International Business and

Management Studies

IBMS
top of Holland

ARPAN POKHAREL
IBMS
My name is Arpan Pokharel. Im 19 years old and originally
come from Nepal. As I want to be an international entrepreneur,
I opted for the International Business Management programme.
I believe that the most important skills Ive learnt so far include
how to work with people from different cultures and how to
work under pressure.

IBMS
top of Holland

International Business and

Management Studies, the study for you?
Are you interested in an international
career? Can you see yourself in a leading
position in an international environment?
And do you dare to take responsibility for
the successful operation of a department,
business unit or an entire company? If so,
International Business and Management
Studies is a perfect fit for you!
BBA International Business and Management Studies (IBMS)
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) International Business
and Management Studies (IBMS) is a challenging and truly international
programme, both in terms of its content and the students who take
it. It prepares students for an international career in business areas
like marketing and sales, HRM, finance, corporate responsibility or
management, including export management and business research.
Because of its international character, the programme is entirely taught in
English. The programme covers a broad professional field, with numerous
opportunities for your future career. The choices you make during your
study programme steer your studies in the direction that is right for
you. Which means that your career begins the day you start the IBMS
programme!
The world we live in is constantly changing. Borders are disappearing and
globalization increasingly influences the way we live and work. Large
companies rely on intensive international contacts or are themselves part
of larger multinationals. But smaller, independent businesses also operate
in international markets. All these companies are looking for managers
with an international focus and knowledge and skills in the field of
marketing and economics. Managers who speak their language(s), have
excellent communication skills and are aware of the cultural differences
involved in doing business internationally. IBMS caters to the needs of the
international business community and prepares you for a future in, for
example, trading companies, production or retail companies and of course
multinationals. Our graduates have found jobs with companies including
Toyota Europe in Brussels, IKEA Indonesia, Philips, Michael Page
International, ING, Nutreco, KPMG and Sara Lee.

International Business and

Management Studies
LOCATION
Leeuwarden
DURATION
4-Year programme
COURSE STARTS
September and February

CAREER OPTIONS IN
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
1 Export Manager
1 Area Manager
1 Account Manager
1 Marketer
1 Marketing Manager
1 Product Manager
1 Sustainability Coordinator
1 Trade Consultant
1 International Entrepreneur
This programme is the result of a partnership
between the three universities of applied
sciences in Leeuwarden: Stenden University,
NHL University and Van Hall Larenstein.

Organisation
The IBMS programme in Leeuwarden is unique because it is offered as a partnership between
three universities of applied science: Stenden University, NHL University and Van Hall
Larenstein. The programme was put together based on the knowledge and expertise of all three
universities, which allows you to take full advantage of all they have to offer. You will have your
own study coach and various support offices to help you, contact with international students and
opportunities to join in international exchange.
The first 2.5 years of IBMS are based at Stenden University, and this is also the institution at which
you must enrol and be registered. You will start with a broad basic programme and will learn
aspects of e.g. marketing and sales management, management and organisation, cultural aspects
in international business and management, export and logistics management, communication,
and quality and project management. You will not only gain new knowledge and skills but you will
also actively apply these in practical situations, assignments, projects and case studies. In
addition, a great deal of attention is given to intercultural aspects and your personal development
as a (future) professional. Working together in groups, we focus on the development of your career:
Where are you now? What are your goals? And how will you realize them? It is all about your
personal development as a (future) professional.
In the third year, you will be able to choose one of the specializations offered by and based at one
of the the three universities. Currently, these are:
1 Small Business and Retail Management (Stenden University)
1 International Sustainability Management (Van Hall Larenstein)
1 Business-to-Business (NHL University)
1 Innovation and Leadership (NHL University)

GERARD FOKKEMA
IBMS
Im 22 years old and currently studying in the third year of the International Business
and Management programme IBMS Top of Holland. Im also New Business Manager for
a printing company in Heerenveen where Im working on the reorganisation of the
company structure.
As my graduation is approaching, I need to think about what I really want to become.
Although I dont have a specific job title in mind, I know that I want a career with a lot of
international relations and leadership elements. These two aspects play a major role in
the IBMS programme and this, along with the international focus of the course, is why
I chose Stenden. Whats more, the course offers a thorough grounding in general
management and innovation.
My experience with IBMS is that its about much more than just studying. You meet a
lot of international students that form a community in Leeuwarden and become your
friends. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend IBMS youll discover so much more.
3

LAURA BEIJLEVELD
IBMS

What does the

programme look like?

