Degree level learning outcomes

MSc degree studies consist of programme studies and elective studies. In some programmes, there is also a compulsory minor. The scope of the modules varies between programmes.

In addition to the goals stated in Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004) 7 § the aim of the Master of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration is to provide students with

• a comprehensive understanding of the area of specialisation, including its potential to address environmental, economic and social sustainability challenges;
• the ability to identify and analyse sustainability challenges and business opportunities and creatively develop solutions;
• the ability to reflect on the ethical foundations and implications of business decision-making for different stakeholders and to act accordingly; and
• the ability to communicate effectively and to foster diversity, equity and inclusiveness in organisations.

Programme level learning outcomes

The Global Management (/CEMS) programme fosters reflective critical thinking and grows confident and agile decision-makers that will be able to formulate and apply innovative solutions to complex global business challenges. The graduates will also be aware of their personal responsibility and accountability and of the ethical, institutional and cultural frameworks within which leadership is exerted.

Upon completion of the Global Management (/CEMS) programme students will be able to distinguish themselves in the following areas:

1. Internationalism
   • Our graduates are knowledgeable international business practitioners, able to execute effective business decision-making in diverse contexts, understanding their potential to address environmental, economic and social sustainability challenges.
2. Business Embeddedness
   • Our graduates apply advanced management and leadership competencies developed through systematic experience of and engagement with the corporate world.
3. Responsible Citizenship
   • Our graduates champion a holistic vision of responsible business decision-making, leadership and citizenship, informed by ethical reasoning, personal integrity, and respect for sustainability social diversity.
4. Reflective Critical Thinking
   • Our graduates are confident, agile, and reflective decision-makers and problem-solvers, able to formulate and apply innovative solutions to complex business and societal challenges.
5. Comprehensive Leadership
   • Our graduates are fully aware of their personal responsibility and accountability and of the ethical and cultural frameworks in which leadership is exerted.

The academic requirements of the CEMS MIM programme are integrated in the Global Management/CEMS MSc programme.

Please see the recommended study timetable for Global Management.

Students entering the Global Management/CEMS programme are automatically granted a slot in the CEMS MIM cohort of the second year in their MSc studies, i.e. students starting in GM in 2024 will be in their MIM year in the academic year 2025–2026. The first MSc year is designated for Global Management programme studies. It is not possible to change this order, nor can a student choose to postpone their MIM year. There is some flexibility in the timing of the programme studies, but in order to also graduate from CEMS MIM, the students need to complete their CEMS MIM studies according to the rules and guidelines set by the CEMS alliance.

You can familiarize yourself with the CEMS MIM programme elements and graduation requirements on the cems.org website, under CEMS Master (MIM).

In order to graduate from the CEMS MIM programme, students must also complete skill seminars (2 ECTS in total), an international internship and fulfill the language proficiency requirements, in addition to finishing their MSc degree in Global Management. Students are responsible for checking the course and credit requirements for the CEMS MIM programme separately.

Code: BIZ224
Scope: min. 80 ECTS
Programme director: Professor of Practice Sami Itani

^{1 This course fulfills the Capstone requirement in the Global Management programme}

During the second year of the Global Management programme, the ‘CEMS MIM year’, Global Management students study one academic term at Aalto and the other term at another CEMS school. With this CEMS term abroad, students fulfill the requirements of the international minor (min. 24 credits) of the Global Management programme.

Note that the 24 credits of studies is a minimum requirement for the Global Management programme. Students may have to complete more studies during the CEMS MIM term abroad in order to fulfill the CEMS MIM programme requirements. The credit and course requirements for CEMS MIM programme must be checked separately.

You can choose elective studies to your Master's degree so that the scope of the degree (120 credits) is fulfilled. Depending on your choices for programme studies and exchange studies (minor), the number of elective studies varies from 0 to 16 credits. You can exceed the scope of the degree by one course maximum.

Elective studies can include basic, intermediate or advanced level courses. You can use the module e.g.

• To complete a minor
• To broaden your skills and knowledge via multidisciplinary studies:
  • select courses in the field of technology or art
  • select courses in other universities via JOO study right
  • Select gender studies via Hilma network or other Aalto networks
• To gain entrepreneurial skills 
• To deepen your language and communication skills (see short informational video about the Language Center here)
• To deepen or broaden your skills and knowledge in the field of business 
  • select additional courses in your degree programme or major
  • select courses from other degree progarmmes or majors in the School of Business
  • select additional courses in your minor
  • complete the Customized Student Business project BIZ-E0100 (read more here)
• To gain work experience and working life skills via an internship (read more at During your studies > Other studies)
• To gain skills in self leadership and finding meaningfulness via Personal Impact courses

If you have mandatory language studies in your master's degree, they are included in the elective studies module. You have received information about these in the beginning of your studies, if this applies to you. If you are uncertain of whether you need to demonstrate language proficiency in the master's degree, please contact your programme's planning officer to get further information about the matter. 

• If you have completed your bachelor's degree in Finland (in Aalto or in another higher education institute), you have fulfilled the compulsory language requirements in the respective degree or received the exemption. You do not need to complete language studies in the master's degree.
• If your language of education is Finnish or Swedish and you have completed your bachelor’s degree outside of Finland, you must demonstrate proficiency in national languages by writing the maturity test in your language of education (Finnish or Swedish) and complete the language proficiency tests in the other national language. Read more about the language of education here. You may also apply for an exemption of demonstrating proficiency in national languages. See also the following bullet.
• If you have completed your bachelor’s degree outside of Finland, you must complete minimum of 3 ECTS in English. You can choose any course on B2 level or higher. Students, whose language of education is not Finnish or Swedish, may alternatively complete an elementary course in Finnish or in Swedish. The courses in national languages can be at any level on CEFR scale.

Language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan (HOPS). Language center offers the language studies.