MSc in International Business

International Business covers all aspects of commerce across borders. Because it’s such a broad subject, the program has been divided into a series of specializations, meaning that you can focus on your own interests and ambitions. Though each specialization is unique, they all focus on business in an international environment through the extensive use of case studies, real-life business problems, skills training, and a master’s thesis.

You can start one of the twelve master's specializations in International Business in February and September. Please consult the specializations pages below for more information.

Accounting and Business Information Technology

Are you interested in gathering, interpreting, and checking financial information that will help your company make better business decisions? Do you want to interpret financial data to determine how many products your company should make? Or figure out what information is relevant for your investors? Then the specialization in Accounting and Business Information Technology could be right for you. The specialization is part of the master's program in International Business. Accounting isn’t just number crunching and ledgers; it's the backbone of any organization, at the center of some of the most important business decisions. And international accounting principles are just that - international. You can take your qualification across the globe. The Accounting and Information Management department at the School of Business and Economics is a research powerhouse, collaborating with the EU and many European auditing firms.

Fast facts

• also available as a two-year, part-time program in Dutch (IB/Accounting and Control)
• work in auditing, consultancy, government accounting
• Double Degree options
• 1-year, full-time master's, taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 14 hrs group work, 18 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Accounting and Business Technology

Accounting and Control

Ben je kritisch, internationaal georiënteerd en werk je goed in een team? Wil je doordringen tot de kern van het bedrijfsleven en werken in het kloppend hart van de organisatie? En zie je jezelf al werken als accountant of financieel adviseur? Dan is de master Accountancy & Control de master voor jou. Accountancy vormt de ruggengraat van elk bedrijf; zonder kunnen winst, personeel en producten eenvoudigweg niet bestaan. Financiële gegevens moeten worden verzameld, geïnterpreteerd en gecontroleerd om zakelijke beslissingen te kunnen nemen. Als je kiest voor Accountancy and Controlling kun je terecht in uiteenlopende functies in de financiële wereld, zoals financieel adviseur, accountant, controller en vele andere.

Fast facts

• ook beschikbaar als eenjarige Engelstalige fulltime master (IB Accounting and Business Information Technology of IB Managerial Decision-Making and Control)
• de eerste belangrijke stap om registeraccountant te worden
• tweejarige, Nederlandstalige, part-time master
• start in september en februari
• per week 4 uur onderwijs, 6 uur groepswerk, 10 uur zelfstudie
• contactmomenten zijn 1x per week op vrijdag overdag
• je behaalt een MSc in International Business

Managerial Decision-Making and Control

Are you able to think critically and are you a team player? Do you have a general interest in how business works? Do you have a background in quantitative reasoning? Then the specialization in Managerial Decision-Making and Control could be right for you. The specialization is part of the master's program in International Business and is for students interested in decision-making, overall business management, and the provision of relevant information for internal decisions. Controllers are often referred to as the navigators of a firm, engaging in the gathering, interpretation, and support of decisions throughout an organization. Controlling is about the ‘people side’ of numbers, focusing specifically on management and control rather than auditing, assurance, or accountancy alone. Come join the IB/Managerial Decision-Making and Control program and place yourself at the nexus of management, accounting, and big business decisions.

Fast facts

• also available as a two-year, part-time program in Dutch (IB/Accounting and Control)
• work in controlling departments, consultancy, general management
• Double-Degree options
• 1-year, full-time master’s taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 12 hrs group work, 20 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business

Entrepreneurship & Business Development

Are you entrepreneurially minded and excited by the prospect of blended learning rather than just papers and books? Then the specialization in Entrepreneurship & Business Development could be right for you. This specialization is part of the master's program in International Business and is for students interested in the launching of start-up ventures and new business development by existing corporations. It offers state-of-the-art insights on how individuals and organizations can increase their chances of entrepreneurial success. It also looks into how entrepreneurs can ride the waves of digitalization and sustainability as two of the most powerful market influences. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, entrepreneurship has become the new paradigm for strategic thinking and this program prepares students for a successful career in this dynamic and entrepreneurial setting.

