Depending on the Master’s Degree Programme, the compulsory courses are intensive courses, arranged jointly by the partner universities, or courses at one of the participating universities. The compulsory courses, including the Master’s thesis, form the major part of the studies. The remaining elective courses can be taken in any of the partner universities of the Master’s Degree Programme. The elective courses are chosen individually to form an interesting and relevant study plan for the student, fitting with the topic of the thesis and providing the required skills and competences. The study path is recorded in a personal study plan (PSP) which is approved by the home university.

Generally the CBU programmes are providing the students with an opportunity of a minimum of three months period of mobility in partner universities on the other side of the border. The mobility period can comprise face-to-face studies, an internship or virtual studies.

The students who have been accepted into the CBU programmes and who have successfully completed their studies within these programmes will be awarded at least one national Master’s degree, a Diploma Supplement, and a CBU Certificate. If the studies meet both the Russian and the Finnish national requirements, two national degrees may be awarded. The names of the degrees vary by the university and they are found in the descriptions of the Master’s Degree Programmes.

The CBU learning outcomes illustrate the main abilities which a student should have after the graduation. The CBU curricula together with the personal study plans ensure the fulfilment of the main general learning outcomes. The learning outcomes of the CBU Master’s Degree Programmes are in compliance with the Dublin Descriptors. The subject-specific learning outcomes are defined separately by each Master’s Degree Programme and they are not included in this general CBU study guide. After completing the CBU Master’s Degree Programme the students have gained:

• Subject specific expertise
• Ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity
• Ability to apply knowledge and operate in the new and international environments
  
• Skills needed for continuing in third cycle studies
  
• Competences for succeeding in international business life
• Ability to make analyses and synthesis
  
• Ability to solve problem solving and decision making in international environments
• Appreciation of diversity and multiculturality
• Research skills and creativity
• Social and ethical responsibility
• Concern for quality