Study plan 2025

Overall competences

Society is facing a revolutionary development in digitalisation where new technology and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) are playing an increasingly important role in all sectors of society. We are responding to society's changing needs by developing business professionals who hold a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities that digitalisation entails. The ability to develop an understanding of future digital business environments and solutions is crucial in order to successfully navigate in a constantly evolving field.  

The digital development is changing the conditions for most activities and the dynamic labour market increases the demand to continuously update new competencies and skills. The degree programme supports continuous learning and lifelong career development while preparing students to work in diverse multi-professional and multicultural teams. The aim of the degree programme is to provide a competitive professional competence profile for working life.  

As the labour market is undergoing significant changes and the expectations of new employees are high, the degree programme strives to support students to become future-oriented and development-driven individuals. The degree programme corresponds to the increasing need for broad basic business competency. The studies provide a comprehensive overall understanding of business administration and a deeper understanding of selected areas within the field.

The business world needs business administration professionals with a broad range of skills such as communication capability and adaptability. The structure of the degree programme together with co-operation with both working life and other degree programmes, helps students to develop resilience, leadership skills, the ability to make evidence-based decisions and critical thinking abilities. Creativity and an approach that favors sustainable value creation is also strongly emphasised within the degree programme.

The degree is also complemented by language studies. All courses are taught in English.

Profile

The aim of the degree programme is to respond to society’s and working life’s need for a relevant educated workforce. The profile of the degree programme build on an analysis of societal requirements for the profession. The goal is to educate business administrators who can combine academic and professional skills. The degree programme prepares students for a knowledge-based and rapidly changing working life. Arcada educates business administrators with a broad basic knowledge within different areas of business administration. This provides the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of business contexts.

A graduate from Arcada is characterised as a practically skilled professional with experience of working in international teams and with a broad understanding of how economic decision making in modern working life works.    

Disciplinary profiling 

The degree programme in International Business develops the student’s competence to understand and manage a company’s operations and economic processes through a comprehensive business-oriented approach. The focus lies on developing the ability to utilise digital solutions to create value, foster business opportunities, and ensure long-term sustainable results. Business administration is a multifaceted field of study encompassing several subareas. This leads to a broad perspective with a solid foundation in economics.

The foundation in business administration develops the student’s understanding of how market structures and economic factors influence company operations and growth potential. Identifying and managing economic challenges, optimising resources and creating long-term sustainability are essential within business administration. The degree programme emphasises the importance of strategic thinking, analytical skills and evidence-based business decisions, where theory meets practice.

Different tracks and extended tracks are offered within the framework of the professional studies. These studies comprise a total of 60 ECTS. 

The structure of studies

Please note that Arcada UAS has the right to change names of courses listed in each module below or replace courses within modules.

General Education Studies (15 ECTS)

Education in a Digital and Sustainable Nordic Society (15 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you can use your basic learning and career competence in order to autonomously and actively conduct studies and develop your learning. You can identify and value your own strengths and development needs. You can explain the concept of continuous learning and apply it when planning your career path. You can operate and learn in an increasingly digitalised society. You can critically examine and analyse information to develop your innovation and development competence which will enhance your basis for learning. You can identify the basis of communication and social competence and are able to act and communicate in 15 different professional and social contexts. You can present the profession specific ethical principles and sustainability aspects in the Nordic society. You respect and can encourage equality and cultural diversity.

The study module consists of the following courses:

Professional Studies (135 ECTS)

Consist of Foundation studies and Advanced studies.

Professional Communication - Foundation studies (15 ECTS)

Core competences

Students who have received their education abroad in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian or Danish shall take 10 credits in Swedish and 5 credits in English.

The study module consists of the following courses:

Upon completion of this module, if you have a Finnish educational background, you are expected to be able to communicate in both domestic languages, as well as in English. Additionally, you are expected to fulfil the competence requirements, according to the law (424/2003, 6§), for public sector employees. You can function professionally in different language situations within your area of expertise. You are able to adjust your language appropriately to various communicative situations and have the tools and ability to develop your communicative skills. Instead of the courses Swedish for Beginners I-II, you shall complete:

Fundamentals of Business - Foundation studies (30 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this study module you have a broad understanding of business administration and corporate functions. You have knowledge of secure, critical, and creative uses of digital technology and web services. You understand how business mathematics is used to support better decision-making. You know how to construct and defend an argument in a clear, logical, and relevant way. You can develop knowledge on theories and concepts of models relating to customer relationship management. You know the basics of evidence-based decision making. You can explain how global macro trends affect local circumstances. You understand the importance of the ability to function effectively across cultures, to think and act appropriately, and to communicate and work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The study module consists of the following courses:

After the first common study year, which consists of general education and foundational studies, the student completes one of the following advanced professional study modules, known as tracks. These tracks include: 1) Accounting, 2) Logistics and International Trade 3) Strategic Marketing and Consumer Insights. The track is completed during the second year.

