The International MBA runs over the course of 13 months, during which the students will take part in obligatory and elective courses.
Key competencies for professional development:
We have identified a set of essential competencies that promote the professional growth of the participants: leadership, communication, cooperation, adaptive and critical thinking, decision-making, and autonomous learning. We will work on these competencies in an integrated and cross-cutting way throughout the MBA.
Program language and elective courses optionally in English:
The International MBA is taught in Spanish, but some of elective courses are optionally run in English.
Individual project:
The program includes an individual project that the students begin in the first few weeks of the Master and work on throughout the MBA.
You will analyze and practice the competencies necessary to achieve results through and with people: ethics and sustainability, cooperation, adaptive thinking, self-awareness and self-directed learning, personal leadership, and leadership models and styles (including online and remote), teamwork, conflict treatment and management within the organization, crisis management, negotiation, motivation, communication, and skills for leading meetings and presentations, and business communication skills, with a strong emphasis on practical exercises and role-playing. This course also includes a segment focused on acquiring skills and competencies to deliver successful public presentations, as well as individual and personalized coaching sessions with an expert coach specializing in profiles like yours. Additionally, you will have individual and personalized sessions with a career advisor from our Career Services Department, specializing in MBA profiles, to help you manage and develop your professional career in line with your goals and concerns.
You will gain insight into business management by integrating various functional areas, linking short-term perspectives with long-term ones. You will analyze how companies adapt to their environments by proposing solutions to interpret competitive situations and market trends. You will understand the impact of organizational change and examine strategic implementation.
This course focuses on quantitative techniques that aid in making business decisions in complex situations. It covers topics such as linear programming, multicriteria models, queueing theory, network analysis, and decision models.
You will learn and understand the economic fundamentals of business activity through the analysis of approaches, decisions, and the evolution of the firm from an economic perspective, including exchange relations and contracts among all involved parties.
The purpose of this course is to engage you in making business decisions. You will decide on the future trajectory of an organization by managing resource allocation in a series of exercises to achieve its objectives. This course also develops managerial skills and teamwork capabilities.
You will learn to calculate the costs of products, services, departments, activities, and processes of any company, as well as to develop budgetary and management control.
You will delve into conducting pre-marketing plan analyses and various applications of market research. Additionally, you will address sales management and the elements defining marketing strategy, aiding in the creation of a marketing plan.
Referencing product design and process selection in production and service companies, this subject will delve into total quality management (TQM), capacity planning, location methods, inventory management, forecasting, time series analysis, independent demand, economic order quantity, and dependent demand: MRP and JIT, among other topics.
Recognizing the paramount competitive advantage that people's roles currently hold in a company, you will delve into planning and organization, selection, training, and promotion, job analysis and evaluation, performance appraisal, and compensation systems. These elements allow understanding the functioning of this area and designing a policy suitable to the company's needs.
The aim is to master various planning tools and project viability analysis, as well as analytical techniques of financial statements in the study of annual accounts. You will be able to diagnose the economic-financial situation and evolution of companies and will develop and interpret provisional balances, generated cash flows, and cash flow budgets. The subject also covers alternatives to access financial resources and delves into the various investment options available to top management: stock market, financial futures, financial options, and fixed-income investment alternatives.
This subject describes the main information technology and telecommunications resources available to businesses. You will understand information processing and its impact on functional areas and organizational processes, decision support systems, integration with strategy, and its relationship with the human team.
Its core is the analysis of global and specific aspects of product, market, and channel strategies in consumer, industrial, and service markets. You will analyze comprehensive marketing strategies and plans of various companies, sectors, and environments, and their relationship with the organization's overall strategy.
Tools for analyzing a company's operations are used to align its outputs with top management's strategic choices. Different levers available to Production Management to improve processes are analyzed. Specifically, topics such as operations in service companies, purchasing systems, and international operations are addressed. You will understand the strategy and methods of aggregate planning, short-term scheduling, project planning and control, distribution network logistics, transportation planning, information systems, and applications for operations management, interaction with other functional areas, and integration into the strategy.
