Business School Lausanne

About us

Business School Lausanne is a boutique business school located in the greater area of Lausanne, Switzerland, and belongs to the Swiss network of Geneva Business School.

Founded in 1987, BSL has been providing quality business education for more than 25 years and building on its dedication to responsible leadership and entrepreneurship. Each year students of over 60 nationalities join our Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, Executive Education and Doctoral programs.

BSL takes a practical approach to business studies. We provide relevant education by adapting our programs to the constantly changing business world. Our Faculty consists exclusively of experienced and currently active business professionals who bring the latest business knowledge into the classroom every day.

Our commitment to pragmatic and applied learning is widely recognized by employers as BSL ranks #3 in Switzerland and among the Top 30 business schools in Europe in the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2014-15, an employer’s choice-based ranking system.

Built on the vision of providing an alternative to traditional business education, BSL has stayed true to its entrepreneurial spirit throughout the years, establishing itself as a learning hub for ambitious and talented students from around the world.

We have created a truly global learning environment where professors and students of diverse backgrounds work in close partnership. BSL’s students benefit from the school’s international character, well-established reputation in the business community and close proximity to key international organizations.

As educators, we believe it is our responsibility to shape a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. We equip our students with skills and competences that will enable them to lead responsibly, sustainably and collaboratively in the global business environment of today and tomorrow.

Location

The Business School Lausanne is located in Chavannes-près-Renens, a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud, located in the district of Ouest Lausannois.

Route de la Maladière 2 1022 Chavannes Switzerland

Choosing the right school is very important when planning your future career. When entering the workforce, your employer will want to know what you can directly contribute to their business and feel confident that you have the skills required to do a good job. At BSL, we’ve designed our programs to provide you with a directly applicable education for the world of business.

Here are some of the key advantages that BSL offers:

Superior Swiss quality

• BSL ranks #3 in Switzerland and among the Top 30 business schools in Europe in the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2014-15, an employer choice based ratings system.
• Business School Lausanne ranks #2 in Western Europe and Switzerland in the QS MBA Jobs & Salary Trends Report 2015-16 for highest-paid MBA graduates.
• BSL is part of the Swiss Federation of Private Schools and has its programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
• Effective learning environment

Effective Learning Environment

• Small classes with a maximum of 20 students.
• Courses are taught by active business professionals. Their practical experience and real-life examples help to illustrate the current state of affairs in the international business sector.
• Class discussions help to develop your own perspective on relevant business subjects. We debate the role of business in society, and its contribution to resolving emerging economic, social and environmental issues.
• Extended education possibilities with post-graduate and doctoral programs.

From Theory To Practice

• An integrated and practical approach, covering all aspects of international business.
• Practical learning including case studies, real-life simulations and guest speakers.
• Group assignments and class presentations develop the necessary skills, competencies and professional outlook to excel in any size organization.

International Programs

• Over 60 nationalities are represented by BSL’s student body and faculty, allowing you to develop an important global network for life.
• The international aspects of today’s business are greatly emphasized in all our programs.

Employment possibilities

Studying in the heart of Switzerland’s international business district, you have a large choice for internship and future employment possibilities.

Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA)

Multiple-option Bachelor degree in Switzerland

The BSL BBA is offered as a 3-year or 2-year program and students can choose between different options:

Option 1: BBA Program With Internship and Cultural Exchange Option (3 years)

In addition, student who select this option, have the possibility to do a 6-month international cultural experience at the Business School of Renmin University of China in Beijing. This provides students with the opportunity to travel, add a global perspective, and gain a broader view of the world while studying for their degree.

Transfer of credits may be possible depending on selection of courses taken at the Renmin University. All classes are given in English. Admission to the Beijing semester abroad is selective and students who wish to apply for the student exchange program will be assessed based on their GPA performance and engagement in their studies at BSL.

Option 2: Double Bachelor Degree Option (3 years)

, Double Bachelor Degree Option in Paris, France

Double Bachelor Degree Option in Paris: includes two years of study at BSL and a final third year at the University of Paris, Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne University (UPEC). Students following this program will receive a second Bachelor-level degree and graduate with two degrees after three years, one from BSL and one from UPEC. The UPEC degree is officially called: “diplôme national français de Licence”, often referred to as “BAC + 3” in France. It has a state degree accreditation which allows students to continue their studies with a master’s degree at any public or private university. All classes are given in English.

Option 3: Accelerated BBA Program (2 years)

For highly motivated students wishing to get a head start in their careers. This option allows students to join the business world as soon as possible or continue with advanced studies at a Master’s level.

BSL’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program provides a solid foundation in general business and primes you for employment by teaching modules that are relevant to today’s business world. Such modules include Micro Economics in the 21st Century, Job Hunting Skills, Global Environment, Marketing Communications, Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Decision Analysis, and Introduction to Managing your Self-Effectiveness.

Our firm attendance and assignment deadline policies teach and reinforce the importance of being responsible and reliable in the workplace.

Today’s employers are seeking graduates with an appropriate general business education and the maturity to confidently make responsible business decisions on a day-to-day basis. Our regularly updated curriculum incorporate current issues, increasing your awareness about the challenges in an ever-changing world.

Program Overview:

• Eligible candidates are graduates of High School, International Baccalaureate (IB), Swiss Professional Maturity (in commerce) or equivalent.
• We select high caliber, high school graduates with little or no work experience who wish to continue their studies before entering the work force. The average age of our first year BBA is 21 years.
• The BBA class of 2014 is made up of 68% male, 25% female coming from 18 different countries.
• To learn more about the current Bachelor’s class, download the 2014 class profile.
• Prepare you to tackle all areas related to general business. The BBA’s 40-module program equips you for a fast-paced business career with relevant and practical subjects such as Consumer Behavior, Political Economy, Solving Big Problems, Sustainable Business Strategy, and Introduction to Corporate Strategy.
• Broaden your general awareness of worldly developments and current international affairs. A Bachelor degree from BSL not only instills essential business knowledge but more importantly grooms you to make sound and informed decisions about issues affecting the developments in international business.
• Refine essential interpersonal skills such as effective communication, problem solving, lateral thinking, and organization. Discover and develop your strengths in order to reach your own potential with modules such as Basic Job Hunting Skills and Effective Self-Management.
• Develop you to conduct business responsibly for a sustainable future. At BSL, social and environmental responsibility is emphasized in all programs. Enhance your professional development by taking a third year of specialization. The Double Degree option allows you to specialize in Project Management, Marketing, HR, or Business Management, in collaboration with Dublin Business School.