During the third year, the student completes two advanced professional study modules, known as extended tracks. These extended tracks provide further specialisation within the student’s chosen track. The extended tracks are determined based on the track the student completed in their second year. Students admitted to Accounting complete Comprehensive Accounting and Analysis (Extended track I) and Advanced Financial Management and Corporate Strategy (Extended track II). Students admitted to Logistics and International Trade complete Sustainable Supply Chain Management (Extended track I) and Fulfillment Management and Automation (Extended track II). Students admitted to Strategic Marketing and Consumer Insights complete Customer-Centric Service Development (Extended track I) and Data-Driven Business Development (Extended track II).

Practical studies, 30 ECTS are also part of professional studies.

The structure for the tracks and extended tracks looks like this:

1. Track: Accounting (second year)

• Extended track I: Comprehensive Accounting and Analysis (third year)
• Extended track II: Advanced Financial Management and Corporate Strategy (third year)

2. Track: Logistics and International Trade (second year)

• Extended track I: Sustainable Supply Chain Management (third year)
• Extended track II: Fulfillment Management and Automatisation (third year)

3. Track: Strategic Marketing and Consumer Insights (second year)

• Extended track I: Customer-Centric Service Development (third year)
• Extended track II: Data-Driven Business Development (third year)

Accounting - Advanced studies (30 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you have a comprehensive understanding of financial accounting, management accounting, personnel administration and their crucial roles in business management. You have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare, analyse, and interpret financial statements, ensure compliance with tax regulations and labor laws, and optimise an organisation's financial and personnel-related processes.

You manage key financial metrics, conduct financial analysis and develop budgets to support well-informed business decisions. Additionally, you gain insights into how business systems are used for financial management and develop strategies for personnel management, payroll administration and recruitment.

By integrating ethical guidelines and sustainability principles into financial planning and personnel management, you are prepared for leadership roles in accounting, finance, and HR, contributing to sustainable growth and organisational success. 

The study module consists of the following courses:

Comprehensive Accounting and Analysis - Advanced studies (15 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you unlock your financial mastery and dive into the world of financial statements with confidence and precision. The meticulously designed module equips you with the essential skills to not only understand and analyse financial information but to leverage it for strategic decision-making. You develop a robust understanding of financial statements, learning how to extract critical insights to evaluate a company’s profitability. You acquire the expertise to independently manage yearly accounting tasks and confidently close the books for any company. You learn the ins and outs of filing accurate and compliant tax returns, ensuring your company’s fiscal responsibilities are met seamlessly. 

The study module consists of the following courses:

Advanced Financial Management and Corporate Strategy - Advanced studies (15 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module, you have advanced financial expertise and strategic decision-making skills. You have developed a deep understanding of financial management systems, corporate finance, and financial analysis, preparing you for complex financial roles in a dynamic business environment. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, you enhance your ability to assess financial performance, manage investments, and make strategic financial decisions that drive business success. You gain hands-on experience with business systems used in financial management, analyse corporate finance structures, and evaluate investment opportunities. This module also strengthens your ability to conduct financial analysis, interpret key financial metrics, and support data-driven decision-making at an executive level. Additionally, this module emphasises critical thinking, ethical considerations and sustainability in financial decision-making. These competencies will prepare you well for leadership roles in finance, whether as a financial analyst, corporate strategist or CFO. 

The study module consists of the following courses:

Logistics and International Trade - Advanced studies (30 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you can describe and analyse the global business environment and have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in managing the complexities of international trade and logistics. You can plan and execute strategic procurement, ensure efficient freight services, and navigate the regulatory frameworks and cultural challenges that characterise international markets. You can analyse and critically assess processes and supply chains within a globalised business world. By leveraging data and facts, you can optimise operational flows to meet future demands and contribute to sustainable value creation in logistics. You can lead the development of logistics in a company, plan and optimise warehouse management, organise and develop supply chains and use business systems within logistics. You can create efficient value flows, leverage digital tools for information management, and adapt organisational logistics processes to meet future demands. You can strategically evaluate and manage business risks related to supply chains to ensure the company’s resilience, while enhancing organisational leadership and communication capabilities. With the help of these skills, you create a long-term and sustainable success in a dynamic and global business environment.

The study module consists of the following courses:

Sustainable Supply Chain Management - Advanced studies (15 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you can describe and discuss the challenges and opportunities related to responsible business practices (Corporate Social Responsibility). You can also apply models and tools to create a circular supply chain. You can critically review and evaluate the role of logistics in the EU-driven green transition. You can apply tools to reduce the environmental footprint of the supply chain in collaboration with the company's stakeholders. You can evaluate the supply chain from a sustainability perspective and develop the business towards a sustainable, value-creating and circular business model. 

