Master in Entrepreneurship & Business Development

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 hours classes, 12 hours group work, 20 hours 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.

Courses & curriculum 2022 - 2023

• EBC4041 Strategic Entrepreneurship and InnovationEBC4265 Data Analytics
• EBS4018 Writing a Master’s Thesis Proposal IB Entrepreneurship
• Period 2EBC4181 Entrepreneurial Finance
• Elective
• 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