Program Format:

The BSL BBA is offered as a 2-year or 3-year program and students can choose between different options:

Option 1: Accelerated BBA Program (2 years) The Accelerated BBA Program is completed in 2 years and is equivalent to 200 ECTS credits. The academic curriculum includes 40 modules over 22 months. Each module involves 40 hours of classroom time, spread over five days per week (Mon, Fri).

Option 2: BBA Program with Internship Option (3 years)

The BBA Program with Internship Option includes 40 modules which are completed at BSL and offers a well-balanced course schedule over the 3-year period. This program option gives students the possibility of doing an internship at the end of the third year of study.

Students can either find an internship on their own or secure a place in the BSL Experiential Learning Internship Program.

Experiential Learning Internship Program

The ELIP program is optional and highly selective, students need to secure a place through a formal application process conducted in the course of the academic year.

The program will take place over a 10-week period and students will receive extracurricular course credits for this program. It is important to note that while considered an integral part of BSL studies, the ELIP program is taken in addition to the mandatory courses and does not replace standard courses in any of the programs.

The program consists of two parts:

The combination of these two elements enables students to acquire additional academic credit equivalent to two courses in their respective program (2 x 5 ECTS).

Option 3: Double Degree BBA Program (2.5-3 years)

The Double Degree BBA Program with Dublin Business School (DBS) is also equivalent to 200 ECTS credits. It comprises of 28 modules completed at BSL, each worth 5 ETCS credits, spread over 1.5-2 years. In the third year of specialization at DBS, 6 modules, each worth 10 ECTS credits are completed to make up a total of 200 ECTS. Classes at BSL are scheduled either three or four days per week, depending on the particular term.

Study plans for the BBA program, Fall intake, are available below. Study plans for the November and February intake are available per request.

BA Business Management HRM (year 3 DBS specialization)

BA Business Management (year 3 DBS specialization)

Year 3 BA Marketing (year 3 DBS specialization)

Year 3 BA Project Management (year 3 DBS specialization)

• Work in an internship position for approx. 10 weeks at a company or organization identified by BSL;
• Full participation in a course at BSL called ELIP (Experiential Learning Internship Program)
• Accelerated BBA Program, 2 years
• BBA Program with Internship Option, 3 years
• Double Degree BBA Program, 2.5-3 years
• Micro-economics in the 21st Century
• The History and Future of Business
• Psychology for Business
• Business English
• Consumer Behavior
• Introduction to Marketing Planning
• Macro-economics in the 21st Century
• Office Software for Business
• Principles of Accounting
• Organisational Behavior and Development
• Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
• Financial Accounting & Reporting
• International Business and Economics
• Global Human Resources Management
• Marketing Communications
• Corporate and Business Law
• Financial Management
• Intro to MIS
• Business Mathematics and Calculus
• Management Accounting & Perfor. Mgt
• International Marketing
• Knowledge Management
• Sociology for Business
• Introduction to Project Management
• International Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Sustainable Business Strategy
• Business Statistics
• Business Strategy; HRM; Global Business Environment; Training and Development; Employee Relations and the Law
• Global Business Environment; HRM; Business Strategy
• Options (Choose 2 options)
• Management Accounting / Information Management / Services Marketing / Corporate and Business Law
• Business Strategy; Consumer Analysis; Services Marketing; International Marketing
• Options (Choose 1 option)
• Corporate Law /HRM
• Business Strategy; HRM; Global Business Environment; Project Planning Techniques; Project Management and Evaluation

Doctoral Program In Sustainable Business

Our long-distance Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in Sustainable Business program is a three-year part-time program for experienced business professionals or teaching scholars. We offer an exciting cohort-based approach with a facilitated action learning and research approach focused on supporting organizations in the sustainability journey by providing historical analysis and relevant transformational support.

The program is unique world-wide as it combines research that counts in the interdisciplinary field of sustainability with a deeper understanding in the practice of responsible leadership.

What Makes This Program Different?

Global Research Project in Business Sustainability

As a Doctoral student at BSL, you will join an international group of independent researchers in business sustainability and gain experience in collaborative research on a challenging topic. You will work with other doctoral candidates and will combine your skills and expertise with theirs to contribute to a global interdisciplinary research project together.

The project will provide insights on three key organizational challenges of the coming decade:

Working on a joint research project allows you to build a global network of applied sustainability scholars focused on integrating sustainability and responsibility in business.

• How to move from business-as-usual to business sustainability (based on existing research);
• How to embrace and adapt to the new paradigm (based on emerging best practices);
• How to make the great leap of becoming a truly sustainable organization (based input from pioneers).

Supporting Training and Development

The BSL DBA in Sustainable Business program supports you in the development of knowledge, skills and competencies. In close collaboration with the Global Doctoral Alliance (GDA) of 50+20, a number of training workshops will be offered as webinars, summer camps and symposia.

In addition, BSL DBA candidates will be put in contact with other DBA candidates, thus allowing them to build a global network of applied sustainability scholars.

Research Approach and Methodology

The BSL DBA in Sustainable Business program takes a different approach to research. We build on the traditional model of exploring the current state of business as a starting base for incremental change by looking into what a truly sustainable organization of the future would look like and exploring the paths to get there.

