International Business Arcada University of Applied Sciences

Overview

In the bachelor’s degree programmeInternational Business at Arcada University of Applied Sciences, you will learn to create sustainable solutions for growth in today’s global economy. With AI and industry-relevant digital tools and business systems integrated into your studies, you build practical skills that make you stand out in the job market. Work placements in Finland or abroad let you put theory into practice, while a range of specialisation options help you shape your degree around your career goals.

At the end of your first year you will apply to one of our three majors:

• Strategic Marketing and Consumer Insights, where you will use data-driven analysis of consumer behaviour and preferences to develop marketing strategies that align with business goals

• Logistics and International Trade, where you will learn to make strategic decisions that optimise the entire supply chain
• Accounting, where you will develop expertise to make informed, fact-based financial decisions that drive business success.

In case there are more applicants than places, selection of major will be based on your previous course grades in that subject.

In addition to your major, you can tailor your degree with development studies in areas such as leadership, entrepreneurship, and creative marketing and user experience. These opportunities allow you to strengthen your professional profile, whether your interests lie in managing teams, starting your own business, or working with creative and digital solutions. You can also benefit from Arcada’s partnerships with other higher education institutions in Finland and abroad, giving you access to an even wider range of courses and international perspectives.

If you are curious, motivated by sustainable business and entrepreneurship, comfortable working in English, and eager to collaborate in an international environment, this programme is a strong match for you.

What you will learn

In addition to gaining in-depth knowledge in your major, you will learn to:

• Understand how businesses operate and succeed in a global context

• Run a sustainable business and integrate responsibility into decision-making

• Apply digital tools and analytics to solve real business challenges

• Gain practical experience with industry-relevant software and platforms

• Develop strategies in marketing, logistics, and finance with a focus on sustainability

• Adapt to rapidly changing business environments and international settings
• Strengthen your leadership, communication, and presentation skills.

You will also benefit from guest lectures, joint courses, and project collaborations that connect your studies to real business practice. Exchange opportunities, from short programmes to full study periods abroad, give you the chance to build your international profile and networks.

Career opportunities

Graduates of International Business at Arcada are well prepared for careers in both Finnish and international companies. Typical roles include:

• Customer Success Manager or Client Advisor

• Digital Marketing, Content, or Brand Manager

• Marketing Analyst or Consumer Insights Specialist

• Project Planner, Specialist, or Manager

• Supply Chain, Logistics, or Distribution Coordinator/Manager

• Purchasing or Procurement Specialist/Manager

• Controller, Financial Analyst, or Corporate Accountant

• Business Analyst or Consultant
• Entrepreneur.

Many of our graduates also choose to start their own businesses or continue with master’s studies in Finland or abroad. With the combination of practical skills, international experience, and strong networks, you will be ready to shape your own career path.

Personal guidance

At Arcada we believe in student-centred and dialogue-driven learning, where you are encouraged to be active, ask questions, and engage with your peers. Our teachers and study counsellors are always close at hand, offering support and feedback throughout your studies.

Teachers with broad international experience, together with visiting lecturers from partner universities/universities of applied sciences and business schools abroad, ensure that this programme is modern and up to date. Your studies combine lectures, workshops, and practical case studies, carried out both individually and in groups, on campus and online. You also become part of an active international student community, with opportunities to build friendships and networks that last a lifetime.

A truly international experience

Arcada is one of the most international universities of applied sciences in Finland in relation to its size, so you will study in a genuinely global environment. In International Business, you collaborate with both Finnish and international students, gaining insights from a wide range of perspectives. You also work closely with students in Business Administration (Företagsekonomi in Swedish), building connections across languages and cultures. From your first day at Arcada, you start networking and developing the ability to thrive in multicultural teams, essential competences for a career in international business.