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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.

The MSc International Business and Management (IB&M) is a broad programme with a rich set of electives to choose from. You can also opt for a double degree with Fudan University in Shanghai.

You will learn to approach issues in global management with an open mind and how to deal with them systematically and creatively. Your analytical and professional set of skills will be expanded to include the latest theories and tools in developing strategies for managing multinational enterprises and for firms to operate across borders.

Specific attention is paid to comparative analyses of countries, institutions, cultures and, of course, companies and their strategies. You will be trained to apply this knowledge to the development of company strategies, instruments and processes. You will also learn to analyse the purchasing and sales markets in different countries, understand various institutional environments and develop policy proposals. The programme further offers the opportunity to focus on either the Energy Focus area or the Sustainable Society Focus Area area.

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
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. The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
  • You will study in a vibrant university city together with students from all around the world. 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 the MSc IB&M combines theory and application and helps you to learn about and improve your cross-cultural competencies.
  • The content of the programme is continuously being evaluated and improved in consultation with students, lecturers and the business community, for instance through the Advisory Board. Directors and managers from Akzo Nobel, Heineken, ASM, VimpelCom and Charity Fund Rijsholt are represented on the Advisory Board.
Programme

You will take two compulsory courses and add electives that match your interest. All courses are linked to the current research activities of the lecturers and use recent scientific articles relevant to the field. In most courses, you will practice professional and research skills through, for example, research reports and presentations.

The Research Seminar will effectively prepare you for writing your Master's thesis where you also acquire the specific research skills that are crucial to management's ability to analyse new environments and relevant developments.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
International Business Strategy (MSc) (5 EC)
Managing Cultural Differences (5 EC)
Master's Thesis IB&M (20 EC)
MSc IB&M Electives A (10 EC)

Check course catalog to see the electives.

MSc IB&M Electives B (10 EC)

Check course catalog to see the electives.

Multinationals and CSR (5 EC)
Research Seminar for IB&M (5 EC)
Programme options
Double Degree Master Chinese Economy 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

Sustainable Society 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 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 unaccommodated

Study abroad is compulsory when you choose a Double Degree Master.

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
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.

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.

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
International BusinessMaastricht 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.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
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.

Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
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.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
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.

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.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
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.

EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
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
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.

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.

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

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.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
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.

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
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 AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
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.

Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo 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
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen University

No additional requirements

More information:

For students following the profile Bedrijf.

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.

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

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 students15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
EU/EEA students15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
non-EU/EEA students15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025

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 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 students15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
EU/EEA students15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
non-EU/EEA students15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

After graduation, you can work in inter-, multi- or transnational companies. You can start in various kinds of management jobs, such as product manager, human resource manager, export manager and international sales manager. You might want to work as an international marketer or management development officer.

As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in the labour market. The Faculty of Economics and Business is internationally accredited and belongs to the 1% of business schools around the world accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.

FEB Career Services
When you become a student at the faculty, we want to support you in developing your career and strengthening your employability skills. You can count on a dedicated on-campus Career Services team offering you a wide range of courses, workshops, events and career-related support during your studies. Everything you need to enter the labour market.

Job examples

  • Business Consultant
  • Business Development Specialist
  • International Product Manager
  • International Trainee
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Also right from the start of your degree programme attention is paid to academic research skills and professional development, since analytical and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire to.

This master's programme is linked to the research department of Global Economics and Management. Members of this department perform research on topics like internationalisation and the international organisation 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

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! (Francesca Bortolotti | MSc International Business and Management)

Read more

Combination of theory-rich lectures and international group assignments

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. (Remon Jasperse | MSc International Business and Management)

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.