The project includes a range of research approaches that are distinguished as well by the participatory engagement of stakeholders. These are often associated with large system change science, engaged scholarship and action research.

No Interruption to your Career

Designed for the working professional, our DBA is a part-time applied research program allowing candidates to research independently and in their own time.

There is no required course work, however, research methodologies are taught at our bi-annual Research Symposia and are available online. Perfect for busy professionals around the world as you only need to visit BSL once per year.

Profile Of Participants

• Our current group of DBA participants is made up of 40% female, 60% male, coming from 10 different countries. The average amount of work experience is 15 years (min 5, max 20+) and the age range is 30-50 years old.

Potential Benefits and Outcomes For Doctoral Students

• Creating expertise in sustainability action research as a potential source of sustainability and deep change leadership and organizational transformational consultants
• Building a global network of applied sustainability scholars, all focused on making change happen
• Creating a library of case studies, projects and programs, accessible for free globally
• Developing inter- and trans-disciplinary scholars with experience and skills in leading change, and integrating sustainability and responsibility in business
• Developing experience in collaborative research on a challenging topic
• An online platform of concrete recommendations to companies, offering both general recommendations as well as a growing database by sector and by cultural/region
• Initiate and enable a collaboratory for businesses to exchange best practices in integrating sustainability and responsibility
• Developing direct links from research to learning by integrating students in the collaborative process, open opportunities for internships and further studies

Target Group

• The BSL DBA in Sustainable Business is the right program for you if you are interested in research in the domain of business sustainability and seek to contribute to transforming businesses into sustainable organizations.
• The program is designed for mature professionals (min. of 5 years’ work experience) with the ability to learn independently and who do not want to interrupt their career during the doctorate studies.

Program Objectives

• Gain experience in collaborative research on a challenging topic
• Acquire new research methodologies to resolve business or societal issues
• Develop your skills in leading change, consulting transforming organizations, and integrating sustainability and responsibility in business
• Build expertise in sustainability action research
• Expand your career opportunities, either in consulting, management or education
• Create a global network of like-minded people and applied sustainability scholars

Potential benefits and outcomes for doctoral students

• Creating expertise in sustainability action research as a potential source of sustainability and deep change leadership and organizational transformational consultants
• Building a global network of applied sustainability scholars, all focused on making change happen
• Creating a library of case studies, projects and programs, accessible for free globally
• Developing inter- and trans-disciplinary scholars with experience and skills in leading change, and integrating sustainability and responsibility in business
• Developing experience in collaborative research on a challenging topic
• An online platform of concrete recommendations to companies, offering both general recommendations as well as a growing database by sector and by cultural/region
• Initiate and enable a collaboratory for businesses to exchange best practices in integrating sustainability and responsibility
• Developing direct links from research to learning by integrating students in the collaborative process, open opportunities for internships and further studies

Specializations

Whether you choose to study Business or Finance, you will be able to select a preferred specialization as part of your studies:

• Luxury Management
• Consulting
• International Law
• Marketing
• Sustainable Entrepreneurship
• Banking and Financial Services
• Business Psychology &
• Human Resources Management
• Project Management
• CFA Preparation

Master Of Arts In International Business:

The Master of Arts in International Business (MIB) at Business School Lausanne, Switzerland, equips you with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the dynamic and global business environment of today and tomorrow.

NEW: To prepare our students for the real business world and boost their employability, we have launched the BSL Experiential Learning Internship Program (ELIP). ELIP gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice in a real business environment, experience the Swiss work culture first-hand and gain exposure that will give you a head start when you graduate.

The internships are structured, evaluated and recognized as an integral part of the course study and aim to prepare you for a smooth transition into the business world. The placement service is ensured through BSL’s long established relationships with organizations in the region.

At BSL, we get to know you. We combine small class size and industry expertise to provide a different learning experience, personalized, practical, and engaging. Our MIB program offers:

Real Business Knowledge: BSL professors are not just academics; they are seasoned and currently active business professionals who bring real-life experience into the classroom every day.

Specialization Options for Increased Employability: With the BSL MIB program, you can tailor your curriculum to your career aspirations and make your profile more marketable by adding a specialization to your degree.

Personalized Learning: Small classes of up to 20 students ensure a personalized teaching approach and create a highly dynamic and interactive learning environment.

International network: Over 60 nationalities are represented by BSL’s student body and faculty, allowing you to develop an important global network for life.

Leadership development: The MIB program combines subject knowledge in key areas of international business with courses enhancing students’ interpersonal skills for effective leadership and management.

Student Exchange Option in Beijing: includes a 6-month international cultural experience at the Business School of Renmin University of China in Beijing. This option is a valuable addition to the BSL Master’s programs and provides you with the opportunity to travel, add a global perspective, and gain a broader view of the world while studying for your degree. Transfer of credits may be possible depending on selection of courses taken at the Renmin University. All classes are given in English. Admission to the Beijing semester abroad is selective and students who wish to apply for the student exchange program will be assessed based on their GPA performance and engagement in their studies at BSL.

Our MIB program covers the cornerstones of international business and prepares you to work across different functions such as marketing, human resources, operations, business development, consulting, project management, strategy or international trade. You will acquire management and leadership skills and develop a strong business acumen.

Whether you take the classical program or you combine it with a specialization, you will earn a fully accredited master’s degree in business (120 ECTS credits). You’ll be asked to choose which program format you follow (classical or with a specialization) only at the end of Term 1 of your studies.

• You want to study business and are more interested in entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation
• You are less familiar with finance, economics and math studies
• You want to acquire management and leadership skills, and develop a strong business acumen
• You are interested in studying a range of disciplines covering the cornerstones of international business
• You aim to build a career in business, in areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, operations, strategy, or international trade
• , Classical Master’s degree in business (MIB)
• , Master’s degree in business with a preferred specialization (MIB with specialization)

Master Of Science In International and Sustainable Finance:

The Master of Science in International and Sustainable Finance (MISF) at Business School Lausanne, Switzerland, equips you with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the fast-paced financial sector of investment, trade and services, as well as for the dynamic business and corporate environment.