Fast facts

• Combines (corporate) entrepreneurship with digitalization and sustainability
• Prepares you for a career as an entrepreneur, new venture manager, business development manager, general manager, business consultant
• 1-year, full-time master’s taught in English
• Starts in February & September
• Weekly: 8 hrs classes, 12 hrs group work, 20 hrs individual study
• Double Degree options

Strategic Corporate Finance

Are you interested in the link between finance and modern business? Are you curious about the specific financial issues facing start-ups as well as large multinationals? Do you want to know how financial decisions are made by corporate managers and what effect managerial behavior can have on a company, its performance, and finances? Then the specialization in Strategic Corporate Finance could be right for you. The specialization is part of the master's program in International Business and is for students interested in understanding the strategic corporate finance involved in international business.

The program covers essential finance topics such as corporate and entrepreneurial finance, governance, and risk management, examines the interaction between companies and financial markets, and introduces you to financial research methods. In today’s global economy, where finance and business are inextricably linked, studying strategic corporate finance will make you an asset to almost any organization.

Fast facts

• work in multinational corporations, consultancy, financial institutions, regulatory bodies
• Double-Degree options available
• 1-year, full-time master’s taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 20 hrs group work, 10 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business

Information Management and Business Intelligence

Are you curious about how information technology is affecting our society? Are you interested in applying IT to solve business problems? Are you well-versed in strategic decision-making and business modeling? Then the specialization in Information Management and Business Intelligence could be right for you. The specialization is part of the master's program in International Business and is for students interested in applying Information Technology (IT) to making business decisions.

Sound information management and business intelligence are vital to staying ahead of the competition. You’ll apply business intelligence techniques to solve a wide range of business problems and challenges involved in managing information technology. This will help you serve as a vital link between management and technical staff.

Fast facts

• work for consultancy firms, IT companies, multinationals, governmental & non-profit organizations
• Double-Degree options available
• 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 14 hours group work, 18 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Information Management & Business Intelligence

Marketing-Finance

Are you curious to learn how to bridge the gap in methodology, thinking, and language between “number-crunching” finance professionals and customer-centric marketers? Are you interested in understanding biases and heuristics in consumer and investor financial decision-making? Are you interested in understanding how both financial, as well as marketing actions, drive firm performance and how they relate to each other? Then the interdisciplinary specialization in Marketing-Finance could be right for you. As part of the master’s program in International Business, the specialization combines core Finance, Marketing as well as specialized Marketing-Finance courses.

The specialization in Marketing-Finance not only teaches you an understanding of finance, marketing, consumer psychology, and their interrelations but also how to integrate them into an environment that aims at maximizing financial performance as well as customer value.

Fast facts

• work for large multinationals, banks, brokerages, insurance companies, management consulting, market research companies, European institutions
• Double-Degree options available
• 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 12 hrs group work, 20 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Marketing-Finance

Organization: Management, Change, and Consultancy

Are you interested in managing people and leading change? Do you want to know what it takes to motivate employees and foster learning in organizations? Do you want to understand why managers, employees, and consultants behave the way they do? Are you interested in how psychology can be applied to business? Then the specialization in Organisation: Management, Change, and Consultancy could be right for you. The specialization is part of the master's program in International Business and it's for students looking for a career in management. Combining insights from management, organizational behavior, and psychology, the program integrates fundamental and cutting-edge knowledge on leadership and management with expertise in learning and change in organizations. With an international network and double-degree program options, the Organisation: Management, Change, and Consultancy program is one of the most unique and dynamic management options out there.

Fast facts

• work for large multinationals, general management, top consulting firms, HRM
• Double Degree, Master of Global Business and International Triangle available
• 1-year, full-time master’s taught in English
• starts in February and September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 12 hrs group work, 20 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Organisation: Management, Change, and Consultancy

Strategic Marketing

Are you interested in the ins and outs of marketing in a fast-paced, international business? Have you ever wondered why an intimate understanding of customers is so important to an organization’s success? Do you want to find out how marketing and innovations can be utilized to deliver superior value to companies and customers?

Strategic Marketing revolves around four core areas: connecting with customers, creating value, managing innovations, and developing data-driven strategies. It focuses on the role of marketing from the perspective of strategic, top management decisions, and blends state-of-the-art scientific knowledge with practice. Skills, analytical competencies, and an international mindset are developed through team projects and real-life cases from our partner companies.

Fast facts

• work in consulting, for B2C & B2B companies, for large multinationals, research institutes, or departments
• 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
• starts in February and September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 14 hrs group work, 18 hrs individual study
• Double Degree and International Triangle are available
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Strategic Marketing

Strategy and Innovation

Are you interested in international business? Are you a team player with great interpersonal skills? Are you able to think creatively and find new approaches to old problems? Then the specialization in Strategy & Innovation could be right for you. The specialization is part of the master's program in International Business. It's for students who want to know how to keep companies and organizations competitive through innovation and strategy analysis.

