MBA Programmes
Action Learning: learn to act, act to learnInternational Action Learning MBA
Blended-learning MBA with a Focus on Managing Change and Delivering Results in Your Organisation
Many Master’s programmes deal with academic questions and historical case studies. These are interesting, but may not always be relevant to your organisation or position.
In the Business School Netherlands Action Learning MBA, you’re expected to develop and put in place solutions. This helps you to build a strong track record as proof to future employers of your managerial skills and leadership.
You’ll work on Action Learning projects that focus on challenges and opportunities for your company.
Structure & Netherlands Conference Weeks
Learning is delivered through the interactive BSN student platform, engaging online group sessions, and a combination of reflective assessments and reading.
You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to take part in 2 MBA workshop and conference weeks at the BSN main campus in the beautiful and historic town of Buren, in the Netherlands
MBA Accreditation and Awards
Business School Netherlands and the International Action Learning MBA are accredited by 4 prestigious international accreditation organisations:
Accreditation Council For Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP – United States of America)
Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA – Europe)
eduQua (Switzerland – Europe)
Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatie Organisatie (NVAO) – Dutch Flemish Accreditation Organisation for programmes in the Netherlands and Belgium
Voted Tier One in the CEO Magazine 2021 Global MBA Rankings
The Business School Netherlands MBA programmes are accredited and recognised Dutch higher qualifications. As a Dutch qualification, the MBA is covered under the Bologna Process.
The Bologna Process is a series of ministerial meetings and agreements between European countries, as well as several non-European countries, to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher-education qualifications.
This means that the MBA qualification from BSN is recognised at face value without conditions in over 49 signatory countries both inside and outside of the European Union
Join a Global Alumni Network
Business School Netherlands has been educating managers and professionals since 1988. We have an alumni network of over 15 000 students from many countries. BSN alumni work in major international companies, governments, non-profit organizations, and small family businesses.
Action Learning allows our students to make real connections and share solutions with each other.
Please see the table below for General Information, Admission Requirements, Programme Structure, and Fees & Start Dates

DID YOU KNOW?: These are the industries/sectors that benefit the most salary-wise with an MBA
- Consulting – pre-MBA = $86,187 / post-MBA = $132,601 (a 53.85% increase)
- Food, Beverage, & Tobacco – pre-MBA = $63,069 / post-MBA = $104,319 (a 65.4% increase)
- Private Equity – pre-MBA = $98,393 / post-MBA = $136,132 (a 38.35% increase)
- Investment Management – pre-MBA = $82,531 / post-MBA = $121,376 (a 47.07% increase)
- Technology, Internet, & Ecommerce – pre-MBA = $85,134 / post-MBA = $121,897 (a 43.18% increase)
- Education – pre-MBA = $59,681 / post-MBA = $74,507 (a 24.84% increase)
- Accounting & Audit – pre-MBA = $67,952 / post-MBA = 88,946 (a 30.89% increase)
- Law – pre-MBA – $97,229 / post-MBA = $105,366 (a 8.37% increase)
- Restaurants, Hotels, Hospitality, & Tourism – pre-MBA = $68,521 / post-MBA = $83,502 (a 21.86% increase)
- Government, Politics, & Military – pre-MBA = $77,645 / post-MBA = $90,631 (a 16.72% increase)
Features of the International Action Learning MBA (CROHO-register 70053) at BSN
- Taught in English
- Teaches you the unique Action Learning methodology
- Projects are based on real challenges and opportunities in your organisation
- Maximum of 25 students per group
- Two conference weeks in the Netherlands
- Part-time and online studying with a flexible timetable
- No conventional examinations
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
- Accredited by ACBSP , ATHEA and the NVAO
- Voted a Tier One MBA in the CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings
Why Choose BSN?
- One of the most recognised business schools in The Netherlands
- Active for more than 30 years in developing and offering MBA programmes
- Programmes that actually change your management thinking
- Join a global network of dynamic alumni
- Learn from experienced coaches and tutors from various industries and backgrounds
The applicant:
- holds a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or higher,
- is a manager, management trainee, supervisor or team leader
- has a minimum of 2 years appropriate and relevant post graduate work experience,
- has approval from his/her organisation to do research and practical projects within their work environment,
- has internet and e-mail access and
- should the applicant’s mother tongue not be English he/she will require a TOEFL or IELTS language test. The minimum pass mark for TOEFL is 550 (paper); 213 (computer) or 79/80 (internet based) and IELTS 6. Applicants who have completed their Bachelor’s degrees in English are exempt from this requirement.
Exemptions:
- In addition to a: Mature and experienced applicants who do not hold such a degree, may also be considered. The guideline here is a minimum of 7 years demonstrable, appropriate and relevant postgraduate work experience.
- In addition to b: Applicants who are not in a formal management position but to whose professional development the learning programme will significantly contribute, may also be considered. This would apply to professionals who operate at post graduate 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 MBA programme.
Programme Overview
MBA Phase | Phase I | Phase II | Phase III |
---|---|---|---|
Duration | 2 Months | 16 Months | 6 Months |
Type of Assignment | Organisational Analysis and Action Learning Literature Review | Action Learning Projects and Exams | Dissertation, Viva Voce, EAML and Graduation |
Skill Phase 1 (2 months)
Here we lay the theoretical foundation upon which your future study will be based; this creates a common conceptual framework for the whole set whilst you follow the International Action Learning MBA. You will write an Organisational Analysis of your company as well as an Action Learning Literature Review. This is based upon your current leadership skills and competencies, and you will be encouraged throughout the programme to consider areas for development.
Practice Phase 2 (16 months):
7 Core Courses, 4 Action Learning Projects (ALPs), including 1 Group International Management ALP and 2 trips to the Netherlands. The seven core courses offered in the second Phase of the programme are:
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Information Management
- Strategic Management
- International Management
Graduation Phase 3 (6 months):
- Research Methodology
- Dissertation Support
- Dissertation
- Evaluation of Managerial Learning (EAML)
Majors
When enrolling, you are able to apply for a Major, if you meet the entry requirements. In order to qualify for the Major endorsement on the MBA degree, the following conditions apply:
The student:
- Attended the respective Masterclass, i.e. Food Security, Water Management, etc;
- Passed the assignment ‘Personal Effectiveness Paper’ related to the respective Masterclass;
- Incorporated the Major 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. In addition to the 9-day conferences, depending on the Major selected (Food Security, Water Management or Project Management & Control), an additional four to six days of mandatory Masterclass attendance of the selected Major will be required
Duration
24 months
Set Meetings
Online and two conference weeks in the Netherlands
Start dates 2023
13 September 2023
Maximum of 25 students per intake
Full Course Fee
EUR 27,500
EUR 16,500 : 40% Partial Scholarship total tuition fee for students from Africa and the Caribbean
For more information on the BSN Partial Scholarships, please click HERE