MA Business Innovation in the New Economy

Overview

Let’s create a better world together! EBS’s innovative MA programme prepares managers to solve the challenges of the future world. In addition to making a profit, the need to deal with social, environmental and economic problems has become an inevitable part of entrepreneurship. Our master's programme will provide you with the desired competencies to tackle current and future worldwide challenges by providing innovative solutions from the field of business.  When you graduate from this programme, you are a next-generation leader equipped with relevant knowledge, fine-tuned skills, and an attitude that helps to innovate.

 

Our MA programme requires bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics or Management. 

Why choose this programme? 

  • MA supports your career ambitions as it helps you to stand out from others. In an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing labour market being an expert in your field gives you a great career advantage. When a bachelor’s degree provides you the broad foundation, a master’s diploma helps you to specialise and to gain deeper knowledge and fine-tuned skills;
  • Our MA programme adds value to your bachelor’s degree by deepening and widening your academic knowledge, further developing your analytical thinking, and improving your professional, leadership and team-related skills. You will apply your knowledge and understanding of international business and management systematically and creatively to professional organisations;
  • We equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to help organisations forward but also provide you with the tools and leadership mindset to make the change actually happen;
  • You will gain an in-depth understanding in your field of specialisation: Leveraging Green Economy Innovation or Leading Digitalisation and Navigating the Start-up Economy;
  • Faculty and students from different nationalities create a unique and diverse cultural space that broadens your worldview and encourages to think big;
  • Most of the faculty teaching in the program are internationally renowned experts in their fields, having both academic and practical business experience. We have a roughly equal proportion of full-time faculty members, practitioner-lecturers from companies and professors from a wide range of international universities;

  • At EBS we focus, as much as possible, on learning from each other via group discussions, teamwork, practical studies, and „lessons from life“. This ensures that you have real solutions to challenges which you will face in your working life;
  • You can take advantage of the mobility window which enables an international learning experience in a foreign top-tier university.

Programme overview

STUDY YEAR PROGRAMME  
I First year: Core Courses  
 

Semester I

 

Studies start with master's bootcamp - you will meet your fellow course-mates and get to know them.

Core Courses:

  • Global Economy Opportunities for Business Innovation    5 ECTS 
  • Comparative International Accounting and Investment Decisions    5 ECTS     
  • Future Trends for Innovation    5 ECTS     
  • Managing Innovation, Disruptions and Risk    5 ECTS     
  • Coaching    2 ECTS     
  • Corporate Strategy – Development and Implementation    5 ECTS     
  • Strategic Marketing    5 ECTS     
32 ECTS
 

Semester II

  • Inspirational Leadership: Learning by Teaching    3 ECTS 
  • Creative Problem Solving and Design Thinking    5 ECTS     
  • Critical Marketing and Behavioural Economics    5 ECTS     
  • Designing Management and Business Research    5 ECTS     
  • Crafting, Framing and Analysing Data    5 ECTS 
  • Interpreting Data and Communicating Research Findings 5 ECTS
28 ECTS
II Developing professional knowledge and skills in my specialisation  
 

Semester III

 

You will develop core competencies in your chosen specialisation: 15 ECTS + 15 ECTS

 

Leveraging Green Economy Innovation specialisation:

  • Green Transition and Sustainable Economy Foundations 15 ECTS
  • Sustainable and Green Finance 15 ECTS

Leading Digitalisation and Navigating the Start-up Economy specialisation:

  • Digital Innovation and Transformations 15 ECTS
  • Business Innovation and Strategy 15 ECTS

During this semester you can also go for an exchange semester abroad with the Erasmus program.

30 ECTS
 

Semester IV 

 

Leveraging Green Economy Innovation specialisation:

  • Going Green: Company-Level Changes 15 ECTS

Leading Digitalisation and Navigating the Start-up Economy specialisation:

  • Data-Based Decision-Making and Leadership ECTS

Master thesis or Academic article 15 ECTS

 

The graduation module consists of a master’s thesis or an academic article for every student in the MA programme regardless of the specialisation track. The main objective of the graduation module is to bridge all the obtained knowledge and skills throughout the programme and to finalise the studies with an original research work

30 ECTS

Specialisations

 

In the MA programme you can choose between two specialisations. Each specialisation consists of three microdegrees (45 ECTS in total).  EBS’ microdegrees are master’s study learning modules within specific field, which allow you to acquire modern knowledge with a future perspective. When designing microdegrees, we are guided by the principle that we create and adapt them according to the challenges of the labour market.

 

Selection of EBS microdegrees

 

Leveraging Green Economy Innovation

The aim of the specialisation leveraging green economy innovation is to produce graduates that understand the link between green economy topics and management. This track is for the new generation of managers and specialists that are concerned with the environmental challenges and want to contribute to and benefit from innovation within the green economy.

