Master - full-time

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 a wide range of global business concepts, including the world of cultural diversity, global strategies and cross-border management practices, learning 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!

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 organization of international business.
Dreaming of becoming a responsible leader in an international business 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.

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

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New from September 2024

During the MSc International Business and Management (IBM), students have the opportunity to do an exchange semester at one of our partner universities in England or Sweden. You can choose to spend a semester at one of these top institutions, while you are earning 30 EC (European Credits), with at least 15 EC in your chosen specialization.

Newcastle University Business School
- Specialization: Digital Business
Jönköping International Business School
- Specializations: Digital Business or Entrepreneurship

These exchange options provide a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge, gain invaluable international experience, and enhance your academic and professional profiles.

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 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 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 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. 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 in the second semester of your studies.

Throughout the year, you can take electives that match your interest 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 (B-electives). 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 >	1a	1b	2a	2b
International Business Strategy (MSc) (5 EC)
Managing Cultural Differences (5 EC)
MSc IB&M Electives A (10 EC) 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.
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...

University of Groningen

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Leiden University

Maastricht University

Nyenrode New Business School

Radboud University Nijmegen

Tilburg University

University of Amsterdam

University of Twente

Utrecht University

VU University Amsterdam

Wageningen University

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
International Business	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Psychology (NL)	University 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.
Sociology	University 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 Management	University 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 programme	Organization	Transition
Econometrics and Operations Research	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Erasmus 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 Administration	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Business Administration	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Public Administration Science	Leiden 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 Science	Leiden 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 programme	Organization	Transition
Business Analytics	Maastricht 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 Engineering	Maastricht 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 Research	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Global Studies	Maastricht 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 Economie	Maastricht 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 Business	Maastricht University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Accountancy	Nyenrode 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 Administration	Nyenrode New Business School	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	Radboud University Nijmegen	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Radboud 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 Economics	Radboud 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 programme	Organization	Transition
International Business Administration	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Economics	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	Tilburg 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 Economie	Tilburg 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 programme	Organization	Transition
Actuarial Science	University 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 Administration	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Analytics	University 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 Science	University 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 Economics	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	University 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 programme	Organization	Transition
International Business Administration	University of Twente	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Economics and Business Economics	Utrecht University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Analytics	VU 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 Research	VU 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 Economics	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Administration	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Economics and Governance	Wageningen 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 Studies	Wageningen University	No additional requirements More information: For students following the profile Bedrijf.

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More 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.

Specific requirements

More 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 student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
Dutch students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More 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 student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
Dutch students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2024-2025	€ 2530	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2024-2025	€ 20800	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

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.

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.

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Are you a current student? Contact the Student Support Desk (FEB)
Are you a prospective student? Fill in this contact form (FEB) (We will answer your question within 72 hours.)

The supportive lecturers and collaborative atmosphere enriched my learning experience (Giacomo Marra)

I chose the MSc in International Business & Management (IB&M) at FEB for two main reasons. First, I've always been fascinated by learning about cultures different from my own. The IB&M programme offered a unique opportunity to explore this interest by studying how multinationals navigate the intercultural challenges of operating in various countries. This experience would not only broaden my horizons but also equip me with a deeper understanding of how to engage with diverse habits, customs, and perspectives. Secondly, the programme could provide me with the essential skills needed to enter the job market. Through its comprehensive curriculum, I would have gained expertise in areas such as financial modeling and acquisition processes.

My favorite course was Foreign Market Entry Strategies. There, I learned how a company can enter a market, whether through a joint partnership or taking full control of its operations. I was especially intrigued by the different entities and factors that influence a multinational’s choice of entry mode in a foreign market. The interplay between political, social, and economic factors behind this process is truly fascinating to me, so I chose to write my Master’s thesis on this topic.

Additionally, I pursued the Focus Area in Energy Transition and Climate Change, aligning with my strong interest in the energy transition and environmental sustainability. It allowed me to understand the economic processes behind energy transitions, knowledge that has been invaluable in my current job.

The supportive lecturers and collaborative atmosphere enriched my learning experience, while the group projects honed my intercultural communication skills. These experiences have fully prepared me for the complexities of an international business career.

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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

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.

International Business and Management

New from September 2024

Study abroad

Transfer options

Admission requirements

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Job prospects

Job examples

Linking education to research and career preparation

Contact

The supportive lecturers and collaborative atmosphere enriched my learning experience (Giacomo Marra)

Study associations

EBF

Master Community - IBM

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