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Master's Programme in Business Development and Internationalisation 120 credits

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Image: Malin Grönborg

About the programme

The programme is designed to prepare you to develop capabilities and skills to act on business and societal opportunities, needs and challenges, and develop successful businesses and innovations in a global and changing business environment. The programme provides deepened theoretical and practical knowledge about strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, networking, and business growth and systematically incorporates sustainability and internationalisation aspects.

While studying

During the first year the focus is on developing the knowledge about strategy, entrepreneurship, networking, and international growth in established and new businesses. You will work strategically with businesses which requires you to act based on your assembled knowledge and take part in developing a business idea, for example by developing a business plan for a start-up, or a new venture within an established organization. You have, for example, the possibility to broaden the knowledge on innovation or do an internship through your choice of elective courses.

During the second year you will learn about the latest trends and global challenges and the effects of those on businesses and societies at large. In relation to this, front-line research in business administration, including entrepreneurship- and innovation research, is discussed. Our method course prepares you for writing business development-thesis in the fourth semester but the third semester is also good for studying abroad. Writing the thesis will, amongst other things, develop your writing and analysis and research skills.

Co-operation with the business community

Besides several guest lectures and experts participating in business panels, firms participate to a large extent during the fourth module on the first semester. In this module you work with “live-cases” – real business development challenges that participating firms have. You will carry out a longer project and present the solution via a professional presentation. Firms also participate in several other courses provided during the second and third semester. In Innovation Management, a "hackathon" is conducted with participating firms and in New Venture Creation firms and organizations also partake. They present the challenges they currently face and together with student groups work on potential solutions.

As a student, you can engage in extracurricular activities outside of your courses, such as workshops organised by the Umeå University's innovation system.

There are also opportunities to apply for participation in activities organised by international networks, such as the DHL GoTrade GBSN Fellowship.

About our research

At the entrepreneurship section, we do research on entrepreneurship and innovation with various focuses such as cooperation and competition, environmental sustainability, social innovation and ecopreneurship, and configuration of (support) systems for new venture creation and corporate innovation. With this research, we contribute to contemporary questions of how entrepreneurs and firms work with each other and actors from other sectors to create innovation, and how these efforts are increasingly related to sustainability.”

Read more about some of our researchers teaching in business development and internationalisation

Courses

Semester 1

Strategic Business Development 30 credits.

Semester 2

Alternative A: Elective courses 30 cr*. Alternative B: Elective courses 15 credits. and Master's Thesis in Business Administration I 15 credits.

Semester 3

Current trends and a minor in Accounting/Finance/Marketing/Management 30 credits*.

Semester 4

Alternative A: Master's Thesis in Business Administration III 30 credits. Alternative B: Elective course 15 credits. and Master's Thesis in Business Administration II 15 credits.

Recommended tracks

*You have great freedom of choice in creating your own education, but we recommend three tracks for the compulsory courses in combination with the elective courses during the second and third semesters:

Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation track

Entrepreneurship and Finance track

Innovation and Market Analysis track

 

Programme coordinator is Jessica Eriksson.

Applies to all 120 credit Master's Programmes in business administration subjects

We integrate competencies in our programmes

In our programmes and courses we focus on competencies that are needed for your future professional life.

Read more about integrated competencies

Internship

You have the opportunity to do an internship for ten weeks in Sweden or abroad. This possibility is only available at a few business schools in the country. The internship gives you a good opportunity to put theoretical knowledge and experience into practice and show off your skills to potential employers. You will arrange your internship yourself in a company you find interesting. This way you are able to find an internship position that meets your expectations and provides more opportunities for you to use the internship as an entry to the labour market.

Studies abroad

Studying abroad is not only fun and challenging for you as a student but also a welcomed experience with future employers. Internationalization is an important area for us and we are working continuously to offer you as a student many opportunities for an adventure in Europe or further away on another continent. In our programmes you therefore have the opportunity for studies abroad for a semester or two.

We have about 60 partner universities, mainly in Europe, but also in Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and China - all of them selected especially for our students. Students who would like to study farther away can avail themselves of Umeå University's university-wide agreements in North America, Oceania, and Asia.

Read more about studies abroad

Sustainability perspective all the more important

Sustainability get a whole lot bigger attention in today's firms and organizations and we lifted these questions up early in our educational programmes. Together with our students are we working for a more sustainable business school and to revise the courses to improve the education about, and for, sustainable development at the program. Our work on sustainability takes as a starting point the 17 sustainable development goals and Agenda 2030.

