Business Innovation and Sustainability Bachelor

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Innovation and Sustainability at SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences is designed for students who want to combine business knowledge, sustainability thinking, data-driven decision-making, and innovation to create meaningful impact in organisations and society. This future-focused programme prepares you to solve complex business challenges, lead sustainable transformation, and develop innovative solutions that balance commercial success with environmental and social responsibility.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building Business and Sustainability Foundations

In your first year, you develop a strong understanding of how modern organisations operate while gaining essential academic and professional skills. Through modules such as Introduction to Business Innovation & Sustainability, Sustainable Business and Governance, and Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, you learn the fundamentals of business, sustainability, data literacy, and responsible decision-making. The year also strengthens your teamwork and entrepreneurial mindset through Project Management & Team Work and Entrepreneurship I.

Year 2: Exploring Innovation, Data, and Sustainable Growth

The second year focuses on applying business knowledge to innovation and sustainability challenges. You study modules including Introduction to Data Science & Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship, gaining practical skills in digital transformation, data analysis, and sustainable business development. Courses such as Business Innovation & Sustainability II and Workplace Automation help you understand how technology can drive organisational change and long-term growth.

Year 3: Leading Change and Organisational Transformation

In the third year, you deepen your leadership and strategic management capabilities. Through modules such as Human Resource Management and Leadership, Organisational Psychology for Change, and Change Management, you learn how to guide organisations through innovation and transformation. You will also develop analytical and sustainability expertise through Business Intelligence, Sustainability Lab, and Global ICT & Ethics, preparing you to address complex business and societal challenges.

Year 4: International Experience and Professional Practice

Your final year is dedicated to real-world experience and career preparation. You can broaden your global perspective through Study Abroad or Electives, gain industry experience during an Internship, and demonstrate your expertise through an Applied Research Project. This combination allows you to apply your knowledge in professional environments while building a strong portfolio for future employment or entrepreneurship.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Develop innovative and sustainable business solutions; analyse organisational challenges using data-driven approaches; lead change and transformation initiatives; apply sustainability principles within business strategy; utilise digital tools to support decision-making; manage projects effectively; communicate with diverse stakeholders; and create value for organisations, communities, and society.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is currently undergoing accreditation through the NVAO (Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation) and is planned to be offered as a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) upon successful approval. Students will be prepared for careers such as Sustainability Consultant, Innovation Manager, Business Analyst, Strategic Business Developer, Entrepreneur, and Change Management Specialist.

Reputation (Employability)

SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences focuses on applied, industry-oriented education with strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital skills, intercultural competence, and practical learning. The programme is specifically designed to meet growing employer demand for professionals who can combine sustainability, innovation, business strategy, and data-informed decision-making.

Official Programme Link:
https://www.srh-haarlem-campus.com/bachelor/business-innovation-and-sustainability/

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences, the Business Innovation and Sustainability programme is built around practical application rather than theory alone. From the first year onward, students work on real-world business and sustainability challenges, combining entrepreneurship, data analysis, innovation, and organisational change management. The curriculum integrates collaborative projects, applied research, digital technologies, and professional development activities, ensuring that graduates develop the practical skills needed to drive sustainable transformation in organisations. The programme also culminates in international learning opportunities, an internship, and an applied research project that allows students to tackle real industry challenges and build valuable professional experience.

Students gain hands-on experience through a range of practical learning opportunities and campus resources, including:

Project-based learning from Year 1, beginning with modules such as Project Management & Team Work and Introduction to Business Innovation & Sustainability, where students collaborate on business and sustainability challenges.
Entrepreneurship projects throughout the degree through Entrepreneurship I, II, III and IV, allowing students to develop innovative business ideas and sustainable ventures.
Data and digital skills training through modules such as Introduction to Data Science & Machine Learning, Business Intelligence, and Workplace Automation, helping students use digital tools and data-driven decision-making in business contexts.
Sustainability-focused practical learning through courses including Sustainability Lab, Sustainable Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Business and Governance, where students explore sustainable solutions for organisations.
Applied research experience through the final-year Applied Research Project, enabling students to investigate and solve real organisational and sustainability-related challenges.
International learning opportunities through the dedicated Study Abroad or Electives semester in Year 4, helping students gain global perspectives on innovation and sustainability.
Professional internship placement in the final year, providing direct industry experience and opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a workplace environment.
Research and innovation ecosystem that focuses on areas such as Digital Transformation, Green Transition and the Circular Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Management & Leadership, connecting students with applied research activities and industry-relevant projects.
Collaboration opportunities with regional partners and organisations, supported through SRH Haarlem's research and innovation network, which includes public and private sector stakeholders.
Team-based and intercultural learning environments, helping students strengthen communication, stakeholder engagement, leadership, and project management skills while working with diverse classmates.

Facilities & Resources:
https://www.srh-haarlem-campus.com/about-us/research-innovation/

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor's in Business Innovation and Sustainability are prepared to help organisations navigate change, drive innovation, and create sustainable business value. By combining business knowledge, sustainability expertise, data literacy, and leadership skills, you can pursue careers such as Sustainability Consultant, Innovation Manager, Business Analyst, Change Management Specialist, Strategic Business Developer, or Entrepreneur. The programme is specifically designed for employers seeking professionals who can bridge business strategy, technology, sustainability, and people-focused transformation.

This strong career foundation is supported by several advantages throughout your studies:

Career-focused curriculum: Students develop practical skills in business innovation, sustainability, data analytics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and change management through applied projects and real-world learning experiences.
Professional internship: The final-year internship provides direct industry experience, allowing students to build professional networks and gain workplace-ready skills before graduation.
Applied research opportunities: Students complete an Applied Research Project and engage with SRH Haarlem's research activities in areas such as Digital Transformation, Green Transition, Circular Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership.
Industry and regional partnerships: Through the university's Research & Innovation network, students benefit from connections with organisations including Local Government Haarlem, Cupola XS, Endeavour Group, I.AMDIGITAL, ROM InWest, and Campus Amsterdam.
Entrepreneurial development: Multiple Entrepreneurship modules throughout the programme help students build the skills needed to launch their own ventures or drive innovation within existing organisations.
International employability: The programme is delivered in English and includes a Study Abroad or Electives semester, helping graduates develop global business awareness and intercultural competencies valued by international employers.
Accreditation value: The programme is currently undergoing accreditation by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO). Upon successful approval, students will graduate with a recognised Dutch Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) qualification.
Graduate outcomes: SRH Haarlem identifies career pathways including Sustainability Consultant, Innovation Manager, Business Analyst, Strategic Business Developer, Entrepreneur, and Change Management Specialist.
Employment statistics and salary figures: At present, SRH Haarlem has not published programme-specific graduate employment rates or salary data for this newly developed degree programme.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this bachelor's degree, graduates can continue their studies at the postgraduate level in areas such as Sustainability Management, Business Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Digital Transformation, Strategic Management, Organisational Change, Business Analytics, or related business disciplines. A particularly relevant pathway within the university is the Applied Sustainability Management Master of Science offered by SRH Haarlem, which builds advanced expertise in sustainable innovation, organisational transformation, circular economy practices, and sustainability leadership. Graduates may also pursue specialised master's programmes at universities across the Netherlands and internationally, depending on admission requirements.