MBA with specialisation in Clean Technology

The MBA with specialisation in Clean Technology (Energy & Clean Tech) was specially designed by Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences as a direct result of an international (EU) Interregional-funded research project between the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands.

The project, named GREAT (an acronym for: Growing Renewable Energy Applications and Technologies) sought to encourage SMEs and collectives of SMEs to develop and apply sustainable technological solutions related to Renewable Energy, Smart Grid and Distributive Generation.

Course structure

The Wittenborg MBA is delivered in a block format, with 2 modules being covered every 6 weeks. The classes are inter-disciplinary - you study shared modules in semester 1 with MBA students from different business specialisations. Due to the rolling entry (6 times a year) groups are dynamic, extremely international and diverse.

The modules are delivered intensively over consecutive days in the so-called 'block format', which means that each module has 6 days of teaching split into two blocks of 3 days. Teaching methods include group work, case studies, presentations, and live projects. The course is delivered through a variety of approaches including lectures, presentations, tutorials and case studies, with an emphasis on interactive learning. Each module is taught by two lecturers, often a full time Wittenborg lecturer and a quest lecturer from a partner university. Modules include regular guest speakers from industry.

Areas of study

Semester 1

Semester 1 provides students with 6 of the core MBA subjects, balanced equally over the semester. Each module, given over a six week block, is weighted at 5 European Credits. These modules incorporate a number of classic functional business administration areas, which, besides by forms of classical delegation of knowledge, will be grasped by reflective learning, i.e. learning in which students reflect on their prior work experience or, in cases of part time students, on their current work and employment organisation in the light of the materials provided in the various modules. Students must have done all semester 1 modules in order to enter into semester 2 modules.

Reflective learning helps to develop critical thinking, self-awareness and analytical skills. It involves an individual in a reflective process. During Semester 1, guest speakers will be invited to give seminars during the third week of each block (Assignment and Literature review weeks).

Semester 1

• Human Resource Management
• Management Accounting & Finance
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• International Management
• Information Management

Semester 2

Semester 2 provides students with one compulsory module strategic management that builds on the core modules from Semester 1. In addition to that, students follow 3 modules from the chosen specialist “pathway” Energy & Clean Technology .

Semester 2 Specialist Modules

• Business Statistics
• Smart Grids
• Strategic Management
• Renewable Energy: Solar, Wind, Hydro
• Zero-Energy Buildings and Energy Transition

During Semester 2, students are also given 9 sessions of Quantitative and Qualitative Techniques for Research in preparation of the Final Project. They will complete this with the production and submission of a Final Project Proposal.

The main aim of the research project was to collect and supply information regarding economic and institutional aspects of decentralized energy networks and smart grids, and it also provided an assessment of the institutional and regulatory landscape. Business models were developed for several smart-grid collectives. An important role in this process was the development of a tool to support SMEs deciding on participating in decentralised energy networks (esp. in business parks). Finally, the project presented an inventory of collectives in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands.
 
WUAS took the project one step further by developing a number of training programmes for managers of local and regional business (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, building on the theme of technology and innovation particularly in areas such as smart grids, renewable energy, green energy, energy conservation, distributed generation, and energy management. Local and regional networks and knowledge centers (including Apeldoorn City Council, the Province of Gelderland, colleges and universities, and technical companies) were consulted, which ultimately resulted in the development of four specialized modules that would fit into Wittenborg’s standard MBA programme. 

The immediate consequence is this programme: a combination of technology-based modules covering state-of-the-art issues in sustainability and renewable energy, embedded within a core of traditional, management-related MBA modules. This unique combination of knowledge areas offers managers and entrepreneurs who realize that the future of any organization or commercial enterprise, albeit in a technology sector or in any other field or activity, relies these days on being sustainable, socially-responsible, and energy efficient. Learning about both business and management applications as well as about the practical application of green technology will give the future manager a clear advantage and competitive edge, as much of what is learned in the MBA will be applicable to current business practices straight away.

MBA Enhancing Your Career!

MBA graduates are often fast-tracked into senior management positions and this MBA programme has been designed for those who wish to pursue senior management positions or as preparation for further study in business, such as a DBA, or a PhD.

The MBA will further the careers of

• Dutch or other EU graduates who are working in an organisation, managing people or processes, and are looking to improve their career opportunities within their current employment position. These students are supported by their employer and can study the programme part-time;
• Dutch, or other EU graduates who have been working in an organisation, managing people or processes, and are looking for a full time MBA programme that will increase their employability chances in an international market; 
• International graduates in the Netherlands, who have a completed a Bachelor degree and have worked in an organisation with responsibility managing people or processes, who are looking to improve their career opportunities, either at their current employer or in the search for a new opportunity;
• International students worldwide, from business or non-business fields, with a proven number of years managing people or processes within an organisation. These students are looking for an English-taught, internationally orientated MBA programme that can allow them to improve their career prospects in the job market either at home or in the Netherlands, either at their current employer or at a new organisation, and possibly continue their studies at a higher level.

• a Bachelor degree or equivalent recognised qualification;

It is not necessary to have obtained a Bachelor degree from the domain of Business Administration.

• 3 years professional experience;

Applicants are requested to provide 2 reference letters from which at least one is a reference from a company or organization where they have worked before;

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL Equivalent. Click here for an overview of the equivalent scores.
the TOEFL Code of Wittenborg is 4889.

With its work experience requirement, the admission requirements reflect the national requirements in the Netherlands for entry into a professional Master such as the Wittenborg MBA. The English language proficiency level requirement is ½ a point higher than the minimum national requirements in the Netherlands.

Selection procedure

There is no specific selection procedure for students wishing to enter the MBA, however non-EU (visa) students are “screened” according to their background, in order for the institute to be able to guarantee their immigration status.

The screening comprises of an interview, collection and correlation of all IND required documents, including proof of sufficient funds, taking into account any scholarships provided by Wittenborg (Orange Tulip Scholarship, for instance) or by third parties (NUFFIC, EU, etc).

Details on Scholarships at Wittenborg can be found at http://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-financial-assistance.htm 

Applicants are required to provide a motivation letter in which they describe the reasons for choosing Wittenborg’s programme, as well as the reason for wanting to study in the Netherlands (international students). Student motivation is important as the programmes are demanding and especially for international students there is a criteria that they complete at least 50% of all their credits in a year.