My name is Laura Beijleveld and I am currently working as an international hostess at

events and congresses. I decided to study International Business and Management at
Stenden University because the quality of the education was high compared to other
schools thanks to the collaboration of the three universities in Leeuwarden. The
combined strength of these universities means the course is comprehensive and
diverse. In addition, the unusually high percentage of international students, some
60%, has meant Ive benefited from a truly intercultural learning curve. Ive studied with
people from over 20 different countries and I have been able to realise my dream of
studying in Paris for a semester. Whats more, the enthusiastic teaching staff has meant
that instead of learning just one foreign language, Ive been able to learn both Spanish
and French.

Year 1 - foundation phase

In the foundation phase of the programme, you will become acquainted with the broad working arena of an
international manager. You will gain insight into business processes and company cultures, various
management styles and the management of financial resources, and learn about the organization of a business.
Issues like international law and investment climate will also be discussed, and we will touch upon various business
cultures and trends. Naturally there is also an extensive focus on marketing and sales. During the year, you will work
on developing your language skills in English and a second language like Spanish or, for the international students,
Dutch. The IBMS personal development programme will help you to explore your strong and weak points and to
start thinking about your goals and development as a future professional.

Period 1

Year 2

M1 This is International
Business and Management!
1

Year 1

In the second year we will again focus on developing your languages and
your personal development. You will also further deepen and broaden
the knowledge you gained in the first year about the management and
operations of international organisations. Important aspects here include
international people management, communication skills, management
skills, quality management, project management, innovations and export
and logistics. In the second year you will explore the specialisations on
offer and select one of them.

Management and Organisation

Course work (cases) and theory
Managerial skills

Period 2
M2 Going global: The
international entrepreneur
1
1
1
1
1

Year 3
The first semester of year 3 will focus on management tasks at a
strategic level, with modules on international strategic management
and writing a business plan for setting up an international company.
Relevant subjects include human resource management, strategy
and entrepreneurship. In the second semester, you will start the
specialisation of your choice by taking a minor in this field. In your
specialisation courses, you will be faced with real-life problems
and challenges related to the module theme.

Overarching themes
IBMS Top of Holland wants to educate responsible,
entrepreneurial and authentic international business
managers that are able to make a contribution to
todays business challenges anywhere in the world.
That is why the overarching themes of
Responsible, Entrepreneurial and Authentic are
addressed throughout the programme in the
various modules.

M5 Staying ahead: Innovation

and Project management
Innovation project
Innovation
Project Management

Year 2

1
1
1

1
1
1
1

1
1

International People
Management theory and cases
HRM and cross cultural skills

M4 Accountability in
international business
1
1
1
1
1

First year (international)

excursion

PBL participation
(PBL = Problem based learning)

M6 Leading people:
International People
management

Marketing report
Marketing
Research I
Sales & Acquisition

Period 4

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Accounting assignment
Bookkeeping assignment
Excel and MIS I
Corporate Social Responsibility

Second modern foreign

language:
Spanish Language & Culture basic1
or
Dutch Language & Culture basic1
Faculty point
First year assessment

English Business Communication

Personal Development programme (PDP) & study skills
M7 Export management and
logistics

Export plan
Export Management and
Logistics (Supply chain
management, finance
and Int. Law II)
Orientation specialisations

PBL participation

1
1

M8 Staying in control: research,

information and quality
management
1
1
1
1
1

Research project
Operations Management
Quality Management
Research II
MIS II

English Business Communication

English Business Communication

Personal Development programme (PDP) & study skills

Personal Development programme (PDP) & study skills

M9 International strategic
Management & HRM
1
1
1
1

International Strategic
Management theory and cases
Human Resource Management
theory and assignment
Managerial Skills

M10 International Business

Plan
1
1

Entrepreneurship
Business plan report and
presentation

M11 specialisation courses

M12 specialisation courses

Retail Management (Stenden)

Business to Business NHL)
Innovation & Leadership (NHL)
International Sustainability
Management (Van Hall Larenstein)

Retail Management (Stenden)

Business to Business (NHL)
Innovation & Leadership (NHL)
International Sustainability
Management (Van Hall Larenstein)

Spanish L&C Intermediate or

Dutch L&C Intermediate or
Faculty points

Graduation project (incl. thesis)

Graduation project (incl. thesis)

PBL participation
English Business Communication
Personal Development programme (PDP) & study skills

Internship or Study abroad

Internship or Study abroad

Throughout year

Second year (international)

excursion

Year 3

The structure of the fourth year depends on your

specialisation and on the choices you make. You will start this
final year of your programme with an internship or a period
of study abroad. We prefer that you do your internship in a
foreign country because when you go abroad, you learn
to deal with different cultures and different ways of doing
business in real life. Dutch students are therefore required
to spend at least one semester abroad during the IBMS
studies. The year is concluded with a graduation project
(incl. Thesis).

