Please note :  start date minor 31/08/2026

Are you ready to lead with purpose in the 21st century?

In a world facing complex challenges and rapid change, the ability to inspire others with both a business mindset and a social vision is more vital than ever. The leaders of tomorrow are those who can balance profit with purpose—those who understand that Business and Society are not separate, but deeply connected.

The Business & Society program is designed to equip you with the leadership, strategic, and critical thinking skills needed to navigate and influence today’s global landscape. Alongside core themes such as sustainability, inequality, and innovation, we delve into the dynamics of global society and world politics. You will critically examine how power, policy, and international cooperation shape the issues businesses and communities face today—from climate change to geopolitical conflict and global justice.

Throughout this program, you will:

• Develop your understanding of diversity and leadership, business strategy, sustainable innovation, and consumer behavior.
• Work in international and multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world cases for companies and policymakers.
• Learn how to translate research and analysis into actionable, competitive business solutions that address real social challenges.

We also emphasize the importance of local impact. You will engage with local entrepreneurs, learn how they build socially responsible businesses, and contribute directly to the Rotterdam community. For example, you’ll explore the city’s innovative approach to multifunctional roofs, working in collaboration with the Municipality of Rotterdam, a global frontrunner in sustainable urban development.

A key feature of the program is a case competition, where all teams will develop and present their business solutions for a real business challenge. Your ideas will be judged by an external jury—and may the best team win!

As part of our commitment to your development as a future-focused leader, we also offer a valuable bonus:
You’ll receive free certification in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the international standard for sustainability reporting. GRI helps businesses, governments, and institutions measure and communicate their impact on critical global issues such as climate change, human rights, and corruption.

Business & Society is more than a program—it’s a platform to grow as a leader, challenge your thinking, and shape a future where business success and societal progress go hand in hand.

👉 Start following our page: (3) Minor Business & Society: Company Page Admin | LinkedIn

The Business & Society minor spans 14 weeks only, including time for all assessments. The program is structured around several core modules, some of which run concurrently, while others follow in sequence.

Two key modules—Global Society & World Politics and Diversity & Leadership—run throughout the entire 14 weeks. These provide a continuous foundation for understanding global challenges and leadership in diverse contexts.

The remaining modules are scheduled sequentially:

• Business & Consumer Behavior (4 weeks):
• Sustainable Business Innovation (7 weeks):
• Business Strategy & Skills (3 weeks)

This structure ensures a balanced mix of ongoing reflection and intensive focus, allowing students to build both breadth and depth in key areas of business and society.

General learning objectives of this program

o   Think critically and analytically about complex global, business, and societal challenges.

o   Collaborate effectively in diverse, multicultural teams to develop practical and innovative solutions.

o   Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world cases by engaging with businesses, institutions, and current global issues.

o   Reflect on your personal and professional development, including leadership style, intercultural awareness, and emotional intelligence.

o   Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively, both in written reports and professional presentations to internal and external audiences.

Note: Are you an external student?
Then you must first obtain permission from your own study program in order to take this minor.

Want to apply?
Then check the learning agreement for the next steps you need to follow.

The minor is intended for 4th year students of RBS, 3rd or 4th year students of partner universities and other economic/business management programs of applied universities.

The following students can be admitted:

• Students who successfully completed courses of Marketing and/or International Business Management within their applied university program.
• Level of English must be CEFR level B2.
• IBC skills (presentation and report writing). 

Literature

The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations, 9th Edition, ISBN: 9780192898142

Schedule
Class hours are mostly planed between 08:30 and 17:00. For our minor, we asked for a schedule on Monday, Tuesday & Fridays. Wednesday & Thursday are no classes so you can work on your projects & homework.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THIS!  the schedule is always SUBJECT TO CHANGE, however we strive for 3 days only and on those days of the week.

Attendance Policy

Due to the intensive and condensed nature of this program, attendance is mandatory for all modules and classes. The curriculum is designed to deliver a substantial amount of content and skills in a relatively short period of time . As such, regular and active participation is essential for students to successfully meet the learning objectives.

Requirements:

•  Students are required to attend all scheduled sessions for each module, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and group activities.
• A minimum attendance rate of 80% per module is mandatory, unless stated otherwise.
• Absences will only be excused in the case of valid, documented reasons, such as medical emergencies or other personal circumstances.
• Unexcused absences may lead to:

o     Exclusion from module assessments

o     A failing grade for the module

o     Loss of eligibility for resit opportunities

Monitoring:

• Attendance is tracked systematically and may be recorded via sign-in sheets, digital check-ins, or other official means.
• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their attendance is correctly registered.

Rationale:

The accelerated structure of the program means that missing even a few sessions can significantly impact a student’s ability to grasp key concepts and complete assignments effectively. The strict attendance policy is in place to ensure all students are given the best possible opportunity to succeed and to maintain a high standard of academic integrity and engagement.

Schedule
Class hours are mostly planed between 08:30 and 17:00. For our minor, we asked for a schedule on Monday, Tuesday & Fridays. Wednesday & Thursday are no classes so you can work on your projects & homework. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THIS!  the schedule is always SUBJECT TO CHANGE, however we strive for 3 days only and on those days of the week.

Assessments 
The assessment criteria for all modules of our minor are designed to evaluate both collaborative and independent learning. Please note the following requirements:

• Standard Assessment Format: For nearly all modules, grading is based strictly on individual assignments, team-based projects, and oral presentations.
• Exception: The module Global Society & World Politics is the only course that includes an in-class case study examination in addition to the standard assignments.

Please note that 90% of our students are international students. All continents are represented. It’s a unique opportunity to engage in this international setting. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Are you a student from another educational institution and would you like to follow a minor at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences? If so, you must apply in two steps:

Step 1
Register for the minor of your choice via the blue Apply button. You can find this button at the top right of the minor’s page.
Download the learning agreement and complete it.
Submit this learning agreement to the examination board of your study programme.

Once the examination board has granted approval, register for the minor in Step 2 no later than 01-07-2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Step 2
After approval, register via OSIRIS Application of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences using the link below (first create an account). 

Click here: Osiris Aanmelding

Part of the application process is uploading the following documents:

• The learning agreement, signed by you and by your institution;
• A scan or photo of your passport or ID card.

You will be informed by Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences whether your application has been approved.

In OSIRIS Application, you must also upload the Proof of Paid Tuition Fee (BBC) for the academic year in which you wish to follow the minor. This can be done from 01 May 2026 onwards. You can request the BBC from your institution after you have signed or issued an authorization for the payment of the tuition fee for the relevant academic year. You may also choose the option for your institution to send the BBC directly to collegegeld@hr.nl

You will receive a notification from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences once your application has been approved.

Minor Choice Week | 2–5 March 2026

Online minor information sessions
Attend an online information session for this minor! View the programme and register here.

Minor fair
This minor will be present at the minor fair. Will you join us? View the programme and register here.

Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Time: 4:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Kralingse Zoom