Signature Master Degree program

Master of Business Administration

This professionally-oriented Master Degree program for Bachelor-qualified recent graduates and young professionals with or without work experience.

Focus on management theory and practice with courses in Financial, Human Resource, Marketing and Supply Chain Management; Add courses from our applied research hubs in Global, Digital, Sustainable and Social Business that let you explore contemporary business cases and challenges; Add more courses from among shared electives; Improve your business skills throughout the program; and bring it all together in a Master Thesis.

Modular design

Everyone’s professional career is different, and we have always believed that one’s academic career should be too. You can customize your program based on your previous studies, current interests, and future ambitions. Our flexible and American-inspired program structure allows you to choose your courses based on a set of standard program requirements. These requirements are different for every one of our programs.

Our Signature Master Degree programs come in two versions: a 60-credit version and a 90-credit version. Students can select the version that best aligns with their professional interests and career goals, as well as the educational model of choice. This flexibility ensures compatibility with various regional educational systems, which may favor either 60-credit or 90-credit programs. The additional 30 credits in the 90-credit version can be earned through shared electives or additional Final Projects, providing students with the opportunity to further tailor their learning experience.

for the 60-credit program version

  • 20-21-FIN5002 – Budgeting (2 EC)>
  • 20-21-FIN5004 – Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5006 – Financial Statement Analysis (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5008 – Working Capital Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-QUA5001 – Applied Financial Calculus (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5007 – Mergers and Acquisitions (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5003 – Capital Budgeting (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5001 – Applied International Financial Management (2 EC)

  • 20-21-HUM5004 – Personnel Performance Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5005 – Personnel Planning and Work Design (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5006 – Personnel Recruitment and Selection (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5007 – Personnel Training and Development (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5001 – Compensation Strategy and Systems (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAN5006 – Knowledge Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAN5003 – Change Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5002 – International Labor Relations (2 EC)

  • 20-21-MAR5001 – Analyzing Marketing Opportunities (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5007 – Creative Advertising (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5008 – Developing Marketing Strategies (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5011 – Planning Marketing Programs (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5002 – Applied Consumer Behavior (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5013 – Applied Sales Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5006 – Applied Brand Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-BUS5003 – e-Commerce (2 EC)

  • 20-21-OPE5507 – Applied Operations Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-OPE5508 – Applied Production Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-OPE5509 – Applied Project Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-OPE5001 – Enterprise Resource Planning (2 EC)
  • 20-21-OPE5010 – Total Quality Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-QUA5003 – Operational Decision-making Tools (2 EC)
  • 20-21-INF5001 – Business Intelligence (2 EC)
  • 20-21-QUA5002 – Management Science (2 EC)

  • 20-21-BUS5151 – Comprehensive Cases in Digital Business (4 EC)
  • 20-21-BUS5152 – Comprehensive Cases in Global Business (4 EC)
  • 20-21-BUS5154 – Comprehensive Cases in Social Business (4 EC)
  • 20-21-BUS5153 – Comprehensive Cases in Sustainable Business (4 EC)

  • 20-21-ECO5505 – Circular Economy Insights (4 EC)
  • 20-21-ECO5504 – Digital Economy Insights (4 EC)
  • 20-21-GLO5001 – Global Economy Insights (4 EC)
  • 20-21-ECO5506 – Sharing Economy Insights (4 EC)

  • 20-21-COM5501 – Business Communication Skills (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5503 – Business Leadership Skills (2 EC)
  • 20-21-COM5006 – Business Negotiation Skills (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAN5506 – Cross-Cultural Skills (2 EC)

Electives can be any course scheduled that does not already count towards other program requirements. Electives are shared with students from other programs and concentrations.

The Final Project consist of a Business Project + Applied Research Seminars. This Final Project will enable students to gain in depth knowledge and understanding of the application of the theory and concept from their studies in practice. The module is undertaken over a minimum ten-week period during which time each student is supported by an academic mentor and a business mentor (where appropriate). This module will provide students with an opportunity to develop a real business plan or project, which is agreed by all parties and includes a set of specific, measurable and achievable outcomes. During the Final Project, the student will be supported by an academic mentor to ensure the experience meets their learning needs and to supervise any research activity undertaken. At the same time the student may be supported by a business mentor based within the organization. The business mentor’s role is to provide guidance and offer feedback to the student related to their business plan or project development. Both mentors will maintain contact throughout the Final Project to ensure the student’s needs are fully supported. The module is assessed by a substantial piece of written work, comprised of a number of components (Refer to the module guide for further information).

