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Programme structure
A view of the study programmeYour Educational Experience
The Rotterdam Business School is student-centred, contextual and ethically and socially responsible. Our programme is inclusive and the support our lecturers offer is based on your personal need and individual learning style. You will get the opportunity to follow your own learning route, by choosing one of four specialisations within the curriculum. Apart from those specialisations, we offer you more choices. Choices you can make based on your background, ambitions and talents. Choices that will help you achieve your goals during the programme.
The 3 Learning Lines
During your studies you will learn to understand all aspects of international business, while you have outstanding opportunities to specialise in the field of your interest later in the programme. Throughout the four years of the International Business programme these three learning lines are central: Business, Languages as well as Professional & Academic Skills.
The International Business programme is taught entirely in English. In addition, you will choose a second language in the Languages learning track, either European or Asian. By knowing and understanding an additional language, and more specifically the business dictionary and application of it, you will already have a competitive advantage over your colleagues.
You can choose from:
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Mandarin
- Korean
- Japanese
- Dutch for non-Dutch speakers
- Additionally, we also offer Russian, Indonesian and Vietnamese
For all languages, the following applies:
- All are offered at the beginner level.
- They will only be available if there are enough enrollments. Russian, Indonesian, and Vietnamese generally receive few enrollments and therefore often do not proceed.
- Depending on your specialisation, you will study the language for 1.5 years, except for the Commerce specialisation, where you will study language and culture for 3 years.
Expanding your knowledge about international business should go hand in hand with developing your professional and academic skills. Only that combination will make you the complete business professional you desire to become. Sharpen your critical thinking, develop your intercultural competence and challenge yourself to innovate. Your personal growth will last a lifetime.
Languages
Languages are one of the unique elements of the International Business programme. Learning Dutch is required, to not only support your integration but also boost future job opportunities in the Dutch Market.
You will also be able to choose from 9 other languages:
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Mandarin
- Korean
- Japanese
- Russian, Vietnamese, Indonesian (will only start if we reach minimum required students)
If you choose Dutch as your elementary language, you are not required to select and additional language. If you choose Dutch as an elective course, you are required to choose an additional language
Semesters & Blocks
Every year has two semesters. Each semester consists of clearly defined, practice-oriented blocks. Each block is focused on a single theme and includes a limited number of subjects. A coach is ready to personally assist you in areas such as study skills, career planning and personal development. Other important elements in the study programme are applied research and critical self-reflection. Especially during your last two years, you will have plenty of opportunities to structure your own personalised programme.
Year 1
From the first year onwards the three learning lines take center stage; Business, Languages and Professional & Academic Skills. During this first year, you have the time to discover your specific interest by touching upon all the different subject areas of international business. This will prepare you for choosing a specialisation in the second year. In your assignments the learning lines of Business and Professional & Academic Skills will be integrated wherever possible. In year 1 you will take one of seven language choices and at the end of the year if you do not decide to pursue 'commerce' then you will stop with your language learning. Finally, in your first and second year you can choose elective modules that offer you the opportunity to look beyond your own study programme.
A breakdown of the programme and themes you will experience are shown below.
Year 2 (Specialisation Year)
As of year two of your studies, it is time to start defining what kind of international business professional you want to be. For more information about the specialisations we recommend watching the latest webinar. We offer the following specialisations:
The Organisation & Change specialisation is suitable for students who are eager to learn more about strategy, management, and innovation at international companies, as well as the various types of organisations and how they work. The specialisation includes topics like strategic/general management, innovation management and entrepreneurship, internationalisation and market entry strategy, consultancy, organisational change, and human resource management.
The introduction of companies such as Amazon and AliExpress has revolutionised how we look at time from production to consumption. These fascinating developments fall under our International Supply Chain Management specialisation. You will learn the ways of managing the flow of goods and services, from the raw material to the consumer goods you can find on the shelf in the supermarket. By looking at the best practices in transportation, urban distribution, warehousing and port management you will gain an insight into the workings of effective and efficient supply chain management.
To beat the competition you will learn not only about sales, trade marketing and marketing strategy, but also about culture diversity within international companies. Languages are a big part of this specialisation, as they are a vital tool for you in international commerce. You will become experienced in dealing with social and cultural differences, which is needed for successful trade relations with business partners worldwide. You will learn how to develop and build up your network within the business world, how to develop an enterprising attitude and how to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. RBS offers languages courses in the most widely spoken European and Asian languages.
