Studies
Research
About RU
Duration
1 years
Credits
90 ECTS
Degree
MSc or MBM
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

What will you learn?

The master’s programme in Business Management is designed for students who want to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Offering considerable flexibility, the programme allows students to choose from a wide range of electives, enabling them to specialise in the areas of business and management that matter most to them. This flexibility also encourages interdisciplinary learning, with the option to take graduate courses from other faculties at RU, such as engineering or computer science. Additionally, students are encouraged to gain hands-on, real-world experience through internships.

This programme is also an excellent choice for students without a background in management studies who want to develop essential business knowledge and skills. Graduates will build a strong foundation in key business disciplines, including strategy, innovation, marketing, leadership, finance, and business analysis. The programme equips students with a versatile skill set essential for thriving in today’s dynamic and evolving business landscape.

A choice between two paths

Students can choose between a programme structure leading to a Master of Science (MSc) in Business Management or a structure leading to a postgraduate qualification (MBM). Both structures require 90 ECTS credits. The curriculum can be completed in three terms, with full-time study in the autumn, spring, and summer.

MSc degree

Students finish 60 ECTS credits in courses according to the programme structure and a 30 ECTS-credit master’s thesis.

Postgraduate qualification (MBM)

Students finish 90 ECTS credits in courses according to the programme structure and can take an internship of up to 15 ECTS credits.

How will I learn?

Traditional classroom learning 

Master's programmes in the Department of Business and Economics are on site.

Global expertise in English

Courses are conducted in English by both Icelandic and international specialists, offering students a global perspective on the material.

Organisation of teaching 

Courses in the Department of Business and Economics are offered in two formats: as intensive modules with full-day sessions spanning two to four consecutive days or as weekly classes. Classes may be scheduled in the afternoon and on Saturdays.

Assessment

Courses feature a combination of assessment components, including group projects, individual assignments, and written or oral exams. Students may expect assignments and exams to occur outside of classroom hours, with final assessments typically completed shortly after each course concludes.

Internship

Students may pursue internships instead of elective courses, earning 7,5 or 15 ECTS credits. Each student is assigned a supervisor from the host company or institution and a faculty advisor for the duration of the internship. Internships are especially beneficial for students with limited work experience or those aiming to use their studies to explore new career opportunities.

*For further information, see the Guidelines for Internships in Master's Programmes.

What next?

Future prospects

Those who complete a master's programme in Business Management gain extensive expertise that can be applied to various professions in the workplace involving management, leadership, and administrative tasks. This programme is ideal for students who wish to tailor their studies to specific interests or integrate multiple areas within management disciplines.

Upon completion of their studies, students should be able to:
  • Understand practical business challenges using proper methodologies and analysis to provide effective and efficient solutions.
  • Initiate and manage projects, accepting responsibility for individual and group efforts.
  • Use management processes and procedures focusing on marketing, finance, strategy, leadership, and change management.
  • Apply the most effective tools and strategies in a variety of settings.
  • Conduct practical research by systematically collecting, analysing, and critically evaluating data.
  • Work independently and systematically. Create goals, plan, and implement solutions to various challenges.
  • Critically assess corporate practices to suggest and carry out improvements.
  • Apply management science methods and procedures in various industries, locally and internationally.
  • Apply critical and ethical thinking to examine and address challenges and circumstances to ensure responsible and sustainable operations.
Any Questions?

I knew that HR puts a lot of effort into maintaining good relations with the working world and that the program is project-oriented.

Rakel Lind Hauksdóttir
Assistant Director of LSR

Structure

Programme structure

Length of study

14 months (three terms).

Terms

  • Autumn: August to December
  • Spring: January to May
  • Summer: May to September

Maximum study period

The programme structure is based on full-time study but students have the opportunity to study part-time. The maximum study period is two years (six terms).

Choice between two paths

Students can choose between a programme structure leading to a Master of Science (MSc) in Business Management and a structure leading to a postgraduate qualification (MBM). Both structures require 90 ECTS credits. The curriculum can be completed in three terms, with full-time study in the autumn, spring, and summer terms.

MSc degree

Students finish 60 ECTS credits in courses according to the programme structure and a 30 ECTS-credit master’s thesis.

Postgraduate qualification (MBM)

Students finish 90 ECTS credits in courses according to the programme structure and have the opportunity to take an internship of up to 15 ECTS credits.

Note

  • Students with fewer than 30 ECTS in business administration in their bachelor's degree must take the following courses instead of electives in their first term:
    • V-700-IMBU Introduction to Management and Business Concepts (0 ECTS)
    • V-737-FAFI Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance (7.5 ECTS)
  • Students can complete an internship for a maximum of 15 ECTS credits instead of electives.
  • The curriculum provides more information about the courses.
Autumn
Strategic Management
V-712-STJO / 8 ECTS
Change management and leadership
V-736-CMLE / 8 ECTS
Fundamentals in Accounting and Finance
V-737-FAFI / 8 ECTS
Valnámskeið
V-Val-7 / 7.5
Spring
Innovation Management
V-713-INNM / 8 ECTS
Management control
V-717-CPMA / 8 ECTS
Business Ethics
V-714-BETH / 4 ECTS
Research Proposal
V-898-REPR / N/A
Business Research Methodology I
V-765-REM1 / 4 ECTS
Business Research Methodology II
V-825-REM2 / 4 ECTS
Valnámskeið 3.75 ECTS
V-val / 3.75
Summer
Meistararitgerð
V-898-THES / 30 ECTS
Duration
1 years
Credits
90 ECTS
Degree
MSc or MBM
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

Facilities

Services and Good Facilities 

Reykjavik University has facilities for practical teaching, group study rooms, a canteen, study and career counselling, and other student services.

Class Rooms and Reading Rooms

Reykjavík University has outstanding facilities for teaching, reading, and student collaboration. The classrooms are well-equipped, and students can use group work areas. Students have access to general facilities all day and night.

Excellent Service 

The university facility offers easy access to study and career help, an international office, and technical aid. The library provides excellent and diverse working facilities. It also provides access to books and scholarly publications, and information specialists host open hours during which students can browse around, ask questions, and obtain assistance with reference work.

Shops and Cafe

RU facilities include the Háskólabúðin (convenience store), a cafe, a World Class training facility, and the Málið canteen.

Why choose our master’s programmes?

  • Accelerated timeline: Earn your master’s degree in just 14 months with our full-time study programme.
  • Exceptional internship opportunities: Gain hands-on experience with industry-leading organisations.
  • Global expertise: Learn from both national and international specialists, offering a diverse and global perspective.
  • Industry-aligned curriculum: Designed in collaboration with leading Icelandic firms, the programmes address both local and global business challenges.
  • Courses delivered in English: All programmes are delivered in English, except Accounting and Auditing.
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