This subject deals with the opportunities and threats of managing a company in different countries. You will learn about topics such as the internationalization process of the company, competition in globalized environments, cross-cultural interactions, and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.
The purpose is to engage you in making business decisions. You will decide on the future trajectory of the organization by managing resource allocation in a series of exercises to achieve its objectives. You will also develop managerial skills and teamwork capabilities.
You will delve into investment and financing fundamentals and their relationship with macroeconomic aspects, as well as the criteria for integrating financial concepts into business strategy and planning.
As part of the cross-cutting subject Leadership and Management Development, the International MBA includes a weekend retreat in a mountain hotel in this third trimester. Team-building activities will be conducted with the aim of identifying roles and leadership qualities and improving managerial and team management skills. directivas y de gestión de equipos.
Takes place at one of the international business schools with which UPF-BSM maintains collaboration agreements. This week will give you the opportunity to experience an international setting and learn about business in different environments.
This course explores Bitcoin and blockchain technology, delving into their workings, decentralized services, and the recognition of cryptoassets across jurisdictions.
Analyzing value-based organizations, or companies 3.0, this course emphasizes their role in defining corporate DNA to mitigate strategic risks. Participants take on the role of board members to analyze strategic risks, utilizing methodologies from experts.
Through a study trip, participants immerse themselves in an innovation hub, examining real-life case studies and exchanging insights on the international business landscape.
Covering advanced data analytics, this course teaches Python analysis, visualizations, and artificial intelligence implementation, alongside understanding predictive analytics and machine learning concepts.
This course enhances public speaking skills through theory-practice fusion, emphasizing effective structure, non-verbal communication, and confidence-building via real-time feedback.
Exploring digital technologies' impact on efficiency and innovation, this course evaluates strategy, growth, and innovation's interconnectedness within business ecosystems.
Professionalizing negotiation processes in international projects is essential, addressed in the Sustainability and Negotiation course to equip leaders for sustainable negotiations in a global context.
Through critical analysis, this course evaluates finance and banking practices' responses to industry challenges, addressing ecological balance, cultural diversity, social welfare, and economic inequality.
Aimed at understanding impactful entrepreneurship, this course covers identifying social needs, business opportunities, triple bottom line business models, and concepts of Theory of Change and social impact measurement.
Technology and new forms of work are redefining management and value generation processes within companies. This course presents examples, challenges, and tools to change the way value is created in the enterprise.
This course provides the knowledge and tools necessary to evaluate business opportunities from legal, financial, and business perspectives. Topics include partnership agreements, statutes, financing criteria, and critical aspects of business, supported by examples and practical cases.
From idea conceptualization to selling, closing, or consolidating, this course guides entrepreneurs through the business process. It explores technical concepts, methodologies, and is illustrated with examples and practical cases.
Every competitive company needs to make agile and strategic decisions, which requires implementing advanced business analytics. This course provides an overview of available tools in the market and demonstrates, through practical cases, the significant cost savings they can generate.
This course addresses how to align the potential of employees with the organization's strategic objectives. It focuses on managing culture, teams, and individuals, presenting a comprehensive Talent Management strategy supported by key practices that every manager must master and implement.
At the beginning of the program, you will define the individual project (TFM) that you will work on during the International MBA. It should address a real business challenge and allow you to develop skills in business analysis and diagnosis, as well as formulate viable proposals for implementation.
Once the program has been completed, students will be awarded the Màster Universitari en Administració i Direcció d'Empreses / Master in Business Administration (MBA) - Máster Universitario en Administración y Dirección de Empresas / Master in Business Administration (MBA), issued by the Pompeu Fabra University.
Official Master's Degree: The amount stipulated in the DOGC (Official Gazette of the Generalitat de Catalunya) must be paid for the rights to issue the degree certificate. This fee varies annually and the amount in force at the time of requesting the degree certificate will be applied.
The International MBA also includes the possibility of participating in practical activities and activities for personal and professional growth such as:
- The International Study Trips are short stays that will allow students to get to know other realities within the framework of the world of business. Previously we have visited Shanghai (China) or London (United Kingdom), among others.
