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The MBA programme provides you with all knowledge and skills needed to become a future leader in business and society. Tailor your learning journey with additional electives. The in-company project and the international study trip will broaden your experience. The Amsterdam Leadership programme will support you in your personal leadership journey.

Core programme

The curriculum of the programme is divided into 6 blocks. You will also choose at least 2 electives, with the flexibility to add more based on your interests.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Competitive & Cooperative Strategy
    Period 1
    4

    Master the art of strategic thinking and gain a competitive edge. Learn to navigate complex business landscapes, make informed decisions, and drive organisational success.

  • Strategic Performance Management
    Period 1
    4

    Typical management control topics are: balanced scorecards, budgeting, target setting, performance measurement system designs, incentives, and business planning. During the course we will be using your knowledge of management accounting as the backbone of this course.

  • Developments in International Business
    Period 1
    4

    The course will focus on multinational companies and develop frameworks to understand the managerial processes that enable them to successfully operate across multiple geographies, business systems, and cultures.

  • Marketing and Sales in the Digital Age
    Period 1
    4

    In this course, you will explore AI-driven approaches to customer segmentation, churn prediction, customer lifetime value modeling, and adaptive customer journeys. Along the way, you will also examine the critical implications of data quality, algorithmic bias, and consumer trust.

  • Amsterdam Leadership Programme
    Period 1
    Period 2
    Period 3
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    3.5

    The Amsterdam Leadership Programme helps you to develop your personal and professional leadership skills through lectures, workshops and intervision sessions. The focus is on exploring your own leadership styles, strengths, and development areas.

  • Change Management and Organizational Design
    Period 2
    4

    Embrace change and lead transformation. Gain the skills to navigate organisational transitions, inspire teams, and drive innovation. Become a change agent and thrive in dynamic business environments.

  • Corporate Strategy
    Period 2
    4

    This course builds on the prior Competitive and Cooperative Strategy course, thereby providing a more integrative view of strategic management.

  • Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability
    Period 2
    4

    This an introductory course that covers basics of ethics, corporate responsibility, and sustainability. We review central ethical theories, cover the individual and situational aspects that affect individual ethical decision-making, and the role of business in society and sustainable development.

  • Valuation
    Period 2
    4

    Discover the art and science of business valuation. Unlock the secrets of determining worth, assessing investments, and making informed financial decisions. Become a valuation expert and drive profitability.

  • Corporate Finance
    Period 4
    4

    Master the language of money and drive financial success. Learn to analyse investments, optimise capital structure, and make strategic financial decisions. Become a finance leader and maximise business value.

  • Purpose-driven Strategy
    Period 4
    4

    Unlock the power of purpose and drive meaningful impact. Learn to align business objectives with social and environmental goals. Embrace sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility to shape a better future.

  • Business Negotiations
    Period 4
    4

    The course focuses on three perspectives (analytical, behavioral/psychological, and contextual) and covers the whole negotiation process, from preparation to implementation.

  • The Executive Process
    Period 5
    4

    Accelerate your leadership journey. Develop critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Master the art of effective communication and strategic execution. Level up as an influential executive.

  • Digital Business
    Period 5
    4

    Unlock the potential of the digital revolution. Dive into e-commerce, platform businesses, and emerging technologies. Embrace digital transformation and gain a competitive edge in the digital age.

  • Strategic Analytics
    Period 5
    4

    Unleash the power of data-driven decision-making. Master advanced analytics techniques, extract insights, and drive strategic outcomes. Harness the potential of big data for business success.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Elective Courses
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    8

    You need 2 electives from 1 specialisation to graduate.

  • MBA in-company thesis project
    Period 1
    Period 2
    Period 3
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    20

    Applying the acquired knowledge to real world business challenges, students develop their consulting skills in a self-selected company environment ranging from start-ups to multinational enterprises.

  • Actualysis
    Period 6

    Actualysis is a "free-style" arena with no scripted format, leaving massive room for interpretation, intuition, and raw creativity. You are required to integrate every discipline you’ve mastered into a singular, cohesive analysis of events as they explode in real time.

Compulsory course
Elective
More information in the course catalogue

Electives

You need 2 electives from 1 specialisation to graduate:

Specialisation Entrepreneurship Specialisation Corporate Transformation International Trips
  • Product Management
  • Scaling-up Businesses
  • Entrepreneurial Finance
  • Corporate Venturing
  • Innovation Management
  • Supply Chain Transformation
  • International Study Trip
  • International Consulting Trip
Copyright: ABS EP
The Amsterdam MBA has made a meaningful impact on my career. The programme really challenged my conventional way of thinking. Amsterdam MBA (Full-time MBA alumnus, class of 2022) Read Julia's full review

Amsterdam Leadership Programme

The Amsterdam Leadership Programme is our personal coaching programme. It helps you to develop your personal and professional leadership skills through lectures, workshops and intervision sessions. The focus is on exploring your own leadership styles, strengths, and development areas. You will:

  • receive feedback on key skills;
  • focus on the skills needed to grow professionally within an organisation;
  • learn specific skills relevant to personal goals;
  • network with an influential employee;
  • share both frustrations and successes.
Copyright: ABS-EP
This MBA programme appealed to me because it offers a very well-rounded experience. It will help me reach my career aspirations with greater confidence in my abilities. Justine Pillay - Amsterdam MBA

Learn from experienced alumni

Additional to the Amsterdam Leadership Programme is the alumni mentoring programme. You get the opportunity to connect with experienced MBA graduates from all sectors, including: TomTom, Bloomberg, Philips, ING, and PwC. Benefit from their valuable insights and career advice throughout the MBA programme.

Balanced mix of theory and practice

Our instructors have extensive experience in their fields and regularly invite industry experts to enrich the learning experience. You will discuss theories from both management and policy perspectives. You will be challenged to apply your knowledge to contemporary cases and developments.

Small and interactive classes

You will learn and work together with motivated fellow students. Our yearly cohort consists of around 30 students. We limit teams to a maximum of 5 individuals for group assignments. This intimate learning environment allows you to interact with fellow students and peers. It will offer you the opportunity to widen your perspective and have a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.

Franziska Pielmeier, alumnus
'The ABS provides a hands-on international experience'

Franziska Pielmeier (class of 2021): 'If you want to learn more about bringing new products, services, and businesses to life which will benefit the triple bottom line – the Amsterdam MBA should be your programme of choice! The ABS provides a hands-on international experience where you will learn how to crunch numbers, design strategies, and build leadership skills.'