The MISF graduate program offers, for the first time in Switzerland, a full Master’s degree that prepares students for a career in finance by offering a strong foundation in traditional mainstream financial theory, but with the skills to carry out sustainability analyses in every sector of finance.

This gives BSL graduates in international and sustainable finance an added value to their Master’s degree because, next to having a solid 1.5 years of study in mainstream finance as expected by employers and the industry of today, students will also be prepared for the coming changes in finance around the world.

NEW: To prepare our students for the real business world and boost their employability, we have launched the BSL Experiential Learning Internship Program (ELIP). ELIP gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice in a real business environment, experience the Swiss work culture first-hand and gain exposure that will give you a head start when you graduate.

The internships are structured, evaluated and recognized as an integral part of the course study and aim to prepare you for a smooth transition into the business world. The placement service is ensured through BSL’s long established relationships with organizations in the region.

At BSL, we get to know you. We combine small class size and industry expertise to provide a different learning experience, personalized, practical, and engaging.

Comprehension context:The dual approach to finance and sustainability gives students a full overview of all areas of finance (including banking, investment, trading and corporate finance), as well as a deeper understanding of what challenges affect finance, what new options emerge for this industry and how some actors are influencing change.

CFA® Level I Preparation: With the BSL International and Sustainable Finance program, you can take a set of preparatory courses for the CFA® Level I exam and thus make your profile more marketable.

Expert Knowledge: BSL professors are not just academics; they are seasoned and currently active business professionals who bring real-life experience into the classroom.

Personalized Learning: Small classes of between 6 and 23 students. This ensures personalized teaching and creates a highly dynamic and interactive learning environment.

International network: Over 60 nationalities are represented by BSL’s student body and faculty, allowing you to develop an important global network for life.

Leadership development: The BSL Master in International and Sustainable Finance program combines subject knowledge in key areas of finance with courses enhancing the students’ interpersonal skills for effective leadership and management.

Career Orientation: At BSL, students can ask for support for their professional networking. This support comes in different forms (introductions to BSL’s network of stakeholders, student council engagements, mentoring), and the result is that students can use their time at BSL to meet professionals in their fields of interest. These meetings can lead to useful contacts for internships and jobs.

Student Exchange Option in Beijing: includes a 6-month international cultural experience at the Business School of Renmin University of China in Beijing. This option is a valuable addition to the BSL Master’s programs and provides you with the opportunity to travel, add a global perspective, and gain a broader view of the world while studying for your degree. Transfer of credits may be possible depending on selection of courses taken at the Renmin University. All classes are given in English. Admission to the Beijing semester abroad is selective and students who wish to apply for the student exchange program will be assessed based on their GPA performance and engagement in their studies at BSL.

The MISF program covers not only the cornerstones of international finance; it also prepares you to work in various areas of the corporate finance and investment disciplines such as: banking, insurance, wealth management, financial and tax consulting, private equity, entrepreneurial/venture capital, commodity trading, risk analysis, fiduciary services, as well as impact and social investing.

In addition, the program gives you the option to take a set of 5 preparatory courses for the CFA® Level I exam. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) certification is known as the top professional qualification for finance and investment professionals and is a great advantage for students who aim to work in the fields of investment banking and financial analysis.

The MSc in International and Sustainable Finance is well suited for recent graduates with or without professional work experience who wish to continue their studies before entering the work force. A master’s program helps to bridge the gap that exists between graduating with a bachelor’s degree with little or no work experience, and securing employment.

The program is for candidates who want to combine a mainstream education of finance with a better understanding of key sustainability challenges and solutions. Our students show interest in discovering the linkages between finance and sustainability and want to be part of the evolving transformation of the financial sector.

The program takes 18 months to complete.

There are two intakes per year: September and February.

• You want to study finance and are more interested in numbers, models and concepts
• You want to combine your master’s with preparation for the CFA* Level I exam
• You are interested in discovering the linkages between finance and sustainability
• You wish to acquire advanced quantitative and analytic skills
• You envisage a career in the financial sector or financial management: banking, insurance, wealth management.

Diploma in Sustainable Business

The Diploma in Sustainable Business is a joint program of Business School Lausanne and the Institute for Economy and the Environment of University of St. Gallen (IWÖ-HSG), and is endorsed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

This is a one-year, part-time executive program which includes not only subject knowledge in the field of sustainable business, but also leading change and project management experience as part of the course.

A 10-month team consulting project in the area of business sustainability is an integral part of the Diploma in Sustainable Business program. It is a unique opportunity for participants to engage in real-life projects with companies and work as advisors on strategic sustainability problems. Consulting projects include a wide range of relevant issues in product development, purchasing, supply chain, market analysis, labelling, employer branding, and communications. They are carried out by small, international and multifunctional teams of students (3-5 course participants) who work closely with the sponsoring company and are guided by the BSL-University of St. Gallen experienced faculty throughout the complete project cycle.

The projects allow participants to increase their work experience prior to graduation, expand their professional network, and enhance their long-term career possibilities.

Participants who have successfully completed the program are awarded a Diploma in Sustainable Business by BSL and the University of St. Gallen.

New: The modular format of the program allows you to attend a course of your interest as a separate 2-day seminar. You can sign up for any seminar included in our offering or request a customized training tailored to the specific needs of your company (a minimum number of 8 participants is required).

Completing a single 2-day course will not only provide you with knowledge and insight on a specific topic, but can also help you assess whether the program is a good fit for you.

Consulting Projects:

The Diploma in Sustainable Business program includes a 10-month team consulting project with a real company and consulting contract in the area of business sustainability. The project consists of approximately 250 hours and replaces the traditional thesis. The Consulting Project significantly complements the 13 specialization modules in Sustainable Business, ensuring that you have not only acquired a broad expertise in sustainability, but have also completed a complex real-life consulting project during your studies.

