MSc in International Business and Management
Groningen, Netherlands
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Oct 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 22,200 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Dutch, EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students
** non-EU/EEA | EU/EEA: € 2695/year
Key Summary
About: Study the MSc in International Business and Management at the University of Groningen to learn how firms operate across borders and how managers cope with varied legal, political, and cultural systems. Explore global strategy, cross-cultural management, internationalization, and sustainability, with specializations in energy transition, climate change, or sustainable development. Research links to ESG, foreign entry, digital ventures, and emerging markets. Exchange options available.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in multinational firms, consultancies, NGOs, or government agencies, using cross-cultural competence, critical thinking, and international strategy skills. Job examples: Business consultant, Business development specialist, CSR / Sustainability consultant, International product manager, International trainee.
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 strategies take into account cultural and societal differences in legal, political and economic systems? How can multinational companies contribute to sustainable development?
In the MSc International Business and Management, you will explore a wide range of global business concepts. Learn how to manage the impact of international trends on the organizational structure of companies while developing effective international business strategies and multicultural communication skills.
In Groningen, you can:
- choose to specialize in topics focused on answering issues around energy transition, climate change and sustainability.
- focus on international trends and the impact on companies or on making a positive impact by focusing on sustainable development, climate change, poverty, inequality, and human rights.
- study abroad by doing an exchange semester at Newcastle University Business School or Jönköping International Business School.
Research
In Groningen, research is deeply connected to business practice, economics, and society. Some key areas of research you might explore as a student are:
- Internationalizations strategies of digital new ventures
- Measuring and managing business action for the Sustainable Development Goals
- Foreign entry strategies, international joint ventures and family firms
- Firm dynamics in emerging markets
- Environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations and reporting
Year 1
Interested in how global trends influence company structures? Gain essential knowledge for international business strategies and prepare for the dynamic global business landscape. Learn about the impact of international environments on business strategy and organization.
Dream of being a responsible leader? Our sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility courses will guide you to become a socially conscious manager. Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), you will explore key aspects of sustainable development.
Tailor your study: throughout the year, you can take electives that match your interests related to international business, covering sustainability, global value chains, emerging markets, foreign entry strategies and international corporate governance. Check the course catalogue below for all courses.
Study exchange: you 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.
Courses
- International Business Strategy (5 EC)
- Managing Cultural Differences (5 EC)
- MSc IB&M Electives A (10 EC)
- MSc IB&M Electives B (10 EC)
- Multinationals and CSR (5 EC)
- Research Seminar (5 EC)
- Master's Thesis IB&M (20 EC)
Program options
- Exchange semester abroad (specialization)
- Future Prosperity and Sustainability (specialization)
- Energy Transition and Climate Change (specialization)
- Master's Internship (specialization)
- Double Degree Master's International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization)
Study abroad
- Study abroad is optional
You can 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, 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
Job prospects
After graduation, you can often find work in multinational firms located in the Netherlands and abroad. The skills you will acquire in this programme, such as cross-cultural competencies, critical thinking, and problem-solving in an international context, are highly desirable in our globalized world. They also make it possible to work in non-profit organizations or government agencies if you prefer to take a more socially-minded career path.
Job examples
- Business consultant
- Business development specialist
- CSR / Sustainability consultant
- International product manager
- International trainee
- Learn to tackle real-world issues in international management with an academic and analytical approach.
- Study alongside students from around 30 different nationalities, learning about your own and others' cultures.
- You can join events with industry leaders to network and learn about modern management techniques in leading firms.
- Work on real-life projects to solve strategic issues for companies, gaining first-hand cross-cultural experience .
- Companies like Akzo Nobel, Heineken, ASM, VimpelCom, Nike, and Skyteam have provided input to the program.
- Work on today's societal challenges and opportunities, with input from students, lecturers, and industry leaders.
- Unlike other programs in the Netherlands, we focus primarily on international management theories and research.
- The program has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.