We are certified by the environmental management system ISO 14001 and we are members of the international networks GBSN, PRME and SDSN.

Read more about our work on sustainability

Academic quality, international recognition, and education with purpose

At Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, your master’s studies are part of something larger – a commitment to academic excellence, societal relevance, and sustainable development. Our quality assurance system, grounded in both Swedish national standards and leading international frameworks, ensures continuous improvement of our programmes. We are accredited by AACSB, one of the world’s most respected accreditations for business schools.

Through student-centred learning, active collaboration with business and society, and an integrated sustainability perspective, you will develop the skills and insights needed to lead change and contribute to a better future.

Corporate connections

The business school collaborates in many different ways with companies and organizations. For example internships, guest lectures, company visits, guest lectures, essay assignments and cases from companies.

As a student you might perhaps do an internship with one of our corporate partners. Professionals outside the university are invited as guest lecturers and teachers. Our researchers will in turn contribute with new knowledge to society. A group of advisors consisting of corporate and community representatives are also linked to the business school and they contribute with their knowledge and experience.

Continued studies

You are eligible for doctoral studies after the two years programme with a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits). You are also eligible for doctoral studies if you chose to end the programme already after one year with a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

 

Show programme syllabus

Future and career opportunities

Graduates from this programme are equipped to pursue careers in managing business development, lead innovation and/or strategic change processes, within established organizations as well as start-ups. The international character of the programme supports career abroad. The programme gives you eligibility to apply for doctoral positions.

Apply

  • Autumn 2025

    • Master's Programme in Business Development and Internationalisation

      International admissions round

      Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site

      Show more Show less

      Start

      Autumn Term 2025

      Number of credits

      120 credits

      Type of studies

      On site

      Study pace

      100%

      Length

      2 years

      Study location

      Umeå

      Language

      English

      Application code

      UMU-M2000

      Eligibility A bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS, or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university, of which 60 ECTS in Business Administration. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/B is required. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
      Selection

      Selection is based on GMAT and academic credits in this order. The selection of applicants is done in the following order: 1. Test results from GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). Percent of testresults is the applicants meritrating. 2. Academic credits by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS). For GMAT scores must be submitted directly to Umeå University. For GMAT you need to indicate Umeå University when registering for the test. You can in addition upload the test results in universityadmissions.se
      Degree

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science is, Ekonomie magisterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Business Administration with a specialisation in Business Development and Internationalisation.

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science is, Ekonomie masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Business Administration with a specialisation in Business Development and Internationalisation.
      Application

      Application deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.

      Application and tuition fees

      As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

      Application fee: SEK 900

      Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300

      Total fee: SEK 193,200

      Details about tuition, fees and funding

       

    • Master's Programme in Business Development and Internationalisation

      Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens

      Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site

      Show more Show less

      Start

      Autumn Term 2025

      Number of credits

      120 credits

      Type of studies

      On site

      Study pace

      100%

      Length

      2 years

      Study location

      Umeå

      Language

      English

      Application code

      UMU-P2000

      Eligibility A bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS, or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university, of which 60 ECTS in Business Administration. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/B is required. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
      Selection

      Selection is based on GMAT and academic credits in this order. The selection of applicants is done in the following order: 1. Test results from GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). Percent of testresults is the applicants meritrating. 2. Academic credits by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS). For GMAT scores must be submitted directly to Umeå University. For GMAT you need to indicate Umeå University when registering for the test. You can in addition upload the test results in universityadmissions.se
      Degree

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science is, Ekonomie magisterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Business Administration with a specialisation in Business Development and Internationalisation.

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science is, Ekonomie masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Business Administration with a specialisation in Business Development and Internationalisation.
      Application

      Application deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.

      Application and tuition fees

      As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

      Application fee: SEK 900

      Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300

      Total fee: SEK 193,200

      Details about tuition, fees and funding

       

  • Autumn 2026

    • Master's Programme in Business Development and Internationalisation

      International admissions round

      Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site

      Application opens 16 October 2025
      Save education at universityadmissions.se

      Show more Show less

      Start

      Autumn Term 2026

      Number of credits

      120 credits

      Type of studies

      On site

      Study pace

      100%

      Length

      2 years

      Study location

      Umeå

      Language

      English

      Application code

      UMU-M2000

      Eligibility A bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS, or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university, of which 60 ECTS in Business Administration. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/B is required. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
      Selection

      Selection is based on GMAT and academic credits in this order. The selection of applicants is done in the following order: 1. Test results from GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). Percent of testresults is the applicants meritrating. 2. Academic credits by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS). For GMAT scores must be submitted directly to Umeå University. For GMAT you need to indicate Umeå University when registering for the test. You can in addition upload the test results in universityadmissions.se
      Degree

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science is, Ekonomie magisterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Business Administration with a specialisation in Business Development and Internationalisation.

