Introduction
IDBM is a pioneering and renowned study programme that truly embodies the vision of Aalto by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design or technology.
Study objectives
We do not work in silos, so why should we study in one? IDBM students tackle complex, real-life challenges in multidisciplinary teams and develop holistic perspectives of tomorrow’s challenges. The programme embraces design more broadly as a method, mindset and competitive advantage. It does so by focusing on product, service and business design, technology and innovation management. IDBM graduates have:
The ability to work in and lead diverse teams. Graduates have discovered and unlocked their potential in multidisciplinary teams. They have developed important interpersonal and communications skills through collaborative industry projects. Become an effective team player by improving vital project management skills.
A forward-looking view of the world. Graduates possess knowledge about current and future trends shaping organisations and societies.
Not only business sense but design and tech-savviness. Graduates have expanded their competence achieved in business by bringing in design and technical perspectives to gain a more holistic view on how to create value for end-users.
Competence to manage, develop and lead design-driven strategies. Graduates have gained insight into how design is managed and how can its impact be evaluated and analysed. They have learnt from industry leaders how to create new ideas and execute them with design-driven strategies and processes.
Upon graduation from the IDBM programme, graduates are ready to take on significant roles in teams working in the intersection of design, business and technology. They are able to drive innovation and lead initiatives to undertake new business ventures in global environments.
Language of instruction
The language of instruction is English.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee is €15 000 for non-EU/EEA students per academic year. More information on Scholarships and Tuition Fees page (aalto.fi).
Content of the studies
All master students from the three tracks (Design, Science and Technology, Business) will study the same compulsory IDBM major courses during the first year of studies. The courses include topics such as creative teamwork, business model design, corporate entrepreneurship and global virtual teamwork.
One of the core IDBM major courses is the six-month-long Industry Project where multi-disciplinary student teams work together on real-life challenges provided by industry partners. In addition to the major studies, students are expected to complete specialisation studies in his/her own field. The number of specialisation studies varies between IDBM study options.
Structure of studies
The programme includes in total of 120 credits:
IDBM major studies 40 credits
engineering specialisation/minor studies 20-30 credits
electives 20-30 credits
thesis 30 credits
Internationalisation
Aalto University also offers diverse possibilities for developing one’s global competence by:
choosing courses with the intercultural approach, learning foreign languages and/or becoming a student tutor for international students
completing part of the degree abroad in an international partner university as an exchange student
conducting practical training or Master’s thesis abroad
taking a summer course abroad
Co-operation with other parties
IDBM is a truly multidisciplinary programme that embodies the vision of Aalto: a community of bold thinkers, where science and art meet technology and business. You have the entirely unique opportunity to study and work together with ambitious students from the schools of ARTS, Business, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Science.
Aalto University is well-known for bridging disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the University bring students from different fields under one roof. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.
Career opportunities
IDBM prepares you for a career in creative industries and in organisations that draw on creativity, design and technology as key components of their competitive positioning. These career opportunities exist both in large multinationals and in startups, in a variety of fields as organisations are starting to recognise the importance of design in retaining their relevance and creating better value. In positions ranging from service design to design and strategy, IDBM graduates leverage design to create new products and services, often involving the latest technology.
Aalto University has well-established career services which help you get employed in Finland and abroad. Aalto students tend to find good positions with ease upon their graduation. There is also a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, which can help as a springboard for founding a company. Finally, if an academic career is of interest, the Master’s programme in International Design Business Management is a great foundation for doctoral studies and post-doc positions.
Postgraduate study options
IDBM graduates are eligible to apply for doctoral studies.
Programme-specific Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, the applicant must fulfil the minimum requirements for the studies leading to an MSc degree in Technology. The minimum requirements include good academic performance and previous studies compatible with the degree studies.
The applicants are evaluated and ranked on the basis of the criteria below based on the submitted application documents. The student selection process is competitive. Not all eligible applicants will be admitted and there is no minimum quota.