for the 90-credit program version

  • 20-21-FIN5002 – Budgeting (2 EC)>
  • 20-21-FIN5004 – Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5006 – Financial Statement Analysis (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5008 – Working Capital Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-QUA5001 – Applied Financial Calculus (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5007 – Mergers and Acquisitions (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5003 – Capital Budgeting (2 EC)
  • 20-21-FIN5001 – Applied International Financial Management (2 EC)

  • 20-21-HUM5004 – Personnel Performance Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5005 – Personnel Planning and Work Design (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5006 – Personnel Recruitment and Selection (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5007 – Personnel Training and Development (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5001 – Compensation Strategy and Systems (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAN5006 – Knowledge Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAN5003 – Change Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5002 – International Labor Relations (2 EC)

  • 20-21-MAR5001 – Analyzing Marketing Opportunities (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5007 – Creative Advertising (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5008 – Developing Marketing Strategies (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5011 – Planning Marketing Programs (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5002 – Applied Consumer Behavior (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5013 – Applied Sales Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAR5006 – Applied Brand Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-BUS5003 – e-Commerce (2 EC)

  • 20-21-OPE5507 – Applied Operations Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-OPE5508 – Applied Production Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-OPE5509 – Applied Project Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-OPE5001 – Enterprise Resource Planning (2 EC)
  • 20-21-OPE5010 – Total Quality Management (2 EC)
  • 20-21-QUA5003 – Operational Decision-making Tools (2 EC)
  • 20-21-INF5001 – Business Intelligence (2 EC)
  • 20-21-QUA5002 – Management Science (2 EC)

  • 20-21-BUS5151 – Comprehensive Cases in Digital Business (4 EC)
  • 20-21-BUS5152 – Comprehensive Cases in Global Business (4 EC)
  • 20-21-BUS5154 – Comprehensive Cases in Social Business (4 EC)
  • 20-21-BUS5153 – Comprehensive Cases in Sustainable Business (4 EC)

  • 20-21-ECO5505 – Circular Economy Insights (4 EC)
  • 20-21-ECO5504 – Digital Economy Insights (4 EC)
  • 20-21-GLO5001 – Global Economy Insights (4 EC)
  • 20-21-ECO5506 – Sharing Economy Insights (4 EC)

  • 20-21-COM5501 – Business Communication Skills (2 EC)
  • 20-21-HUM5503 – Business Leadership Skills (2 EC)
  • 20-21-COM5006 – Business Negotiation Skills (2 EC)
  • 20-21-MAN5506 – Cross-Cultural Skills (2 EC)

Electives can be any course scheduled that does not already count towards other program requirements. Electives are shared with students from other programs and concentrations.

The Final Project consist of a Business Project + Applied Research Seminars. This Final Project will enable students to gain in depth knowledge and understanding of the application of the theory and concept from their studies in practice. The module is undertaken over a minimum ten-week period during which time each student is supported by an academic mentor and a business mentor (where appropriate). This module will provide students with an opportunity to develop a real business plan or project, which is agreed by all parties and includes a set of specific, measurable and achievable outcomes. During the Final Project, the student will be supported by an academic mentor to ensure the experience meets their learning needs and to supervise any research activity undertaken. At the same time the student may be supported by a business mentor based within the organization. The business mentor’s role is to provide guidance and offer feedback to the student related to their business plan or project development. Both mentors will maintain contact throughout the Final Project to ensure the student’s needs are fully supported. The module is assessed by a substantial piece of written work, comprised of a number of components (Refer to the module guide for further information).

This curriculum is valid for all students starting in October 2025 or later. While all efforts have been made to ensure that the program requirements and course overviews are complete and accurate at the time of publication, we reserve the right to make changes to the curriculum without prior notice, subject to ongoing internal validation. Some of the courses are subject to availability.

Start or advance your career with our most work-ready Professional Master variants, offering a European state-recognized degree upon completion.

Immerse yourself with regional business challenges through our localized Metropolitan Master variant at our campus in Amsterdam.

Program options

We provide flexibility because everyone’s preferences are different. Our curated academic options allow you to further customize your program and turn your experience into a truly personalized one. The following options result in slightly different program and/or other requirements and will differ for each student depending on the chosen combinations of options.

Personalize your studies with our optional Master-level concentrations, catering to your interests and ensuring industry-readiness.

Expand your horizons with our Global Master option, offering international perspectives and opportunities for global leadership.

Start of advance your career quicker with our Course-based Master option, focusing on broader skills and knowledge for immediate application.

Maximize your career perspectives with our optional Dual Master combinations, integrating two programs for a comprehensive educational experience.

MBA concentrations

Students can opt to add a concentration to their program. Advanced program requirements apply in this case. These optional add-in concentrations add 3 courses to your program and reduce your electives accordingly. The total study workload remains at 60 (or 90) credits. The concentration also shift the focus of your Final Project. The alternative concentrations of our Master in International Management (MIM) program can also be combined into a Dual Master program; See details below.