This has two direct benefits to you:

you can apply what you learn in a real-life situation and

you can claim to have already first-hand experience in business sustainability when you are looking for jobs.

The projects are given by companies that present a broad sustainability problem with strategic relevance to their organization. This is assigned to teams of 3-5 course participants as their main consultancy project. The teams are guided by our experienced faculty (BSL- University of St. Gallen) that provides continuous support and feedback throughout the program. The project is to be completed between in September and June with two intermediate presentations in December and in March and the final presentation in June.

Consulting Project Examples Conducted Within The Diploma In Sustainable Business Program:

• Nestlé Consulting Project
• Swiss Post Consulting Project
• The Coca Cola Company Consulting Project
• 0BSH Hausgeräte Consulting Project
• Die Post Consulting Project
• Dedalo Consulting Project
• BSL Consulting Project
• University of St. Gallen Consulting Project
• Unilever Consulting Project
• HP Consulting Project
• Schweizer Metallbau Consulting Project
• nolax AG Consulting Project
• Zurich Insurance Group Consulting Project
• Ernst Schweizer AG, Metallbau Consulting Project
• Swiss Energy Agency Consulting Project
• SBB Consulting Project

Program Format

The Diploma in Sustainable Business is a 10-month program including a consulting project focused on sustainability. The curriculum includes 13 two-day modules (each module involves 30 hours of pre- and post-course work), and a 10-month real-life project of approximately 250 hours, replacing the traditional thesis. Classes are scheduled on weekends, with some combined modules taking place over three days (Thursday, Sunday).

• The program starts in September of each year.
• Program credits
• 30 ECTS

Learning Methodology

• Real-life project work for the duration of program
• Applied learning environment focused on exercises, teamwork and simulations
• Reflective learning through journal writing
• Education approach that includes three learning perspectives (global, strategic, business)

Courses and Curriculum

• Module 1: The Big Picture of Sustainability Challenges
• Module 2: Leading Change I and Project Experience I
• Module 3: Best Practices in Sustainability Strategies
• Module 4: Sustainability Tools and Frameworks
• Module 5: Leading Change II and Project Review I
• Module 6: Responsible Leadership and Global Stakeholder Challenges
• Module 7: The Business Case for Sustainability
• Module 8: Making Supply Chains Sustainable
• Module 9: Measuring Sustainability Performance
• Module 10: Leading Change III and Project Review II: Understanding & Applying
• Module 11: Sustainability Marketing and Communications
• Module 12: Social Entrepreneurship
• Module 13: Leading Change IV and Final Project Presentations: Integration and next steps

Executive MBA (EMBA)

The Executive Master of Business Administration program (EMBA) is the link between your current professional experience and your future. Our EMBA program provides you with a solid business foundation, allowing you to perform effectively in all areas of any organization.

When designing our EMBA program, we took into consideration the input of 30 international CEOs and HR-directors on the top 3 qualities of future leaders.

The result is a program that combines essential soft and hard skills that shape you into a self-aware, responsible management professional and gives you the foundation to grow as a leader.

Experiential Learning

• Professors are seasoned business practitioners. Their real-life personal successes and first-hand experience help to illustrate the current state of affairs in the business world.
• Practical learning including real-life simulations, strategy games, case studies and guest speakers.
• An opportunity to prove your ability in a real-life consulting project at your company or a project of your choice, and in turn broadening your employment possibilities in an existing or new role.

Diverse and Experienced Group

• Mature class with an average of 12 years’ business experience.*
• Participants coming from 15 countries, allowing you to develop an important global network for life.
• Small classes with a maximum of 20 students.
• * the minimum required amount of professional experience is 5 years, including some managerial experience.

Leadership skills

We believe that success is determined by good leader who possess certain leadership characteristics. We take leadership skills as seriously as subject knowledge and have integrated personal leadership modules into the program, representing 40% of our EMBA foundation courses. Leadership development is first and foremost about personal development.

Our way of applying this is by integrating the top 3 requirements as defined by the CEOs who were in collaboration with the program design:

• Ability to lead and be flexible to change
• Be an authentic communicator
• Ability to easily adapt to different perspectives
• The program is designed to develop these three competences.

Executive MBA in Sustainable Business

The Executive MBA in Sustainable Business offers the traditional Executive MBA path and an additional one-year Diploma in Sustainable Business.

The Executive Master in Business Administration program (EMBA) is the link between your current professional experience and your future. Our EMBA program provides you with a solid business foundation, allowing you to perform effectively in all areas of any organization.

The Diploma in Sustainable Business focusses on how companies can adapt their strategy and operations to embrace sustainability challenges and to manage the risks and opportunities in a responsible way.

The result is a program that shapes you into a self-aware, sustainability-conscious management professional and gives you the foundation to grow as a leader.

Experiential Learning

• Professors are seasoned business practitioners. Their real-life personal successes and first-hand experience help to illustrate the current state of affairs in the business world.
• Practical learning including real-life simulations, strategy games, case studies and guest speakers.
• An opportunity to prove your ability in a real-life consulting project at your company or a project of your choice, and in turn broadening your employment possibilities in an existing or new role.

Diverse and Experienced Group

• Mature class with an average of 20 years’ business experience.
• Participants coming from 15 countries, allowing you to develop an important global network for life.
• Small classes with a maximum of 20 students.

SEM Management Seminars

We provide executive training and development through our fully accredited MBA program. Our MBA modules are given as 3-day Management Seminars and provide a cost-effective way for professionals to strengthen their management and leadership skills.

The BSL Management Seminars integrate the latest management thinking and provide tools and techniques to enhance individual and team performance in all business areas.

We provide companies with the opportunity to take any seminar as a customized training designed to address specific needs and interests. Learn more about our corporate collaborations.

