International Business in the Digital Era

The International Business in the Digital Era is a full-time postgraduate Master’s programme at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), School of Business and Governance, in Tallinn, Estonia. The programme leads to a Master of Arts (MA) in Social Sciences and has a nominal duration of 2 years (120 ECTS). All courses are taught in English.

The programme provides students with comprehensive knowledge of modern business practices and develops the leadership, management, marketing, and analytical skills required to operate in an increasingly international and digitally transforming business environment. It focuses on understanding the main functions of companies in an international context and prepares students to work with global markets, business development, marketing, management, and strategic decision-making.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of 120 ECTS distributed across several areas of study. General Studies (6 ECTS) include Entrepreneurship and Business Planning, introducing students to the nature and process of business, the role of entrepreneurs, and the fundamentals of business planning and development.

Core Studies (36 ECTS) cover essential areas such as Business Performance Management and Analysis, International Business, Methods of Analysis in Business Research, International Marketing, Strategic and Financial Management, and Management and Leadership.

The Special Studies Compulsory Courses (30 ECTS) focus on areas including Supply Chain Management, Development Trends in the Business Environment, Digital Transformations, Digitalisation of Marketing, and the Master Thesis Seminar.

Students also complete 18 ECTS of Special Studies Elective Courses, allowing them to explore subjects such as Estonian Language and Culture, Business Negotiation and Intercultural Communication, Export Management, Organisation Development and Change Management, Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability, Work and Well-being Management, Internship, Start-up Entrepreneurship, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Communication, Brand Management, Business Intelligence, New Technologies and the Future of Work, and Business Artificial Intelligence.

A further 6 ECTS are allocated to free-choice courses offered by the university. The programme concludes with a 24 ECTS graduation thesis, involving individual academic research on a topic selected by the student.

Learning Environment

The programme combines academic study with opportunities to apply knowledge in practical and real-world contexts. Seminars and workshops allow students to move beyond textbook learning and apply concepts to business situations. TalTech also works with guest speakers and international tutors who provide insights into specific foreign markets and international business environments.

The programme is designed to develop a global perspective and help students understand how businesses operate across geographical and cultural boundaries. Students can study in Estonia while gaining knowledge related to international business, marketing, management, digitalisation, and emerging technologies.

The programme’s classes usually start at 16:00 and finish at 21:00.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in economics or business. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in another field may also qualify if they have completed at least 36 ECTS in business-related courses, such as Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Basic Marketing, Basic Finance, Principles of Financial Accounting, Logistics and Inventory Management, or Management.

Applicants are required to have at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA. If the Bachelor’s degree average is below 60%, the requirement may be considered fulfilled under the stated conditions if the applicant has previous Master’s studies with an average grade of at least 60% of the maximum possible grade. This exception applies only when the Bachelor’s CGPA is not below 50%.

A GRE General Test result must be submitted because it is a preliminary application requirement. The programme also requires applicants to provide appropriate proof of English language proficiency. The accepted English-language certificates and required results are specified by TalTech.

English proficiency may only be waived when the applicant has completed on-site secondary education, a Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree taught fully in English in one of the specified countries: EU/EEA member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. Applicants whose English-taught studies were not completed on-site in one of these countries are required to provide an internationally recognised English-language test as specified by the university.

Application Documents and Selection

Applicants must submit the required educational documents through the online application system. Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian, and official translations must be uploaded together with the original educational documents when applicable.

A motivation letter is also required. Applicants must provide an individual motivation letter for each programme they apply to. The letter should explain their reasons for applying to International Business in the Digital Era and TalTech’s School of Business and Governance, their professional goals, how the programme supports those goals, and how their academic and/or professional background fits the programme.

The programme also includes an online interview as part of the application process.

Tuition and Application Fee

The tuition fee for the programme is €5,000 per year. Applicants are also required to pay a €100 one-time application fee. The application fee allows an applicant to apply for up to two programmes and is non-refundable.

Scholarship opportunities are available through Tallinn University of Technology.

Career Opportunities

The programme prepares graduates to understand and manage key business functions within an international context. Students develop knowledge of global markets, business and export management, marketing, management, leadership, business analysis, and corporate strategy.

Graduates can use these skills in international organisations and business environments, including roles involving management, sales revenue, customer relations, marketing, business analysis, corporate strategy, and policy development. The programme also supports students interested in developing new business ideas and pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.

Programme Start

The stated programme start date is 31 August. The source also indicates that the application period has ended.