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Student Guide

Master's Programme in International Design Business Management

For Aalto students
This site contains the student study guide for the Master's Programme in International Design Business Management. Here you will find the programme curriculum as well as detailed guidelines for planning your studies. All the materials and instructions are for the students in the programme. If you are interested in applying to the programme, follow the links at the bottom of the site to the application page.
Are you an applicant? View programme pages for applicants

Master's Programme in International Design Business Management (IDBM) is jointly organized by all the Schools of Aalto University: School of Arts, Design and Architecture, School of Business, School of Chemical Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering and School of Science. The programme is coordinated by the School of Business.

IDBM educates students with arts, business and engineering backgrounds to make better business with meaningful innovations and design, providing a strategic view into design-intensive businesses management. Graduates of the IDBM programme will be able to drive innovation and lead initiatives to undertake new business ventures within global environments.

Academically rigorous and practice-oriented IDBM programme prepares students to lead and collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams. The objective is to gain knowledge in multiple disciplines and to learn to connect one's own disciplinary expertise to a wider multi-disciplinary design business framework. During a six-month long real-life industry project students explore and develop innovative product, service and business concepts. Projects are coached by multi-disciplinary faculty and expert industry tutors.

The global approach of IDBM program prepares students to work in multi-cultural settings and collaborate across national and cultural boundaries. On the practical level, the global aspect refers to the continuous development of international networks through student selection, industry cooperation, research activities and study exchange.

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News

OpenLearning
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Thesis Retreat at Hvittorp Conference Centre at Kirkkonummi

Are you writing your thesis and need a few days just for that? Welcome to the Thesis Writing Retreat! This retreat is for all students working on their thesis – bachelor’s, master’s, diploma work, final projects, and doctoral dissertations.
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Stop applying for jobs and build your own startup instead at Ignite

Applications for the Ignite summer accelerator program 2026 are open. Apply by March 8.

Events

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Teaching Assistant as a Learning Instructor (2 ECTS), pedagogical training, spring 2026

Teaching period: 26.2.-23.4.2026, in English, register by 23.1.2026
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Students

The peer session is for all international LGBTQIA+ students from different cultures and backgrounds and will provide an opportunity to discuss their own experiences of queer identity and cultural differences.
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Theses & Tomatoes: Start your studies with Pomodoro

Join us for guided studying and pick up tips for more effective work during Pomodoro sessions!
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Mankind’s Folly

Come and watch the award winning documentary Mankind's Folly with us!

How to apply

International Design Business Management, Master of Science (Technology)

IDBM is a pioneering and renowned study programme that truly embodies the vision of Aalto by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design or technology.

IDBM student explaining a concept to IDBM Impact 2018 event visitors

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

IDBM is a pioneering study programme that embodies the vision of Aalto University by integrating design and technology with global business development.

IDBM students at IDBM Impact showcasing a digital solution

International Design Business Management, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)

IDBM is a pioneering and renowned study programme that truly embodies the vision of Aalto by integrating design and technology with global business development. Through transdisciplinary teamwork and real-life business challenges provided by our prominent industry partners, the programme prepares students as the next generation of creative professionals. IDBM is uniquely positioned as the only programme offered in all six schools of Aalto, allowing programme graduates to earn a Master’s degree in either business, design or technology.

IDBM students gathered around a table and drawing

Tuition fees 

Tuition fee for tuition-fee students in this programme:

  • Study right started on or before 1 August 2024: 15,000 EUR / academic year
  • Study right started on or after 1 August 2025: 17,000 EUR / academic year

For more information, please see the Tuition fees and scholarships webpage in the Student Guide.

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