MBA Quality

• The Management Seminars are individual modules of our MBA program, delivering the same quality of in-depth learning. Each module is worth 3 MBA credits and is accumulative towards an eventual MBA degree.
• When designing our MBA program, we took into consideration the input of 30 international CEOs and HR-directors, on the top 3 qualities of future leaders. As a result, each MBA module, given as a 3-day management seminar, combines essential soft and hard skills that shape you into a self-aware, responsible management professional and gives you the foundation to grow as a leader.

Interaction With MBA Participants

• With the added bonus of MBA quality, the Management Seminars also provide interaction and learning within a group of diverse (10+ nationalities) and experienced (average of 9 years’ business experience) MBA participants.
• This level of maturity, extensive management experience and diversity provides seminar participants with unique perspectives to problem solving during the training course. It also helps them expand their global network and build on business opportunities for collaborations.

Practical and Applied Learning

• BSL creates a highly effective learning environment where seminar participants interact with current MBA students and acquire knowledge and skills through practice. Our experiential learning approach includes group assignments and presentations, case studies, real-life simulations and guest speakers.
• Upon completion of each seminar, participants walk away with practical knowledge and directly applicable skills that allow them to enhance their career development.

Delivered by Seasoned Business Practitioners

• All Management Seminars are delivered by seasoned business practitioners with an extensive track record of success in business in two or more countries. In line with the school’s pragmatic approach, they have been carefully selected based on their abilities to combine real-life experience with training and development.

MBA Credits

• Upon completion of each seminar, participants receive a certificate worth 3 ECTS credits, which may be applied towards an MBA degree.

Continuing Education

BSL offers a broad range of continuing education programs for young professionals with some work experience who seek an additional qualification in a chosen field of study. Applicants for all programs listed below must have either a Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of work experience or a High School Degree or Apprenticeship with 6+ years of experience. These programs are only available to Swiss citizens or EU passport holders due to due to visa restrictions of the Swiss Embassy, related to the number of hours of academic study per year.

Single CAS Course

• Participants can take a single course chosen from the CAS course list.
• Number of courses: 1
• Credits: 5 ECTS
• Duration: 10 weeks, part-time
• Cost: 2,000 CHF
• Start dates: September, November, February and May depending on the course

Diploma Of Advanced Studies (DAS)

• Any combination of 2 CAS programs leads to a DAS in Business & Management.
• Number of courses: 6s
• Credits: 30 ECTS
• Duration: 40 weeks, part-time
• Cost: 12,000 CHF; an additional fee of 800 CHF is payable for issuance of degree
• Start dates: every September, November, February and May

Certificate Of Advanced Studies (CAS)

The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) is a postgraduate academic qualification. CAS programs offer specialized knowledge, enabling students to acquire additional qualification in a certain subject area and enhance their professional development. Read more about the CAS programs.

Number of courses: 3 Credits: 15 ECTS Duration: 20 weeks, part-time Cost: 6,000 CHF; an additional fee of 800 CHF is payable for issuance of degree Start dates: every September, November, February and May

• CAS in Project Management
• CAS in Business Strategy
• CAS in Leadership & Management
• CAS in Sustainable Finance

CAS In Project Management

• The CAS in Project Management equips you with specialized project management knowledge and transferable skills applied in any industry and job function. The program includes the following 3 courses:

Managing Information Systems

This module covers all the fundamentals of Management information Systems. The purpose of this course is, to, in-depth, explore how business firms use (can use) information technologies and systems to achieve their organization’s objectives.

How managers with adequate information from powerful Databases and related IT systems do (may) reach operational excellence, develop new products and services, improve their decision-making and achieve competitive advantage.

Project Management

This module covers all the fundamentals of contemporary Project Management. The purpose of this course is to help students use Project Management ‘style’ in a variety of modern organizations and in international business context. It comprises processes, techniques and tools integrated with team dynamics, leadership role and customer focus dimensions.

Trade-offs between the triple constraints (scope, time, cost), identifying and managing risks, tackling frequent changes and negotiating complex issues are, constantly, the challenges of today’s competitive project manager environment.

Practical Information

Number of courses: 3 Credits: 15 ECTS Duration: 20 weeks, part-time Cost: 6,000 CHF; an additional fee of 800 CHF is payable for issuance of degree Start dates: every September, November, February and May Strategic & Systemic Thinking

When to apply: The application process is ongoing throughout the year. Applicants must send their application at least 4 weeks before the start of a course and ensure payment of the course fee at least 2 weeks before the program start.

What You Need To Apply:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of work experience, OR High School Diploma / Apprenticeship with 6+ years of work experience
• Sufficient English knowledge to follow the course in English, to be confirmed by a satisfactory grade obtained in first course
• Completed Application Form

CAS in Business Strategy

The CAS in Project Management equips you with specialized project management knowledge and transferable skills applied in any industry and job function. The program includes the following 3 courses:

Strategic & Systemic Thinking

One of the biggest breakthroughs in how we understand and guide change in organizations is systems theory and systems thinking. Systemic thinking is a way to view systems from a broad perspective that includes seeing overall structures, patterns and cycles, rather than seeing only specific events in the system. This course equips students with a sound understanding of how systems work and enhances their skills to use systems thinking and systems tools in organizations.

Marketing Strategy

The course provides participants with the tools for analyzing an organization’s current situation and proposes various strategies to enhance company performance and sustain competitive advantage.

Students will learn to develop differentiated positioning in a cost-effective way; use customer behavior and consumer insight for marketing planning; and generate innovative solutions by using secondary data and consumer trends.

Strategic Management

This module covers all fundamentals of corporate and business strategy. The purpose of the course is to integrate Finance, Marketing, Operations and HR in creating strategic value for the organization.

Participants will learn how companies plan and implement strategies that will grow value to all stakeholders.

