Relationship & Areas of Collaboration
1. Introduction
At Business School Netherlands, the MBA programs are structured in three phases, designed to build your knowledge progressively and apply it in real-world contexts through our Action Learning methodology, a practical approach that reflects our philosophy of learning by doing and solving real organizational challenges.
Phase 1 – Foundation Phase
This phase establishes a solid grounding in essential business principles, preparing you for more advanced leadership studies.
Phase 2 – Leadership Development Phase
In this phase, you explore BSN’s four key leadership pillars partnering with UoB:
- Performance Leadership
- Change Leadership
- Decision-making Leadership
- Responsible Leadership
Each pillar consists of structured modules that combine theory with practical application through Action Learning projects. This methodology allows you to apply what you learn directly to challenges within your own organization, ensuring immediate impact and relevance.
Phase 3 – Dissertation Phase
The final phase focuses on independent research and the application of Action Learning in your dissertation, addressing a significant organizational problem or opportunity.
Through this structured and practical approach, you’ll develop leadership skills that enable you to make responsible decisions, drive meaningful change, and deliver measurable results in your organization.
2. Program Overview
The MBA is organized into three phases built around four leadership pillars delivered over 28 months. Students begin with foundational courses and Action Learning fundamentals, then progress to specialized modules within each leadership pillar – Change Leadership, Decision-Making Leadership, Performance Leadership, and Responsible Leadership – before completing the program with research and a dissertation. Throughout all phases, students apply what they learn directly to their organizations through Action Learning Projects (ALPs), ensuring theory is immediately translated into practice.
Delivery
The program is delivered entirely online and combines live workshops, Action Learning subset meetings, and guided coaching sessions. Students work in small, supportive subsets to tackle real-world challenges, guided by Action Learning coaches and academic supervisors. This collaborative approach provides consistent feedback and practical support, helping students stay on track and make measurable impact in their workplaces.
Students also have the opportunity to attend an optional International Conference in the Netherlands, a six-day event held annually in June that brings together BSN students and faculty from around the world for workshops, networking, and shared learning.
Phase 1
Focus Areas
Foundations in management, leadership, research methods
Key Outputs
Organizational Analysis, Action Learning Literature Review
Phase 2
Focus Areas
Four Leadership Pillars:
• Change Leadership
• Decision-Making Leadership
• Performance Leadership
• Responsible Leadership
Key Outputs
Action Learning Projects for each pillar
Phase 3
Focus Areas
Research methodology and analysis
Key Outputs
Evaluative Assessment of Managerial Learning, Dissertation, Personal Effectiveness Paper (optional minor)
3. Requirements
To qualify for the Master’s in Business Administration program, you must meet the following criteria
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or higher.
- Job title as a manager, management trainee, supervisor, business owner, or team leader.
- Minimum of 2 years’ professional work experience.
- Approval from your organization to do research and practical projects in the work
environment.
- Internet and e-mail access.
- Should English not be your mother tongue, we will require a TOEFL or IELTS language test.
Exemptions
- Mature and experienced applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree, may also be considered. The guideline here is a minimum of 7 years demonstrable, appropriate and relevant postgraduate work experience.
- Applicants who are not in a formal management position but to whose professional development the learning program will significantly contribute, may also be considered. This would apply to professionals who operate at postgraduate level but are not necessarily (continuously) involved in management of people or a department. For instance; policy officers, accountants, consultants etc. Based on a thorough verification of submitted documents in respect to the above and, if deemed necessary, a personal interview, BSN will determine the applicant’s aptitude to participate in an Action Learning Online MBA program.
- Completion of specific BSN executive program may exempt students from Phase 1 of the Online MBA program.
4. International Conference
As an optional part of the MBA journey, students have the exciting opportunity to take part in a six-day MBA Workshop and Conference at our headquarters in the beautiful and historic town of Buren in the Netherlands.
This international event brings together BSN students, faculty, and staff from around the world for an engaging week of learning, collaboration, and connection. Through interactive sessions, Action Learning coaching, and personal tutoring, you’ll work closely with experienced facilitators and peers to deepen your understanding of leadership and management in a global context.
Beyond the classroom, the experience also provides a unique opportunity to build meaningful professional relationships and explore Dutch culture – from Buren’s charming cobbled streets to the nearby cities that blend tradition with innovation.
For many students, this week in the Netherlands is a highlight of the MBA journey – an inspiring and rewarding experience that brings their studies to life and strengthens their global perspective.
