Are you entrepreneurially minded and excited by the prospect of blended learning rather than just papers and books? Then the specialization in Entrepreneurship & Business Development could be right for you. This specialization is part of the master's program in International Business and is for students interested in the launching of start-up ventures and new business development by existing corporations. It offers state-of-the-art insights on how individuals and organizations can increase their chances of entrepreneurial success. It also looks into how entrepreneurs can ride the waves of digitalization and sustainability as two of the most powerful market influences. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, entrepreneurship has become the new paradigm for strategic thinking and this program prepares students for a successful career in this dynamic and entrepreneurial setting.
Fast facts
Combines (corporate) entrepreneurship with digitalization and sustainability
Prepares you for a career as an entrepreneur, new venture manager, business development manager, general manager, business consultant
1-year, full-time master’s taught in English
Starts in February & September
Weekly: 8 hrs classes, 12 hrs group work, 20 hrs individual study
Double Degree options
Why this program?
Entrepreneurship & Business Development is about seizing the day, and taking advantage of opportunities when they're presented. Why wait until graduation to start gaining valuable experience in management? During the Entrepreneurship & Business Development program, you’ll gain knowledge of strategy, organization, and finance tailored to the unique setting of new and small businesses operating under uncertainty and resource constraints.
Amazing education opportunities
Premium honors program
Premium gives you that extra edge by offering real-world experience during your studies. As part of a team of students, you’ll build the experience and skills employers are looking for. Work on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO, or educational institution. Create a personal development plan. Participate in intensive individual coaching, masterclasses, and workshops.
Internships
Internships give you practical experience that enhances your studies and increases your employability. Many graduates often end up working at the organization where they intern. SBE encourages master’s students to do an extracurricular, 8-26 week internship. The SBE Internship Office has an extensive database of internship opportunities and is on hand for guidance and counseling.
Combine thesis & internship
Rather than face a trade-off between finishing their studies and doing an internship, SBE students have the option of combining the two. During the Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP), your thesis will be written on a topic relevant to a company or organization during a part-time internship. This gives your thesis focus and applicability and gives you practical work experience.
Double Degree program
The Double Degree program at the School of Business and Economics lets you study at two universities and earn two master’s degrees! You can participate at the beginning of the academic year in September, completing part of your master's program at an institution abroad and part at SBE. After completing all the requirements of both master's programs, you will be awarded a degree from each university. Almost all Double Degree programs can be completed with little or no delay in your studies and with minimal extra fees. The Double Degree program has carefully selected partner universities that are high-profile, research-oriented, and preferably accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.
Courses & curriculum 2022 - 2023
EBC4041Strategic Entrepreneurship and Innovation
EBC4265 Data Analytics
EBS4018 Writing a Master’s Thesis Proposal IB Entrepreneurship
Elective
EBC4181 Entrepreneurial Finance
EBC4266 Digital Entrepreneurship
Master's Thesis
or Thesis Internship Programme
EBC4106 Business Innovation and Sustainable Development
Rankings & recognition
Triple Crown accreditation - School of Business and Economics
UM is the sixth-best Young University in the world
Financial Times lauded SBE in best practice examples of sustainability, ethics, and social purpose in teaching and education methods
Financial Times MIM 2021: MSc International Business ranked #37 Masters in Management
Your future
The Entrepreneurship & Business Development program works with several organizations that can help you with your career, your thesis, and the student company.
The Centre for Entrepreneurship organizes business plan competitions and round-table discussions with entrepreneurs and invites well-known entrepreneurs to speak.
The UM SME Portal gathers issues from small businesses used as case studies and company projects within the program.
Department’s researchers are connected to the European Council of Small Businesses and with EIM, a research institute focusing on small businesses.
The UM Holding and UM faculties offer advice on your thesis or student company, including buying shares and advice on parenting issues.
Career prospects
As a graduate, you can look for work in:
business start-ups
taking over family businesses
management functions in SMEs
public research institutes
venture capital firms and banks
consultancy firms
Ph.D. research into entrepreneurship and related topics
You could also decide to go for an MBA in Maastricht:
The MaastrichtMBA
Euro*MBA
