International Business and Economics Programme

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Umea University

Program Overview

The Bachelor's International Business and Economics Programme at Umeå University is a three-year adventure that equips you with the skills for a thriving international career in companies and organizations crossing borders. It's perfect for ambitious students passionate about global markets, business leadership, and economic trends, blending business administration, economics, statistics, and law to build a rock-solid foundation for tackling real-world challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You'll kick off with an exciting dive into the world of global business, starting with Markets, Trade and Global Challenges and International Business Administration and Global Challenges, which explore international markets, trade dynamics, and pressing worldwide issues. Building on that, courses like Leading and Organizing in an International Context, Contemporary Marketing, Macroeconomics, and Finance teach you how to lead teams across cultures, craft smart marketing strategies, analyze big-picture economies, and master financial decision-making—setting you up with practical tools right from the start.

Year 2
Here, you'll deepen your expertise with a choice between business administration or economics tracks; if you lean business, expect hands-on learning in Project Management, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology, Financial Accounting, and Managerial Accounting, focusing on leading projects, sparking innovations, and crunching numbers for business success. Economics fans tackle advanced modeling, industrial economics, financial economics, Microeconomics: Consumer Behavior, and Macroeconomics: Institutions and Policy, honing your ability to predict consumer choices, understand policy impacts, and model economic scenarios that shape global industries.

Year 3
The final year ramps up flexibility with 30 credits of electives, including study abroad or internships to gain real international experience. Specializing in economics? You'll refine skills in Microeconomics: Consumer Behavior, Macroeconomics: Institutions and Policy, and Current Topics in Economics, then cap it off with a Bachelor's Thesis in Economics where you independently research a cutting-edge issue. Business administration track? Dive into Meeting Challenges in the International Business Environment and produce a Bachelor's Thesis, International Business Administration, critically analyzing global business hurdles and showcasing your research prowess.

Focus areas
Core strengths include international business leadership, economic modeling, global trade, innovation, finance, marketing, and cross-cultural challenges, with options to specialize in business administration or economics.

Learning outcomes
Graduates gain a comprehensive grasp of global economies and businesses, critical thinking for complex issues, skills in data-driven decisions, leadership in multicultural settings, and the ability to conduct independent research via a bachelor's thesis.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
Delivered by Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE), a respected institution emphasizing international perspectives and innovation; leads to a Bachelor's degree (180 credits) recognized for roles in multinational firms, public sector, and beyond—no specific external accreditation noted, but aligned with EU standards for mobility and employability.

Reputation (employability rankings)
USBE's programmes, including this one, draw top applicants (e.g., 198 first-choice for economics in 2023 among 1,513 options) and boast strong mobility with 70+ partner universities; alumni thrive in global roles, supported by the school's focus on real-world skills and northern Sweden's innovative business hub.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Why the Bachelor's International Business and Economics Programme at Umeå University is the Right Choice for Your Future

Building Real-World Skills Through Hands-On Learning

The International Business and Economics Programme at Umeå University goes far beyond traditional classroom learning. You'll develop practical expertise that employers actually value, with access to world-class facilities designed to support collaborative and interactive learning. The campus features modern learning environments with three on-campus libraries, high-speed wi-fi, and dedicated study spaces specifically built for group work and knowledge-sharing. This setup means you're not just sitting in lectures—you're actively engaging with peers, tackling real problems, and building the professional skills that matter in today's economy.

What makes this programme stand out is how it integrates sustainability and practical application into its core mission. Umeå University's School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE) emphasizes hands-on learning across its programmes, and the facilities reflect this commitment to giving you genuine professional experience:

- Collaborative study spaces and group rooms throughout Campus Umeå—ideal for project-based learning and teamwork
- Three on-campus libraries providing research resources and quiet study environments
- High-speed wi-fi and technology infrastructure supporting digital tools and online research databases
- Main Campus spanning an area equivalent to 34 football pitches, with spaces designed for both independent study and interactive group work
- Arts Campus by the riverside with creative learning environments that foster innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Access to a large sports centre, outdoor gym, and track and field arena nearby campus—supporting the work-life balance essential for success
- Student support services including career centre assistance to help you connect learning to real job opportunities