M3 Marketing, Sales & Research

English Business Communication

Personal Development programme (PDP) & study skills

Year 4

Year 4

International Business
Assignment
Cultural awareness
Economics
International Business Law I

Period 3

Dutch students take Spanish, international students take Dutch

The specialisations
If you choose to study IBMS, you
can expect to become part of a
dynamic international student
community. You will have your
own personal study coach and
the facilities to make your study
more comfortable.
The diploma Bachelor of Business
Administration in International
Business and Management
Studies gives you access to all
kinds of (management) jobs
worldwide, and (sometimes after
taking a pre-master programme)
allows you to enter various master
programmes.

International Business and Management

Studies is a truly international and small-scale
programme. The partnership between the
three universities offers significant added
value. The small scale of the programme, the
personal approach and the extensive facilities
give the students plenty of room to flourish.
Moreover, students get to choose between
several interesting and topical specialisations.
Specialisations International Business and Management Studies

Small business and retail management

Retail companies are often part of multinational chains or have a network of
international contacts. Retailing is one of the foremost global industries providing
opportunities for global co-operation and business. This specialisation trains you
take up a management position in a retail organization. It covers new
developments in the retail industry such as fair trade and e-tailing. As a graduate
you can start your career as a product, marketing or supply chain manager, as an
independent international entrepreneur or as a sales manager with an
international retail chain like IKEA. Alternatively, you could opt for a marketing
position at the head office of a company like Ahold.

MAARTEN FENNIS
IBMS
Im following the full-time IBMS Top of Holland programme. I want to work in an
international environment, so I felt my degree needed to be internationally oriented,
with plenty of opportunities to meet different cultures. The IBMS programme has a lot of
international students, so this is no problem. I also felt that there should be personal
attention and contact with the lecturers. IBMS is a small-scale programme and my
personal performance benefits from this.
I completed various internationally oriented internships in my previous course of study
and this has made me keen to work in an international environment. During the IBMS
programme, a lot of effort is put into familiarising students with the business world,
including company visits in both the Netherlands and abroad. As such, IBMS students
develop into people capable of performing a variety of jobs in both the national and
international markets. However, as the programme offers so much diversity, Ive not yet
been able to decide which specialisation or direction I ultimately want to follow.

International Sustainability Management

As one of the most important exporting countries for agrarian food products, the Netherlands play a pioneering role in the
food and agribusiness industry. At the same time, many international companies see sustainability as a business opportunity:
Green is hot. his specialization has a special focus on International Sustainability Management in the world of business. The
programme trains professionals who are not only well trained in the production, management and marketing of products,
but are also knowledgeable about quality, food safety and sustainability. You will be able to measure and interpret consumer
behaviour as a starting point for developing new products and business strategies. International Sustainabiity Management
is an interesting and practical specialisation offering plenty of international career opportunities with large multinationals
like Unilever or Nestl, retail and wholesale organisations and import and export firms in functions like food marketer, supply
chain manager, purchasing manager or production manager.

Business-to-business management
This specialization deals with the strategic choices a company faces when entering new international markets. You will
learn to evaluate the strategic aspects of international business, to analyse a country and the market where the business
takes place, and to design and execute an entry strategy. In short, you will learn to make strategic choices in a companys
internationalisation process; choices that will be essential for the implementation of a good export plan. As part of this
specialisation, you will actively work on international business competencies in a real business environment. Graduates of this
specialisation will go on to become, for example, export managers, account managers or country managers with large
multinational companies.

Innovation and leadership

Old business models often do not work anymore, so companies need to innovate in order to survive and prosper. Can you lead
these innovations in business models? Do you have what it takes to lead imagination, to lead design, to lead creativity? Are
you the leader that can develop new business concepts for existing products (intrapreneurship) or create a completely new
business model? In this specialisation you will learn about how to generate new business models and concepts, and about the
essence of leadership and innovation in these process. Also, during the specialisation you will work on developing a new
business model yourself.

