Overview
Would you like to stand out in the international job market? Do you already have an undergraduate degree from a university or university of applied sciences? Would you like to earn a British Master’s degree while studying in English in Finland?
HELBUS offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, awarded by the University of Northampton (UoN), UK. Through this partnership, students study in Finland at HELBUS but are enrolled as UoN students, following a curriculum aligned with UoN’s standards and policies. The programme is fully compliant with UK quality assurance requirements and is officially recognised as a British Master’s degree, overseen by the UK Office for Students.
At HELBUS, learners can complete the University of Northampton’s (UoN) MBA programme either in 12 months in the full-time programme, or 24 months in the part-time programme. The content of the studies is the same, however, the structure of studies differs.
The Active Blended Learning approach
Active Blended Learning is the University of Northampton’s innovative approach to teaching and learning, which has gained widespread recognition. This method combines highly interactive on-site and online sessions with independent study and assignment preparation, supported by academic skills development. This approach keeps students actively engaged and participating throughout their entire course of study.
Structure of the studies – full-time vs part-time
| Full-time | Part-time | |
| Intakes | September | September, January & May |
| Recommended workload for studies (incl. classes & independent study) | ~30h/week | ~15h/week |
| On-site sessions | 4 – 6 days / month | 2 – 3 days / month |
| Recommended for | Students who are not in full-time employment & can focus on studying full-time | Students who work full-time, but can dedicate part of their working week to study. |
All on-site sessions are held at our campus in Etu-Töölö, Helsinki. In addition to these, there are more frequent online sessions. Classes are typically scheduled towards the end of the week, with occasional Saturday sessions. On-site days usually run from 9:00 to 16:30 and are more concentrated at the beginning of the term. As the term progresses, the focus shifts towards independent study and preparing for assignments. We recommend at least 75% attendance to maximise the learning experience.
New cohorts start in September, January and May, however, the full-time programme only starts in September. The initial two months of each intake require the highest level of attendance and commitment.
What happens in the study sessions?
In the sessions, instructors guide the class and teach according to their chosen pedagogic method. Our international faculty each teach in their own personal, yet interactive style, allowing for a rich student experience. The on-site sessions include interactive lectures, discussions and group work. Online sessions utilise the UoN virtual learning platform, enabling active discussion, interaction, and group collaboration. Instructors may also use other co-creation tools according to the needs of the module. Online sessions are recorded, enabling students to refer back to them when needed. The teaching methods used depend on the situation and the instructor, ranging from Harvard case methodology to interactive facilitation.
At the beginning of the programme, students are divided into small teams. These teams collaborate on group activities during class and independent study, sharing ideas and supporting each other. These teams play a crucial role in a student’s experience, often forming friendships that last a lifetime.
Independent study
MBA studies also involve a large component of independent study, which is supported not only in teams, but also through one-to-one tutorials, allowing for personal support in study. All modules also have reading lists to help deepen learners’ understanding on their own time. Textbooks and e-books are mostly used only for clarifying concepts and theories. If the subject area is new to a student, it is recommended that they familiarise themselves with the topics beforehand. Incorporating independent reading time into the study routine is advisable, allowing students to explore the extensive database of available resources.
You may be eligible to apply for the MBA programme if you have completed (or are nearing completion of) an undergraduate degree in business or management. Applicants with degrees in other fields may also apply if they can demonstrate a strong interest in business and management in their motivation letter and CV. Even without a prior degree, you may still be considered for admission if you can show relevant managerial experience. (Previous work experience is not required for those with an existing business degree.) Learn more about the entry requirements.
There are three intakes for the programme: September, January and May. Learn more about application deadlines.
If interested, please register via our application service here and start filling in your application. In the section ‘choose programme’, select ‘Master’s programme’.
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