The study module consists of the following courses:

Fulfillment Management and Automatisation - Advanced studies (15 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you can analyse and manage changes in the business environment, with a particular focus on fulfillment management in warehousing, automation of logistical flows and strategic optimisation of the delivery service. You can discuss challenges and opportunities related to modern technology and optimisation of inbound, internal and outbound logistics and describe how automation of the logistical processes provides a competitive advantage in international markets. You can organise and develop the company's logistics flows, location strategies and the company's reverse logistics for long-term sustainable value creation and to create long-term profitability in the fast-growing e-commerce. 

The study module consists of the following courses:

Strategic Marketing and Consumer Insights - Advanced studies (30 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you possess an in-depth understanding of the dynamic marketing landscape and are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively navigate and influence the modern business environment. Through strategic use of emerging technologies, you gain the ability to make well-founded decisions, understand and adapt to market changes to create strategic advantages. Your ability to analyse data and implement insights to develop data-driven marketing strategies becomes a central part of your expertise.  You also oversee marketing and sales processes, gaining insights into customer behaviours and learning how to tailor content that effectively engages your target audience. You incorporate ethical guidelines and sustainability principles into your strategic planning, preparing you for leadership roles with the capability to develop brands and drive companies that are not only successful but also sustainable on a global scale. 

The study module consists of the following courses:

Customer-Centric Service Development - Advanced studies (15 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you master creating services that meet and exceed customer needs, can design, implement, and manage customer-centric services. You explore service design, customer interaction management, and satisfaction enhancement to build lasting engagements. Through innovative practices, leveraging customer insights and management systems, you can strengthen relationships and loyalty. Additionally, you manage customer experiences across touchpoints, using data-driven methods to optimise service delivery. You understand theories related to customer relation management, enabling practical application in projects. Integrating ethical guidelines and sustainability into your planning, you will be prepared for advanced roles that drive sustainable success. You will develop an understanding of how important it is to involve cross-functional teams and external stakeholders in innovation and development processes. The focus on resilience will equip you to manage disruptions and ensure continuous improvement. By the end of this module, you will be equipped to design and deliver innovative, ethical, and sustainable customer-centric services, positioning you as a proactive and forward-thinking professional. 

The study module consists of the following courses:

Data-Driven Business Development - Advanced studies (15 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you can analyse data to drive business development and innovation. You understand the importance of harnessing emerging technologies, advanced data analytics, and market research to create personalised and efficient services. You can customise and automate marketing efforts to optimise customer experiences. You understand the ethical considerations within data-driven innovation and business development.  

The study module consists of the following courses:

Practical training (30 ECTS)

Practical training - Advanced studies (30 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of this module you are able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the education in working life and become familiar with central tasks within the specific area of the field in question. You develop important professional skills, create valuable industry connections, deepen your understanding of working life, and explore career opportunities within your chosen field.

The study module consists of the following study attainments:

Practical training 1

 Upon completion of this practical training you have knowledge to build an understanding of the connection of theory and practice and to see how theory is applied in practice. You are able to grasp your environment from the perspective of general business management.

Practical training 2 

Upon completion of this practical training you can manage typical tasks within you special area of expertise. The content of the practical training should support the chosen field of specialisation (track). The focus should be on independent responsibility, ability to take initiative, develop products and services and preparedness for entrepreneurship.

Development studies (30 ECTS)

Upon completion of this module you have an ability to address different future needs and challenges in a responsible manner both in a local and global societal context. You have a professional learning and career competence which enables you to identify, analyse and solve problems in your professional work. You can apply your profession specific ethical principles and sustainability competence in your daily work. You are able to contribute to development driven processes in professional contexts. You can apply your creative and innovative skills and use technology to further development. You can cooperate with other students and individuals in working life, from other areas and industries. You can act and behave consciously in different social, international and intercultural situations and reflect analytically and critically on your role in the context. You are able to promote openness in groups, organisations and associations.

The  development studies consists of the following study modules:

Research studies (30 ECTS)

Thesis and Research Methods (30 ECTS)

Core competences

Upon completion of the module you can contribute to and critically reflect on the development within your area based on comprehensive and advanced knowledge within your area. You are able to critically explain, discuss and judge as well as argue for theories, central concepts, methods and principles. You are able to solve problems within your profession, and learn together with others. With a basis in your advanced information competence you are able to validate knowledge and argue for the difference between data, information and knowledge. You follow and are able to discuss and promote ethical principles in research.

The study module consists of the following study attainments:

Offered study units 2025-2026

Please find attached the table below.