Go international!
Personal Development
In IBMS you are opening up new horizons literally, but also metaphorically
speaking. In the Personal Development Programme (PDP), we focus on the personal
development of our students and challenge them to continuously explore and
expand their personal qualities. Each student has a personal coach to support this
process. Together with your coach, you analyse your learning process, your strengths
and weaknesses and your points for development. Your coach will also help you to
monitor your study progress and planning.

Internationally oriented
The IBMS programme will give you a successful basis for the start of your career. The
study programme has a truly international character, with a large percentage of the
students coming from abroad, making IBMS a meeting place for various cultures. This
means that from day one, students have international contacts, learn to deal with
various cultures and practice their language skills on a daily basis. On top of that, of
course, the curriculum is international in content. We also encourage our students to
literally look beyond borders by doing part(s) of their studies abroad.

SABINE WASCHULL
IBMS
My name is Sabine Waschull and Im in
my third year of International Business
and Management at Stenden University.
During my course, Ive built up a valuable
understanding of international business
management, cultures, the English
language and much, much more.
Im convinced that studying in a foreign
country is very important for personal
and professional development. By
immersing myself in a new cultural
environment, Ive become aware of new
ways of living and behaving, continually
developing my abilities and my sense of
self while meeting people from all over
the world.
Stenden and IBMS have a very
international atmosphere and everybody
is open-minded. Whats more, I really
believe that its essential to not only
study theory but to also apply it to
practice. During the modules, which all
had a different focus, we worked on a
broad range of assignments that had a
very practical link to real life situations. In
addition, Ive learned how to effectively
work in groups, take initiative, carry
responsibility and manage people.

ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM

OF INSTRUCTION
The professional field requires
professionals with an excellent
command of modern languages,
especially English, because of
the international networks in
which many companies operate.
Furthermore, more than half of
our students are from abroad.
For these reasons, the IBMS
programme is taught entirely in
English.

International exchange
Taking a part of your study programme abroad is an adventure that
promises fun as well as educational stimulation, while at the same time
enabling you to master the important international and intercultural skills
needed to build a successful international career. IBMS offers plenty of
opportunities to follow parts of your studies at various locations around the
world. You can create your own ultimate international education experience
abroad in a number of ways. A few examples are given below.

Exchange semester abroad

You can expand your international education by taking an exchange
semester abroad at one of our partner universities in countries such as
Norway, the United States, Australia, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom,
France, China and many other countries. Each of the universities involved in
IBMS has its own international partners for you to benefit from.
Another option to spend an exchange semester abroad is by going on
Grand Tour. Stenden University offers you the chance to take a semester or
module of your curriculum at one of the Stenden University campus sites in
different regions of the world, such as Qatar, Thailand or South Africa.
Joining the Grand Tour is an adventure that offers fun as well as educational
stimulation, while at the same time enabling you to master the important
international and intercultural skills needed to build a successful
international career.

Internship or graduation project abroad

Enhance your international education and work experience with an
internship and / or graduation project in another part of the world with a
global company like Sara Lee, ABN Amro or Heineken.

Ill soon be going on an exchange to

Canada to one of Stendens partner
universities. Im excited and looking
forward to studying and experiencing
life there to the fullest.
8

Visa procedure
All foreign students (except residents of the EEA, Australia, Canada,
Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland and the USA)
who wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months need
an MVV visa (Authorisation for Temporary Residence) to enter the
Netherlands. Please visit www.stenden.com for more detailed
information on the visa procedure and an overview of the required
documents.

Tuition fees and other costs

Please check our website www.stenden.com for up-to-date information
on tuition fees and other study-related costs.

Website
Please visit www.stenden.com for up-to-date information about the
study programme, the Netherlands, the city of Leeuwarden and a
complete overview of the approximate costs.

Meet IBMS

Practical information
Modern facilities
The first 2.5 years of IBMS take place at Stenden University. Here, you will find all the facilities you need
for your studies such as free internet throughout the building, an electronic learning environment,
a fully equipped study area for self-study, library, a grand caf and student canteen, an (International)
Student Lounge, a bank shop and much more besides. Interested in knowing more? You can take a
virtual tour of the Stenden building in Leeuwarden on the Stenden website. We also have several
support offices to help you with all kinds of (practical) matters, for example: the International Office,
the housing office, the Student Deans and the Student Chaplain.

You can meet IBMS at various Open Days and information events.
Because IBMS students register with Stenden University, most of the
information events are organized by Stenden University, such
information meetings at schools, Proefstuderen (trial studies) and the
Keuzecaf (choice caf). For up-to-date information on where and when
to meet IBMS, please visit www.stenden.com/kennismaking. At Open
Days, IBMS will be presented under Stenden University, Van Hall
Larenstein and NHL University.

During the specialisation period, students use the facilities of the University offering the specialization.
All three universities have comprehensive and modern facilities.

Academic requirements
You should have at least a secondary education/high school diploma with good grades for Dutch
students VWO, HAVO or MBO and for foreign students diplomas which are equivalent to e.g. the
German Abitur (algemeine Hochschulreife), British GCE A-levels or (I) GCSE grades A, B or C, the French
Baccalaureate or the American High School (top stream or plus 1 years college). More detailed
academic requirements for both Dutch and international students can be found at www.stenden.com.

Accreditation of prior learning and work experience

Students with significant relevant prior education or work experience may receive exemptions for
parts of the programme. The examination committee will decide if and which exemptions the student
will be granted based on the information submitted.

Language requirements
An Academic IELTS test with Band Score 6.0 or a TOEFL test of 550 (paper-based) or 79 (internet-based).
Minimum requirements for subscores do apply. The Stenden University TOELF code is 9215.

Application procedure and deadlines

As mentioned above, IBMS is a partnership between three Universities of Applied Science in
Leeuwarden: NHL University, Stenden University and Van Hall Larenstein. Registration takes place at
Stenden University and this is the University to send your application to. To apply for IBMS,
please visit www.stenden.com. IBMS has intakes in September and February.
10

11

BvtIBM 1201

Stenden University has over 11,000

students with 65 different
nationalities currently studying. Our
goal is to prepare effective
international managers for
leadership responsibilities in a
complex multicultural world and a
rapidly changing marketplace. We
offer English taught Bachelor and
Master programs in the fields of
Service Management, Hospitality and
Tourism, Business (Administration),
Retail, Media, ICT and Logistics.
Students gain practical experience
through owned learning companies,
such as a 4* Hotel, Event & Congress
Centre and a professional Media
studio. Students are given the
opportunity of taking semesters
and modules abroad, at our campus
sites in Qatar, Thailand, Bali and
South Africa or at one of the many
partnership institutions we have
worldwide.

NHL University of Applied Sciences

is one of the largest of its kind in the
north of the Netherlands. The NHL
has four institutes: the Institute
of Healthcare and Welfare, the
Institute of Technology, the Institute
of Education and Communication
and the Institute for Business and
Management Studies. Together the
institutes offer about 50 Bachelors
degree programmes. For exchange
students theres a great variety of
courses to choose from.
The NHL is famous for its personal
touch. Our lecturers are passionate
and enthusiastic and we help our
students to make the most of their
talents. Every student is unique, with
his own history, specific interests, and
career path. NHL University
offers demand-driven education and
conducts research into the type of
knowledge, skills, and attitudes that
the professional market requires. We
believe in tailor-made education.

Van Hall Larenstein (VHL) is the

biggest Green University of Applied
Sciences in the Netherlands and
is located in three different cities:
Leeuwarden, Velp and Wageningen.
We have an assortment of study
programmes focusing on nature
management, environment, human
and animal health, nutrition,
food production an responsible
entrepreneurship. Combinations
of these areas of expertise result
in challenging bachelor, masters
and certificate programmes that
are unique in the world! Our study
programmes have been carefully
designed to ensure the continuous
academic and personal development
of our students.

Visiting address:
Rengerslaan 8, Leeuwarden
Postal address:
P.O. Box 1298
8900 CG Leeuwarden
The Netherlands
+31 58 244 1100

Visiting address:
Rengerslaan 10, Leeuwarden
Postal address:
P.O. Box 1080
8900 CB Leeuwarden
The Netherlands
+ 31 58 251 1888

Visiting address:
Agora 1, Leeuwarden
Postal address:
P.O. Box 1528
8901 BV Leeuwarden
The Netherlands
+ 31 58 284 6100

www.topibms.nl

The information in this brochure is subject to change during the academic year. No rights may be
derived from this information. Please consult the Stenden website at www.stenden.com for up-to-date
information. Wherever Stenden University, NHL University or Van Hall Larenstein are mentioned, we are
referring to the Stenden University of Applied Sciences, NHL University of Applied Sciences and the
Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences.