The study programme in a nutshell
Your first two years follow a structured curriculum with core courses, building a strong foundation in business fundamentals within an international context.
In your third year, you have the flexibility to shape your studies to match your interests. You can spend the first half on an , internship, or minor. In the second half, you鈥檒l choose from several elective tracks focused on global business challenges and complete your bachelor thesis.
First-year courses
The first year of IBA is structured into five blocks, providing a global perspective on key business functions such asmarketing, finance, and information management. You鈥檒l develop a strong foundation in international business administration and management, preparing you for a career in a multinational environment.
SBP provides you with an opportunity to connect with real-life businesses. Over the course of three blocks in the first year, you collaborate closely with your chosen company by conducting multiple company visits and looking into their market and environment data. Finally, you hand in a well-researched and practically relevant report that contains strategic advice to both the company and the university.
For a detailed description of all of the courses, please view the (for reference only, the catalogue is continually updated throughout the year).
Second-year courses
Your second year of IBA also has five blocks, but some courses are extended over multiple periods, for example quantitative research methods and international business. You鈥檒l explore a broad range of essential topics including business law, innovation management, and responsible business leadership. This year deepens your understanding of how businesses operate globally and prepares you to navigate complex international challenges.
The IBA programme has a partnership with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a leading engineering, computing and design university. In the technology management course, you and your RSM group work with a group of TU Delft students on an assignment which requires both groups to understand each other鈥檚 worlds of business and industry. This part of the programme encourages mutual understanding of business and industry, an essential skill for any manager.
For a detailed description of all of the courses please view the (for reference only, the catalogue is continually updated throughout the year).
The third year
Your final year of the IBA programme allows you to tailor your studies to your interests while maintaining a strong international focus.
In the first half of the year, you can choose one of the following options, combining them with electives if needed to earn 30 European Credits (EC):
- An international exchange at one of RSM鈥檚 prestigious worldwide (20-30 EC).
- An international internship (14 weeks, 20 EC), with support from RSM鈥檚 .
- An academic minor (15 EC, or 30 EC if taken jointly with Leiden University and /or TU Delft).
- A project organised by STAR, , or a partnering university (15 EC).
In the second half of the year, you must take two courses, advanced research skills and method master classes, to refine and further improve your research skills. In addition to these compulsory method courses, you will follow a core course, called 鈥淒oing international business the Dutch way鈥, which fulfils the purpose to teach you how international business is shaped by the local peculiarities of the Dutch business landscape.
You can also specialise further via various tracks*, each covering global business challenges from a different perspective, such as:
- Navigating stakeholders in global business** (international business & strategy)
- AI for a connected world** (data, operations & digital business)
- Accounting & finance for international business** (finance, accounting & decision-making)
- Throughout the year, you will also work on your bachelor project, aligned with the track you will follow.
*Track preference is considered but cannot be guaranteed.
**These elective tracks are for reference only. Subject to change.