Company project BScBA of great added value for students

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BScBA) has again (as in 2018 and 2019) been voted the best study program in the Netherlands by the Keuzegids Universiteiten 2020 (Universities Selection Guide) in the category International Business. According to the Keuzegids, the study program stands head and shoulders above the other bachelors in the sector Economy & Business. The program scored 86 out of 100 points and can call itself ‘Top Program’.

Because of the Coronacrisis, there was no student questionnaire (Nationale Studenten Enquête, NSE) last year. The huge impact of the pandemic on education could have skewed the results of the NSE. As a result, the new ranking is quite similar to last year. Still, because of the extra attention for the good results achieved by students and elimination of expert opinions, a number of things stand out.

Connection between theory and practice

The Keuzegids says the following about the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BScBA) program: “It provides a good connection between theory and practice by having students carry out analyses for real companies. Nyenrode focus on this skill set in the form of company projects. The project allows students to either start their own business, set up a consultancy project or engage in social entrepreneurship.” The program got maximum scores on the criteria program, testing, lecturers, practical orientation and feasibility.

Maren Smulders, BScBA program director: “With our intensive academic program, we prepare students for a future leading role in business. Our students indicate, among other things, that they are most satisfied with the content of the program. We not only focus on scientific knowledge, but feel that practical skills and personal development are also important. We see the method as a combination of ‘Head, Heart, and Hands’.”

Connection with professional practice

In the category Fiscal Economics, the part-time program BSc in Accountancy was reviewed. The program has a strong focus on accountancy and bookkeeping and, unlike the other programs reviewed, only focuses on accounting. The accountancy students come in for classes one day a week, at one of the eight locations in the country (Breukelen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven, Breda, Arnhem, or Zwolle), and work at an accountancy firm the remaining four days. The students are very satisfied with the size of the group and the connection between the study program and professional practice. Compared to last year, the scores for skills learned and practical orientation have improved.