Practical Information

Number of courses: 3 Credits: 15 ECTS Duration: 20 weeks, part-time Cost: 6,000 CHF; an additional fee of 800 CHF is payable for issuance of degree Start dates: every September, November, February and May

When to apply:The application process is ongoing throughout the year. Applicants must send their application at least 4 weeks before the start of a course and ensure payment of the course fee at least 2 weeks before the program start.

What you need to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of work experience, OR High School Diploma / Apprenticeship with 6+ years of work experience
• Sufficient English knowledge to follow the course in English, to be confirmed by a satisfactory grade obtained in first course
• Completed Application Form

CAS In Sustainable Finance

The CAS in Sustainable Finance introduces a holistic perspective on mainstream financial theory by integrating key principles of sustainability and shared value. The program includes the following 3 courses:

Financial Analysis and Sectoral Materiality In this course, students will acquire a good understanding of financial reporting mechanisms and will learn how to use major financial statements in the context of standards convergence, including methods and applications of financial analysis and basic ratios used in securities analysis. The course also introduces metrics to gain information on the sustainability impact in evaluations of financial analyses and reports. It offers insight into the emblematic sustainability issues that affect every sector of the economy and the finance industry, and how these can be reflected in financial reporting.

Portfolio Management and Global Challenges

Students will learn classical approaches to portfolio optimization and concrete tools and methods to develop technical trading and investment decisions and strategies. They will gain a thorough understanding of the major approaches to technical analysis of stocks, bonds, currencies and commodities.

The course also considers the frontiers of efficiency and links value to investment decisions, and it introduces analytical skills to evaluate different impacts on returns and sustainability of investment strategies. Finally, students will acquire the skills to evaluate potential investments, such as in listed equity securities, so as to determine the intrinsic value of any type of investment.

Responsible Investing Towards Sustainability

Responsible investing is presented in light of extra-financial factors that have an impact on economics and financial performance. Introducing these, the course presents a conceptual approach to different types of financial risks and students will become familiar with practical examples for their implementation.

The course considers risk management of equities, as well as of fixed income instruments and derivatives, including value at risk and other popular risk measures. It addresses some limits to arbitrage and endogenous risks that are considered within sustainability concepts. The course also introduces regulations for enterprises and financial instituitions, as well as policies for environmental and social protection.

Practical Information

Number of courses: 3 Credits: 15 ECTS Duration: 20 weeks, part-time; class attendance requires 8 hours (one full day) every week or every two weeks depending on the term Cost: 6,000 CHF; an additional fee of 800 CHF is payable for issuance of degree Start dates: every September, November, February and May

When to apply: The application process is ongoing throughout the year. Applicants must send their application at least 4 weeks before the start of a course and ensure payment of the course fee at least 2 weeks before the program start.

What you need to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of work experience, OR High School Diploma / Apprenticeship with 6+ years of work experience
• Sufficient English knowledge to follow the course in English, to be confirmed by a satisfactory grade obtained in first course
• Completed Application Form

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

NEW:Ranked No 2 in Switzerland and Western Europe among the QS MBA Jobs & Salary Trends Report 2015-16.

The Master of Business Administration program (MBA) is the link between your current professional experience and your future. Our MBA program in Switzerland provides you with a solid business foundation, enabling you to perform effectively in all areas of any organization.

When designing the program, we took into consideration the input of 30 international CEOs and HR-directors, on the top 3 qualities of future leaders. The result is a program that combines essential soft and hard skills that shape you into a self-aware, responsible management professional and gives you the foundation to grow as a leader.

To enrich the learning experience of our MBA participants and boost their employability, we have launched the BSL Experiential Learning Internship Program (ELIP). ELIP gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice in a real business environment, experience the Swiss work culture first-hand and gain exposure that will give you a head start when you graduate.

The internships are structured, evaluated and recognized as an integral part of the course study and aim to prepare you for a smooth transition into the business world. The placement service is ensured through BSL’s long established relationships with organizations in the region.

MBA, Classical Full-Time Study Program (1 Year)

• Classes are scheduled in three-day modules (Thursday- Saturday), see weekly workload here
• We recommend this option for individuals who seek a career transition or just want to take a break from their career and to focus on studying
• The Classical MBA Timetable (see here) shows the courses in the Spring/Summer terms 2014

MBA, Part-Time Study Program (2 Years)

• Classes are scheduled in three-day modules (Thursday- Saturday) which you can take every 4-5 weeks approx. over the course of 2 years
• We recommend this option for individuals who desire to keep their employment and want to fly in to attend the MBA classes part-time
• Please have a look at the Part-Time MBA Timetable (see here) to see the frequency of the courses

Executive MBA, Part-Time Study Program (1.5 Years)

• Modules are scheduled both on three Saturdays in a row or in blocks of three-day modules (Thursday to Saturday). These three-day modules make up a total of 18 work days away from office spread over 1.5 years
• We recommend this option for local business professionals who desire to pursue full-time employment while studying for their EMBA degree part-time
• The Executive MBA Timetable (see here) shows the courses in the Spring/Summer terms 2014

Program overview

Target group The program is suited to forward-thinking individuals with a flair for leadership. Our MBA participants have a desire to hone their existing talents and enrich their current experience with practical knowledge. BSL’s MBA program is for any type of leader, including NGO managers, entrepreneurs, family business owners, and government or self-employed managers. The average amount of work experience in typical MBA class is 9 years, guaranteeing a high caliber of experienced and ambitious individuals from around the world.

Class profile The MBA class of 2014 is made up of 53% female, 47% male coming from 11 different countries. The average amount of work experience 7,5 years (min required 3), which includes managerial experience.

To learn more about the current MBA class, download the 2014 class profile.

Program objectives

Understand the various functions of a company and how these functions work separately and in an entirety.

Develop the necessary business acumen and skills to take the lead in global challenges of the coming decades.

Refine your qualities as a leader and your ability to motivate others to perform at their best.

Exploit your existing skills and competencies to pinpoint your area of professional potential. Career and life coaching modules are spread over six months of the course.