Students can opt to add a concentration to their program. Advanced program requirements apply in this case. These optional add-on concentrations add 3 courses to your program, which changes the total study workload to 66 credits. The concentration also shift the focus of your Final Project. The alternative concentrations of our Master in International Management (MIM) program can also be combined into a Dual Master program; See details below.

Explore our MBA concentrations below.
Business Analytics

Explore this concentration.

Digital Business

Explore this concentration.

Global Business

Explore this concentration.

Social Business

Explore this concentration.

Sustainable Business

Explore this concentration.

Explore our alternative MIM concentrations below.
Financial Management

Explore this concentration.

Human Resource Management

Explore this concentration.

Marketing Management

Explore this concentration.

Sports Management

Explore this concentration.

Supply Chain Management

Explore this concentration.

Global Master

Students can opt for a truly global educational experience by studying at our campuses in Europe and Japan, as well as with one of our academic partners in the USA. The program requirements typically remain the same in this case. The academic calendar of our academic partner will however influence the study planning. The total study workload remains at a minimum of 60 (or 90) credits. but may end up slightly higher depending on the course selection at our academic partner. Connect with us to learn more about this option and how it influences your study planning.

Tokyo

Part I or II at our campus in Tokyo, Japan

Europe

Part I or II at any of our campuses in Europe

USA

Part III at one or our academic partners in the USA

Course-based Master

Students have to option to complete a course-based program instead of a thesis-based or project-based program. Advanced program requirements apply in this case. This option replaces the Final Project with additional courses. The total study workload remains at 60 (or 90) credits. Connect with us to learn more about this option and how it influences your program requirements.

Explore the benefits below.

Students who prefer structured learning and coursework over independently conducted applied research, may find course-based programs more appealing.

Students in course-based programs benefit from additional skills and knowledge that can be applied immediately in the workplace, as opposed to spending time on applied research in a thesis-based program. This can be beneficial for students who wish to advance their careers after graduation, or already started their own business.

Students in course-based programs typically complete their program faster than those in thesis-based programs because students tend to spread the thesis workload over a longer period of time. Finishing faster is ideal for students who wish to start or advance their careers quickly, thereby minimizing the opportunity cost

For students not planning to pursue further education at a doctoral level, a course-based master program can be more aligned with their career goals, providing the necessary credentials and knowledge without the need for extensive applied research.

With additional and more diverse skills and knowledge because of a broader range of courses, students in course-based programs may have more flexibility in career options compared to a more concentrated focus in a thesis-based program.

Dual Master

Students have to option to complete a Dual Master Degree program, in which case advanced program requirements apply. This option let’s students effectively combine two programs and results in a combination of program requirements. The total study workload changes to 90 credits. The difference with the 90-credit program version is that in case of the 90-credit Master Degree program, the qualification mentions 90 credits, whereas the two qualifications in case of a Dual Master mention 60 credits only. Connect with us to learn more about this option and how it influences your program requirements.

Explore the combinations below.

Combine two of our Master Degree programs, each with or without an optional concentrations, gaining skills and knowledge to enhance your career opportunities in multiple fields.

Combine business and management studies with a Master in International Relations to further develop global insights and build cultural competence for an impactful professional career in multinational corporations and international organizations.

Support options

We want our students to optimally be prepared for, progress in and succeed after the program. This is why we introduced the following support options. They do not change the program or other requirements of the program, and are available upon request.

Before starting the program, you can register for a customized Pre-Master Foundation program designed for Bachelor-qualified students who previously studied something other than business and management, or for one or more Pre-Master Seminars designed as a refresher for those who did study business and management.

During the program, you can register for distance learning per course.

During the program, you can register for private tutoring per hour or per course.

Accreditation and ranking

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive an international private Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree awarded by United Institute (Switzerland). The degree is awarded based on the recommendation of our faculty members and Examination Committee (where applicable).

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a locally-issued Metropolitan Graduate Degree in International Management awarded by United Institute (Netherlands), as well as a foreign-issued international private Master in International Management (MIM) degree awarded by United Institute (Switzerland). The foreign-issued qualification is awarded based on the recommendation of our faculty members and Examination Committee.

All our qualifications are awarded also as a blockchain-verifiable award on the Ethereum blockchain, and not only the traditional way on paper in a school-branded diploma cover. With this cutting-edge technology, we are adding a whole new dimension to diploma verification. One major benefit of secure document verification is the instant verification by employers during the recruitment process.

