Master of Science - Accounting
Aalto University’s Master of Science in Accounting program is de...
Master of Arts and Design - International Design Business Management
Aalto
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master of Arts and Design - International Design Business Management (IDBM) program at Aalto University is a multidisciplinary master's program that focuses on combining design, business, and technology to create innovative solutions for global markets. The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to lead and manage design-driven businesses in a rapidly changing and globalized economy. Students learn to integrate design thinking with business strategy, product development, and market implementation, positioning them to work at the intersection of creativity, business, and technology. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership roles in the international design industry, where they can drive innovation, manage design processes, and lead cross-functional teams.
Curriculum: The IDBM program offers a unique and comprehensive curriculum that integrates design, business, and technology. The program is project-based, focusing on real-world challenges faced by companies in the design business sector. The core courses cover topics such as design management, business strategy, marketing, entrepreneurship, user-centered design, innovation processes, and product development. Additionally, the program offers electives that allow students to specialize in areas such as service design, sustainable design, and digital transformation. Students also work on practical projects with industry partners, where they apply their knowledge to solve complex design business challenges. The curriculum encourages collaboration and teamwork, providing students with the opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The program is structured to include both individual and group work, including a final thesis project that tackles a current challenge in the design business world.
Research Focus: Aalto University places a strong emphasis on research in the field of design business management. The IDBM program is closely aligned with the university’s research strengths in design thinking, innovation, and business strategy. Research topics within the program focus on the intersection of design, business, and technology, with particular emphasis on how design can be used as a tool to foster innovation and create business value. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects and collaborate with faculty members on topics such as sustainable design practices, design-driven innovation, and the role of design in organizational change. The research conducted within the IDBM program is highly interdisciplinary, incorporating perspectives from design, business, and technology, and is aimed at generating insights that can shape the future of design management and business innovation.
Industry Engagement: One of the key features of the IDBM program at Aalto University is its strong industry engagement. The program is designed in collaboration with leading companies and organizations across various sectors, including design, technology, and business. Students have the opportunity to work on industry-sponsored projects, where they can apply their skills to real-world challenges faced by companies. These projects often involve close collaboration with professionals from different fields, allowing students to develop valuable industry connections and gain hands-on experience in managing design-driven innovation. Aalto University’s extensive network of industry partners provides students with exposure to a wide range of sectors, including product design, digital services, branding, and management consulting. Through internships, consulting projects, and industry events, students can gain a deeper understanding of the design business landscape and the skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Global Perspective: The IDBM program at Aalto University has a strong global perspective, as it is designed to prepare students for careers in international design business management. The program attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment. Aalto University also has strong international partnerships with universities, design firms, and business organizations globally, providing students with the opportunity to participate in exchange programs, joint research projects, and internships abroad. The global nature of the program ensures that students are exposed to different cultural approaches to design and business management, enabling them to work effectively in international and cross-cultural teams. Furthermore, the program covers global trends in design, innovation, and business, helping students understand the challenges and opportunities presented by global markets.
Location
Aalto
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 17000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.
Standardized Test Requirements:
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): Overall score of 315 or higher is required.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): Overall score of 600 or higher is required.
Aalto University in Finland offers a variety of scholarships to support international students who wish to study at one of the leading universities in Europe. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and help students focus on their studies while living in Finland.
Aalto University Tuition Fee Scholarships: Aalto University offers scholarships specifically for international students who are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarships cover either partial or full tuition fees for master’s degree students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarship amounts range from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the applicant’s academic achievements. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of the application and the applicant’s academic background.
Aalto University Scholarship for Living Expenses: While the primary focus of the scholarship program is to assist with tuition fees, some additional financial support is available for students to help cover living expenses. These scholarships are typically awarded to students who already receive a tuition fee scholarship but need further assistance to cover their living costs.
Graduates of the Master of Arts and Design - International Design Business Management program from Aalto University are well-prepared for leadership and management roles in the design, business, and technology sectors. This multidisciplinary program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to bridge the gap between creative design processes and business strategy, enabling students to drive innovation and manage design-driven companies.