The programme is built around sustainability, environmental policy, consumer behaviour, and public procurement—areas where USBE actively conducts research and invites students to engage with current industry challenges. This means your coursework connects directly to real-world economic issues that companies and governments are tackling right now.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The International Business and Economics Programme at Umeå University: Practical Learning That Prepares You for Real-World Success

The International Business and Economics Programme at Umeå University is designed to give you hands-on experience that goes far beyond textbooks. You'll develop practical analytical skills through a blend of traditional lectures, collaborative seminars, and project-based learning that mirrors how professionals actually work in business and economics. The university has invested significantly in creating an environment where you can apply what you learn immediately, with access to modern facilities and resources that support active learning and group collaboration.

Umeå University's Main Campus provides an exceptional learning environment specifically equipped for this kind of engaged education:

- Three on-campus libraries with extensive resources for research and study
- High-speed wi-fi and plenty of dedicated study spaces designed for collaborative and interactive group work
- Large group rooms where you and your classmates can work on projects together
- Close proximity to a large sports centre and outdoor gym, so you can maintain balance during intensive study periods
- Campus facilities spread across an area equivalent to 34 football pitches, with a cozy central park—creating a professional yet welcoming atmosphere for both focused individual work and team collaboration

The Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE) — your home faculty — is a university-integrated business school with close to 4,000 students and about 150 employees, meaning you'll have access to experienced faculty and a vibrant community of peers. This scale allows for personalized attention while maintaining the resources and research opportunities of a major institution.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, USBE emphasizes sustainability as a core part of your education, which increasingly matters to employers across industries. The program integrates environmental and health economics perspectives, giving you competitive knowledge in areas where businesses are investing heavily. The school is certified by ISO 14001 (environmental management) and is part of international networks including the Global Business School Network (GBSN) and Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), connecting you to a global community of business leaders committed to responsible practices.

To explore the full range of research infrastructure and facilities available to support your studies, you can visit the university's research infrastructure page for additional details on tools, databases, and resources that enhance your learning experience.

Country Requirements

UK: Minimum of 5 different subjects with at least 2 A-levels. English in GCSE/IGCSE for English 6. Mathematics GCSE/IGCSE for Mathematics 3b. GCSE Government and Politics or a combination of two of Business, Citizenship studies, Economics, Geography, History, Sociology in GCSE/IGCSE for Civics 1b.
China, applicants must submit a Diploma or Certificate of Graduation and official school reports for grades ten to twelve, with Mathematics studied all three years at a level equivalent to Mathematics 3b, or Mathematics 3c studied alongside Physics, Chemistry, and or Biology in Senior Middle School.
India, applicants must hold the All-India Senior High School Certificate or Higher Secondary Certificate along with the Secondary School Certificate, including Mathematics equivalent to 3b such as Mathematics and Statistics in Commerce code 88 from the Maharashtra Board.
Pakistan Intermediate/Higher Secondary School Certificate ISSC/HSSC
Saudi Arabia, applicants must have the General Secondary Education Certificate with Mathematics equivalent to 3c up to 2023, or from 2024 the Secondary School Graduation Certificate with Mathematics from the Science section.
USA, applicants must have a High School Graduation Diploma with official transcripts for grades nine to twelve, including Mathematics equivalent to 3b such as Pre Calculus, Algebra III, or an equivalent course.
Canada, applicants must hold a High School Diploma with official transcripts and meet Mathematics equivalent to 3b through senior level mathematics such as pre calculus, advanced mathematics, or required mathematics credits depending on the province, with a minimum passing grade.
Germany, applicants must hold the Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife or the Zeugnis der Fachgebundenen Hochschulreife, including Mathematics equivalent to 3b with two basic level Mathematics courses.
Turkey, applicants must provide official transcripts for grades nine to twelve including Mathematics equivalent to 3b with at least twenty units of Mathematics.
France, applicants must meet general entry requirements with the Baccalauréat Général and Relevé de Notes including Mathematics equivalent to 3c, with Série ES or Série L Mathematics profile or specialization before 2020, or from 2021 Mathematics completed through continuous assessment or specialty studies in Première.