Decisions and guidelines

The Master's Programme in Business and Management is offered with four specialisations:

• Entrepreneurship
• International Business
• Marketing
• Organisation

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is 90 credits in business studies.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries.

Aims

The Master's Programme in Business and Management is a two-year advanced-level education. The programme aims to equip students for managerial positions in private and public organisations, both nationally and internationally, or for an academic career. The programme is characterised by innovative thinking and progression, influenced by the research profile of the department. Upon completion of the programme, all students should possess the knowledge and skills necessary for managing business operations. Additionally, each student will have specialised expertise in one of the four specialisations offered within the programme.

With a strong research focus, the programme also aims to provide students with ample opportunities for in-depth study and specialisation in the field of business studies, also preparing the studentes for potential PhD studies in business studies.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

After participating in the programme, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in business studies by employing interdisciplinary insights within the field of business studies
• understand and apply the advanced knowledge gained within the chosen specialisation (Entrepreneurship, International Business, Marketing or Organisation)
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of scientific methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods within the field of business studies.

Skills and abilities

After participating in the programme, the student will be able to:

• independently, critically, and creatively identify, evaluate, and integrate information to analyse and provide solutions to complex problems and situations related to business studies, even with limited information
• independently, critically, and creatively identify and formulate problems, plan and use appropriate methods, perform qualified tasks within given time limits to contribute to knowledge development, and demonstrating adequate reflection as well as evaluation skills
• communicate in English (written and orally) on issues related to business studies with people within the business profession as well as with people without expertise in the area
• participate in research and development work, or independently work in other advanced contexts
• participate in and lead goal-oriented work within a project team, including collaborating with others, undertaking and managing various roles within a group, and planning and adhering to a coordinated schedule
• analyse, initiate and participate in change processes.

Judgement and approach

After participating in the programme, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate an ability to make judgements regarding scientific, social and ethical aspects, as well as an awareness of the ethical considerations inherent in research and development work
• demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of research, its societal role and the individual's responsibility for its application
• possess the ability to recognise the necessity for ongoing knowledge acquisition in the field and take responsibility for maintaining personal knowledge up to date.

Layout of the programme

All students in the Master's programme take courses totaling 120 credits courses of 120 credits (including a thesis of 30 credits). Within the chosen specialisation, students take courses totaling 52.5 credits (including a 30-credit thesis), along with common courses amounting to 37.5 credits. Additionally, students have an additional semester of 30 credits.

The common courses are relevant to the overall progression of the programme, as well as to the specialisations. While some course content is shared among all students, other parts are tailored to each of the four individual specialisations.

During the first and second semesters, students undertake mandatory courses common to all students, as well as courses specific to their chosen specialisation. In the third optional semester, students may choose to study abroad, engage in a one-semester internship, or pursue elective courses. The final, fourth semester is dedicated to thesis work, including seminars related to the thesis work.

The programme adheres to a fixed syllabus, requiring courses and semesters to be completed in a specified sequence.

Instruction

Progression within the Programme

During the programme, the student will acquire advanced knowledge in Entrepreneurship, International Business, Marketing or Organisation, complementing the knowledge gained at the Bachelor's level. Moreover, the student should gradually develop in-depth knowledge and advanced skills and training within the chosen specialisation. This knowledge will be acquired through independent studies, seminars, lectures, various forms of group assignments, and individual work.

Throughout the programme, the student should develop the ability to analyse, plan, execute, and report scientific work. Their capacity to analyse and apply theoretical knowledge in practice should continuously be developed. Increased autonomy is expected as students take greater responsibility for their own learning during the education. Training in collaboration as well as oral and written communication will deepen gradually. The student will also gain an advanced understanding of seminar and meeting culture. National as well as international contacts are encouraged. Various forms of examination will be used throughout the programme. In the final thesis project, the student will demonstrate their ability to integrate more advanced knowledge independently and reflectively.

Degree

The programme leads to a Master of Science in Business and Economics totaling 120 credits, with a minimum of 90 credits at an advanced level. Among these, at least 60 credits must be in Business Studies, which includes an independent project (thesis project) of at least 30 credits.

Alternatively, the programme can be completed with a Master of Science in Business and Economics, totaling 60 credits, with a minimum of 45 credits at an advanced level. Among these, at least 30 credits must be in Business Studies, including an independent project (thesis project) of at least 15 credits.

Other regulations

Students who do not hold a Bachelor's degree but have completed 150 credits and are registered for the remaining 30 credits can apply for the programme. The entry requirements must be fulfilled at the start of the semester.

Teaching is in English, so a very good knowledge of English is a prerequisite for benefiting from the programme.

Students who intend to obtain a one-year Master's degree (Master of Science in Business and Economics 60 credits) during the second semester of the programme, that is make a departure from the Master's programme, should choose the course Master's thesis (15 credits) when choosing courses for semester two

Transitional provisions

Students who began their studies in the Master's Programme in Business and Management before the autumn semester 2025 and who wish to resume their studies after a granted study break can complete their studies according to this syllabus.