Bachelor’s Business Administration
Are you striving for an exciting career in (international) business? Then you’ll want to study Business Administration at the University of Amsterdam.
This Bachelor’s programme teaches you the ins & outs of all the crucial business processes such as strategy, marketing, digital business and human resources – as well as how to use them to grow a successful company.
‘Business Administration gives me the knowledge to apply things in practice. The marketing course is the most interesting, because it focuses on the psychological aspect.’
Josianne Bremmer, student
Study programme
Year 1
In the 1st year you will develop basis knowledge in business. Business administration is a multidisciplinary field that uses insights from various disciplines to solve business challenges. Therefore, the courses in this year are placed under 4 themes: Organisation, People, Economics and Methods.
Curriculum year 1
Courses
EC
Strategy and Organisation
6
Principles of Economics and Business 1
6
Business Research Methods
6
Economics
6
Principles of Economics and Business 2
6
Organisational Behaviour
6
Quantitative Data Analysis 1
6
Business Operations and Processes
6
Financial Accounting 1 for Business
6
Project Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis
6
Year 2
In the 2nd year, you will explore specific business functions like marketing and finance, and later combine them in courses such as International Business, Information and Data Management, and Business Law and Ethics. You will learn about doing business abroad, the impact of the digital revolution, and the ethical aspects of business. To conclude the year, you will apply your skills in a real-life business case, where you develop a plan to start your own company.
Year 3
In your 3rd year, you have the freedom to explore your academic interests by designing your own 1st semester. You can choose to do an internship, study abroad, or follow electives. In the 2nd semester you choose a specialisation that suits you: ‘Accountancy and Control’, ‘Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity’, ‘Finance’ or ‘Management in the Digital Age’. Writing your thesis is the last step needed to graduate and earn your internationally recognised Bachelor of Science degree.
Choose between Dutch or English
If you are a Dutch-speaking student, you can also opt for our Dutch track. Both programmes are identical in terms of level and content. If you’re looking for a smoother transition to a fully English-taught programme, the Dutch track could be the right choice for you.
Bachelor’s Business Administration group composition, 2023-2024
800*
First-year students
44%
Dutch students
56%
International students
Average age: 19
59%
41%
*Numerus fixus
The Bachelor’s programme in Business Administration has an enrolment restriction (numerus fixus). The number of students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year will be limited. Admission to the programme will therefore be based on a selection procedure. The application deadline is 15 January.
‘The programme has a varied curriculum and there is plenty of room for collaboration with fellow students. The international network you build up, along with the many opportunities to connect with the business community give you a kickstart to your career.’
Thomas Elbertsen, student