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Our pre-Master’s programme is for ambitious students who do not yet meet the admission requirements for the Master’s programme Business Administration. You can start the pre-Master’s programme each academic year on campus in September or online in February.
Why this pre-Master’s programme

Unconditional access to the Master's

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Completing the pre-Master's grants you direct, unconditional access to the Master of Science in Business Administration. This means you won't need to go through the usual selection process for the Master's programme.

Choose between an online and on campus format

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You can start the pre-Master’s programme each academic year on campus in September or online in February.

Get access for a full year

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Completing the pre-Master's programme grants you access to the Master's for one full year. This effectively gives you access to the Master’s programme at 3 starting points.

Diverse specialisation options

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After completing the pre-Master’s, you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of specialisation tracks in the Master's programme. Whether you start in September with 9 tracks or in February with 3 tracks, this range of options allows you to tailor your studies to your career goals and interests.

February start (online, with on-campus examinations)

Starting in February, this pre-Master's programme combines online educational activities with on-campus examinations. There are 2 exam periods and potentially 2 resit periods throughout the programme.

For whom?

This highly selective, fast-paced online programme is designed for motivated students who are ready to thrive in a self-study environment and embrace a challenging workload. The well-organised e-learning materials make it easier to manage your studies, but this academic programme requires independence, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

Transition to the Master's programme

Starting in February allows you to transition seamlessly to the Master's programme immediately after completing the pre-Master's. You can begin the Master's in Business Administration in September, with a choice of 9 tracks, or in February, with a choice of 3 specialisation tracks. Completing the pre-Master's programme grants you access to the Master's for one full year, enabling you to start no later than the following September. Please note that the Master's programme is conducted on campus, ensuring you benefit from the vibrant campus and academic community.

September start (on campus)

Starting in September, this pre-Master's programme offers a full on-campus experience. You have direct access to state-of-the-art facilities, you can immerse yourself in the university's rich cultural and intellectual environment, and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities.

For whom?

This on-campus programme is ideal for students who thrive in a traditional classroom setting, enjoy face-to-face interactions with professors and peers, and seek numerous networking opportunities.

Transition to the Master's programme

Starting in September allows you to begin the Master's programme in Business Administration straight after the pre-Master's in February, with a choice of 3 specialisation tracks. Alternatively, you can start in September with a choice of 9 tracks. Completing the pre-Master's programme grants you access to the Master's for one full year, so you can start no later than the following February.

The programme

Throughout this programme, you can expect excellent teaching and support from our professors, each highly respected in their field of expertise.

  • 1. Academic Project

    Cover the fundamentals of academic research. Learn about different research methods and instruments and carry out and report on a qualitative research project.

  • 2. Management Research Methods I

    Learn about the basic statistical concepts and techniques which are used in the area of management and business administration. Learn how to apply these concepts and techniques by using SPSS software.

  • 3. Marketing Management

    Dive deeper in areas like branding, marketing, consumer behaviour and the social-cultural impact of organisations and their strategies. Apply your theoretical insights to business cases and examples.

  • 4. Leadership and Management

    Examine the concepts, models and theories of leadership and management to explain how to manage individuals and teams effectively.

  • 5. Management Research Methods 2

    Learn to understand quantitative and statistical methods and their drawbacks. You will review more advanced statistical concepts and techniques and apply them using SPSS (or R) software.

  • 6. Strategy and Organisation

    Cover the most important topics in strategic management and theories, to analyse them. These topics include competitive strategy, corporate strategy, the strategy process and the link between strategy and organisation.

Duration and content

Depending on your prior education, your 4-month pre-Master's will consist of a maximum of 6 courses related to research methods and/or business.

  • You have an HBO Bachelor’s degree (University of Applied Sciences)

    With an HBO Bachelor’s degree related to Business Administration (e.g. Business Administration, Management, Economics or Commerce, Hotel Management) you will follow the full 30 EC programme and take all 6 courses.

  • You have an academic degree (Research University)

    February start (online, with on campus examination)

    • If you have a HBO Bachelor’ degree or a Dutch or European academic BSc and/or MSc degree; you will follow the full 30 EC programme and take all 6 courses in the February start. There is no option for exemptions of any of the 6 courses.

    September start (on Campus)

    • If you have a Dutch or European academic BSc and/or MSc degree including advanced quantitative research methods, but without business-related courses, you will follow the 4-month 15 EC study programme. This programme consists of the 3 business administration-related courses.
    • If you have a Dutch or European academic BSc degree with at least 15 EC in Business Administration courses (preferably a minor) with less than 10 EC in quantitative research courses, you will follow the 10 EC study programme. This programme solely consists of the 2 management research methods courses.
    • If you have a Dutch or European academic BSc degree with insufficient coursework in both quantitative research methods and Business-related coursework, you will follow the 25 EC study programme. This programme consists of the 2 management research methods courses and three Business courses.
  • Difference between research and applied universities

    The University of Amsterdam is a research university. Unlike in many other countries, Dutch higher education makes a distinction between research universities and universities of applied sciences (hbo).

    Programmes at research universities like the UvA focus more on theoretical aspects of the field of study and prepare students for undertaking independent research. Study programmes at universities of applied sciences prepare students for particular professions and tend to be more practically oriented.

Our pre-Master’s in brief

Language: English
Duration: 4 months
ECTS February start: 30 ECTS
ECTS September start:

30 ECTS for HBO/Applied Sciences students
10/15/25 ECTS for research University students

Start pre-Master's: September or February
Start Master's Business Administration: February (choose 1 of 3 track)
  September (choose 1 of 9 tracks)
Cost:

Calculate your tuition fee

February intake (online with on-campus examination): Entry and selection requirements + How to apply

The entry requirements depend on where you have completed your prior education. These are the requirements for the February 2025 intake:

September intake (on campus): Entry and selection requirements + How to apply

The entry requirements depend on where you have completed your prior education. These are the requirements for the September 2025 intake: