Master of Science in International Business

The first year consists solely of compulsory courses. In the second year, you can personalize your curriculum by picking electives. If you want to turn theory into practice, you can combine an internship at a multinational company with the more theoretical part of your curriculum.

Program Structure

The program consists out of 120 ECTS and is built on two modules of 60 ECTS. This way, the curriculum can be completed in two academic years. Three types of courses are offered. The first deals with the current international economic context, while the second consists of advanced business courses. The remaining courses are at the intersection of those two fields and focus on doing business in an international context.

Internship options

As practical experience is becoming increasingly important when looking for a job, the International Business program offers students the opportunity to take an internship. Students can choose an internship of 6 ECTS (20 full-time workdays) or 12 ECTS (40 full-time workdays), but there is no maximum duration. It can take place at any time during the academic year, though we prefer you to do it during the summer. The International Business program has connections with companies like Coca-Cola, IBM, Daikin, BNP Paribas, KPMG, and PwC. In addition, students can apply for internships at the European Commission and the European Parliament – both in Brussels. As international experience can boost your cv, VUB allows – and even encourages – international internships.

A graduate of the MSc in International Business:

1. has profound insight into, and academic knowledge of, the different disciplines of international business economics;
2. has a good overview of and masters a rich and diverse tool kit of business economic paradigms, principles, and models and is able to autonomously, critically, and reflectively evaluate and argue which could serve as a means to provide sustainable solutions for (business) optimization in a real, uncertain, complex and international business context;
3. can strategically think, act, undertake, and manage problem-solving, and with profound specialized knowledge and skills;
4. is able to restrain oneself on the life-long and autonomous basis in the most up-to-date and advanced developments in international business economics and this both on the professional and academic ground;
5. can autonomously consult, analyze and critically interpret scientific research results and has profound knowledge of scientific methodology;
6. can autonomously set-up and conduct scientific research by means of the suitable scientific method(s) to answer an original research question, and is able to report on this, in writing and orally, incorrect methodological terminology;
7. takes with a critical and value-free research attitude initiative and responsibility in autonomously conducting academic research to provide an original contribution to the existing business economic knowledge;
8. has a broad, multidisciplinary view on problems that occur in the conduct of business in an international context

English-taught Master of Science in International Business (120 ECTS).

The VUB helps you to make your first step in the job market with workshops, networking events, job fairs, tips 'n tricks for job interviews. All an ambitious student needs!

Are you interested in one of our English-taught programmes and want to know more about studying in Brussels at VUB? VUB organises general and programme specific online info sessions. Book your timeslot today!