Handelsstudier

Handelsstudier is a field of higher education and research focused on the study of commerce, business administration and economics. The term is used in Danish and Norwegian contexts to denote programs that combine theoretical understanding with practical methods to explain how businesses operate and how markets function. The curriculum typically covers economics (micro and macro), accounting, finance, marketing, management, operations and supply chain, information systems, business law, statistics and research methods, often with opportunities to specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, international business, entrepreneurship or digital business.

Degrees in handelsstudier are usually offered as bachelor’s and master’s programs. Students may pursue bachelor’s degrees in business administration or economics, followed by master’s programs in economics and business administration, finance, marketing or management. Some institutions also offer professional bachelor tracks or integrated programs. Practical components commonly include internships, capstone projects and case-based learning to connect theory with real-world business problems.

Career prospects for graduates are broad and include roles in private industry, public sector and non-profit organizations. Typical positions include financial analyst, accountant, marketing manager, generalist manager, consultant, entrepreneur or operations planner. The field also provides a foundation for further study in economics, business analytics or management at the graduate level.

Research in handelsstudier covers areas such as organizational behavior, strategic management, econometrics, consumer behavior and international business. Faculty often employ quantitative methods, case studies and qualitative approaches, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration aligned with global business practices.