Programme
Online MBA with Action Learning
Act to learn, learn to act! Advance your career to a higher management position, broaden your business knowledge, develop your leadership skills, and bring about change with the Action Learning Online MBA at Business School Netherlands.
Description
Programme
Possible Exemption
Accreditation
Who it's for
Online MBA Full Course Fee
How to Apply
Online MBA with a Focus on Managing Change and Delivering Results in Your Organisation
Over two years, you will immerse yourself in seven management majors, covering information, finance, strategy, marketing, operations, human resources, and international cooperation. This accredited online MBA helps you develop leadership skills using the Action Learning method, the common thread running through our online MBA courses.
During this online MBA program, you will gain a better understanding of yourself as a responsible leader while enhancing your ability to address complex organisational challenges strategically, ultimately leading to successful solutions.
What does the Online Action Learning MBA offer you?
After completing this part-time Online MBA, you will become a responsible and successful leader who:
- Has a broader organisational perspective in business management
- Takes a more critical look at their own leadership role
- Gets to the root cause of a problem
- Makes well-informed decisions
- Knows how to engage stakeholders
- Has a positive impact on society
- Is driven by results
- Brings about changes with maximum impact.
Why choose our Online Action Learning MBA?
- Real, interactive online sessions – Engage in live discussions instead of pre-recorded videos
- Full international support – Receive comprehensive feedback on all assignments and projects.
- Accredited Online MBA – Recognised by prestigious international accreditation bodies
- Practical learning approach – Work on real organisational issues relevant to your business.
- Expert-led education – Learn directly from industry professionals with real-world experience.
- Collaborative learning – Benefit from working in small groups for enhanced engagement.
- 100% Online MBA with flexible scheduling – Study at your own pace without disrupting your career
Learn to combine responsibility and success
Real-time Virtual Workshops
Over 24 months, you will immerse yourself in the fields of operations, information, strategy, and international cooperation. You will work with the Action Learning method, the common thread running through our Online MBA courses. You will get to know yourself better as a responsible leader and develop your ability to approach complex organisational issues strategically and holistically to solve them successfully
Majors
When enrolling, you are able to apply for a Major in either Water Management or Food Security, if you meet the requirements. You may also opt to follow the general track or no major.
The Online Action Learning MBA programme consists of three phases:
- Phase 1: The Skills Phase (2 Months)
- Phase 2: The Practice Phase (16 Months)
- Phase 3: The Final Phase (6 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 Online Action Learning MBA.
The courses in this phase are:
- Action Learning Fundamentals
- Research Methodology
Assignments:
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.
Learning and working together on your own organisational issues
All lessons form the basis for properly executing your Action Learning Projects. You translate the theory from the lessons directly into your own complex organisational issues. You work intensively with a small group of fellow students, your subset. You will also work in Action Learning coaching sessions under the supervision of an Action Learning coach. You learn to ask each other the right open and in-depth questions that are linked to everyone’s organisational issues. This way of learning ensures that you really learn to listen, look at challenges differently, evaluate critically and weigh up the alternatives. Together you will get to the root of the problem.
The second phase covers the following 7 core courses:
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Financial Management
- Information Management
- Strategic Management
- International Management
Each core course consists of 3 online interactive classes of a total of 14 hours. The second phase also consists of the following modules:
- Personal skills training
- Research Methodology
- Themed workshops
Assignments:
Each core course will be tested with a theory test, and a written assignment/Q&A. Example questions you need to answer are:
- Does my organisation make effective use of Social Media?
- Is our strategy approach modern or outdated?
- Is my organisation ready for digital transition, or not?
In this phase, you will be acquired to execute 4 Action Learning Projects (ALPs), including 1 Group International Management ALP. To help you with your ALPs and to learn from the other students we organise 12 online subset meetings. Each subset consists of 6-8 students and will be facilitated by an Action Learning Coach.
In this phase of the Action Learning MBA, you will dive into your Action Learning graduation project, the dissertation. You will solve a strategic issue for your own organisation, demonstrating how you connect all the business aspects and exhibit your personal strategic leadership. You will receive individual guidance and coaching throughout this phase. At the end, you will engage in self-reflection on your learning experiences and leadership skills.
In this third phase, you will work on:
- Dissertation: working on a strategic Action Learning graduation project for your own organisation or potentially for another organisation
- Research Methodology 2
- Evaluation of Management Learning Experiences
When enrolling, you are able to apply for a Major in Food Security or Water Management, 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
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 programme 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 programme.
- Completion of specific BSN executive programmes may exempt students from Phase 1 of the Online MBA programme.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
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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.
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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.
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FIBAA | Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation
FIBAA is a national and international accreditation institute recognised in all German-speaking countries.
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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.
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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.
Specially designed for ambitious leaders at various management levels
As an ambitious Action Learning MBA student, you have:
- a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or higher.
- a job title as a manager, management trainee, supervisor, business owner, or team leader.
- a minimum of 2 years professional work experience.
- approval from your organisation 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.
And you want to:
- take a step further in your career
- exercise impactful leadership
- strengthen your effectiveness
- enhance your own distinctiveness
- continuously personal development
- progress from a specialist to a general manager
- build a theoretical foundation
- become a better conversationalist in the board or management team, gaining knowledge of new concepts and insights in management and organisation.
Full course fee:
- EUR 20,000
- EUR 12,000 (For Eastern European applicants)
Scholarship
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) scholarships are available for applicants from the developing world (Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean)
The price includes the following:
- Class days, books, study material (articles and abstracts)
- Coaching, in small groups
- Project and thesis supervision
Start your MBA application
Have you found the perfect programme with us? Awesome! Start your application.
Step 1 (optional) : Schedule a personal consultation
During a personal consultation you will receive a detailed explanation of the programme and will have the opportunity to ask all your questions. In addition, our advisor will work with you to see whether this programme is in line with your work, ambitions and curriculum and whether you qualify for exemptions.
Step 2: Fill out the online MBA application form
It’s important to fill out the application correctly and attach all the supporting documents requested. As soon as we receive your application, you will be sent an email with instructions of your next steps.
Step 3: Permission from your employer
In addition to these admission requirements, it is important that you have the opportunity to carry out projects and research in your own and/or another organisation. You therefore need permission from your employer/client. If you do not have an organisation where you can carry out your projects, we have an (inter)national Alumni network, including the alumni association Tractus. Many of these alumni offer our students the opportunity to carry out projects with them. Do you want more information? Ask our study advisors.
Programme advice?
Jean Crous 17 September 2025
12 November 2025
Testimonials
What others say about BSN
The Action Learning methodology at BSN is incredibly practical, allowing me to address real issues in my organisation while learning.
Bernard K Bett
Kenya
Business School Netherlands has been instrumental in shaping me into a proficient problem solver and pragmatic entrepreneur.
Fasili Masalu Boniphace
I highly recommend this MBA for both personal and organisational growth, as it was a win-win for both myself and the company I worked for.
Gerard Mohamed
The results began impacting the business from early in the learning journey and the experience has forever changed my life.
Helen Bührs
South Africa
The knowledge gained on various business aspects has enriched my overall expertise and position as an HR Manager.
Jahaira Boasman
The Masterclass from Business School Netherlands has given me confidence and direction in terms of strategy, power and leadership.
Machteld Diks v/d Hoogenhoff
I chose BSN's MBA because it's not only theoretical but also directly applicable to the projects you undertake within your own organisation.
Marlou Mulders
This MBA programme has transformed the way I approach business challenges, making my work more impactful and sustainable.
Mary Lancelot
Ghana
This MBA equipped me with problem-solving skills, comprehensive business knowledge, and the ability to apply it; all of which remains relevant after many years.
Renier Snyman
The most significant advantage was the opportunity to work on real challenges presented by my employer.
Robert Koolen
The MBA lesson on Action Learning is an interactive session where you receive immediately applicable tools and guidance!
