As a collaborative academic partner of Edinburgh Business School (EBS), Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, we offer a 100 ECTS Dual Degree MBA programme designed for ambitious business leaders. The programme combines a world-class general management education with a strong focus on Cross-Cultural Leadership, equipping you to lead diverse teams, navigate global business challenges, and drive organisational success - all while continuing to advance your career.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Dual Degree MBA
- Learning mode
- Onsite and Online
- ECTS credits
- 100
- Next start
- Rolling intake possible
- Duration
- 2-3 years (on average)
- Teaching languages
- English
- Venues
- Basel
- Fee
- CHF 2 800 per module
At a glance
- Top Swiss and Scottish MBA programme
- Earn two Master of Business Administration Degrees
- Study part-time
- In-depth study of business management principles
Aims & benefits
Dual MBA. Global Leadership. Flexible Study.
Earn two MBA degrees from Switzerland and Scotland, master cross-cultural leadership, and gain international management expertise — all on a flexible, part-time schedule that fits your professional life.
The overall objective of the Dual Degree Programme is to educate individuals as competent managers and business leaders, thereby enhancing the quality and impact of management as a profession. With its integrated and international approach, the programme provides significant value to professionals aspiring to take on key leadership roles within their organisations.
The MBA FHNW Cross-Cultural Leadership / Edinburgh Business School is a rigorous, broad-based management programme designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and global perspective needed to excel in today’s complex business environment. Participants will:
- build a strong foundation in essential management disciplines
- develop analytical and problem-solving skills for confident, effective decision-making
- master the art and science of leadership, including understanding human behaviour in organisations
- gain insight into global business, economic, social, and political dynamics that shape organisational success
- integrate diverse business disciplines and cultivate reflective thinking to drive strategic analysis and leadership excellence
Target audience
Business professionals with at least three years of relevant working experience and an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized academic institution.
The start of your MBA is the start of a great experience that could make a real difference to your career.
Success stories
Structure & programme contents
The programme follows a flexible modular structure, allowing students to take between one and three courses per term, depending on their individual schedules and professional commitments.
It comprises seven core modules that provide a comprehensive foundation in key management disciplines. In addition, students select one elective course and tailor their learning experience to their personal interests and career goals.
The programme concludes with a master’s thesis, enabling students to apply their knowledge and research skills to a practical business challenge or academic topic of their choice.
Module Contents
Each module consists of four workshop days. Workshops take place on Saturdays once or twice a month.
Compulsory Modules
People, Work and Organisations
Financial Decision Making
Leadership – Leading across Cultures
Delivering Successful Projects
Developing and Executing Strategy
Strategic Marketing
Intercultural Negotiation and Communication
Elective Modules
Each elective module consists of four workshop days which take place on Saturdays.
Digital Transformation
International Entrepreneurship
Managing Innovation
Master Thesis
All students complete a master thesis at the end of the programme, demonstrating their ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world management challenges.
Research Skills Module
Thesis
Dual Degree
Upon successful completion of this postgraduate programme, students are awarded the dual degree:
- Master of Business Administration FHNW Cross-Cultural Leadership (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Business)
- Master of Business Administration (Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Business School)
Advanced Programmes
The Dual Degree MBA programme (100 ECTS) can be enhanced with a Specialism, allowing students to deepen their expertise in a chosen field. The Specialism builds on the Dual Degree MBA and is completed by two additional elective modules (10 ECTS each) from the same subject area, resulting in a total of 120 ECTS.
Specialisation in Strategy
Specialisation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Specialisation in Finance
Specialisation in Business Analytics
International
Students have the opportunity to broaden their international experience by taking a module abroad at one of Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School Education Centres. This unique option allows participants to gain global perspectives, expand their professional network, and experience management education in an international context.
International study trips provide direct access to global business ecosystems. You’ll engage with peers, faculty and key decision-makers in various organisations across diverse industries, gaining valuable insights into how business is done in a given region and how the cultural fabric works.
Next study trips
If your chosen trip is fully booked, we’re happy to add you to our waiting list so you won’t miss out if a spot opens up.
Requirements and admission
The entry requirements for the dual degree programme consist of: an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degrees) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised academic institution as well as at least three years relevant levels of work experience, two written work references as well as very good or excellent linguistic abilities in English (equivalent to level C1, CAE/BEC Higher).
A limited number of applicants without an undergraduate degree may be considered if they have a minimum of five years full-time business experience.
All students providing evidence of meeting the entry requirements will be invited for an interview.
Organisational matters
Schedules, Factsheets, and Regulations
Fees
MBA Community
Location
Advising and information events
Information Events
Contact
Sabrina Goop
- Phone
- +41 61 279 17 32
- sabrina.goop@fhnw.ch
Dr. Laila Kabous
- Phone
- +41 61 279 17 36 (Direct)
- laila.kabous@fhnw.ch
Registration
Students can start their studies at any time and progress at their own pace. You may choose to study course by course and pay as you go or enrol in two or three courses simultaneously. Our flexible fee structure is designed to accommodate your schedule and learning preferences.
MBA FHNW Cross-Cultural Leadership / Edinburgh Business School
- Date
- Rolling intake possible
- Duration
- 2 - 3 years
- Place
- Basel
- Notes
- Starts in March, September or December
Basel, Peter Merian
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Hochschule für Wirtschaft
Peter Merian-Strasse 86
4052 Basel