Management and Business Development
Master’s in Management and Business Development equips you with essential competencies to navigate in the ever-changing global markets.
About the programme
The Master’s programme in Management and Business Development provides you with a comprehensive and relevant knowledge and skills in developing and managing businesses. It does so through general, overarching courses complemented by three specialisations - International Business, Strategic Marketing, and Innovation and Transformation with a special focus on business responsibility and sustainability. The three specialisations in this programme are designed for enabling the development of unique expertise which helps future managers navigate in the complex and dynamic environment of the global arena.
By studying with us, you will receive a high-quality education coupled with experience development opportunities through The UiA School of Business and Law’s AACSB international accreditation and its international network of universities and businesses.
What will you learn?
Upon successful completion of the Master’s programme in Management and Business Development, you will have gained cutting-edge skills in business management and development, which build on critical thinking regarding the complexities of today's global markets. Through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates advanced theories and practical applications in marketing, international business, innovation and transformation, you will develop the strategic mindset necessary to innovate and create value in diverse business environments in a responsible and sustainable way.
Whether aiming to launch new ventures or lead established companies, graduates will be prepared to make impactful contributions to the ever-evolving world of business.
Specialisations
International Business
Specialisation in International Business provides you with:
The ability to think and work across boundaries and borders in order to understand and navigate the current challenges for global business.
Focus on current issues in an interconnected world and interaction with those working in industry.
Valuable research and critical thinking skills to prepare for flexible strategy development and decision making under increasing complexity.
Strategic Marketing
Specialisation in Strategic Marketing provides you with:
The skill to be able to differentiate between strategic marketing planning (what) and the tactics aimed at achieving it (how).
The ability to plan and execute the business marketing strategy in fit with the overall strategy and the business’ resources and capabilities.
Advanced knowledge about the business goals and the marketing-related goals and be able to provide a strategic marketing plan aligned with these goals.
Innovation and Transformation
Specialisation in Innovation and Transformation provides you with:
Comprehensive understanding of theories on innovation and transformation in firms and society.
Detailed insights into the dynamics of regional economic development and the role of innovation policy in fostering sustainability and economic growth.
The skill to be able to utilise theoretical models of innovation and transformation to analyse and address challenges within organisations and societies.
Entrepreneurship – SHIFT (*)
Specialisation in Entrepreneurship provides you with:
- The ability to identify and evaluate new entrepreneurial ventures in an ever-changing business environment.
- The required knowledge and skills to build a feasible business plan while addressing all relevant internal and external factors.
- The competency of pitching business ideas at different stages (pre-seed, seed, beta, and so on) to potential investors while matching the pitch messaging to the target audience purposes.
* The specialisation is pending (estimated approval 2026)
Career prospects
In todays’ business environment, desired employees are adaptable and self-managed while also possessing the ability to function well as a team member. The Master’s programme in Management and Business Development provides you with an optimal set of knowledge, competencies and skills on both the general and the specialisation levels, that are highly sought after in workplaces. These competencies and skills are relevant for a wide range of organisations and companies including private companies, public organisations, and nonprofit and voluntary organisations.
What can I do with my degree?
With a master’s degree in Management and Business Development, you can work in:
Large national and international companies and corporations: This includes companies operating in various sectors such as finance, technology, manufacturing, and retail. These organisations often offer leadership positions and career development opportunities.
Consulting firms and advisory services: Graduates can find exciting opportunities in the consulting industry, where they can work on solving complex challenges for various organisations. This can include strategic consulting, business development, and the implementation of new processes.
Entrepreneurship and startups: Many graduates may be interested in starting their own business or working in a startup environment, where they can contribute to developing and scaling new ideas and concepts. This provides the opportunity to take initiatives and shape the future of a new company.
Public and non-profit organisations: Graduates can seek positions in the public sector, including government and municipal agencies, where they can use their knowledge in management and business development to contribute to societal development and public services. Non-profit organisations also offer opportunities to work towards social and community goals. • International organisations and chambers of commerce: Graduates can seek positions in international organisations such as the UN, the World Bank, or the EU, where they can work on global issues and collaborate with different countries. Chambers of commerce and international trade organisations also offer opportunities to work with international trade and relations.
Academic and research institutions: Some graduates may be interested in pursuing an academic career or conducting research in management and business development. They can seek positions as researchers, lecturers, or administrators at universities and research institutions.
Admissions
Non-EU/EEA international applicants: From 1 November to 1 December
EU/EEA applicants: From 1 February to 1 March.
Nordic citizens and applicants with a permanent or renewable residence permit in Norway: From 1 February to 15 April.
Admission requirements
General admission requirement is completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent education with a scope of minimum three years’ duration (180 ECTS credits).
Academic basis:
Either a major subject of minimum 80 ECTS credits, of which a minimum of 20 credits at level 2 / additional level, or an integrated programme of at least two years duration within business administration, marketing, management, relevant social sciences or equivalent. The admission requirement must include a minimum of 7.5 credits in social science methodology. A weighted average grade of C or better is required. Admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to study programmes and courses at the University of Agder.
Recommended previous knowledge
A thorough knowledge of English is highly recommended because the language of instruction is English in all compulsory courses for the program as in several electives.