Innovation Management

Innovation Management is a dynamic and interdisciplinary Master's degree program offered by the University of Eastern Finland, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage innovative processes within various organizations. The program emphasizes the development of a comprehensive understanding of how innovation drives organizational growth and competitiveness in today’s rapidly changing global economy. Students will explore core concepts such as creative thinking, strategic innovation management, entrepreneurial leadership, and the use of emerging technologies to foster innovation. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to analyze innovation ecosystems, manage research and development projects, and develop innovative business models.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, collaborate in diverse teams, and engage with real-world challenges faced by companies and public organizations. The program offers opportunities for practical training through internships, project work, and collaboration with industry partners, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in innovation management. Additionally, students will develop key competencies in change management, intellectual property rights, and sustainable development, preparing them to support organizations in their transformation processes.

The Master's degree is suitable for individuals aspiring to roles such as innovation managers, product development specialists, entrepreneurial consultants, or policy advisors focused on fostering innovation ecosystems. Graduates will be prepared to operate effectively in a globalized market, contributing to organizational innovation strategies that enhance competitiveness and sustainability. The program also encourages entrepreneurial thinking and enables students to initiate their own innovation and startup ventures. With a strong emphasis on internationalization, students benefit from a diverse learning environment and opportunities for exchange studies. Upon graduation, students will join a network of professionals dedicated to advancing innovation-driven growth across various sectors. The University of Eastern Finland's Innovation Management program thus provides a comprehensive education that bridges academia and industry, fostering innovative leaders equipped to shape the future of organizations and society.

Students admitted to the international master’s degree program in Innovation Management must conduct advanced-level studies in major (80 ECTS) in English.

If you choose more courses in your major, you may reduce the number of ECTS credits in other studies accordingly.
 

Elective Courses:

Students choose elective courses to fulfill the minimum of 120 ECTS credits required of a master’s degree. These may include courses from their Major or separate courses from other majors, courses completed in international exchange, and courses offered in Finnish. This section may also include a full minor of at least 25 ECTS offered by other Business School majors or other departments, and faculties.

Students may include 5213320 Practical Training in Innovation Management 6 ECTS into this section.

Eligibility

Applicants with the following degrees are eligible for the studies:

• At least a 3-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or a recognised university of applied sciences/polytechnic. A minimum of 60 ECTS in business studies is required. Language, communication and research method studies are not included in the above mentioned studies. However, one course in economics and one course in logistics may be included in the above mentioned studies. The degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

  Applicants with a Finnish or foreign higher university degree in business administration [Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration)] are not eligible.

Proficiency in English

The applicants are to prove their language skills in English as follows:

1.  English language test:  
   • TOEFL paper-based: Total score 600 and Writing 4.0
   • TOEFL Internet-based: Total Score 100 and Writing 22
   • IELTS (Academic): Overall Score 6.5 and Writing 5.5
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English), min. 59 points

If you submitted a language test result during the previous application period, UAF still has record of your test result. Please note that your language test result may have expired between the application periods.

If the previously submitted language test was taken prior to May 2011 and you wish to use it, you need to contact UAF.

Please note that the test result must be valid throughout the application period. This means it must not expire prior to the application deadline. Also note that the language skill requirements may have changed from the previous application periods.

2.     Or, if the applicant fulfils at least one of the following requirements, a separate language test is not required but the applicant is to prove his/her English proficiency with the applicable degree certificate and the transcript of his/her academic record:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree conducted in English language in a Nordic country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
• Bachelor's or Master's degree conducted in English language in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States
• Bachelor's or Master's degree conducted in English language in an EU/EEA country
• Secondary education conducted in English language in a Nordic country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
• Secondary education conducted in English language in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States
• Secondary education conducted in English language in an EU/EEA country
• Secondary education conducted in a Nordic country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
• English as the A1 language as part of an International Baccalaureate examination (minimum grade 2)

The required attachments are to be submitted as a part of the application process to UAF. Please also see: http://universityadmissions.fi/?page_id=21

Letter of Motivation

The letter of motivation is to contain the following:

• Max. 1000 words as a whole
• Introduction of the applicant (degrees and studies, current professional activity, special academic and professional interests)
• Reasons for applying to the programme
• Financing plan for the studies
• Career plans after graduation
• Preliminary proposal for the Master's thesis topic (max. 200 words)

The scholarship is applied for when applying for admission to the university by filling out the relevant section of the application form. The decision about the scholarship is made in connection with student admission, and the student is notified of the matter in the letter of acceptance.

The scholarship is awarded on the basis of the student's academic achievements described in the admission criteria. The scholarship is personal and it is awarded for two academic years.

The scholarship exempts the student from the tuition fee either in full (100%) or partially (80%). In this programme, scholarships are available to 50% of students who are accepted to the programme and required to pay tution. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the university and possible scholarship by 31 March 2017 at the latest. Students who are awarded a scholarship are required to sign and return a scholarship payment form to the programme coordinator before the payment of the scholarship can begin

The Innovation Management master's degree program at the University of Eastern Finland is designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge to lead and manage innovation processes across various sectors. This program emphasizes the development of strategic thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills necessary to foster innovation within organizations. Students will explore topics such as innovation processes, technology management, business development, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, preparing them to address complex challenges in a rapidly changing global environment. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, including case studies, project work, and collaboration with industry partners. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in innovation management, entrepreneurship, consulting, and product development, among others. The program also promotes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from economics, management, and technology to enhance students' ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic industries. The University of Eastern Finland offers a supportive academic environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty members dedicated to student success. International students are welcomed, and the program fosters cross-cultural exchange and networking. The language of instruction is primarily English, allowing students from around the world to participate. Graduates of the Innovation Management program are well-positioned to contribute to and lead innovation initiatives in diverse organizational settings, fostering sustainable growth and competitive advantage.