Apply your learning in a 4-month real-life consulting project, enabling you to broaden your employment possibilities in an existing or new role.

Foster your specific area of interest. Participants choose a minimum of three elective courses which go beyond the core subjects in order to enrich their MBA foundation. You can even co-create elective modules with fellow participants.

Broaden your cultural and business perspectives through our modular program structure. For each program module the composition of the classes changes, allowing for a different group dynamic and a new opportunity for networking and learning.

Experiential learning

• Professors are seasoned business practitioners. Their real-life experience helps to illustrate the current state of affairs in the business world.
• Practical learning including real-life simulations, strategy games, case studies and guest speakers.
• Directly apply your learning in a 4-month real-life consulting project, integrating all the elements of the MBA.

Diverse and experienced group

• Mature class with an average of 9 years’ business experience (min required is 3 years), which is comparable to the level required for an Executive MBA at many other schools.
• Participants coming from 15 countries, allowing you to develop an important global network for life.
• Small classes with a maximum of 20 students.

Leadership skills

We believe that success is determined by good leader who possess certain leadership characteristics. We take leadership skills as seriously as subject knowledge and have integrated personal leadership modules into the program, representing 40% of our MBA foundation courses.

Our way of applying this is by integrating the top 3 requirements as defined by the CEOs who were in collaboration with the program design:

• Ability to lead and be flexible to change
• Be an authentic communicator
• Ability to easily adapt to different perspectives

Why study in Switzerland?

• Choosing the right business school is an important decision making process and we advise you to consider, in addition to the quality of education, factors such as location, social life, and employment opportunities.
• High Quality Education: Switzerland is internationally recognized for its high standards and superb quality of education. BSL is located in Lausanne, home to some of the world’s finest universities and an international hub for education for more than 20,000 students.
• European Business Hub: Many multinational corporations have chosen Switzerland as the site for their headquarters. Well known for its banking, commercial and tourism infrastructure, Switzerland ranks among the world’s 20 largest economies and hosts 15 Fortune 500 companies.
• International Environment: A multi-lingual country with a culturally diverse population and growing expatriate community, Switzerland is an ideal location for studying. Students have the chance to meet people from all over the world, enhance their cross-cultural skills, learn new languages and develop a global mindset.
• Travel across Europe: Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland offers convenient international connections and easy access to European vacation destinations. Lausanne is located in close proximity (45 min) to Geneva and its international airport.
• Sport and Leisure: Switzerland is a major destination for outdoor sports. The Swiss Alps provide a diverse range of activities from skiing/snowboarding to hiking, cycling, camping etc. available throughout the four seasons.

MBA in Sustainable Business

The MBA in Sustainable Business offers the traditional MBA path and an additional one-year Diploma in Sustainable Business:

• The Master in Business Administration program (MBA) is the link between your current professional experience and your future. Our MBA program provides you with a solid business foundation, allowing you to perform effectively in all areas of any organization.
• The Diploma in Sustainable Business focusses on how companies can adapt their strategy and operations to embrace sustainability challenges and to manage the risks and opportunities in a responsible way.
• The result is a program that shapes you into a self-aware, sustainability-conscious management professional and gives you the foundation to grow as a leader.
• NEW: To enrich the learning experience of our MBA participants and boost their employability, we have launched the BSL Experiential Learning Internship Program (ELIP). ELIP gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice in a real business environment, experience the Swiss work culture first-hand and gain exposure that will give you a head start when you graduate.
• The internships are structured, evaluated and recognized as an integral part of the course study and aim to prepare you for a smooth transition into the business world. The placement service is ensured through BSL’s long established relationships with organizations in the region.

Ranked # 3 In Switzerland

Business School Lausanne ranks #3 in Switzerland and among the Top 30 business schools in Europe in the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2014-15. The rating provides a detailed overview of the world’s most recognized and valued business schools by employers, based on input provided to QS by over 2,000 employers who actively recruit MBA graduates.

With only 65 European schools selected in the Top 200 ranking, BSL is recognized for its quality education and practical learning.

Ranked # 2 In Western Europe & Switzerland For Highest Paid MBA Graduates

Business School Lausanne ranks #2 in Western Europe and Switzerland in the QS MBA Jobs & Salary Trends Report 2015-16, published in October 2015.

With MBA graduates of Class 2014 reporting an average salary of CHF 122’000, Business School Lausanne takes a prominent place in the ranking and confirms Switzerland’s position as a leading study destination.

ACBSP Accreditation

Business School Lausanne became the first business school in Europe to have its programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) in 1996. ACBSP is a specialized accrediting organization in the United States that reviews the quality and integrity of business degree programs with an emphasis on teaching and learning. The ACBSP accreditation ensures that the BSL degrees are globally recognized and valued.

Degree Recognition

Business School Lausanne is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACSBSP), an accreditation organization for business education officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The ACBSP accreditation, which covers approximately 2’400 higher education instituitions internationally, ensures that BSL degrees are recognized and valued worldwide.

In the United States, the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is officially entitled to list accredited instituitions of higher learning, including Business School Lausanne.

In Europe, each country has set up its own national academic information center (NARIC), which lists officially recognized instituitions within a particular country.

In Switzerland, the Swiss CRUS (Rectors’ Conference of Swiss Universities, a state‐owned instituition) currently lists only Swiss state‐owned universities. Thus, leading private instituitions such as IMD (one of the three top business schools worldwide) or Business school Lausanne (ranked among the top 40 business schools in Europe) are not included.

It should be noted that both IMD and BSL are listed in the U.S. National Academic Recognition Information Center through CHEA (http://www.chea.org/search/actionProg.asp?seq=86316). Read more.

ISO 9001 Certification

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a standard-setting body that defines processes for quality management systems. Business School Lausanne is granted an ISO 9001 Certification recognized by businesses worldwide as a guarantee of quality. The certification assures that BSL fulfills high quality standards when meeting the needs of its customers (students) and stakeholders.