- The MBA Challenge, a four-day competition in which you will have the opportunity to work on a real challenge from a large corporation. Companies such as La Fageda, the Oncology Foundation of Catalonia, the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, and the Josep Carreras Foundation have already entrusted their cases to UPF-BSM participants.
- Bootcamps
- CV, LinkedIn, Speed Networking, Talent Up, and interview workshops
- Sessions on self-knowledge and self-assessment skills based on Steelter test
- Inspirational Talks Series with CEOs, VPs and enterpreneurs
- Visits to companies, innovation hubs, and accelerators
- Sporting competitions with school students (MSc, etc.)
- Workshops for entrepreneurs/diversity management
- English classes. Business English
- Activities with the UPF-BSM community
- Attending 4YFN/MWC, Smart City
- UPF-BSM Inside: is a group of interdisciplinary subjects (applied data, communication, creativity, innovation and project management, sustainability and leadership among others) that, if you take this program, you can access at no additional cost. They are 100% online and you can take them throughout the academic year at your own pace, as they have been designed as self-study subjects.
The full-time MBA is aimed at university graduates, with a minimum experience of three years, who wish to extend their previous university education and boost their professional career.
The program is designed to also respond to entrepreneurs who want to consolidate their business project or who want to make it grow.
Those participants who do not have Spanish as one of their mother tongues or who did not have it as a teaching language in their training studies, must prove that they have at least a B2 level of Spanish (Common European Framework of Reference), as well as fluently take part in a personal interview with the academic director, if necessary.
Although not essential, a good level of English is highly valued by the Admissions Committee.
Our admission process consists of a rigorous evaluation of each application in order to preserve the quality of the group, as well as the quality of the training and the experience, and understand the work capacity of the students.
UPF Barcelona School of Management offers you different methods of financing so that you can take any of our programs without worries. We offer you the opportunity of financing part of your program either by rewarding your talent through scholarships, through aid from entities dedicated to promoting education, or through collaboration agreements with financial entities.
The International MBA is designed for national and international professionals with at least 3 years’ experience. These participants share a drive to acquire strategic and business management skills.
This program gives a global and innovative perspective of management, ensuring that our students will have the solid academic foundations on which to build their professional future.
Comprehensive program for professionals with experience:
This International MBA is designed for professionals with at least 3 years’ experience working in the field, who are looking to boost their career or start their own venture.
On this Master, you will gain a holistic and functional overview of all the areas that form a company, developing the specific skills and knowledge required for executive positions.
Flexibility and personalization in teaching:
The program is flexible and personalized, enabling you to customize your own syllabus to incorporate contents on innovation, business development, sustainability and leadership.
Tools for skills development:
The International MBA includes individual coaching sessions, development and personal branding workshops, and activities run by the Professional Careers Department.
Moreover, you will have a mentor who will guide you throughout the development of your thesis right from the first day to ensure that you get the absolute most out of your studies.
International experience and practical learning:
You will have the opportunity to have an international experience at a European business school and take part in a study trip to Stockholm to gain an insight into innovative business realities.
Commitment to sustainability and business ethics:
Sustainability, business ethics, culture and humanism are integrated within the program through practical case studies, conferences and seminars, underlining the importance of social responsibility and diversity management in the business world.
Prestige and recognition:
The International MBA has the full backing of the Pompeu Fabra University, the top Spanish university and fifteenth best worldwide (under 50 years of age) according to the Times Higher Education ranking.
It should be highlighted that the UPF-BSM is accredited by EQUIS, the most prestigious institutional accreditation for business schools at a global level.
Boost your professional career:
The International MBA will be a springboard for your professional career, ensuring that you develop the skills and knowledge demanded by companies and organizations in different sectors.
Through the Careers Department, you will have access to the UPF-BSM’s Employment Exchange. A Career Advisor will give you personalized support to help you achieve your professional growth goals.
*The program does not include internships.
The UPF-BSM is accredited by EQUIS, an international seal of quality that verifies the high standard of our institution, making us the first management school in Spain affiliated to a public university to obtain this accreditation.
