MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Strategic Management in a Changing World

The MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Strategic Management in a Changing World program at Aalto University focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern strategic management in a rapidly changing global environment. This program is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of strategic decision-making, organizational behavior, and competitive advantage, all while considering the dynamic and interconnected nature of today’s business world. The program blends theoretical insights with practical applications, preparing graduates to lead organizations through transformational change and adapt to emerging global trends. By integrating global business perspectives, leadership strategies, and the management of change, students are well-prepared for leadership roles in various industries.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Strategic Management in a Changing World program emphasizes both the strategic aspects of business management and the broader business environment. Core courses cover a range of topics, including strategic decision-making, business ethics, competitive analysis, corporate governance, organizational behavior, and innovation management. The program includes specialized courses that explore leadership and entrepreneurship, strategic management in international contexts, and the challenges of managing digital transformation. Students have the flexibility to tailor their studies through elective courses, enabling them to focus on specific areas such as sustainability, corporate strategy, or global marketing. The program culminates in a master’s thesis, where students apply their learning to real-world strategic challenges, often collaborating with industry partners to solve complex organizational problems.

Research Focus: The MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Strategic Management in a Changing World program places a strong emphasis on research that explores contemporary challenges and opportunities in strategic management. Research topics include innovation strategies, digital transformation, strategic leadership, sustainable business models, and competitive advantage in a globalized economy. Aalto University encourages students to engage in research projects that contribute to the academic discourse and provide actionable insights for businesses. Students are supported in their research endeavors by world-class faculty members who are actively involved in strategic management research, and they have the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders to ensure that their work addresses practical business challenges.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key component of the MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Strategic Management in a Changing World program. Aalto University maintains strong connections with leading companies and organizations, offering students opportunities for internships, industry projects, and consulting assignments. Students collaborate with businesses on strategic challenges, gaining hands-on experience and insights into real-world applications of strategic management. The program’s close ties to the business community also provide students with access to a wide range of guest lectures, workshops, and networking events, where they can interact with industry professionals and leaders. This exposure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and excel in senior management roles.

Global Perspective: The MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Strategic Management in a Changing World program at Aalto University offers a global perspective on strategic management, providing students with the skills to navigate the complexities of international business environments. The program incorporates case studies from diverse geographical regions, explores global business trends, and examines the impact of globalization on corporate strategy. Students have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs with top universities worldwide, allowing them to gain firsthand experience of different cultural and business practices. This global outlook ensures that graduates are equipped to lead organizations in an interconnected world and address the challenges of managing cross-cultural teams, international markets, and global competition.

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 MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Strategic Management in a Changing World program from Aalto University are well-prepared for a wide range of leadership roles in both private and public sectors. The program's comprehensive curriculum, emphasizing strategic decision-making, organizational management, and global business practices, equips graduates with the skills to take on high-level positions in organizations across various industries.

Strategic Manager/Consultant: Graduates can work as strategic managers or consultants, helping organizations navigate competitive markets and develop long-term strategies for growth and success. They can work with top consulting firms or internal strategy teams within organizations to drive business performance and ensure sustained profitability.

Business Development Manager: With a strong foundation in strategic management, graduates can take on business development roles where they are responsible for identifying new business opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding market presence.

General Manager/Operations Manager: Graduates can pursue management positions, overseeing day-to-day operations of organizations, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring that business goals and strategies are aligned across departments.

Corporate Strategy Analyst: Graduates can work as corporate strategy analysts, providing insights and data-driven recommendations to senior management on how to improve corporate performance and manage risks.

Entrepreneur/Start-up Founder: Equipped with leadership and strategic management skills, graduates may decide to start their own businesses or take on entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging the knowledge gained during their studies to launch and grow successful companies.

Sustainability Manager: Many graduates opt to work in sustainability roles, driving strategic initiatives focused on corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and long-term ethical business practices.

Leadership Roles in Multinational Corporations: With a global perspective on business management, graduates can pursue leadership positions in multinational corporations, helping them expand into new markets, manage cross-cultural teams, and adapt to emerging global trends.

Innovation Manager: Innovation management is another key career path, where graduates can oversee the development and implementation of innovative strategies, products, or processes to drive competitive advantage in industries such as technology, manufacturing, or consumer goods.