UIBS was ranked in the Global Top 200 and the European Top 60 in the 2019 QS MBA ranking, as a Tier One program in the 2020 CEO Magazine Global MBA ranking, 41st in the 2019 CEO Magazine Global Executive MBA ranking, and 4th in the 2020 CEO Magazine Global Online MBA ranking.

The Master of Business Administration degree program is programmatically accredited by the US-based and CHEA-recognized Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Let’s connect!

We believe in personal attention from the start. Our team members are available to answer your questions and support you with your application. Connect with us today!

More information

We organize 8 starting dates per year. Our academic calendar is based on a quarter system with four 10-week quarters per year that consist of two 5-week terms each. We refer to these quarters as Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer, and to these terms simply as A and B. Our program’s flexible structure and modular design allows you to optimally plan your studies and choose from among multiple starting dates in October, November, January, February, April, May, July, and August.

You can complete the program in a full-time format within 1 academic year of 9 to 12 months. Alternatively, you can complete the program in a part-time format within up to 3 academic years, depending on our course planning and your course selection. Completing half of the typical workload of a full-time format will equal twice the typical duration. The more flexible you are with your professional or other activities, the more courses you may be able to join in order to complete the program faster.

We schedule most courses on weekdays throughout the day, typically in blocks of 3 hours between 8.30 and 18.30, but there may be several evening courses between 19.00 and 22.00, weekend courses on Saturdays, and/or seminar courses with visiting faculty in two or more consecutive days. Some courses may be scheduled in a hybrid format, partially on-campus and partially virtual, or in a fully virtual format. When students combine on-campus and virtual courses, we refer to that as a blended program.

  • a Bachelor Degree or its equivalent for a solid foundation
  • fluency in English for effective communication and interaction

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Learn more about the Credit, Grading and Honor systems, and about several other relevant matters in the Education and Examination Regulations (EER).

Our school’s LinkedIn page shows where our alumni work, what they do and what they have accomplished with one of our professionally-oriented qualifications. Our alumni work in variety of positions in small, medium, large and multinational companies across numerous industries.

While our programs prepare students for a wide range of professions across a wide range of industries, it is important to note that our programs do not aim for access to regulated professions or government employment. While access to government employment may be limited because of the private nature of our qualifications, several alumni do work for government authorities in a number of positions.

Our concept

Our English-taught and American-inspired flexible study programs allow students to customize their studies by choosing courses based on program requirements, previous studies, current interests and future ambitions.

Our modular course design and program structure provides students with multiple options to plan their studies and lets students direct their own learning efforts, which strengthens their sense of ownership in the educational process.

The multiple starting dates in our quarter and term-based academic calendar allow students to start their education in the fall, winter, spring or summer of each academic year. Students can join our rolling cohorts up to 8 times per year.

Our year-round course planning provides students a continuous educational experience with a near-seamless transition from their previous studies, as well as a smooth transition to a professional career upon graduation.

Offering a unique multi-campus experience, students can transfer between campuses in Europe and Japan, as well as Online, on a quarterly basis and with guaranteed program compatibility.

Our campuses are located in the downtown areas of vibrant and modern cities, offering opportunities for cultural exploration and networking. Our exceptional hybrid course planning, combining on-campus and virtual courses, can be tailored to a student’s unique circumstances.

Our truly global community is made up of students, faculty and team members of over 100+ nationalities from around the world. Such demographic diversity provides for a near-unmatched cross-cultural learning environment in which students attain new insights from different perspectives.

Our strong academic community fosters lifelong networks among students, alumni, and faculty. These relationships are instrumental to personal development and in building professional networks.

Our professionally-oriented programs cater to specific career paths, allowing students to specialize. Academically-qualified and professionally-experienced professors link theory and practice with a hands-on and contemporary learning experience tailored to real-world applications.

We innovate quickly by introducing new programs and courses in response to the evolving market demands and based on feedback from our faculty members and advisors with educational expertise and industry knowledge. This flexibility ensures that the education provided remains relevant and forward-thinking. Students are offered the opportunity to gain international experience, understand complex challenges, and develop highly-valued skills through globally-oriented curricula and international partnerships. Our applied research initiatives are designed to give our students a competitive edge in the job market.

Our small class sizes allow for interactive and innovative education methods, thereby providing students with personalized attention, increased group interaction, improved group dynamics and long-lasting connections.

Supported by modern facilities, a professional cloud-based environment and digital libraries, our hybrid education model provides for an optimal acquisition of skills and transfer of knowledge, both virtually and face-to-face. This student-centered approach fosters a supportive academic environment where students are not just a number, but active participants in their learning journey. Our faculty and team members are deeply committed to the success of each student, guiding them each step of the way. Entrepreneurial initiative and career development is further stimulated by means of thereby preparing students to become the global leaders of the future.

Student interviews