The MSc programme in Business-to-Business Marketing and Purchasing focuses on the managerial challenges related to operating in industrial      markets. It prepares students for a wide range of careers, mainly in the private sector. Students on the programme gain skills in business-to- business marketing and strategy, purchasing management, relationship management, innovation, pricing, and the regulation of cooperation in business markets.

DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF BUSINESS MARKETS

Firms operating in business markets cater to the needs of other firms rather than private households, and in so doing they face specific challenges and opportunities. Business-to-business activities constitute the main part of any developed economy, and managers who can understand, develop, and manage such activities – upstream as well as downstream – are an important asset to firms.

The first semester of the programme provides students with a deep understanding of the functioning of business markets through courses   in buyer–supplier relationships and networks, as well as innovation in buyer–supplier relationships. First-semester courses also include marketing theory and research methods. Together, these prerequisite courses prepare students for the specialisation courses of the second semester, which cover topics such as business-to-business purchasing management, business-to-business sales and marketing management, pricing, and the regulation of marketing and purchasing cooperation.

SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Aarhus BSS hosts a rich and varied programme of student activities, both study-related and social. Our many student associations host events ranging from lectures and company events to career days and sports days, Friday bars, and celebrations. There is plenty of scope for meeting and networking with like-minded people, discovering new areas of academic interest, and socialising with fellow students.

CAREERS

The programme’s focus on upstream as well as downstream activities means that students gain a deep knowledge not only of sales/marketing and purchasing, but also how to develop and manage relationships with customers and suppliers. This dual understanding makes graduates perfect for job positions such as a key account manager (on the sales side) or category manager (on the buying side) – positions that hold many future career possibilities. Over time, graduates may develop careers within sales and marketing or purchasing, or they may choose to alternate between the two. With their knowledge and understanding of the many relationships between the firm and its various stakeholders, graduates will be well equipped for a range of general management positions.

AARHUS BSS

Aarhus BSS (School of Business and Social Sciences) is one of the five faculties at Aarhus University. Aarhus BSS ranks among the largest business schools in Europe, encompassing both traditional business and social science disciplines in its broad academic portfolio. Aarhus BSS holds the distinguished AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS accreditations and is thus a Triple Crown School.

LEARNING IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT

At Aarhus BSS, we conduct research and teaching at the highest academic level. We provide our students with the exact knowledge, skills and experience that are essential for engaging in professional business activities in a global marketplace.

Our broad portfolio enables us to attract researchers, lecturers and students from all over the world. With their help, we have built an international environment that promotes the exchange of different academic and cultural views and fosters new experiences and friendships.

We encourage our students to take a semester abroad at one of the school’s approximately three hundred partner universities around the world. Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to expand your horizons academically, culturally and personally. It is also a great opportunity for you to acquire valuable international experience and qualifications that are in high demand in companies and organisations everywhere.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

In general, admission to a master’s degree programme requires successful completion of a relevant and recognised university degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree in level and length (180 ECTS). In addition, you must meet the specific requirements for the individual programme, including language requirements. If you wish to study a master’s degree at Aarhus University, please check out our page ‘Am I qualified for admission’: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission

If you are curious about how to submit a master’s degree application to Aarhus University, then make sure to check out our ‘Apply Now’ page. Here you can find information about relevant fees, guides, and video tutorials on how to use the application portal: https://masters.au.dk/apply-now

There are the same English language requirements for all international students with a few exceptions. The general English language requirements for master’s degrees can be found here: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission/english-language-requirements

Aarhus University offers a limited number of Danish state scholarships for highly qualified non-EU students applying for master’s degrees. You can read more about scholarships here: https://masters.au.dk/scholarships-and-grants

Students from outside the EU are generally required to pay tuition and application fee. You can consult our page Tuition fees for master’s degree programmes: https://masters.au.dk/tuitionfees

Would you like to chat with a fellow student from your country, or with someone who studies the programme you are interested in? You can get help with your questions from Aarhus University’s Student Ambassadors: https://international.au.dk/education/meetau/chat-with-our-students/