Your Choice: Wilmington, USA & Paris, France Curriculum

I've gained many cultural experiences, knowledge and skills during my time in the IBSA program. It's a great program for anyone who is interested in pursuing a master's degree in business while living abroad.

Cin Dy EE, China

Core Modules

Five core modules prepare you for your specialization. These courses (worth 30 ECTS) expose our students to the guiding principles of international business and how these concepts are connected and interdependent.


Students will dive into specific international finance issues in this core module. The goal of the course is to shape effective global managers who are experienced in analytical and decision-making skills that are crucial for successful business across borders.


In this core module, students understand strategic business planning: This module introduces students to global business challenges and the methods used to address them, through careful review of effective managerial techniques, in order to ensure a winning international business strategy.


Students investigate critical human resource management (HRM) topics within this module. The aim is to examine relevant elements of HRM as they relate to global business, organizational policies, and standard management practices.


This module aims to introduce students to business analytics concepts required to understand contemporary business challenges. Analytical techniques will be applied to assess and resolve some of the complex challenges faced by business professionals in global industries.


You will gain skill and confidence in developing strong marketing plans for global business. The course addresses marketing performance in a global context; assesses differences in country environments; and applies techniques for international market segmentation, entry strategies, risk analysis, and comprehensive marketing plans


Exemplary Schedule

Specialization Modules at ESSCA School of Management

The Sustainable Risk Management specialization at ESSCA School of Management prepares future leaders to manage uncertainty while promoting sustainable practices in global business. Designed for those aspiring to drive innovation and lead with resilience, this program equips students with the tools to navigate the intersections of economic, geopolitical, and technological risks.

All courses integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges, preparing graduates to excel in complex environments. Topics include ethical governance and sustainable business models, the application of agile methodologies to drive innovation, managing risks in the digital age with AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity, leveraging big data for predictive business insights, navigating international trade regulations and economic trends, and building resilient global supply chains.


A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Governance and Business Practices​.
This course explores the ethical, economic, and equity-driven dimensions of governance and business, providing students with a holistic approach to sustainable decision-making.


Transforming Global Business and Innovation​.
Students will learn how to implement agile methodologies and foster creativity to drive innovation in rapidly changing global markets.


Strategies, Regulations, and Global Economic Trends.
This module examines the complexities of international trade, including geopolitical influences, regulatory frameworks, and global economic trends that shape trade strategies.


Balancing Risk, Ethics, and Sustainability.
Students will delve into the strategies for building resilient supply chains that effectively balance risk management, ethical considerations, and sustainability goals.


Managing Risk in the Age of AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity This course focuses on the challenges and opportunities posed by digital technologies, teaching students to manage risks associated with AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.


Navigating from Big Data to Predictive Business.
Insights Students will develop skills in leveraging big data and predictive analytics to drive informed business decisions and mitigate risks.

Master‘s Thesis

Your third term (between June and September) will consist entirely of the all-important thesis dissertation. This period is typically completed at the university where you attended your specialization courses. To provide guidance and assistance as you prepare to work through this complicated project, each university offers a thorough, interactive three-day workshop that presents the requisite research skills, covering analytical, research and methodological techniques for the quality production of your master’s thesis.

The other main source of support will come from your thesis advisor. Thus, all IBSA students are required to secure a supervisors who will guide the construction of the master’s thesis; normally, choosing one of your university lecturers is the best and easiest option. This final project will count for 30 ECTS in your overall program credit total. We also suggest that IBSA students also consider an alternative approach to the standard route: it is always possible to write your master’s thesis in cooperation with a company. This will require identifying and contacting a potential target company and developing a customized agreement with them in order to complete your thesis project accordingly.

By completing this detailed research and writing work, you will delve deeper into your specialization area from the second semester, learn to cultivate critical reasoning skills, develop a scientific approach to empirical data, and develop skills in literature review based on investigative reasoning (examination of a hypothesis).