International Design Business Management, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Description

IDBM is a pioneering study programme that embodies the vision of Aalto University by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design, or technology. Students graduating from the School of Arts, Design and Architecture will complete and be awarded a Master of Arts (MA) Degree in International Design Business Management (IDBM).

We do not work in silos, so why should we study in one? IDBM students tackle complex, real-life challenges in multidisciplinary teams and develop holistic perspectives of tomorrow’s challenges. The programme embraces design more broadly as a mindset and strategic approach in diverse contexts. IDBM graduates have:

• Use a design approach in product, service and business development.
• Lead and collaborate in multi-cultural and interdisciplinary teams, deepening and connecting one’s own disciplinary expertise to a wider business context.
• Lead radical creativity in interdisciplinary teams.
• Drive change and development activities in organizations.
• Co communicate concepts and ideas both verbally as well as visually at an operative (tactical) and strategic level.
• Understand and utilize academic research in defining and approaching problems in systematic and systemic manner.

Upon graduation from the IDBM programme, graduates are ready to take on significant roles in teams working at the intersection of design, business, and technology. They are able to drive innovation and lead initiatives to undertake new business ventures in global environments.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in International Design Business Management programme is English.

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is 17 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.

Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.

More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.

Structure of studies

As an IDBM student, you complete courses together with an international, tight, and diverse community of students. Compulsory IDBM core studies are linked to an extensive industry project and related teamwork, which enables students to learn how to utilize and apply different knowledge, tools, and methods in practice. Moreover, the IDBM industry project deepens the understanding of students about real-life processes of the participating firms in global design-intensive businesses. Skills in project management and business planning are developed through the projects.

Students from all the tracks will study the same compulsory IDBM major studies during the first academic year.

The two-year master’s degree studies in International Design Business Management in the field of design consist of the following modules:

• Compulsory IDBM studies
• Compulsory studies in Department of Design
• Master’s thesis
• Alternative and Elective studies

The first year of the IDBM programme consists of IDBM compulsory studies and a six-month-long industry project. During the second year, students can complement their studies by completing an exchange semester, minor studies or choosing elective courses depending on their interests.

For further information about the course content on the programme website and in the Student Guide.

Specialisations

Admission to the IDBM programme is granted through six tracks in three different fields depending on the applicant's background and the targeted degree.

Internationalisation

You will study with an ambitious and diverse group of students from around the world. You can complete an intense industry project for a global organisation in multidisciplinary teams and participate in trips to destinations related to the challenges presented in the project. You can also complete a part of your studies abroad in an international partner university as an exchange student.

Aalto University is international by nature, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad each year. These students join the diverse Aalto community not only through studies, but also through multiple free time events, activities, and celebrations around the campus. Programme administrators, active student tutors and student support services work rigorously to help international students integrate into the Nordic culture and feel at home in Finland.

Further study opportunities

IDBM graduates are eligible to apply for doctoral studies.

Career opportunities

IDBM prepares you for leading design and creativity as strategic drivers for diverse purposes and contexts, such as entrepreneurship, social innovation, or leveraging design to create new products and services, often involving the latest technology, in commercial and non-commercial industries.  These career opportunities exist both in large multinationals and start-ups, in various fields as organizations are starting to recognise the importance of design in retaining their relevance and creating better value. IDBM prepares graduates to pursue lead design positions ranging from strategic designers in business development, service or product teams, to innovation management roles and founders of new startups.

Research focus

Our research focuses on industrial and societal developments that evolve design practice. We strive to devise actionable strategies for management and strategic planning of design in companies and in the public sector. Our research interests revolve around organisational adoption of design, the leadership of designers, and the implementation of design-driven development practices. We also aim to provide a deeper understanding of the processes behind design’s role in creating change.

Co-operation with other parties

IDBM is a truly multidisciplinary programme that embodies the vision of Aalto: a community of bold thinkers, where science and art meet technology and business. You have the entirely unique opportunity to study and work together with ambitious students from the schools of ARTS, Business, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Science.

Aalto University is well-known for bridging disciplines of business, arts, technology, and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the University bring students from different fields under one roof. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.

This is a practice-based programme that aims to connect students with the industry. The IDBM Industry Project course connects students with public and private commercial or non-commercial organizations to work on their real-life challenges for six months. Additionally, the active IDBM alumni and on-campus community provide opportunities for developing professional networks during studies.

Contact information

Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture

For enquiries regarding programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Aalto ARTS Learning Services.

[email protected]

Admissions Services

For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admissions Services.

[email protected]