International Design Business Management, Master of Science (Technology)
Espoo, Finland
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 17,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international fee only; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not pay
Key Summary
About: The IDBM MSc (Technology) at Aalto University combines design methods, technology and business in a 120 ECTS multidisciplinary programme. Includes 40 ECTS core IDBM, 25 ECTS engineering specialization, 25 ECTS electives and 30 ECTS thesis. The year has a six‑month industry project plus exchange or training. Limited tuition‑waiver scholarships are offered to top non‑EU/EEA applicants; others pay tuition.
Career Outcomes: Graduates operate at the design–business–technology intersection in creative industries, multinationals and startups. Typical roles include service design, design strategy and innovation roles, product management, UX, design research or doctoral studies. Career services and entrepreneurship support employment and start‑up pathways.
The IDBM MSc (Technology) is a multidisciplinary master’s programme combining design methods, technological competence and business development. Students from design, business and engineering backgrounds study common IDBM major courses (creative teamwork, business model design, corporate entrepreneurship, global virtual teamwork) during the first year and work in multidisciplinary teams on a core six‑month Industry Project provided by industry partners. In addition to the 40 ECTS of IDBM major studies, students complete an engineering specialisation/minor (25 ECTS), electives (25 ECTS) and a 30 ECTS master’s thesis, for a total of 120 ECTS. The programme is offered across Aalto’s schools and graduates earn a Master’s degree in business, design or technology depending on their specialisation. Opportunities include exchange studies, practical training or conducting the thesis abroad. Fee‑paying (non‑EU/EEA) students are charged tuition (see tuition section) and Aalto offers a limited number of tuition‑waiver scholarships awarded to the highest‑ranked applicants.
Total 120 ECTS: 40 ECTS IDBM major studies, 25 ECTS engineering specialisation/minor, 25 ECTS electives, and 30 ECTS master’s thesis. All IDBM students (Design, Science & Technology, Business tracks) take the same compulsory IDBM major courses during the first year, including the six‑month Industry Project. Students complete specialisation studies in their chosen field (allocated to schools based on chosen specialisation) and finish with an independent master’s thesis (30 ECTS). Exchange, practical training and thesis abroad options are available.
Aalto University offers a limited number of tuition‑waiver scholarships to fee‑paying (non‑EU/EEA) students. Scholarships are awarded based on the programme’s evaluation criteria and applicant ranking.
IDBM graduates are prepared for roles at the intersection of design, business and technology across creative industries, large multinationals and startups. Typical positions include service design, design strategy and innovation roles where graduates apply design to create products and services often involving new technologies. Aalto’s career services and active entrepreneurship community support employment and start‑up activities. The programme also provides eligibility and preparation for doctoral studies.