5. Optional Minors
When enrolling, you are able to apply for a Minor in Food Security or Water Management providing you meet the entry requirements. In order to qualify for the Minor endorsement on the MBA degree, the following conditions apply:
The Student:
- Attended the respective Masterclass, i.e. Food Security or Water Management;
- Passed the assignment ‘Personal Effectiveness Paper’ related to the respective Masterclass;
- Incorporated the Minor subject as the leading theme of ALP 1, 2, 3 as well as the Dissertation;
- If applicable, is active in the respective field of business.
- Depending on the Minor selected (Food Security/Water Management), an additional four to six days of mandatory Masterclass attendance of the selected Minor will be required
6. Accreditation
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
- ATHEA
Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation
Business School Netherlands (BSN) is a fully accredited member of the Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA), which affirms our commitment to excellence in higher education.
- ACBSP
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Accreditation by ACBSP is based on an independent evaluation of an institution’s business programmes by professionals in the field of business education, which include faculty and academic administrators.
- NVAO
Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatie Organisatie
NVAO accredits programmes in the Netherlands and Flanders. BSN MBA programmes which are accredited by NVAO are the Executive MBA (offered in the Netherlands) and the International Action Learning MBA (blended learning).
- FIBAA
Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation
FIBAA is a national and international accreditation institute recognised in all German-speaking countries.
- NRTO
Nederlandse Raad voor Training en Opleiding
NRTO (formerly Paepon) The Platform of Designated / Recognised Private Educational Institutions in The Netherlands. One of its objectives is to maintain and raise the quality of private education. Business School Netherlands has signed the Code of Conduct of the Association NRTO and is committed to this.
- CEO Magazine Global MBA Ranking
The CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings are conducted each year with applicants in mind and examine the nuts and bolts of an MBA: the learning environment, class sizes, tuition fees, faculty, delivery methods, international diversity, gender make-up and more. The objective is simple: to identify business schools which marry exceptional quality with great ROI.
7. Program Fees
Full program fee:
USD 4,800
Program fees include the following:
- Live online sessions, books, study material (articles and abstracts)
- Coaching, in small groups
- Project and dissertation supervision
Note: Applicants preferring to attend the international conference in the Netherlands will cover their flights and visa costs for the conference.
Also, those who prefer to attend the graduation in the Netherlands will cover their flights and visa costs for the graduation.
At Business School Netherlands, the MBA programs are structured in three phases, designed to build your knowledge progressively and apply it in real-world contexts through our Action Learning methodology, a practical approach that reflects our philosophy of learning by doing and solving real organizational challenges.
Phase 1 – Foundation Phase
This phase establishes a solid grounding in essential business principles, preparing you for more advanced leadership studies.
Phase 2 – Leadership Development Phase
In this phase, you explore BSN’s four key leadership pillars partnering with UoB:
- Performance Leadership
- Change Leadership
- Decision-making Leadership
- Responsible Leadership
Each pillar consists of structured modules that combine theory with practical application through Action Learning projects. This methodology allows you to apply what you learn directly to challenges within your own organization, ensuring immediate impact and relevance.
Phase 3 – Dissertation Phase
The final phase focuses on independent research and the application of Action Learning in your dissertation, addressing a significant organizational problem or opportunity.
Through this structured and practical approach, you’ll develop leadership skills that enable you to make responsible decisions, drive meaningful change, and deliver measurable results in your organization.
2. Program Overview
The MBA is organized into three phases built around four leadership pillars delivered over 28 months. Students begin with foundational courses and Action Learning fundamentals, then progress to specialized modules within each leadership pillar – Change Leadership, Decision-Making Leadership, Performance Leadership, and Responsible Leadership – before completing the program with research and a dissertation. Throughout all phases, students apply what they learn directly to their organizations through Action Learning Projects (ALPs), ensuring theory is immediately translated into practice.
Delivery
The program is delivered entirely online and combines live workshops, Action Learning subset meetings, and guided coaching sessions. Students work in small, supportive subsets to tackle real-world challenges, guided by Action Learning coaches and academic supervisors. This collaborative approach provides consistent feedback and practical support, helping students stay on track and make measurable impact in their workplaces.
Students also have the opportunity to attend an optional International Conference in the Netherlands, a six-day event held annually in June that brings together BSN students and faculty from around the world for workshops, networking, and shared learning.
Phase 1
Focus Areas
Foundations in management, leadership, research methods
Key Outputs
Organizational Analysis, Action Learning Literature Review
Phase 2
Focus Areas
Four Leadership Pillars:
• Change Leadership
• Decision-Making Leadership
• Performance Leadership
• Responsible Leadership
Key Outputs
Action Learning Projects for each pillar
Phase 3
Focus Areas
Research methodology and analysis
Key Outputs
Evaluative Assessment of Managerial Learning, Dissertation, Personal Effectiveness Paper (optional minor)
3. Requirements
To qualify for the Master’s in Business Administration program, you must meet the following criteria
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or higher.
