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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes International Business and Management
Header image International Business and Management

International Business and Management

Study international business and management in Groningen to learn about how companies operate in multiple countries and how a manager copes with different business cultures.

How can internationalization strategies take into account national differences in legal, political and economic systems and cultures? How can multinationals contribute to sustainable development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals? In today's interconnected world, it is crucial to develop the ability to think and work across borders and understand the key concepts related to international and sustainable business. In the MSc International Business and Management (IB&M), you get to delve deep into the world of cultural diversity, learn to recognize cultural differences and how to manage them in a business setting. What’s unique about our programme is that you have the freedom to shape your own learning journey!

  • Dreaming of becoming a responsible leader and making a positive impact in business practice? Our courses on sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility will guide you to become a socially conscious manager. Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as your compass, you will explore crucial aspects of sustainable development, from biodiversity to climate change, poverty, inequality, and human rights.
  • For those fascinated by the impact of international trends on the organizational structure of companies and what knowledge you need to develop effective international business strategies, this route is just for you. You can gain insights into effective international strategies in fast-changing and uncertain international contexts, preparing you for the dynamic global business landscape, and dealing with the impact of international environments on the strategy and organisation of international business.

Throughout the MSc IBM, we foster an open-minded approach to global management challenges, empowering you to sharpen your analytical and problem-solving skills. The programme further offers the opportunity to focus on either the Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area or the Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area . You will dive into the latest theories and explore how they relate to pressing societal issues, such as sustainability and digital transformation, setting you on the path to a rewarding career as a CSR consultant, export manager, or international product manager.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in International Business and Management
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60649
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business
AACSB accredited

New from September 2024

You will have the opportunity to do an exchange semester at one of our partner universities - Newcastle University. This programme option is under development and more information will be available on this page.

Read more
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • International Business and Management (IB&M) offers an academic and analytical approach to solving real-world problems in international management. It provides a multidisciplinary perspective on multinational business activity and managing across borders. This prepares you to become a leader who thrives in diverse environments, drives sustainable development, and embraces the ever-evolving global business world.
  • Together with students from more than many different nationalities (around 30% international students), you will get to learn about your own culture and appreciate and learn about others.
  • We make sure that you put into practice what you study. In Groningen, you will find yourself surrounded by students from all around the world. In the master, you will get accustomed to working in an international environment. For example, in the course Managing Cultural Differences, you will learn to work in a real-world virtual, multinational team. This unique experiential exercise requires you to work with students from overseas universities over several weeks to solve a real-world strategic issue faced by a company and give them advice. This is a good example of how you can put theory into practice and learn first-hand about cross-cultural competencies.
  • The content of the programme is continuously being evaluated and improved to reflect the challenges and opportunities of today's society. This is done in consultation with students, lecturers and the business community, for instance through the Advisory Board. Directors and managers from Akzo Nobel, Heineken, ASM, VimpelCom, Nike and Skyteam are, or have been, represented on the Advisory Board.
  • Unlike other management programmes in English, we focus primarily on international management and the specific theories and research behind it. Our courses focus on specific elements of international management, such as international business models, international strategy, emerging markets, foreign entry strategies, sustainable global value chains and corporate governance.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

In the first semester, you will take four compulsory courses and add electives that match your interest. In the course Managing Cultural Differences, you will study theoretical frameworks to understand cultural differences and solve a real-world assignment from a company in an international, virtual team.

The International Business Strategy course is dedicated to offering in-depth knowledge about how to formulate international effective strategies from both the strategic management and financial management perspective. In the course, Multinationals and CSR you will reflect on the strategic dilemmas multinational enterprises face when it comes to dealing with corporate social responsibility demands internationally. The Research Seminar will effectively prepare you for writing your Master's thesis.
Throughout the year, you can take electives related to international business, covering sustainability, global value chains, emerging markets, foreign entry strategies and international corporate governance. You can also choose courses from other Master's programmes. In most courses, you will practice professional and research skills through, for example, research reports, business cases and presentations. Guest speakers are also being invited to your classes.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
International Business Strategy (MSc) (5 EC)
Managing Cultural Differences (5 EC)
MSc IB&M Electives A (10 EC)

A few examples are: Emerging Markets (MSc); Foreign Market Entry Strategies; Sustainability in Business and Economics; Comparative Corporate Governance; International Business Models in a Changing World; Sustainability in Global Value Chains. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

MSc IB&M Electives B (10 EC)

A few examples are: Business Ethics; International Banking and Finance; Data-driven Business Processes; Sustainable Finance; Energy Transition & Innovation; Marketing Communication; Regulating Energy Markets; Strategic Supply Chain Management. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Multinationals and CSR (5 EC)
Research Seminar for IB&M (5 EC)
Master's Thesis IB&M (20 EC)
Programme options
Double Degree Master International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization)

Are you interested in an international career in or involving China?

Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture.

More information about this option

Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the sustainable developments in our current society by the increasing influence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The upcoming impact of the SDGs force companies to redefine their purpose and seek a path for meaningful contribution. But, what are companies responsible for, and who bears the burden of the consequences? Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to actively contribute to the strategic developments in this dynamic field.

More information about this option

Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector.

More information about this option

Master Internship (specialization)

Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study.

You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

If you decide to take the Double degree master with Fudan University, then you will spend one year abroad. From September 2024, it will be possible to do a study exchange with Newcastle University. If you are selected, you will spend one semester abroad.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced the 30 EC and 45 EC Pre-Master's programmes. Depending on the HBO degree you will obtain, you will be able to follow the 30 EC or 45 EC variant. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International BusinessUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
PsychologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For students following the profile Economics, Public Administration and Management: you need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Computer ScienceLeiden University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For students following the profile Computer Science & Economics: you need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business EngineeringMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Global StudiesMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Fiscale EconomieMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International BusinessMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business School

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University Nijmegen

No additional requirements

More information:

For students who follow the track Business Economics, International Economics and Business, International Economics and Policy or International Bachelor in Economics and Management, there are no additional requirements.

Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University Nijmegen

Additional requirements

More information:

For track Financial Economics: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in International Strategic Management or Strategic Management. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Fiscale EconomieTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of TwenteNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and GovernanceWageningen University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen University

No additional requirements

More information:

For students following the profile Bedrijf.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc.

other admission requirements

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the  steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

other admission requirements

Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes .

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

During the master's, you will work on developing many valuable competencies and skills such as cross-cultural competencies, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The combination of knowledge and skills you now have will prepare you to take on a career in inter-, multi- or transnational companies. You can start in various kinds of management jobs, such as product manager, CSR consultant, human resource manager, export manager and international sales manager. You might want to work as an international marketer or management development officer.

Job examples

  • Business consultant
  • Business development specialist
  • CSR / Sustainability consultant
  • International product manager
  • International trainee
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society..

This master's programme is linked to the research department of Global Economics and Management. Members of this department perform research on topics like internationalization and the international organization of firms, corporate governance systems, corporate social responsibility, and institutional and cultural contexts, using a comparative design or an international perspective. Please visit the website of the research institute Global Economics and Management to learn more about the research conducted within the MSc programme.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

Teachers encourage critical thinking and discussion (Francesca Bortolotti)

The content of the programme was very interesting, I could learn about the latest business concepts and discuss them in class. I was amazed by the way teachers encourage critical thinking and discussion. Also, the study programme provided me with soft skills such as communication skills, interpersonal skills and time management.

In addition to that, I was able to develop hard skills such as the ability to apply critical thinking to business-related problems and develop solutions to real study cases, which are all very important in the nowadays demanding job market. I found particularly useful the X-Culture “virtual” business project in which I worked with students from other universities scattered around the world on a company case study, in which I could practice theory studied during the courses on managerial skills in multicultural settings and cultural differences.

For my Master thesis, I collaborated with a company in Groningen as I wanted my work to be of managerial utility and more practical. The project allowed me to apply state-of-art knowledge to a real case study and gain useful insights for my thesis work from it. This helped me to fill theoretical gaps and improve my critical thinking overall.

As for the city: never a dull moment in Groningen, the city has to be discovered and lived to its fullest!

Read more

Combination of theory-rich lectures and international group assignments (Remon Jasperse)

I still recall the moment that I stepped into the lecture hall on my first day and that I heard a lot of different spoken languages and I met people from all over the globe.

Reflecting back on the programme, especially the combination of theory-rich lectures and international group assignments prepared me to function in a high-stress international environment that demands a wide range of skills. Moreover, being part of the IBM community helped prepare me for the job market by expanding my network.

One other thing that surprised me was that the contact with the professors was more personal when I compared it with my Bachelor, despite the fact that IB&M has many students. Both the students and the programme are international, and this was great for me since I was interested in ‘international orientation'.

Groningen as a city is the perfect mixture between a major city and a small town. This together with the high student density and good reputation of the University were the main motivators for me to move from the Randstad all the way to the North. Looking back at that decision, I can truly say that I do not regret it one bit and that Groningen started to feel as a home from the moment I set foot in the inner-city.

Read more

Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Master Community - IBM

Make the most of your master by getting to know your fellow students and prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/committees
Read more
Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.