The sessions of the International MBA are run at our Balmes building, right at the heart of Barcelona, a city famous for its innovation and business creativity. You will have the chance to learn at a school with excellent links to the business community in the Catalan capital, taking full advantage of all the opportunities that it offers.
You will have the opportunity to study with a highly respected faculty formed of executives from leading companies and acclaimed lecturers with extensive experience in the Economics and Business Department of the Pompeu Fabra University.
The International MBA combines theoretical sessions with a practical approach, applying innovative, interactive methodologies, such as business simulations, equipping you to make strategic decisions a step before your competitors. All the contents are right up-to-date, enabling you to adapt to the current standards and keep up with the very latest trends.
You can design a personalized leadership and executive skills development plan with individual coaching sessions, activities run by the Professional Careers Department, and a mentor who will accompany you throughout the development of your Master’s Thesis.
The International MBA is a program aimed at university graduates, both national and international, who have recently started their career. People with a minimum professional experience of three years, who want to take a step forward in their profession or start their own business.
The UPF Barcelona School of Management is the management school of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), the 3rd best public university in Spain according to the Times Higher Education ranking. It is the best Spanish university, 10th in Europe, and in the Top 20 worldwide in its 2023 ranking of the best young universities.
UPF Barcelona School of Management has EQUIS accreditation, the most prestigious institutional recognition for business schools globally, and places itself among the top business schools in the world.
The International MBA has AMBA accreditation from the Association of MBAs, which recognizes UPF-BSM for its academic quality and reputation.
The International MBAMBA is an official master's degree and has the academic recognition of the Ministry of Education of the Government of Spain. The Quality Agency of the University System of Catalonia (AQU) has also institutionally accredited UPF-BSM. This accreditation certifies all the official master's degrees that we teach and recognizes the quality of our educational model in accordance with the criteria of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
A diverse and enriching ecosystem:
The ecosystem of the International MBA is formed by young professionals with a high potential for growth or the desire to start their own venture.
The diversity of profiles and sectors represented (entrepreneurship, finance, consultancy, law, management, team leadership, engineering, science, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, banking, etc.) generates added value for your learning. The geographical and cultural origin of the participants, at both a national and international level, will enhance your learning experience and enable you to build a solid network of contacts.
The UPF-BSM International MBA is taught by management professionals from leading companies and professors of recognized international prestige from the Department of Economics and Business at Pompeu Fabra University. This ensures high-level training, combining conceptual aspects and practical approaches.
The UPF-BSM International MBA program is made up of different evaluation systems according to each subject: exams, group work, individual work, and the individual Master's Final Project.
- Assistant to the General Directors of companies and organizations of all kinds.
- Venture Capital Manager, Private Equity Manager, and Strategic Consultant.
- Management positions in any of the functional areas of a company: marketing, finance, human resources, production, etc.
- Entrepreneur.
- Intrapreneur: spearheading new projects within your organization.
The International MBA combines core contents, essential for any position of responsibility, with specific contents personalized with the participant’s mentor depending on their competencies and professional project.
Practical and professional growth activities:
The program gives you the chance to take part in practical exercises and activities to boost your personal and professional growth, such as bootcamps, international study visits, the Social Impact Challenge and business simulations.
The UPF Barcelona School of Management’s International MBA is an official Master designed for students with an international profile. The program is accredited by the AMBA and has the backing of the acclaimed Pompeu Fabra University.
- Miguel Ángel Guisado
Author of "Presento, luego existo". Trainer and speaker on technical, business, project, and sales presentations. - August Mabilon Puig
Partner in SDG Group. PDD from IESE. - Bet Matoses
Expert in Service Design and Design Thinking, specializing in the design of brand, product and service strategies with a fully digital approach. Bachelor’s Degree in Political Sciences and Administration from Pompeu Fabra University and Degree in Industrial Design from IED. - Diana Pinos
Consultant, trainer, and expert in Design Thinking. Lecturer at UPF in Innovation and Design Thinking. - Albert Solè
CaixaBank. Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from UB, MBA from ESADE, and APC from Stern School of Business at NYU.
International MBA