Uppsala University - Department Of Business Studies

Uppsala University’s Department of Business Studies is the largest unit within the Faculty of Social Sciences, with roughly 115 staff and nearly 3,000 students annually. Located mainly in Ekonomikum in central Uppsala and supplemented by Campus Gotland in Visby, it operates across two distinct learning environments. Founded in 1958, the department builds on business‑education traditions dating back to the 18th century and is closely tied to Uppsala’s long‑standing reputation in economic scholarship.

The department emphasises a blend of high‑quality research and critical inquiry. It hosts undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes, including specialised initiatives such as the Swedish Research School of Management and IT (MIT). Research fields span entrepreneurship, international business, accounting, marketing and management, guided by a governance structure that includes a head of department and a representative departmental board.

The department draws on Uppsala University’s extensive alumni network and strong regional reputation to connect students with employers across Sweden, particularly in the Uppsala‑Stockholm corridor. Curricula integrate applied learning activities such as guest lectures, industry cases and company‑supported project work, positioning graduates for roles in consulting, finance, management, public administration and entrepreneurship.

Master’s and doctoral students benefit from research collaborations, especially through the MIT Research School, which links candidates to academic partners and industry stakeholders. University‑wide career services supplement departmental initiatives by offering CV coaching, interview support and employer fairs that help students transition into local and international labour markets.

The department combines historic academic prestige with a modern, research‑led educational model. As the largest department in the Faculty of Social Sciences, it offers broad expertise while maintaining personalised learning through dedicated faculty, including several staff recognised as excellent teachers. Its programmes are deeply rooted in the university’s centuries‑old tradition of economic scholarship.

Internationalisation is a clear strength, with English‑taught master’s tracks and globally oriented doctoral studies. Students can choose between the resource‑rich Uppsala campus and the smaller Gotland environment. Strong research integration, links to the MIT research school and proximity to major business hubs create a compelling setting for academically driven and professionally focused learners.

Research at the department is characterised by both disciplinary depth and a commitment to questioning established assumptions, contributing to thought leadership in entrepreneurship, international business, marketing, accounting and management. Faculty expertise directly informs advanced teaching, ensuring a strong connection between academic discovery and student learning at all levels.

The department plays a central role in the MIT Research School, promoting interdisciplinary innovation in management and digitalisation. Partnerships with industry and public organisations generate applied insights that enrich coursework and regional development. Sustainability and digital transformation are increasingly reflected in research themes and campus initiatives, reinforcing the department’s forward‑looking academic profile.

What languages are courses taught in? Undergraduate programmes mix Swedish and English materials, while many master's and all doctoral courses are available in English. Students should confirm language details in each syllabus.

Where are classes held? Most teaching takes place at Ekonomikum in Uppsala, with selected programmes and smaller‑group formats offered at Campus Gotland. The bachelor’s programme includes tailored study options in Visby.

How does the PhD programme work? The PhD is a four‑year, full‑time degree with 90 credits of coursework and 150 credits of thesis work, organised around research areas including finance, entrepreneurship, marketing and international business.

Applications for bachelor’s and master’s programmes are submitted through Uppsala University’s central admissions system. Requirements vary by programme but generally include relevant academic qualifications and, for English‑taught options, proof of English proficiency. Non‑EU/EEA applicants may be subject to tuition fees and can explore university scholarship options.

PhD entry is competitive and tied to funded positions advertised by the department. Housing availability in Uppsala is limited, so early applications for university or private accommodation are recommended. Prospective students can contact the department via email or visit Ekonomikum for administrative information and guidance on programme registration.