International Facility Management

International Facility Management at Hanze University of Applied Sciences is a comprehensive and internationally-oriented bachelor's program designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the facility management sector. This program focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, coordinate, and oversee the maintenance and operation of buildings and infrastructure within various organizational contexts. Students will gain a thorough understanding of how to manage the physical environment effectively, ensuring that it supports the core activities of organizations, enhances work environment quality, and contributes to sustainability and cost-efficiency.

The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical application, allowing students to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry partners. Key topics include building technology, project management, sustainability, financial management, health and safety regulations, and service delivery. Students will also learn about digital innovations in facility management, such as smart buildings and integrated systems, preparing them for the digital transformation of the industry.

Throughout the program, students develop essential soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. The program emphasizes an international perspective, with courses designed to address global facility management challenges and promote cultural understanding. The combination of classroom instruction, case studies, internships, and project work ensures that graduates are well-equipped to take on managerial roles in diverse facility management environments.

Graduates of the International Facility Management program are prepared for careers in various sectors, including commercial real estate, healthcare, education, government, and hospitality. They will be capable of managing diverse facilities, optimizing operational processes, and implementing innovative solutions that add value to organizations. The program also provides a solid foundation for further academic pursuits or specialized training in facility management or related fields.

Hanze University of Applied Sciences, located in Groningen, the Netherlands, is known for its practical approach to higher education that aligns with industry needs. The International Facility Management program benefits from this approach by integrating hands-on learning, industry visits, and international exchange opportunities, ensuring that students are ready to meet the demands of the global facility management market. Graduates leave with a competitive edge due to their international experience, practical skills, and deep understanding of sustainable and efficient facility management practices.

The IFM curriculum consists of four years, each of which is composed of four blocks. Every block takes ten weeks and deals with one specific theme. Theory is assessed by exams and is also practically tested by means of projects and assignments, carried out individually and in groups of international students. Assignments are tailor-made to fit the theme of the particular block. 

First year

The first year is an introduction to IFM. You gain insight into how to develop a sustainable and innovative work environment. Furthermore, you learn how FM professionals analyse the effectiveness, efficiency and service level of a facility from an organisational perspective. You also learn to manage and structure services, from a customer-oriented perspective. 

Second year

In the second year you will elaborate on first year topics like housing and services. You gain knowledge and skills with regards to purchasing services and products as well as policy planning for long term housing. You will be shown new and undeveloped parts of the profession. Drafting plans for quality improvement, in terms of the facility performance of serviceproviders, will be focused on. In sum, you gain in-depth knowledge about Communication and Management Skills,  Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Quality Management, Leadership, Law, Cultural Awareness and Research Skills.

Third year - your year abroad

In the third year you have the opportunity to study abroad (to do a minor) at a partner university around the world, for example, in the United States, Canada, Hong  Kong, Macau or somewhere in Europe. You also do a 5-month work placement in a company to further increase your knowledge, skills and competencies as a developing FM professional. 

Fourth year

During the first semester of the fourth year you dive deeper into strategic and change management with an emphasis on the demand and supply chain. Your final project is a graduation research assignment for a Facility Management related company from an international perspective. You will act as a junior advisor.

To be admitted to this programme you will need a national secondary school diploma or an international secondary school diploma. Your educational qualifications must be equivalent to the Dutch HAVO secondary school diploma. As the programme is taught in English, you may have to prove your English language proficiency, depending on your educational background and nationality.

Tuition Fees 2018-2019

EU/EEA students: € 2,060 
Non-EU/EEA students: € 7,700

Career opportunities

After graduation you can find a job at a management level. Examples include: Head of Facility Services, Hospitality Manager, New Development Project Manager, Real Estate professional, Catering Manager, Events Project Manager, Head of Security & ICT and Purchasing Manager. FM professionals are needed in almost every business and location of employment. Everything revolves around FM professionals who maintain contact with management and translate policy into execution.