- Job title as a manager, management trainee, supervisor, business owner, or team leader.
- Minimum of 2 years’ professional work experience.
- Approval from your organization to do research and practical projects in the work
environment.
- Internet and e-mail access.
- Should English not be your mother tongue, we will require a TOEFL or IELTS language test.
Exemptions
- Mature and experienced applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree, may also be considered. The guideline here is a minimum of 7 years demonstrable, appropriate and relevant postgraduate work experience.
- Applicants who are not in a formal management position but to whose professional development the learning program will significantly contribute, may also be considered. This would apply to professionals who operate at postgraduate level but are not necessarily (continuously) involved in management of people or a department. For instance; policy officers, accountants, consultants etc. Based on a thorough verification of submitted documents in respect to the above and, if deemed necessary, a personal interview, BSN will determine the applicant’s aptitude to participate in an Action Learning Online MBA program.
- Completion of specific BSN executive program may exempt students from Phase 1 of the Online MBA program.
4. International Conference
As an optional part of the MBA journey, students have the exciting opportunity to take part in a six-day MBA Workshop and Conference at our headquarters in the beautiful and historic town of Buren in the Netherlands.
This international event brings together BSN students, faculty, and staff from around the world for an engaging week of learning, collaboration, and connection. Through interactive sessions, Action Learning coaching, and personal tutoring, you’ll work closely with experienced facilitators and peers to deepen your understanding of leadership and management in a global context.
Beyond the classroom, the experience also provides a unique opportunity to build meaningful professional relationships and explore Dutch culture – from Buren’s charming cobbled streets to the nearby cities that blend tradition with innovation.
For many students, this week in the Netherlands is a highlight of the MBA journey – an inspiring and rewarding experience that brings their studies to life and strengthens their global perspective.
5. Optional Minors
When enrolling, you are able to apply for a Minor in Food Security or Water Management providing you meet the entry requirements. In order to qualify for the Minor endorsement on the MBA degree, the following conditions apply:
The Student:
- Attended the respective Masterclass, i.e. Food Security or Water Management;
- Passed the assignment ‘Personal Effectiveness Paper’ related to the respective Masterclass;
- Incorporated the Minor subject as the leading theme of ALP 1, 2, 3 as well as the Dissertation;
- If applicable, is active in the respective field of business.
- Depending on the Minor selected (Food Security/Water Management), an additional four to six days of mandatory Masterclass attendance of the selected Minor will be required
6. Accreditation
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
- ATHEA
Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation
Business School Netherlands (BSN) is a fully accredited member of the Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA), which affirms our commitment to excellence in higher education.
- ACBSP
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Accreditation by ACBSP is based on an independent evaluation of an institution’s business programmes by professionals in the field of business education, which include faculty and academic administrators.
- NVAO
Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatie Organisatie
NVAO accredits programmes in the Netherlands and Flanders. BSN MBA programmes which are accredited by NVAO are the Executive MBA (offered in the Netherlands) and the International Action Learning MBA (blended learning).
- FIBAA
Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation
FIBAA is a national and international accreditation institute recognised in all German-speaking countries.
- NRTO
Nederlandse Raad voor Training en Opleiding
NRTO (formerly Paepon) The Platform of Designated / Recognised Private Educational Institutions in The Netherlands. One of its objectives is to maintain and raise the quality of private education. Business School Netherlands has signed the Code of Conduct of the Association NRTO and is committed to this.
- CEO Magazine Global MBA Ranking
The CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings are conducted each year with applicants in mind and examine the nuts and bolts of an MBA: the learning environment, class sizes, tuition fees, faculty, delivery methods, international diversity, gender make-up and more. The objective is simple: to identify business schools which marry exceptional quality with great ROI.
7. Program Fees
Full program fee:
USD 4,800
Program fees include the following:
- Live online sessions, books, study material (articles and abstracts)
- Coaching, in small groups
- Project and dissertation supervision
Note: Applicants preferring to attend the international conference in the Netherlands will cover their flights and visa costs for the conference.
Also, those who prefer to attend the graduation in the Netherlands will cover their flights and visa costs for the graduation.
Agreement Document
The MoU / contract document is not available online. Please contact the University of Burao for a copy.
Summary
This partnership supports the University of Burao’s mission to advance education, research and community service through collaboration with Business School Of Netherlands.