MSc in Business Administration: Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Groningen, Netherlands
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Feb 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 20,800 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for Non-EU|for EU/EEA EUR 2,530
Introduction
How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial firms be managed so they can be successful in the entrepreneurial economy and add value to society?
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comprise over 95% of businesses in many countries. SMEs are renowned for their entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial activities allow firms to remain competitive, they can create economic growth and innovation and can solve societal problems.
You learn to understand the role SMEs and entrepreneurial firms are playing in the modern entrepreneurial economy, more importantly, the strategic and managerial challenges small business owners and entrepreneurs face. Many management programmes focus on large businesses, whereas SMEs and entrepreneurial firms have specific characteristics. You will learn about them and how small business owners and entrepreneurs can effectively manage their businesses in an increasingly complex business environment.
You will link the specific theories on SMEs and entrepreneurship to practice by means of assignments and guest lectures. The programme has an international group of enthusiastic, highly-reputed lecturers with research experience and contacts in the professional field. Besides, the relatively small group of students (about 50 each year) results in a personal approach with possibilities for customization.
Why study this programme in Groningen?
- More than 95% of the business community consists of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Yet most management programmes focus on large businesses. In the MSc SB&E, you learn more about the management of SMEs, the entrepreneurial economy and the challenges entrepreneurs are facing.
- The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Curriculum
Year 1
The specific organisational characteristics of smaller firms are discussed, so basically all subdisciplines of management and organisation. Moreover, questions such as 'what factors affect the successful launching of new ventures and the management of entrepreneurial firms?', 'how can established small and large firms keep their entrepreneurial orientation?' and issues of consultancy are addressed.
These are topics in compulsory courses. With electives, you specialise in fields like strategy, marketing and management of technology. Furthermore, a part of the programme is devoted to writing a thesis including doing research.
Courses
- Business Diagnosis and Design (5 EC)
- Elective(s) MSc BA SB&E (10 EC)
- Master's Thesis BA SB&E (20 EC)
- New Ventures & Entrepreneurship (5 EC)
- Research & Skills for MSc BA (5 EC)
- Small Business Economics & Policy (5 EC)
- Small Business Management (5 EC)
- Strategic Analysis for Small Business (5 EC)
Programme options
- Sustainable Society Focus Area (specialization)
- Digital Business Focus Area (specialization)
- Energy Focus Area (specialization)
- Master Internship (specialization)
Study abroad
- Study abroad is optional
All tracks facilitate but do not organize an international exchange.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the MSc programme Small Business & Entrepreneurship, you may find employment in several positions such as entrepreneur, SME manager, corporate entrepreneur, or SME consultant.
Job prospects
Your degree will be highly valued in the labour market. The Faculty of Economics and Business is internationally accredited and belongs to the 1% of business schools around the world accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.
FEB Career Services
When you become a student at the faculty, we want to support you in developing your career and strengthen your employability skills. You can count on a dedicated on-campus Career Services team offering you a wide range of courses, workshops, events and career-related support during your studies. Everything you need to enter the labour market.
Job examples
- Entrepreneur in large organisations (corporate entrepreneurship)
- 'All-round' manager in an SME
- Manager in large organisations (corporate entrepreneurship)
- Manager in large organisations that deal with SMEs and entrepreneurs such as banks, consulting firms, venture capitalists/financial investors, governmental organizations at different levels, franchising firms, platform organizations, or accounting firms
- Entrepreneur: start your own business or work for an entrepreneurial business
- Consultant for SMEs and entrepreneurial firms
Accreditations
Program Admission Requirements
Demonstrate your commitment and readiness to succeed in business school by taking the GMAT exam – the most widely used exam for admissions that measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Download the GMAT mini quiz to get a flavour of the questions you’ll find in the exam.