Studying at Aalto Mikkeli BScBA Programme
Hi! I am Elisa Pöyry, a master’s student at Aalto University School of Business majoring in marketing. Previously, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Aalto BScBA program in Mikkeli campus with a major in international business. In this blog post, I will introduce the BScBA program and discuss the structure of studies, Mikkeli community, as well as possibilities to continue to the master’s program in Otaniemi campus.
Group photo by Veikka Partanen.
Bachelor’s program in international business (BScBA) is organized by Aalto University School of Business. It is located in Mikkeli, which is about 3 hours away from Espoo and Otaniemi campus by train. The BScBA program is one of the leading academic programs in Finland, offering cutting-edge approaches to business education in a unique learning environment. The program leads to a bachelor of science degree in economics and business administration, an officially accredited university degree in Finland.
Structure of Studies
The structure of studies in the BScBA program differs significantly when compared to the bachelor’s degree programs in economics and business in Otaniemi campus. In Mikkeli, the major of all students is international business and the schedule consists of intensive three-week modules. Thus, there is only one course studied at a time for the duration of three weeks. The BScBA program is also completed in 2.5 years which includes two years in Mikkeli and one exchange semester abroad in one of the partner universities around the world. Teaching in Mikkeli is in English, which also enables one to enhance written and oral English skills significantly. There are, nevertheless, compulsory and elective language courses as well.
International Community
In addition to an exchange semester abroad and English language of studies, the Mikkeli program has very international student community. In total, there are about 200 students studying in Mikkeli campus simultaneously which includes a large portion of international students. Moreover, the program receives about 60-70 exchange students from abroad each year. Thus, Mikkeli program is international in every aspect since also professors come from all over the world to teach for the three-weeks. Furthermore, the smaller campus and traditional student events make it easy to get to know everyone. There are also several clubs and associations in Mikkeli, including for example sports, cooking, event associations and more.
Continuing to the Master’s Program
The graduates of Aalto Mikkeli BScBA program have an automatic study right to continue to one of the master’s program at the School of Business in Otaniemi campus in Espoo. There are certain requirements in specific programs including GPA or course prerequisites, and some programs also have their own separate application processes. However, in Mikkeli you have the opportunity to explore many different courses especially during the first year of studies, and thus can also further identify areas of interest regarding the master’s program. It is also often possible to start master’s studies already during the third year of studies, right after the exchange semester abroad.
Overall, a bachelor’s degree in business with an international focus opens up a wide variety of career opportunities across all industries and continents. I have been extremely happy with the decision to complete my bachelor’s degree in Mikkeli, and for the experience to study in an international and tight-knit student community. Therefore, I can warmly recommend the BScBA program for everyone interested in international business.
If you have any questions about the BScBA program or specific courses, you can write me a message on Unibuddy!
Elisa Pöyry
MSc Student at Aalto University School of Business
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