International Design Business Management

The application period for Master’s Degree Programmes has ended 15 Feb 2012. Next application period will start at the beginning of 2013.

Who can apply
International Design Business Management (IDBM) is a multidisciplinary Master’s degree programme offered by the Aalto University School of Economics, School of Art and Design, and School of Science. Applicants must have a suitable Bachelor’s degree related to one of the disciplines included in the programme (business, design or engineering). An applicant can apply to the IDBM programme through more than one School. In such a case an applicant should deliver the appropriate application package fulfilling the entry requirement for each School. Such an applicant, however, can be selected only through one of the Aalto University Schools. An accepted student completes the master’s degree of the School which he/she is accepted to. In School of Art and Design, students will complete Master of Arts degree (MA in International Design Business Management).

Description of the degree programme
The degree programme offers advanced competence in multi- and cross-disciplinary, global, design. Intensive business development and responds to such challenges in the business world that require systemic and integrative thinking, multi- and cross-disciplinary approaches, agile practices and the ability to operate under uncertain conditions. Learning takes place at the individual level, as well as in the social environment created by projects and group work. Project conducted with business partners form a special,

Challenging learning environment for the programme’s students. At Aalto University, the IDBM programme is strongly linked to the Design, Service and Media Factories. An international perspective forms a central part of the programme’s content.

Objectives of the programme
A central objective is to educate top-level developers of global business who operate in design- and technology-intensive environments. We consider that understanding and management of international business operations require competence according to the “T profile”, in which in-depth competence in the field of specialisation in design/technology/business is combined with multi- and cross-disciplinary competence in the other two fields. IDBM enables students to acquire specialist competence in one of four career paths: i) research, ii) administration and management, iii) expertise and iv) entrepreneurship. IDBM takes place at the overlapping and meeting points between traditional disciplines, being integrative and cross-disciplinary in nature. The programme has three general areas of focus in research: i) strategic design management, ii) integrated multi- and cross-disciplinary design, business and technology processes, and iii) product identity and branding.

Structure of the programme
The two-year 120-ECTS degree programme contains compulsory studies, three essential IDBM 15-ECTS modules, some optional studies and 40 ECTS in the master’s thesis in School of Art and Design. The orientation module provides students with a theoretical basis for their studies, covering necessary tools, creative environments, processes and organisations, and methods of administration and management. Each of the three essential IDBM modules is carried out at one of the Schools. The module in School of Art and Design focuses on design thinking and open innovation, the module in School of Science on technical product design and its processes, and the module in School of Economics on design-intensive business operations. Optional studies are chosen from the courses of the Aalto University and other alternatives (such as foreign exchanges or studies at other universities) may also be included.

Course languages
All teaching in the IDBM master’s degree programme is in English, and the degree can be also completed fully in English.

Programme's own page: idbm.aalto.fi

Information about Tuition Fee
There continues to be no tuition fee for EU/EEA citizens. Check all details about the tuition fee and Aalto University scholarships. (studies.aalto.fi/en)

Application Process 2012

Portfolio
For more information, see the general instructions for Portfolio

Required Application Documents
See all the Required Application Documents

How to Apply
Read the application instructions carefully: How to Apply

Evaluation criteria in applicant selection

The applicants are ranked in two phases on the basis of the following criteria (max 12 points):

Phase I

1) Motivation (max 4 points)

An applicant must convey his/her motivation for studying in the IDBM programme by writing a letter of motivation. The letter should be 1-2 pages long and it should address at least the following questions:

• Why am I applying for admission to this particular degree programme?
• Why should I be admitted?
• What interests me in the International Design Business Management programme?

Letter of Motivation replaces Study Plan which is required as one of the application documents for School of Art and Design.

2) Academic Excellence/ Portfolio (max 4 points)

Applicant’s grades from studies completed and of which the applicant has provided the appropriate documents and portfolio by the end of application period will be evaluated.

Portfolio: Maximum size A3 (297x420 mm). Portfolio should be in paper form. Portfolios in electronic or digital format will not be accepted.

3) Professional Experience (max 4 points)

Applicant’s professional experience is looked at broadly and is considered to include work experience relevant to the IDBM programme as well as experience in scientific and artistic work, entrepreneurship and /or other relevant civic activity. Professional experience will be evaluated based on the CV.

Phase II

Based on the total scores of phase I the best applicants are invited for interview. The number of applicants invited to the interview is double the number of study places offered (max 12 students/School). The applicants’ practical skills and ability to communicate in English are evaluated. The applicants are asked questions regarding their motivation, abilities and attitudes. Interviews can be conducted by phone if necessary.

The final acceptance of applicants will be made on the basis of the interviews.