Bachelor of Science International Business Administration

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University Of Bern

Program Overview

The BSc International Business Administration is an English-language program designed to prepare you for leadership and management roles across international enterprises, whether in the private sector, public administration, or non-profit organizations. You'll join a diverse cohort of international students and develop the skills to manage resources efficiently while tackling real-world economic challenges that shape global business today.

Foundation Year (Semesters 1-2)

Your first year builds the essential knowledge base you'll need throughout your career. You'll master Economics, International Business Law, and Business Analytics—three compulsory modules that give you the analytical and conceptual tools required for strategic management. These foundational courses develop your ability to understand how international markets operate, navigate complex legal frameworks, and make data-driven decisions in a rapidly digitalizing business environment.

Intermediate Years (Semesters 3-4)

As you progress, you'll dive deeper into specialized areas while beginning to shape your unique professional profile. Core modules like International Management & Business Ethics, Financial Management, and Digital Accounting prepare you for the financial and operational responsibilities you'll face in management roles. You'll also explore Managing People Globally and Leadership, equipping you with the interpersonal and strategic capabilities needed to lead diverse international teams.

Advanced Years (Semesters 5-6)

By your final year, you have significant flexibility to tailor your studies toward your career ambitions. You'll choose from specialization options including Applied Data Science for Business, Banking & Finance, Digital Business Management, Global Management, or Innovation & Entrepreneurship—allowing you to develop expertise in areas that align with your interests. During this phase, you'll also complete your Bachelor Thesis, applying everything you've learned to a substantial research project that demonstrates your readiness for professional practice.

Focus Areas: Financial controlling, finance, accounting, strategic planning, business development, marketing and sales, HR management, and entrepreneurship

Learning Outcomes: You'll develop into an interdisciplinary all-rounder capable of managing scarce resources efficiently, researching and explaining real economic issues, and guiding international enterprises through complex business challenges

Program Details: The program runs for 6 semesters full-time or 8 semesters part-time, awarding 180 ECTS-Credits, with instruction entirely in English at the Bern campus. You can also pursue opportunities to study abroad for one or two semesters at partner universities or earn a double degree by completing your final year internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) Business School, the Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration emphasizes hands-on experiential learning through real-world modules, projects, and entrepreneurial challenges that build practical skills for global business roles. You'll dive into modules like "Inside the International Firm" and "Business IT," where you apply concepts to actual company scenarios, using tools like Moodle for digital exams and collaborative platforms to sharpen your analytics, decision-making, and intercultural teamwork abilities. This approach prepares you to tackle international challenges confidently, from supply chains to sustainable startups, right from the foundation level through specializations.

Here are key experiential learning opportunities specific to the program:
- Group projects and real-life case studies: Modules like Strategy & Organisation, Marketing, and Human Resource Management involve collaborative projects on topics such as consumer decision-making, global supply chains (SGM3), and refining business models (SIE2), fostering teamwork on authentic business problems.
- Entrepreneurial business projects: Elective in Human Resource Management offers participation in real entrepreneurial ventures, including experiences in emerging countries, plus challenges like Sustainable Start-up Challenge (SSB3).
- Business IT and digital tools: Dedicated module (IBIT, 3 ECTS) covers practical IT skills for business, with electronic exams on Moodle and tools for digital accounting, e-commerce, and business analytics.
- Intercultural and firm immersion: "Intercultural Competence & Communication" (ICCO, 6 ECTS) and "Inside the International Firm" (IIFI, 6 ECTS) include practical communication exercises and insights into international company operations.
- Specialization projects: Tailor your profile with hands-on work in areas like Applied Data Science for Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (e.g., Decision Making of Consumers and Managers, SIE3), or Global Management, leading into your Bachelor Thesis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) Business School, our Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration puts practical skills front and center, turning classroom theory into real-world expertise through hands-on projects, case studies, and collaborative work. You'll dive into live cases with actual business partners, tackling complex challenges like financial analysis and strategic decision-making, while building teamwork and intercultural competence in a global setting. Tools like Excel, Bloomberg, and LSEG Workspace let you analyze company data and financial statements just like professionals do, and our modules emphasize group assignments, discussions, and peer critiques to sharpen your applied analytical skills.

Here's how you'll gain that edge with specific experiential opportunities tailored to the program:
- Group projects and case studies: Work on real industry cases in modules like strategic management and international management, preparing them individually then debating in intensive class sessions with practitioner inputs.
- Financial analysis tools: Use Excel, Bloomberg, and LSEG Workspace for hands-on exercises in cost accounting, managerial decision-making, and financial statement analysis.
- Intercultural and communication tools: Engage with an online intercultural questionnaire and various digital communication platforms to reflect on cultural encounters and boost business communication skills.
- Live cases with practice partners: Apply knowledge to real-life business problems through collaborative projects during your studies.
- Exchange and mobility programs: Spend a semester abroad at partner universities for international experience, supported by the International Family Mentor Programme to ease cultural transitions.
- Video-based and hybrid learning: Combine self-study videos, lectures, and action-learning tasks for flexible, practice-oriented development in academic and soft skills.