Bachelor in Business and Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bologna

Program Overview

The Business and Economics bachelor's program at the University of Bologna is a fully English-taught, 3-year degree (180 ECTS) offered at the Bologna campus, perfect for ambitious students passionate about global business who want to build a strong foundation in economics and management. It suits those seeking an international edge, with tracks including options in Bologna and Buenos Aires, dedicated exchanges, internships abroad, and a vibrant alumni network that connects you directly to real-world opportunities.

Curriculum structure
First year
You'll kick off with core foundations to grasp how businesses operate in the global economy, diving into subjects like Fundamentals of Microeconomics, which explores consumer behavior and market dynamics, alongside Fundamentals of Business Management and Marketing basics to understand company strategies and customer needs. This year builds your analytical toolkit through comparative teaching methods in an international classroom, setting you up to analyze economic systems confidently. Expect hands-on group work that mirrors real business challenges right from the start.

Second year
Building momentum, you'll tackle Economics and Business Organization, learning financial accounting, management accounting, balance sheet analysis, and cost decision-making tools like break-even analysis and Net Present Value for smarter investments. Courses like Project Management principles introduce project lifecycles, risk management, and agile methods, while innovation topics such as Design Thinking and IP protection prepare you for dynamic corporate environments. It's all about blending theory with practical skills for mid-level business roles.

Third year
The final stretch sharpens your expertise through advanced tracks like Financial and Business Management or Percorso Manageriale, focusing on strategic decision-making, competitive analysis, and economic policy evaluation. You'll apply everything in internships at companies or consultancies, plus elective deep dives into quantitative marketing or business consultancy, culminating in a capstone that showcases your multidisciplinary skills. Graduates emerge ready to launch into professional roles with a portfolio of real-world experience.

Focus areas
Global economics, business management, financial analysis, innovation/project management, and international tracks with exchanges/internships abroad.

Learning outcomes
Acquire tools to analyze companies' roles in the economy, multidisciplinary skills for business consultancy, and expertise for administrative careers—complemented by internships and a human-scale campus experience.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
L-18 R - Business administration class, with restricted access via TOLC-E exam (250 spots); international curricula and partnerships enhance employability, including alumni networks and company ties.

Reputation (employability rankings)
As the University of Bologna's first international bachelor's, it boasts high graduate satisfaction (like 93.9% in related programs), strong job placement via extensive networks, and global recognition through QS-aligned international features—preparing you for top consulting and corporate roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Business and Economics programme at University of Bologna puts you at the center of practical, hands-on education designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. From day one, you're not just learning about business—you're *doing* it. The programme combines rigorous academic training with real-world problem-solving through labs, internships, and collaborative projects that mirror what you'll face in your career.

What makes this experience so powerful is the deliberate integration of theory and practice. You'll work through case studies in real business scenarios, participate in specialized labs and internship programmes, and gain exposure to up-to-date knowledge through hands-on experience. The faculty—many of whom bring significant professional experience alongside their research credentials—mentor you through these challenges, and the small class sizes mean you're not lost in a lecture hall of hundreds.

The university has invested heavily in the tools and spaces you need to develop genuine professional competence:

- Excel for Business course with dedicated computer lab training on real business cases and practical data manipulation
- Specialized labs and internship programmes embedded directly into your degree, connecting you with industry partners
- Case study methodology across core courses, so you're analyzing actual business decisions and strategic problems
- Professional Design Lab covering employability skills, CV development, interview preparation, and personal branding—plus guest lectures from leading companies
- Extensive network with institutions, companies, and professional firms providing numerous opportunities to get closer to the world of work
- Interactive, hands-on coursework including group work, problem-based learning, and student presentations in strategy and economics courses
- State-of-the-art facilities including libraries, computer labs, study rooms, and canteen services across the Forlì and Bologna campuses
- Scholarships for international mobility to spend a semester at non-EU partner universities, expanding your global business perspective
- High graduate satisfaction (93.9% in 2022), with alumni reporting strong preparation for professional roles

This isn't theoretical economics divorced from reality—it's business education designed by professionals who understand what employers actually need. You're building a portfolio of real skills, real projects, and real connections from day one.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economics at the University of Bologna gain strong international business and analytical skills, opening doors across global industries. You’ll be well prepared for roles such as management consultant, business analyst, marketing executive, or financial analyst, with opportunities in multinational companies, consulting firms, and public organisations.

This strong career foundation is supported by a well-developed ecosystem of services and industry exposure:

Dedicated career support through Job Placement services, career fairs, recruiting events, and direct access to employer networks
Strong links with thousands of companies involved in recruitment, internships, and collaborative projects
Opportunities for internships, company-based dissertations, and real-world business projects
International exposure through exchange programmes like Erasmus+ and study abroad opportunities
Access to a wide alumni network that supports career growth and professional connections

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, you can move on to Master’s degrees in areas such as economics, management, finance, or data analysis at the University of Bologna or other leading universities worldwide. You can also pursue specialised postgraduate programmes, professional master’s degrees, or even a PhD to advance into senior, expert, or research-focused roles.