International Design Business Management, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

The master’s programme in International Design Business Management (IDBM) is a joint teaching and research platform of all the Aalto University schools (School of Arts, Design and Architecture, School of Business, and schools of science and technology). The programme is taught completely in English. The first year of studies consists of a set of intensive compulsory study modules in all three fields and requires full time commitment. The second year of studies is more flexible to meet individual needs and interests.

Education content

The learning outcomes are achieved through compulsory and elective studies. The compulsory IDBM core studies are linked to an extensive joint industry project and related teamwork. The business, design and technology components of the programme ensure that the students gain the necessary business, design and technology perspectives. Parallel to these the IDBM industry project deepens participants’ understanding of the real-life processes of the participating firms in global design intensive businesses. Skills in project management and business planning are developed through the projects.

Career opportunities

Studies in International Design Business Management prepare for a career in industries that use and manage design as a key component of their competitive strategy. This can involve large multinational corporations, as well as small start-ups operating in a variety of fields. These businesses typically engage design to create new products and services, often involving the latest technology and business venturing and entrepreneurship.

IDBM graduates hold a variety of design and development positions in industry. They often participate in doing and managing design, product, service and business development, consulting, intra- and entrepreneurial initiatives and research. The initial specialist positions have in many cases evolved into more managerial and leadership ones.

Maisteriohjelma tarjoaa syvällistä osaamista moni- ja poikkitieteiseen suunnitteluun. Opetus tapahtuu sekä yksilötasolla, että erilaisten projektien ja ryhmätöiden kautta. Projektit toteutetaan yhteistyössä yritysten kanssa.