Phase I
Recognition and quality of an institution
What is evaluated?
Recognition and quality of the applicant's previous institution
Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant
The applicant’s background will be evaluated based on the international recognition and academic quality of the previous university and degree programme.
Method of demonstrating competence
International and national rankings of higher education institutions
Criticality
Critical
Relevance of previous studies
What is evaluated?
Previous studies
Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant
Applicant should hold a B.Sc. or equivalent degree in a relevant field. The compatibility and relevance of previous studies are evaluated in relation to the desired engineering specialization area as stated in the letter of motivation.
To be considered for admission, the applicants should have completed a high-quality Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology or natural sciences. The previous studies of the applicants should be relevant for the specialization they are applying for.
In addition to the studies giving basis to apply to the programme, other possible studies are also evaluated. However, the study option should provide genuinely new knowledge and enhance the career prospects of the applicant. Thus, applicants who already have a master’s degree in a closely related field will only be admitted with well-justified reasons which should be explained in the motivation letter.
Method of demonstrating competence
Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s)
Criticality
Critical
Academic performance
What is evaluated?
Grades of the previous degree(s)
Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant
In addition to compatible previous studies, the applicants are expected to have very good previous study success (GPA and results in key courses). Applicants with a weighted GPA of previous degree lower than 3.00 are not eligible for admission.
The cumulative grade point average is calculated from the bachelor’s degree (or the degree giving the eligibility). Applicant’s grades from other completed studies of which the applicant has provided the appropriate documents by the end of the application period will also be evaluated.
Method of demonstrating competence
Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s)
Criticality
Critical
Suitability
What is evaluated?
Motivational letter
Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant
The applicant must show his/her motivation for studying in the IDBM programme by providing a motivation letter. The letter is written in English and the maximum length of the letter is 4000 characters (including space characters). The motivation letter should answer at least the following questions:
Why am I applying for the Master's Programme in IDBM?
What am I expecting to learn or gain by participating in the IDBM Programme?
What specialization area studies would I choose and why?
The contribution I will bring to fellow students and the continued success of the IDBM Programme?
Method of demonstrating competence
Motivational letter
Criticality
Critical
Please, indicate clearly in your motivation letter which specialization area(s) you are interested in:
School of Chemical Engineering
Biomass Refining
Biotechnology
Chemical and Process Engineering
Chemistry
Fibre and Polymer Engineering
Functional Materials
Sustainable Metals Processing
School of Electrical Engineering
Automation and Electrical Engineering
Computer, Communication and Information Sciences
Electronics and Nanotechnology
School of Engineering
Advanced Energy Solutions
Building Technology
Geoengineering and Mineral Based Materials
Geoinformatics
Human-Centred Living Environment
Mechanical Engineering
Real Estate Economics
School of Science
Computer Science
Engineering Physics
Human-Computer Interaction
Mathematics
Software and Service Engineering
Systems and Operations Research
Other areas of competence
What is evaluated?
Professional experience / CV
Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant
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.
Method of demonstrating competence
Curriculum vitae, letter of references, proof of employment, publications
Criticality
Not critical
Phase II
Suitability
What is evaluated?
Applicant’s further applicability to the study option, motivation, and commitment to studies/communication skills.
Admission requirements/What we look for in an applicant
Based on the above evaluation criteria, the best applicants are invited for an interview. The maximum number of applicants invited to the interview is double the amount of the quota. The applicants’ practical skills and ability to communicate in English are evaluated and the applicants are required to give a short oral presentation in English on a subject given when invited to the interview. The applicants are asked a series of questions regarding their motivation, abilities, and attitudes. Interviews can be conducted by phone or on a virtual meeting platform if necessary.
The final acceptance of applicants is made on the basis of the interviews. The applicant can only be admitted to one Master’s Programme in International Design Business Management.
Method of demonstrating competence
Interview
Criticality
Critical