In the dynamic yet uncertain era of globalization, companies that don't grow through mergers and acquisitions, expansions into new markets, or through the creation of new products and processes, will find it hard to compete. The Strategy & Innovation program meets this challenge, teaching students how they can create a competitive advantage for any sized business by implementing strategic changes and helping the company evolve.

Fast facts

• work in consultancy or supply chain management for large multinationals, SMEs or NGOs
• Double Degree and Master of Global Business options available
• 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 14 hrs group work, 18 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Strategy & Innovation

Supply Chain Management

Are you interested in purchasing, logistics, operations management, and supply chain management? Are you analytically- and strategically-minded, and good with people and communications? Are you customer-oriented and open to new ideas? Then the specialization in Supply Chain Management could be right for you. The specialization is part of the master's program in International Business and is for students seeking a career managing supply chains for businesses and organizations.

You will gain the theoretical, practical, and managerial skills to implement supply chain improvements that satisfy consumer demand and keep companies competitive. The program also explores exciting concepts like the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, and the Maker Movement, which are challenging our ideas about lifestyle and consumption. In addition, the International Classroom concept of Maastricht University helps you to think, work, collaborate and network internationally.

Fast facts

• work in consultancy, HRM, or supply chain management for large multinationals, SMEs or NGOs
• Double Degree option available
• 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 14 hrs group work, 18 hrs individual study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Supply Chain Management

Sustainable Finance

Are you interested in analyzing and solving financial problems in investment and business? Are you compelled by the ways in which sustainability issues are changing our understanding of the concept of finance? Do you want to know more about the interdependence between finance and sustainability? Then the specialization in Sustainable Finance could be right for you. As part of the master's program in International Business, the specialization combines finance with the principles of sustainability: environment, society, and governance.

Following the 2008 financial crisis and ongoing criticism of banks and corporations, there is great demand for finance professionals who can implement sustainability principles in a company while maintaining profitability. Bridging the gap between traditional capitalism and a new context of shared economic and social value, sustainable finance is quickly becoming a core part of the mission of financial institutions and companies.

Fast facts

• work as a business consultant, financial analyst, financial manager, investment portfolio manager, risk manager, or sustainability expert
• Double-Degree option available
• 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
• starts in February & September
• weekly: 8 hrs classes, 14 hrs group work, 18 hrs independent study
• you’ll get an MSc in International Business with a specialization in Sustainable Finance

Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands and, with nearly 22,000 students and 4,400 employees, is still growing. The university distinguishes itself with its innovative education model, international character, and multidisciplinary approach to research and education.

Thanks to its high-quality research and education, as well as a strong focus on social engagement, UM has quickly built a solid reputation. Today, it is considered one of the best young universities in the world.

Fast facts

• 50% students & 40% staff from abroad (100+ countries)
• almost 40% of our students study abroad
• curriculum and research focus on international themes
• Certificate for Quality in Internationalisation (CeQuInt)
• 400 international partnerships
• Living lab and expertise center Europe
• UM is the sixth-best Young University in the world

The European University of the Netherlands

Located in the heart of Europe, UM can rightly call itself the European university of the Netherlands. More than half of our student population and almost half of our academic staff come from abroad. Together, they represent more than 100 different nationalities.

We are anchored in the Eu(region)

Maastricht University aims to play a leading role in the sustainable economic development of Limburg. We do this through Kennis-As Limburg, an ambitious strategic program that aims to connect the campuses in Maastricht, Geleen, Venlo, and Parkstad to form a single knowledge center.

We are ‘the young future of Europe’

UM is the coordinator of Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE). This alliance of eight universities is currently developing a model for a ‘truly European university’. Students will be able to follow a study program comprised of courses from the eight partner universities.

We collaborate within WUN and YERUN

UM is the only Dutch university in the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), which consists of 18 research universities on six continents. As one of the top young universities in the world, UM is also one of the 18 founding members of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN).

Innovative education

Small-scale and international

Problem-Based Learning

Since our establishment, we have fully implemented Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in our teaching and we are continuously developing it further. Students are challenged not only to develop professional expertise but also to work on their talents, interests, and skills. PBL helps them become true global citizens.

International orientation

UM can rightly call itself the European university of the Netherlands. This starts with our international students and staff, who represent more than 100 nationalities. But it is also reflected in the content of our programs, most of which are taught in English. We see ourselves as a 'living lab' and a center of expertise for Europe.

