Strategic Management

Strategic Management at Radboud University offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in leadership and decision-making roles within a variety of organizational settings. This programme emphasizes a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to tackle complex strategic issues in dynamic and competitive environments. Students will explore core concepts such as competitive advantage, corporate governance, innovation strategy, and international business strategies, gaining a deep understanding of how organizations formulate and implement strategies that foster sustainable growth and long-term success. The coursework integrates recent developments in strategic management theory with real-world case studies, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for effective strategy development. Additionally, the programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic, social, and technological factors that influence strategic decisions. Students will learn to analyze market trends, assess organizational strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategic plans aligned with organizational goals. The programme also offers opportunities for internships and international exchanges, enabling students to gain practical experience and a global perspective. With a faculty composed of accomplished researchers and industry practitioners, the programme provides a rich learning environment that combines academic rigor with practical relevance. Graduates of the Strategic Management programme at Radboud University are prepared for careers in consultancy, corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions across various sectors. They will possess the strategic insight, analytical prowess, and innovative mindset necessary to make impactful decisions and to drive organizational success in a rapidly changing global context.

Strategic Management at Radboud University is a comprehensive master's programme designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to analyze, develop, and implement effective strategies within diverse organizational contexts. Throughout the programme, students will explore core concepts of strategic thinking, organizational theory, and decision-making processes, gaining a deep understanding of how businesses achieve and sustain competitive advantage in dynamic global markets. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges faced by organizations across various sectors.

Students begin by examining the fundamental principles of strategic management, including industry analysis, competitive positioning, and resource-based views. They then progress to specialized topics such as innovation management, strategic leadership, corporate governance, and international strategies. Interactive case studies and group projects enable students to apply their knowledge to real business scenarios, fostering critical thinking and collaborative skills. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development within strategic frameworks.

An integral part of the programme involves developing research skills related to strategic analysis, giving students the ability to conduct empirical investigations and develop evidence-based strategies. The curriculum encourages an international perspective, with opportunities for exchange programmes and collaborations with global companies. Guest lectures from industry experts, seminars, and workshops further enrich the learning experience, providing insights into current trends and future challenges in strategic management.

Graduates of the programme will possess the analytical skills and strategic insight necessary for leadership roles, consultancy positions, or entrepreneurial ventures. They will be prepared to work in multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, governmental organizations, or non-profits, contributing to strategic decision-making that drives organizational success. Additionally, the programme fosters personal development, including leadership qualities, ethical judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in multicultural environments. Overall, the Strategic Management master's programme at Radboud University offers a rigorous and dynamic education pathway for aspiring strategists seeking to make a meaningful impact in the business world.

A completed Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related area from a research university

Ideally, your Bachelor's degree should cover the following courses:

• Organisation Theory
• Strategy
• Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Finance
• Statistics
• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
• Bachelor’s thesis of 12 EC

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. This requirement has been satisfied when the student meets one of the following conditions:

• Has successfully completed a three-year Bachelor's programme at a Dutch university.
• Is a citizen of Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
• Has successfully completed a Bachelor's programme that was taught completely in the English language in one of the following countries: EU/EEA-countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America.
• Has successfully completed a Master's programme from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO).
   

All other students need one of the following certificates (TOEFL and IELTS certificates may not be older than two years). No other certificates will be accepted:

• A TOEFL score of ≥ 90, with subscores not lower than 18
• A IELTS score of ≥ 6.5, with subscores not lower than 6.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

Strategic Management at Radboud University is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to analyze, develop, and implement effective strategies within various organizational contexts. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating theory and practice in areas such as leadership, organizational behavior, innovation, and corporate governance. Students are introduced to key concepts in strategic analysis, including competitive advantage, market positioning, and sustainable development, preparing them to navigate complex business environments.

Throughout the programme, students engage in case studies, group projects, and simulations that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making abilities. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and social responsibility in strategic planning, aligning business success with societal well-being. Radboud University employs a blend of lectures, workshops, and guest lectures by industry professionals to ensure that students learn from real-world experiences and current trends.

The programme aims to develop not only analytical competencies but also interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. It prepares graduates for careers in consulting, management, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles across various sectors. The educational environment encourages international exposure and cultural awareness, often incorporating international case studies and opportunities for exchange programmes. Graduates of the MSc Strategic Management are equipped to contribute effectively to the strategic development and long-term success of organizations, both in the Netherlands and globally.

The duration of the programme typically spans one or two years, depending on the specific track or specialization chosen. Admission requirements usually include a relevant bachelor’s degree, proficiency in English, and sometimes additional prerequisites such as relevant work experience or academic performance. Students benefit from Radboud University’s modern facilities, supportive academic community, and extensive alumni network, which can assist in career development and professional networking.

In summary, Radboud University's MSc in Strategic Management offers an academically rigorous, practically oriented education that prepares students to become strategic thinkers and leaders capable of addressing contemporary business challenges with innovative solutions.