MSc in International Business and Marketing

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. Businesses are increasingly looking for employees that can work in a multicultural environment, are able to innovate, are comfortable working with technology and the digital world, and have a concern for sustainability. This MSc focuses on precisely these competencies within the context of the Scandinavian management model, with its focus on inclusion, respect for the individual, trust, and empowerment at all levels. Furthermore, the surroundings provide the perfect environment to learn. You will be studying business among the stunning mountains and fjords of western Norway. And did we mention that tuition is free?

Businesses are increasingly looking for employees that can work in a multicultural environment, are able to innovate, are comfortable working with technology and the digital world, and have a concern for sustainability. This MSc focuses on precisely these competencies, with the addition of sustainability, digitalization, and innovation being defined as cross-departmental themes at NTNU in Ålesund.

Norwegian industry is highly internationalized, particularly the industry of Mid-Western Norway. Given the relatively small size of local markets and available resources, many businesses within this region compete heavily in international contexts. Møre and Romsdal county is one of the largest exporting counties in Norway measured excluding petroleum-based products (the “traditional” sector) and is the leading Norwegian region for industries involved in fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, and seafood sales. The marine industrial sector is therefore of great importance and contributes to securing the regional population and industrial development. The maritime cluster (ship design, shipyards, component supplier, related IT, etc.) is concentrated in this region, thus representing a national center of industrial importance. The maritime industry represents 25% of the value creation in Møre and Romsdal with most of the business located in the Sunnmøre region of which Ålesund is the city center. Furthermore, an industrial cluster of furniture producers is also located in the fjord regions of Sunnmøre, where almost half of the Norwegian furniture industry is located. Naturally, innovation and entrepreneurship are also integral aspects of the business culture here as the region is known for entrepreneurial activity. These geographical and cultural aspects permeate the MSc in International Business and Marketing (“Siviløkonom”) program at NTNU in Ålesund.

Furthermore, NTNU has a main profile in science and technology and is the leading school teaching technology in Norway. Cooperation between departments at NTNU in Ålesund allows you to take technology courses not available at many other schools. You can also learn about sustainability from active researchers focusing on issues of how to incorporate sustainable practices into business models. The UN’s sustainability goals are changing society and working life. Through our close collaboration with industry in the region, research, and innovation, we seek to create new, smart, technology-based, green, and profitable solutions for business and society.

In short, the MSc program seeks to combine theory with practical insight into the industry, thus you as a student to develop a holistic view of business and innovation and to actively participate in cross-functional teams in globalized organizations. This is achieved through the proximity of industry to the university and the networks that have been established over time.

The Master of Science program in International Business and Marketing/"Siviløkonom" is a two-year program, which awards a total of 120 ECTS credits, 30 credits per term over four terms.

You can choose between two majors:

• International Business
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The information below is valid for the academic year 2020-2021.

Core program courses

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. Language is an integral part of the study as courses are taught entirely in English.

The first semester introduces you to core elements of the program through courses in international business, philosophical issues in business-related research, and the theories behind business economics as well as other introductory courses that provide you with a foundation upon which to pursue later courses and your chosen major.

In the second semester, you will further build on business research started in the first semester learning about quantitative methods to research business issues. You will also take other courses related to your major. Students are also required to take a course called Experts in Teamwork to develop better teamwork skills, an important ability for business managers to master. This course provides an excellent opportunity to lift your focus and enjoy learning about a topic of interest to you, as the course is actually a collection of different courses you can choose between that differ on focus but teach the same teamwork skills. 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: https://www.ntnu.edu/eit/villages#alesund. There are also many courses in English available at our other campuses, though you would be required to travel to take them.

Most courses are electives in the third semester. However, you will need to choose at least one course from provided options to complete your major. These courses build on the courses you have taken in your first year and will help you prepare for your 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 Entrepreneurship. You will need to take at least 4 courses (30 ECTS) from your chosen major.

• Major in International Business: The major in International Business provides you with a deeper knowledge of the issues and challenges of international business through a quantitative focus.
• Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides you with skills importance in customer-focused innovation and entrepreneurship. Innovation, entrepreneurship, and marketing are tightly related. We take the view that innovation and entrepreneurship start with understanding customers' preferences first and then designing the business and its activities accordingly.

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 be 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.

Learning outcome - Knowledge

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, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• 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.

Learning outcome - Skills

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 independently 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 entrepreneurship by working with practical applications.
• Be able to consider ways to influence positively a company’s scope of activity and performance.

Learning outcome - General competence

On successful completion of the MSc the candidate will:

• Be able to apply knowledge and skills in new fields.
• Be able to impart knowledge about comprehensive, independent reports and have a complete command of the technical terms of the subjects in the program.
• Be able to communicate professional problems, analyses, and conclusions to specialists as well as to the general public.
• Be able to indicate problem issues within international business and/or innovation and entrepreneurship, analyze these issues, draw conclusions, and disseminate findings in academia and business.
• Be able to contribute to comprehensive new thinking as well as to innovation processes.

The program provides opportunities for careers in international business, marketing, innovation, and entrepreneurship. You will develop expertise that allows you to choose to work in Norway or abroad, with highly attractive competence, including an understanding of international business, marketing, innovation, sustainability, digital skills, and how to work effectively in teams. You can work at different levels in an organization including corporate management. The program accordingly opens up different career paths.

You may work with the management and management of companies and organizations. With a Master of Science in International Business and Marketing, you have a broad educational background in economics and administrative disciplines. This enables you to work within many different parts of an organization, within different functions and work areas. Very many civil economists work as a top or middle managers in the businesses they are employed in.

• administration and management
• financing of companies/businesses
• economic analysis; accounting, budget, and forecast work
• socioeconomic analysis
• project management
• audit, purchasing, and logistics
• marketing, PR, and communication
• HR / HR external consultancy

You may also be involved in teaching and research.