Languages are especially important in the Commerce specialisation, which is why your language lessons continue for a longer period. This means you will work on developing the language in years 1, 2, and 3. You are required to spend a semester in a country where the language you are studying in the International Business program is spoken. This gives you ample opportunities to master your chosen language.
Are you interested in learning how products and services are marketed differently around the world? Fascinated by the way target audiences differ from place to place? Then our marketing specialisation is right up your street. You will learn how to create value for both the consumer and for society. Developing proper marketing strategies based on the target group and designing successful marketing communication programmes. Follow our mission and ‘exceed expectations’
Year 3 & 4
In the third and fourth year of your studies you focus on growth and innovation. You will continue your education with at least one semester abroad. This could either be an internship at a company or an exchange programme at one of our partner universities around the world. You will conclude your studies with your final assessments and a graduation assignment in which you will solve a real business problem with the proper research skills.
You will put your training into practice during a six-month internship in an international company. This company could either be located in the Netherlands or abroad and could either be a large multi-national or a medium sized enterprise. By choosing to do your internship in another country you will learn the ropes from the international business professionals in the country of your choice.
Please note that Commerce students must spend two semesters abroad, among which one semester will be an internship abroad.
The minor is a programme in which you focus on a theme relevant for your future career. This could for example be digital marketing, entrepreneurship, circular economy or one of the many other options. You will focus in-depth on one specific aspect of your profession or broaden your horizon through examining terrains bordering your own profession. In this way you can significantly improve your chances on the labour market after graduation.
In the International Business programme you can either choose to do your minor at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences or to spread your wings and take part in an exchange programme at one of our partner universities across the globe.
You conclude your studies with a graduation assignment for which you combine all your training and practical experience. By using your practical research skills and coming up with innovative solutions you will help a company of your choice solve a real-life management matter. It’s your chance to shine and show off your skills.
Your graduation assignment could for example be a marketing entry strategy for Brazil with a special focus on digital channels, a plan for the logistics of a start-up in China or improving sustainability management of a company in Germany.
Fast Track Programme
In addition to the regular 4-year bachelor programme we also offer a fast-track 3-year version for students who have completed Dutch vwo or equivalent abroad. For example the International Baccalaureate or an equivalent. For more information please click here. It also possible to discuss on the phone, email or chat with the Centre of International Affairs (CoIA).
It is important to note that if you wish to choose the fast track programme it will not be possible for you to choose our commerce specialisation due to language requirements.
Below you will find a breakdown on Year 1 for the Fast Track programme:
Information on this page is subject to change
FAQ video
Our Admissions Officer Alex & current student Bogdana answer the most frequently asked questions related to the International Business programme. Is your question not answered? Take a look at the full list here.
Educational Support
Support
Every student is unique and has his own ideas about what he wants to achieve during his studies. We will support you by making you aware of your abilities, opportunities and challenges. Sometimes, during or even before the start of your study programme it becomes clear that you are struggling with a particular subject. It will be useful to brush up your knowledge in that area. As a student you will be assigned a coach (a lecturer) who will guide you and who will monitor your progress. It is also possible to ask for a peer coach, a senior student who trains younger year students.
Studying with a disability
If you have a disability and therefore require some extra facilities, we offer various options. Please feel free to contact us about this:
Ivar Janssen
Coördinator PowerPlatform
Museumpark 40, 3015 CX Rotterdam
MP.H00.050
tel. 010 - 794 6691
i.janssen@hr.nl
Mo-tu-wed-thu-fri
After your graduation
A world of possibilitiesAfter your graduation
After completion of your studies, you will receive your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. You will also receive a diploma supplement with a DS-label. With this English document you can show the value of your degree abroad when you apply for further study or when you look for a job.
You will be prepared for many different roles and professions in an international business environment. You can start as a generalist in a smaller organisation, or you could opt for a bigger company with a more specific role. This could be on the level of general management, or more specific workfields such as (digital) marketing, sales, finance, logistics or human resource management. A world of opportunities!
Continue your studies
Many students start working after finishing their bachelor studies. However you may also choose to continue your studies at Master level. For example
Career opportunities
As an International Business graduate you are competent in intercultural leadership, critical thinking, and intercultural sensitivity. You will be able to execute international projects, while working in groups and conducting business research. You can adapt to the fast changing job market requirements. As an IB professional in small and medium-sized companies you will often be the generalist with a wide range of duties, mostly in an international context. In larger, internationally operating companies or multinationals, you will generally have a more specialist role.
Our graduates work in various industries on a general management level, or in business areas such as (digital) marketing, sales, financial services or logistics management. Want to join them? Then come join us at the Rotterdam Business School!
Practical information
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