Employability

Providing excellent preparation for the labor market—is our commitment. At Maastricht University, students are given the space to develop academically, professionally, and personally. This helps them become active, globally-oriented citizens with 21st-century skills or, in other words, easily employable professionals.

Cutting-edge research

Working on the important issues of today

Transdisciplinary

Research at UM is interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary in nature. It is inspired by contemporary social issues and seeks to contribute to their solutions. To this end, researchers not only cooperate with colleagues from other disciplines and UM faculties, but also with Dutch and international institutions and businesses. Our research is also integrated with education at every level.

Research themes

Maastricht's identity is determined by its history, location, and the people who live and work here. Maastricht University's research reflects this and is centered on four themes: Quality of Life, Learning and Innovation, Europe in a Globalising World, and Sustainability and Circularity. Some of the issues that fall under these themes are healthy aging, climate change, demographic changes, the impact of technological developments, aging populations, healthy and affordable food, and the European integration process.

STEM research and education

For a number of years, Maastricht University has been hard at work on scientific research and education in the STEM* disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; known as ‘bèta’ in Dutch). In our Sciences+, the plus refers to the cross-fertilization between the exact, medical, and social sciences, as well as the humanities. That is because it is precisely at these interfaces where the opportunities lie to make a difference for the future, also together with public and private partners.

We know what we stand for

Maastricht University is a young university in the heart of Europe with a clear global perspective. We see ourselves first and foremost as an open and inclusive academic community that strives for a good mix of Dutch, European, and other international students and that addresses both European and global issues in our education and research programs.

Recognition & Rewards

As part of the Dutch and international scientific community, Maastricht University has wholeheartedly joined the national initiative to redefine the recognition and rewards system for academics. In the coming years, we will ensure that academics are valued in a more equitable way for all of their tasks.

Diversity & Inclusivity

Maastricht University is committed to an inclusive culture, to an environment that is open and accessible to everyone. Where academic citizenship is part of who we are and it is recognized and rewarded. Where all students and staff feel at home. And where alumni are truly members of our community, in the Netherlands and around the world.

Sustainability

Maastricht University wants to contribute to a sustainable future for the planet, as described in the Sustainable Development Goals. By 2030, the university wants to be sustainable, We will therefore reduce our ecological footprint in our business operations, focusing on a CO2-neutral future, circularity, and health and well-being.

Why UM?

1. Personal approach to Problem-Based Learning

   Students at UM learn in small tutorial groups, which means you participate actively and acquire essential skills for your future. Tutors typically know you by the first name and are always accessible and approachable.

2. Unique programs

   UM offers a number of study programs that can be found nowhere else in the Netherlands. Examples include the Bachelor in European Public Health, the Master in Forensics, Criminology, and Law, and the Master in Global Health.

3. Most international universities in the Netherlands

   Most of our programs are also on offer in English, and 53% of our students and nearly 40% of our staff come from abroad. This makes UM the most international university in the Netherlands.

4. Research

   Our multidisciplinary research, from growing human tissue to exploring sustainability issues, provides a fertile breeding ground that feeds into our education. Academics are heavily involved in teaching, and interested students have a range of options for getting involved in research themselves.

5. Amongst the best young universities worldwide

   UM is the fifth best young university worldwide, according to the 2018 edition of the Times Higher education ranking for young universities. In other rankings, too, UM consistently achieves good scores: in 2018, UM placed 15th in the QS ranking for universities younger than 50 years.

6. Educational innovation

   We are continually working to improve our educational methodology in the UM Edlab, which also supports tutors and provides excellent programs for students.

7. The heart of Europe

   Maastricht lies at the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, in the very heart of Europe. In just a few hours’ time, you can be in Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, or London, and several airports are within an hour’s drive. To Life@UM

8. The city of Maastricht

   From cinemas, theatres, and hundreds of cafes, bars, and restaurants to a brand new sports center and state-of-the-art study facilities under construction at the Tapijn site – Maastricht is a living city with a historic center. And every academic year kicks off with an unforgettable Inkom week.

9. Honours programs

   For students who like an extra challenge, we offer a suite of honors programs: Premium, MaRBle, and Honours+.

10. Finding a job

    Research by the UM Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) shows that some 93% of graduates are working in a paid job within a few years of graduating (Maastricht University graduate surveys 2021).