Part-time MBA programme to unleash your potential in the international business context. Enjoy the flexible combination of interactive e-learning and International Study Trips, build an international network between Switzerland/Europe and selected world regions and get your Master’s degree from an accredited Swiss Public University. Get ready for your transformative journey at the international level.
Key data
Degree
Swiss-International Master of Business Administration
ECTS points
90
Duration
2 years, part-time
Teaching language
EN
Place
Virtual classroom plus International Study Trips to Switzerland and selected locations around the world, subject to schedule
Fee
CHF 23,800 (payable in four tranches)
Places are limited. Please apply early to secure the earliest possible entry.
The MBA programme is tailor-made for innovative managers, entrepreneurs and experts in Switzerland/Europe and other key world regions. The online format gives you all the flexibility you need and allows you to study wherever you are at your own pace. And the combination of interactive e-learning and international study trips supports you to build an international network. Get your Master’s degree from an accredited Swiss public university. Transform yourself into a global leader. Join the Swiss-International MBA programme and unleash your potential in international business.
The Swiss-International MBA is based on a long track-record of MBA programmes at FHNW that have been delivered on campus since 1992. By contrast, however, the Swiss-International MBA is conducted online and set-up as a blended learning programme. You can join anytime given a rolling intake.
The online format includes webinars and virtual classrooms (70% of content). To ensure personal interactions and international networking, virtual studying is complemented by International Study Trips of your choice (30% of content). These trips focus on actual business case studies and visits to enterprises from small to large, start-ups, (non-)governmental bodies, supranational agencies, partner universities and others. In the course of your studies, you join three International Study Trips:
One in Switzerland
Two in other regions of choice (subject to schedule, may include Europe, Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa)
Examples of focus destinations include Switzerland/Europe, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Uganda, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. More information on International Study Trips and upcoming destinations is available here.
To account for the international context, programme language is English.
Specific regional focus on Asia possible
If you wish to focus on Asia specifically, you have the following option in terms of MBA designation (special rules apply)
The Swiss-International MBA is tailor-made for innovative managers, entrepreneurs and experts interested in international business and cultures. The programme offers you the unique opportunity to combine key aspects relevant for tomorrow’s key people in business:
Obtain a 90 ECTS Master’s degree from an AACSB-accredited Swiss business school
Gain highly valuable first-hand insights into international business ecosystems and cultures during International Study Trips (Switzerland/Europe and across Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa)
Work on real-world case studies in the context of chosen focus regions
Build a strong international network to decision-makers and experts
Programme
The Swiss-International MBA is tailor-made for innovative managers, entrepreneurs and experts in Switzerland/Europe and around the world. It is meant for business people who aspire to obtain an official Swiss Master’s degree and with keen interest in business cultures around the world. The regional focus is reflected in the individual choice of International Study Trips and respective case studies.
Knowledge is delivered in a flexible online setting. This takes the form of short live seminars by our lecturers on Saturdays followed by online assignments the following week to foster interactions and collaboration among students. Because personal interactions and networking are essential to grow as an international leader, students meet regularly during three International Study Trips in Switzerland and across chosen locations in Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa (subject to schedule). These trips feature a blend of visits to enterprises from small to large, start-ups, (non-)governmental bodies, supranational agencies, partner universities and others.
Completion of compulsory courses takes around 16 months, upon which students enter the master thesis phase of six months. Depending on personal preferences and study progress, the programme can be completed faster. The format provides maximum flexibility due to an attractive module structure and a rolling intake option. About 70% of contents are delivered online, 30% on site during International Study Trips.
More information on scheduled International Study Trips is available here.
The Swiss-International MBA consists of the following units:
Methods and Leadership
Finance and Economics
Management
Marketing and Internationalisation
lncludes an in-depth special course on Globalisation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship / lntrapreneurship, highlighting the relevance of modern
International Study Trips and Management Practice
Master Thesis
Topic of choice, can be closely related to a business case and the work setting of students.
Master Thesis
The thesis represents an important piece of performance assessment towards the end of the programme. However, depending on personal preferences and progress, students can start to write their thesis at an earlier stage. The thesis is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to apply acquired knowledge and theory and to put it into a relevant practical or academic context. Depending on agreed objectives, students can develop theoretical and practical solutions and recommendations.
Chosen master thesis topics often serve as the foundation for the next career step.
Overall, students demonstrate that they are independently able to do the following:
Present a complex issue/question that credibly creates a (practical) benefit for a defined target audience when addressed properly
Deploy concepts, approaches, methods and tools taught in the programme to handle/solve a given task
Deduce, present and apply appropriate methodology suitable to solve the task
Present clear and plausible arguments in the written thesis of approximately 70 pages/20,000 words (excluding appendices)
Demonstrate competent understanding and clear implications of your work to address the tasks at hand at final presentatation/defence and Q&A
Duration of master thesis phase is 6 months. Depending on personal preferences and study progress, the thesis can be completed faster. Detailed study regulations will be shared upon enrollment.
International Study Trips are a great opportunity to meet peers and lecturers at dynamic business locations around the world. Interactions with key decision-makers in the local ecosystem provide highly valuable insights into how business is done. Building an international network and embracing local cultures is part of it.
The school’s impressive international network with local partner universities and respective business ecosystems provides direct access to top echelons at host organisations. The programme usually features a rich blend of visits to enterprises from small to large in different industries, start-ups, (non-)governmental bodies, embassies, supranational agencies, partner universities and others.
This ensures a wide range of insights into different types of organisations in the local ecosystem and how they operate. Special emphasis is laid on opportunities and challenges, often at the example of relevant case studies.
International Study Trips take place regularly and last for around six days. Travel is usually possible on weekends so that everything can be accommodated within one week.
More information on scheduled International Study Trips is available here.
Sor far, the impressive list of selected destinations includes Switzerland/Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.
Any time (rolling intakes)
As a rule, an undergraduate degree (bachelor's degree) or equivalent qualification from a recognised academic institution is required. The previous subject of study is irrelevant. A minimum of three years of relevant work experience and a good command of English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) are expected. Admission is subject to an entry interview.
CHF 23,800.- plus travel expenses for International Study Trips. Course fees payable in four tranches over a period of 18 months.
The Swiss-International MBA is set-up as an e-learning MBA, complemented by International Study Trips (Switzerland and selected locations around the world, subject to schedule).
«The biggest benefit is to connect with so many different people.»
Simone Dollinger is a seasoned Programme Officer in international development cooperation who works with Mission 21 in Basel, Switzerland, overseeing projects ...