 

Upon successful completion of the specialisation, you will:

  • understand the challenges and opportunities deriving from the green economy on a global, national, regional, and organisational level;
  • analyses and evaluate the impact of organisations, supply chains and resources, and products on the environment;
  • creates new innovative business and organisational models that contribute to the green economy;
  • develops a leadership mindset when driving projects related to sustainability and circularity.

Microdegrees included in the specialisation:

  • Green Transition and Sustainable Economy Foundations (15 ECTS)
  • Sustainable and Green Finance (15 ECTS)
  • Going Green: Company-Level Changes (15 ECTS)

Leading Digitalisation and Navigating the Start-up Economy

The aim of the specialisation track leading digitalisation and navigating the start-up economy is to produce graduates that understand the link between digitalisation opportunities and management. This track is for the next generation of managers and specialists that work with the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation and want to benefit from the new business and organisational models that emerge from the start-up economy.

 

Upon successful completion of the specialisation, you will:

  • understand the challenges and opportunities of digitalisation within economies, industries, and organisations;
  • understand the challenges and opportunities of the start-up economy;
  • analyse and evaluate the impact of different digitalisation efforts within organisations;
  • creates new business and organisational models that contribute to the start-up economy;
  • develop a leadership mindset when driving projects related to digitalisation and innovative business and organisational models.

Microdegrees included in the specialisation:

  • Digital Innovation and Transformations (15 ECTS)
  • Business Innovation and Strategy (15 ECTS)
  • Data-Based Decision-Making and Leadership (15 ECTS)

Studies at EBS

Study format

Studies are in a session-based format, which allows you to combine your professional life with studies. Lectures and seminars take place every second week on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10:00-17:15. The final schedule of the second year depends on the chosen microdegrees.

 

We have structured our master's program in such a way that active learning takes place in the classroom through discussions, groupworks and practical tasks. Most of student learning occurs through teamwork and hand-on activities. Group dynamics and communication are an integral part of learning, and that's why we put a lot of emphasis on it. In between meetings, you need to contribute to your studies by preparing for lectures or seminars.

Studies abroad

During your second study year, you will have the possibility to study in one of EBS partner universities for either one semester or one year. Of all universities in Estonia, EBS has the strongest network of partner universities – it includes some of the best business schools in Europe (EMLyon Business School, Università Bocconi, BI Norwegian Business School, Kedge Business School, Copenhagen Business School, Solbridge International School of Business and many more).  

 

Studying abroad provides you with a unique experience and enables you to test yourself in a new academic and cultural environment, practice your language skills, make new friends, find possible future business partners, and gain a competitive advantage in the labour market.

 

Studying abroad during Mobility Window means that you can choose the business-related courses to your own liking and the credits will be transferred. You also have the possibility to complement your knowledge in areas that no university in Estonia covers. When you study at an EBS partner university, you will only pay the EBS tuition fee. Additionally, if you choose mobility in one of the EU countries, EBS will pay to you the Erasmus+ scholarship.

Important dates
1

ADMISSION OPENING

The start of the admission round for the study year 2024/2025.

 

 

 

18

APPLICATION DEADLINE - ESTONIA & FINLAND

The application deadline in SAIS and DreamApply. Admission interviews take place at EBS Tallinn campus.

 

21

APPLICATION DEADLINE - INTERNATIONAL

The application deadline for non-EU applicants in DreamApply for the study year 2024/2025.
 

The application deadline for EU, USA, Canada, Japan, Turkey, Ukraine and Kazakhstan in DreamApply is June 1.

 

Admission information

Suitable candidate:

  • Holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics or Management or an equivalent qualification;
  • Has sufficient proficiency in English (B2);
  • Demonstrates their drive in a catchy application
  • Adds description of master's thesis topic in their application answering following questions:
    • what is your research topic? (i.e. what are you interested in discovering further/ what would you like to write your MA thesis about?)

    • What is your main research question/problem (i.e. what is the problem you are investigating?)

    • Why is this topic interesting? (i.e. who other than academia should benefit from your research / why should anyone care?)

  • Completes admission interview at EBS

Admission

More information about admission requirements and a detailed explanation of the admission process to EBS:

 

 

Admission requirements

Information about admission requirements for international applicants can be found here.

Information about the admission requirements for local applicants can be found here.

Frequently asked questions Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the admission process for international students.
Country-specific requirements

The specific requirements for international qualifications can be found here.

Requirements for International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate or GED qualifications. 

How to apply?

Step-by-step guide for international students here

 

If you are excited about our program and wish to learn from and contribute to EBS community then you are ready to apply. 

The application enables you to introduce yourself to the admission committee and give the first impression of you. 