Vincent Schreijer
BSN develops great leaders who
Our tutors have earned their stripes extensively in the field. In addition to their field experience, they also have a good understanding of business models and strategies, making them uniquely capable of bridging the gap between strategy and practice.
Mike Janssen
Bernie van Zijl
Pierre Strydom
Dr. Lee Kingma
The Executive Action Learning MBA programme proved to be a tremendous enrichment for my personal development.
Brochure Request
Request your Online MBA Brochure
Would you like to learn more about this programme? Please fill in your details and receive the brochure via email, completely free and with no obligation.
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Faq
Frequently asked questions
We have compiled frequently asked questions for you. If your question is not listed, please get in touch with us.
Our MBA programmes are Professional Master’s Degrees. A Professional Master’s focuses primarily on applied research. The MBA programmes at Business School Netherlands therefore deliver immediate returns for the student and their organisation, as theoretical knowledge is directly applied to their own practice. The Professional Master’s has learning outcomes and final results that correspond to level 9 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which is the second-highest level within higher education in South Africa.
ROI at Business School Netherlands
At Business School Netherlands, every participant applies what they have learned directly in practice through the Action Learning method. This sets us apart from any other management educator in the world. Moreover, the impact/return on investment of this application is high to very high.
For organisations
Our MBA graduates claim that the study costs are easily recouped by the organisation. Some even speak of returns ranging from tens of thousands to millions or more. This is excellent for the employer and also for the participant who undergoes personal growth through their studies while contributing to the organisation’s return on investment. A true win-win situation.
For individuals
MBA alumni earn more, attain better positions, and believe that an MBA has been valuable to their professional success. We rank in the top business schools in the world when it comes to improved positions due to the programme and an increase in gross monthly salary before and after the programme.
International Action Learning MBA:
- Learn through interactive BSN student platform, engaging online group sessions and a combination of reflective assessments and reading.
- Mandatory attendance of MBA workshops and conference at BSN’s main campus in the Netherlands. (Flights and visa costs not included in fees)
- Full international support and feedback on all your assignments and projects.
Online Action Learning MBA:
- Learn through interactive BSN student platform, engaging online group sessions and a combination of reflective assessments and reading.
- Full international support and feedback on all your assignments and projects.
In summary, the foundation of both MBA programs is essentially the same. The MBA diploma is also the same for both MBA programmes.
The programme is delivered through an online, virtual-class environment, with face-to-face video calls and access to a 24/7 online student portal. Students have full support from academic tutors, plagiarism and spell-checking software, and access to Microsoft Office applications.
No, you do not have to relocate to the Netherlands while doing this course. You will only travel to the Netherlands for the mandatory workshops and conference that all take place during one visit of about nine days.
Our Online MBA is a multi-accredited programme focused on Action Learning, designed to enhance leadership skills and solve real-world business challenges.
Yes, our Online MBA is accredited by ACBSP, ATHEA, FIBAA, and NRTO, ensuring high-quality education and global recognition.
The program takes 24 months and consists of three phases: Skills Phase (2 months), the Practice Phase (16 months), and theFinal Phase (6 months).
Yes, being gainfully employed is a requirement of our Online MBA! Our Action Learning methodology requires that you carry out projects at your organisation. Our part-time, flexible online MBA allows professionals to balance work, study, and personal commitments
- Live interactive sessions (not pre-recorded videos)
- Global faculty and support
- Real-world projects focused on your organisation
- 100% online with flexible learning options
- Our Action Learning methodology ensures a 7x higher ROI
Applicants typically need:
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- At least 2 years of professional work experience
- A managerial role or leadership potential (gainful employment)
- English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if applicable)
Yes! Applicants with 7+ years of relevant work experience may be considered. A personal interview and document verification will determine eligibility.
Enrollment is ongoing, so you can apply at any time. Contact us for the next available start date.
Programme Advice
Do you have questions or need help?
We can help you get started with a personalised, no-obligation education consultation.
Contact our programme advisors on +31 (0)344-579054 or international@bsn.eu.