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science is, Ekonomie masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Business Administration with a specialisation in Business Development and Internationalisation.
      Application

      The online application opens 16 October 2025 at 13:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 January 2026.

      Application and tuition fees

      As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

      Application fee: SEK 900

      Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300

      Total fee: SEK 193,200

      Details about tuition, fees and funding

       

    • Master's Programme in Business Development and Internationalisation

      Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens

      Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site

      Application opens 16 March 2026
      Save education at universityadmissions.se

      Show more Show less

      Start

      Autumn Term 2026

      Number of credits

      120 credits

      Type of studies

      On site

      Study pace

      100%

      Length

      2 years

      Study location

      Umeå

      Language

      English

      Application code

      UMU-P2000

      Eligibility A bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS, or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university, of which 60 ECTS in Business Administration. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/B is required. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
      Selection

      Selection is based on GMAT and academic credits in this order. The selection of applicants is done in the following order: 1. Test results from GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). Percent of testresults is the applicants meritrating. 2. Academic credits by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS). For GMAT scores must be submitted directly to Umeå University. For GMAT you need to indicate Umeå University when registering for the test. You can in addition upload the test results in universityadmissions.se
      Degree

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science is, Ekonomie magisterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Business Administration with a specialisation in Business Development and Internationalisation.

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science is, Ekonomie masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of Business Administration with a specialisation in Business Development and Internationalisation.
      Application

      The online application opens 16 March 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.

      Application and tuition fees

      As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

      Application fee: SEK 900

      Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300

      Total fee: SEK 193,200

      Details about tuition, fees and funding

       

How to apply

Apply online via universityadmissions.se  
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results. 
  
Late applications 
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed. 
 
More about application and admission 

Film about the programme

Student Voices on the Master's Programmes

Hear from students who share their experiences of studying at an advanced level at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics.

Voices about the programme

Frequently asked questions

What are the language skills required?

Students are required to have proficiency in English equivalent to English course B/6 from Swedish upper-secondary school (high school). Proficiency in English can be proven by test scores from a number of internationally recognised tests.

Read more about language and entry requirements

What selection criteria are used?

The first selection criterion is the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) result. You need to indicate Umeå University to mba.com and also upload a copy of the results to universityadmissions.se. If you have no GMAT result, you are still eligible to apply for the programme but will be ranked after applicants with a GMAT result and according to the number of academic credits you have.

Register for a GMAT

Are there any tuition fees?

Citizens outside of EU/EEA and Switzerland will have to pay application fee and tuition fee.

Read more about tuition fees

Can I get any scholarships?

Yes, some scholarships are offered by the Swedish Institute and some by Umeå University.

Read more about scholarships

Do I need to send in CV, Motivation letter or Recommendation letters?

No, none of those documents are required. If you submit them anyway they will not be considered.

Which electives are offered for the second semester at the programme?

During the elective semester, you can study any subject at any level as long as it is university level courses. You also have to meet the eligibility requirements of the course.

You are however only guaranteed a place at courses given full-time on campus in the following subjects: business administration, economics, statistics, law and economic history.

Programmes and courses at the Department of Business Administration

All courses available in English at Umeå University

Check the type of studies (full-time for a guaranteed place) and eligibility requirements.

Research excellence at Umeå University

Be a part of a world-class environment for teaching and research – where the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 geneediting began, and where innovation continues to shape the future.

Questions about the programme?

Please be aware that the University is a public authority and that what you write here can be included in an official document. Therefore, be careful if you are writing about sensitive or personal matters in this contact form. If you have such an enquiry, please call us instead. All data will be treated in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation.

Please be aware that the University is a public authority and that what you write here can be included in an official document. Therefore, be careful if you are writing about sensitive or personal matters in this contact form. If you have such an enquiry, please call us instead. All data will be treated in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation.

Programme is given by
Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE)
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