an operational breadth of knowledge by using knowledge from different areas of business management
• have knowledge of the importance of accountability and sustainability for corporate and other organisations' management and long-term development.
• have the knowledge and understanding that makes it possible to operate in international companies and organisations in an adequate manner.
• have insight into current research and development in the field the programme concerns.
• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the application of different qualitative and quantitative methods of importance in business administration

Skills and abilities

After completing the program students should be able to

• independently seek, critically evaluate and integrate information to analyse and propose solutions to and participate in problem solving on complex issues in the areas of sustainability and accountability across and within national boarders.
• critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate issues relevant to the area the programme concerns within a set timeframe.
• participate in research and development work or through independent work contribute to a qualified knowledge development.
• demonstrate skills in the business area to make judgements with respect to scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development.
• both orally and in writing communicate in English, in the areas the programme concerns, with different groups and be able to clearly explain both the conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that form the basis for these conclusions.
• collaborate with other people in real problem-solving situations, in an international and multicultural context.

Judgement and approach

After completing the program students should be able to

• demonstrate an awareness of social and ethical issues relevant within the field.
• distinguish between research, established practices and personal values within the area the programme concerns.
• have an insight into the possibilities and limitations of science as well as individuals responsibility for its use in different contexts.
• demonstrate an ability to identify the need of more knowledge and to take responsibility for their own knowledge development.

Layout of the programme

All courses within the programme are compulsory and common to all students. Global and regional issues are studied from both a small business, organisation and market perspective. Philosophy of science and methodology will also be studied and during the second term the students will write a thesis.

The language of instruction is English. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite.

The programme has a set curriculum, which means that the courses should be studied in a set order.

Instruction

LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION - an educational model

The programme is based on a pedagogy inspired by Humboldt's educational ideals and the educational model "Liberal Arts Education". This means for example that the programme is carried out in close cooperation with the community on Gotland. This cooperation is mainly with companies operating in the tourism sector on the island of Gotland, as well as local and governmental organisations that aim to develop globally competitive regions.

Another aspect of Liberal Education is that the student groups are small and the level of commitment of both teachers and students is high. The courses are formed with the individual students in focus, aiming to make the students feel that they are not just "one in the crowd". Thirdly, the educational model aims to bring perspectives from other disciplines into the courses; for example, art history, biology, political science, economic history and cultural geography.

Knowledge is acquired through independent study, seminars and lectures. Students will work in groups as well as individually.

The student should during training acquire an enhanced scientific approach, such as the ability to plan, conduct, analyse and present scientific data. The student's ability to analyse and apply theoretical knowledge will be continuously developed.

Increased autonomy will be obtained as the student gradually will take greater responsibility for his/her own learning during the course of the programme. Training in both cooperation and oral and written communication and seminar / meeting culture will be deepened and both national and international contacts encouraged.

Students present their knowledge and skills through various forms of examination. In the final thesis the student will demonstrate that he/she has achieved the goal of integrating advanced skills in an autonomous manner.

Degree

Upon completion of the program the student will be awarded a Degree of Master in Business and Economics, 60 credits, with a major in Business Studies.

Other directives

Students at the National three-year Bachelor programmes can when they have reached 150 credits, apply for this Master's programme at the advanced level. However, the eligibility requirements must be met at the time of registration.