International applicants:

Apply in DreamApply

 

 

   Estonian applicants:

Apply in SAIS

Online consultations

If you would like to receive more information about the admission process before applying, then sign-up for a personal online consultation. The online consultations take place twice a month.

We encourage you to register if:

  • You have questions about EBS application process that prevents you from applying;
  • You doubt whether your previous education and/or work experience is compatible with your chosen study programme
  • You are choosing between several study programmes and want more information or support to make the right choice
  • You want more information about the organisation of studies or the financing of studies.

Register for the consultation

 

Financing your studies

Tuition fee

The tuition fee for the study year 2023/2024:

  • Semester tuition fee 3190 euros;
  • A processing fee of 35 euros applies when paying in two or four instalments.

Local students:

  • The tuition fee is paid by semester (every half year). You can pay the semester tuition fee in one, two or four instalments. 
  • A processing fee of 35 euros applies when paying in two or four instalments;
  • The first instalment of the tuition fee has to be paid by August 15.

If you are not studying full-time, the tuition fee will be calculated based on the price of credit points (130 euros per credit point). 

 

EU residents:

  • The tuition fee is paid by semester (every half year). 
  • The tuition fee has to be paid latest by August 1;
  • You will receive an invoice with a personal deadline.

Non-EU residents:

  • The tuition fee is for the first study year is paid in one instalment;
  • The tuition fee has to be paid before your visa appointment with the Embassy;
  • You will receive an invoice with a personal deadline.

Study Investment

If you are a resident or a holder of a long-term residence permit in the Republic of Estonia you can pay in several instalments by using the Study Investment. 

 

In cooperation with banks, EBS offers you a study investment solutions, so you can better plan the future and cash flows. Study investment is a financial service. You sign an agreement with LHV or Inbank. The bank pays your tuition fee to EBS and you will make monthly payments to the bank.

 

An instalments contract can be signed at the EBS Office of Academic Affairs quickly and conveniently without visiting the bank.

Finnish students are eligible for financial assistance from Kela during their studies at EBS.

Scholarships

How to apply for the scholarship:

  • when applying for the scholarship you have to submit your research proposal for your master's thesis;
  • the length of the case study solution is maximum 1 A4;
  • The research proposal should include:
    • Research object of the final thesis (Research object is an organisation, process or system you are going to study, e.g. the second pillar of the Estonian pension system, or start-up enterprises in Estonia)
    • Purpose of the final thesis (What is the intended gain?)
    • Research questions
    • Research design (Data, method of collecting data and method of analysing data)
    • Main list of literature
  • to apply the research proposal has to be sent to vastuvott@ebs.ee by July 18

 

Criteria for the scholarship:

  • when awarding the scholarship submitted application (in SAIS/DreamApply) and the results of the admission interview are also considered. The evaluation criteria: motivation, ambition, argumentation;
  • the scholarship is awarded for one academic year and is the partial or full refund of the tuition fee;
  • the scholarships will be awarded by July 25.

Student Experience at EBS

To make your years at the university memorable and joyful, EBS Student Council organises many wonderful events for students. In the Student Council, you can have a say in topics related to university life and organise various entertainment events for EBSikas yourself. Great events and activities range from academic seminars to parties or community events like Haba Gala. Music lovers can sing in the EBS Chamber Choir.

 

For athletic students, sports day, golf competitions, winter swimming, etc. are organised by EBS Sports Club. Several regular sports trainings also take place on a weekly basis and the school is represented in sports competitions outside Estonia as well.

 

Our events are a meeting place for students, employees, partners and alumni.

Profile of the graduate

As an alumni of this programme you will act as a top or mid-level manager, head of the department or team lead in international company or in public sector.

 

You will be appreciated for your in-depth specialised knowledge and your valuable network of contacts will help you make it in the world of business. You are an ambitious and entrepreneurial EBS alumnus whom home university, employer, and colleagues take pride in.  

 

Our alumni stories

 

EBS cares a lot about the success of its students, alumni, and their employers. We strive to make sure that our graduates do well, and we are genuinely happy about their success.

 

According to research among EBS alumni:  

  • 15% create their own business;
  • 44% work in international companies;
  • 21% work in local companies;
  • 20% work abroad.

Of EBS alumni: 

  • 11% are entrepreneurs;

  • 35% are top- or middle managers;

  • 45% are top- or mid-level specialists.

Salaries for EBS alumni in business and management are higher than those for other Estonian universities’ graduates.

 

Compared to Estonian average salaries, gross salaries for EBS alumni are:

  • above Estonian average for 85% of EBS alumni;

  • more than twice the average salary for 43% of EBS alumni.

We sincerely hope that you, too, will soon be an EBS alumnus!