Programme structure

Master in Management of Innovation and Sustainable Business Development

Programme structure

The Master of Science programme in Management of Innovation and Sustainable Business Development is a two year, full-time program, worth a total of 120 ECTS credits. Students will take 30 credits per semester.

The program focuses on themes within innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, leadership, change management and project management. The program is taught through English, encouraging an international mindset and a chance to further develop your English language skills. 

An overview of the courses can be found in the table below. 

Figur som viser studieplanen

Study plan details

Check the current schedule for compulsory and elective courses by year and semester, as well as other details about the programme.

Study plan

1st semester

1st semester

The first semester introduces you to core elements of the program through courses in entrepreneurship, ESG, leadership and change management. You will also have an introductory course in research methods.  

The course introduces entrepreneurship and its development as a field both within practice and research. You will explore concepts and content related to business start-ups, giving you skills that can be used in your own startup or as a consultant within business development.   

More information on the course: AI521216 Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice

You will be introduced to ESG issues in business and finance, exploring the relationship between finance and the UN Sustainability Goals and how finance interacts with environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. The course will delve into current critical recent developments in sustainable finance, and will also cover ESG integration, ESG data and reporting, and active ownership.

More information on the course: AE512021 ESG in Business and Finance

Organizations across all sectors are frequently required to undergo significant organizational changes, involving structure, strategy, technology, and employee roles and attitudes. These changes allow organisations to stay competitive amid global shifts, deregulation, and technological advances, so managers and employees must be equipped to drive these changes. This course will give you a comprehensive understanding of managing organizational change, so that you can be part of it. 

More information on the course: AL530120 Leadership and Change Management

You will be introduced to qualitative research design and methods commonly used in business. Through hands-on activities, you will learn how to collect, analyze, interpret and communicate qualitative data, so that you are well prepared for doing your own independent research project in your MSc thesis. 

More information on the course: AM521971 Qualitative Research Methods

2nd semester

2nd semester

The courses in the second semester, build on what you have learned in the first semester giving you in-depth knowledge and insight into innovation, sustainability and research.

This course gives you an insight into how organizations can explore and exploit innovative opportunities to create competitive advantages. You will explore how organizations can build and manage innovative capabilities, and how the development of technological innovations influences the direction and outcomes of innovations. 

More information on the course: AI521112 - Innovation Management and Intellectual Property Rights

You will explore the concepts and frameworks related to sustainable business development and the integration of sustainable thinking and practices into strategic management processes. Emphasis is placed on how to incorporate economic, environmental and social objectives into mission statements, strategy, culture and practice to create long-term value for an organisation, its stakeholders and the wider society.

More information on the course: AM530160 Sustainability Management

You will experience interdisciplinary teamwork through working with students from different master's programs across the university. Together, you will create a project that addresses a real-life challenge, while actively exploring the cooperation of your team through reflective activities that help you develop your teamworking skills. 

More information on the course: Experts in Teamwork

This course provides you with an understanding of how to use scientific methods critically. You will be introduced to quantitative research methods, focusing on the understanding of fundamental concepts, terminology and methods for data analysis. The course prepares you for designing  quantitative research and collecting and analyzing quantitative data. 

More information on the course: AM521817 Quantitative Research Methods

3rd semester

3rd semester

In the third semester, you will have the opportunity to do an exchange semester at one of our many partner institutions. You can also choose to stay in Aalesund during the third semester where you will take two mandatory courses and 15 ECTS electives, including the opportunity to do a credit-bearing internship. 

You will have the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills developed throughout the program on a real-life sustainable business development project. The project can be carried out in collaboration with one of our many industry partners, but it is also possible for you to work on your own startup ideas within the field of sustainable business development. 

More information on the course: AM530210 Sustainable Business Development Project

Project management is key in today's dynamic and competive landscape, as it enables organizations to tackle complex challenges, adapt to technological advancements, and deliver results aligned with strategic goals. This course delves into the practical application of project management and the tools required in various phases of a project. 

More information on the course: AL511716 Project Management

4th semester

4th semester

In your final semester of the MSc program, you will write your master’s thesis. 

During the second year of your master's degree, you will write a master's thesis. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competence that you have gained throughout your studies. The master's thesis gives you the opportunity to conduct an independent research project within a specific topic in your field of study. We encourage our students to write their master's thesis in collaboration with one of our many industry partners. 

More information on the master's thesis: AM530250 Master Thesis