Design Manager: Design managers lead teams of designers and are responsible for managing the overall design process within an organization. They ensure that the design vision aligns with business goals, manage budgets, and oversee the execution of design projects from concept to implementation. Graduates can take on leadership roles in design agencies, tech firms, and manufacturing companies.
Product Manager: Product managers oversee the development and lifecycle of products, from ideation to launch. They work closely with design, engineering, and marketing teams to ensure the product meets user needs and business objectives. Graduates can find roles in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and software development, where they can drive innovation and ensure that products meet market demands.
Innovation Manager: Innovation managers are responsible for leading innovation initiatives within organizations. They identify new business opportunities, create strategies for innovation, and manage the execution of new projects that leverage design thinking and emerging technologies. IDBM graduates with a strong understanding of design and business are well-suited for these roles in sectors such as tech, manufacturing, and services.
Business Development Manager: Business development managers focus on creating growth opportunities for companies. They identify new markets, partnerships, and product opportunities, working closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Graduates can take on roles in multinational companies, startups, and consulting firms where they can drive business expansion through innovative design solutions.
Service Designer: Service designers specialize in creating innovative and user-centric services that meet the needs of consumers. They apply design thinking methodologies to understand customer pain points and design services that improve user experience and operational efficiency. Graduates can work in various industries, including healthcare, finance, education, and hospitality.
Brand Strategist: Brand strategists focus on developing and maintaining a strong brand identity. They use design, marketing, and business strategy to shape how a company or product is perceived in the market. Graduates can work in advertising agencies, branding consultancies, or within corporate marketing departments, helping organizations strengthen their brand presence.
Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: With a strong foundation in both design and business, graduates can pursue entrepreneurship and launch their own startups. They can use their knowledge of design business management to create innovative products, services, or platforms that address gaps in the market. Graduates often start businesses in industries such as tech, design consulting, and digital services.
Consultant (Design & Business Strategy): Consultants advise companies on how to improve their design processes, business strategies, and innovation practices. IDBM graduates can work as consultants in global design agencies, management consulting firms, or as independent consultants, providing valuable insights to organizations looking to enhance their design-driven approach to business.
UX/UI Designer: Graduates can specialize in user experience (UX) or user interface (UI) design, focusing on creating intuitive and visually appealing digital interfaces. They work on improving the usability of websites, mobile apps, and other digital products to enhance customer satisfaction. These roles are in high demand within the tech, entertainment, and e-commerce sectors.
Digital Transformation Manager: As businesses undergo digital transformation, they need professionals who can integrate design, technology, and business strategies. Graduates can work in this role, helping companies implement new digital tools, processes, and services that leverage design thinking and innovation to improve business performance.
Creative Director: Creative directors are responsible for overseeing the creative direction of design projects and teams. They ensure that the design vision is executed effectively, aligning with brand and business objectives. IDBM graduates with a strong design and business acumen are well-suited for this leadership role in advertising agencies, design studios, and media organizations.
Sustainability Manager (Design Focus): Graduates can pursue roles that focus on integrating sustainability with design. These professionals manage the development of sustainable products, services, and business practices that minimize environmental impact. This role is becoming increasingly important in industries like fashion, automotive, and consumer goods.
Corporate Strategy Consultant: With a deep understanding of both business strategy and design innovation, graduates can work as corporate strategy consultants, advising companies on how to align design thinking with their long-term business goals. They focus on enhancing operational efficiency and creating innovative strategies that drive growth.
Academic/Researcher in Design Business Management: Graduates can also pursue careers in academia or research, focusing on areas such as design management, innovation, and business strategy. This path can lead to positions at universities, research institutions, or think tanks, where they contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field.
Corporate Communication Manager: Corporate communication managers oversee how a company communicates with its stakeholders, including customers, investors, and the public. They are responsible for shaping the organization’s messaging and ensuring consistency across all communication channels. IDBM graduates are well-prepared for these roles, leveraging design and branding strategies to communicate the company’s vision effectively.
