Structure of studies
The Bachelor’s Programme in International Business offered the School of Business at in Mikkeli campus comprises a total of 180 ECTS credits. The three-year programme consists of:
- Fundamentals of Business Knowledge (71 ECTS)
- International business major (52 ECTS), including: the bachelor's thesis and seminar (10 ECTS)
- Minor studies, completed abroad (30 ECTS)
- Language and communication studies (15 ECTS)
- Elective studies (12 ECTS)
The learning experience is module-based with one course at a time, making the studies interactive, intense and focused:
- The academic year consists of 15 course modules, also during the summer
- 1 course = 3 weeks, studying one subject at the time
- In most modules, students earn 6 ECTS credits
- Classes are scheduled for three hours a day, five days a week, for 45 contact hours, including examinations
- Requires active participation and attendance
Content of studies
The nature of studies in the Bachelor’s Programme in International Business is very active and intensive. Studies are divided into three-week modules, maintaining a fast pace and sharp focus, studying one subject at the time. The comprehensive teaching methods include interactive lectures, group work, video presentations and company projects, as well as independent and theoretical academic work. Various teaching methods provide an interesting, challenging and motivating learning environment.
Many business and public sector representatives, including alumni, serve as guest lecturers in the courses. Students take field trips and complete projects for companies in various courses. The cooperation with companies continues outside of the lectures too: on career days, field trips and excursions.
Year 1: Students complete the required core courses, business communications studies and language courses.
Year 2: In addition to some required courses, students get to choose their favourite elective courses, for example:
- Brand Management
- Corporate Finance
- Global Game Industry
- Green Ventures
- International Arts Management
- Social Media Analytics
- Tools for Data Analysis
Students also get an introduction to research methods after which they start writing their Bachelor’s Thesis. The purpose of the Bachelor’s Thesis is to develop students' ability to carry out independent research work in the field of international business. The process is designed to develop skills such as preparing a research plan, including the research problem, questions and objectives. The Capstone Course wraps up the learning into one extensive package as an overview and recap of the two years and is based on a business strategy game.
Year 3: Students study abroad and complete their minor studies during an exchange semester at one of the programme’s many partner universities around the world. Courses can be chosen flexibly based on the student’s interest.