Master of Science in International Business and Trade
Summary
The master’s programme in International Business and Trade provides a distinctive combination of training and knowledge about the functioning of multinational companies—large and small—in the global economy. As a student of the programme, you will enhance your understanding of the geography, processes, and organization of international business and develop capabilities for sustainable and competitive managerial decision making.
About
Continuous globalization processes of domestic economies have led to a
situation where firms must face and comprehend the impact of global
production, innovation, and trade networks. Consequently, there is a
growing need for firms and managers to respond to increased
opportunities and complexities of greater and more relaxed movement of
capital, people, services, products, and knowledge as they are subject
to, and must understand, stakeholders at national and supranational
levels. This programme offers a unique cross-disciplinary outlook on
global business—international business and economic geography.
Programme structure and content
The programme contains eight core courses that provide in-depth knowledge about the following topics, among others:
- international business environment analysis
- the internationalization of small- and medium-sized firms
- international strategic management
- the globalization of innovation
- international business in Asian emerging markets
- managing and organizing multinational corporations
- research methods
You may choose four elective courses, some of which may be exchange study
courses. The elective courses can, for example, be within management,
marketing, innovation, finance, and logistics, and may vary from year to
year.
The final semester is devoted to your master’s thesis,
which is usually written in pairs. We particularly encourage you to
carry out your thesis work in close contact with multinational
corporations or international organizations.
Who should apply?
- Do you believe that skills to successfully make sustainable and
competitive managerial decisions on a global arena are important? - Do you want to learn how to navigate business processes and firms in international business environments?
- Are you interested in the economic geography of international business?
If you have a global outlook on your future career, then apply for the master’s programme in International Business and Trade.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
General entrance requirements: A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS credits) from an internationally recognized university and English 6/English B from Swedish upper secondary school or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test. For more information about general entrance requirements see www.universityadmissions.se (English) and www.antagning.se (Swedish). Programme specific entrance requirements: A) a minimum of 60 credits in Business Administration or B) a minimum of 30 credits in Business Administration and 30 credits in the subject areas of Economic Geography, Economics or Economic History. In addition to A and B, the applicant's university education must include at least 15 credits in Statistics or Research Methods, or 15 credits in a combination of both.
Selection
Applicants who meet the entrance requirements (general and programme specific) are divided into two groups. First, all places are allocated to applicants in group 1. If any places are left they are distributed to applicants in group 2. CV, recommendation letters and personal letters are not considered in the selection process. However, if you are applying for a scholarship submitting a CV and letter of motivation will increase your chances of being selected for a scholarship.
Group 1 (prioritized)
Group 1 is applicants with a GMAT/GRE* score. Applicants are ranked by their test result (GRE* score is transferred to a GMAT score). 350 is the minimum score required. Applicants with a lower score will be placed in selection group 2. It is not mandatory for applicants to send test result from GMAT/GRE*. However, applicants with test results are prioritized in the admission.
Group 2 (secondary)
Group 2 is applicants ranked by number of university credits (ECTS credits). Applicants are ranked by number of credits reported on the last day for application (max. 165 ECTS credits).
*NB! The GRE score is only accepted for the 2023 admission. As of the admission 2024 we will only accept the GMAT score.
After graduation
Graduates of the programme receive a degree of Master of Science in International Business and Trade.
After graduating from the International Business and Trade programme, you can
enter multinational corporations, international organizations, or
start-up companies in a variety of manufacturing and service industries.
A career at international organizations such as AB Volvo, Volvo Car
Group, SKF, Scania, or Business Sweden, is also usual for our graduates.
Our graduates have had the following first job titles:
- business and pricing analyst
- customer service manager
- purchaser
- area manager
- account manager
- sales and business developer
- management consultant
- management trainee.
More information about after graduation
Facilities
The School of Business, Economics and Law is located at one end of Vasagatan, closest to Haga, and at Viktoriagatan 13. The building at Vasagatan houses the Economics Library, which is several floors high and offers many study places. The building is usually nicknamed "Handels".
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
Many of our students choose to go on exchange. By studying abroad, you
will be given the opportunity to experience a new academic environment,
new culture and gain new experiences and perspectives. The School of
Business, Economics and Law and the University of Gothenburg collaborate
with a large number of partner universities all over the world. Please visit International
office for more information.
