Microdegrees

TAKE THE LEAD!

We would like to announce that starting from the autumn semester 2023, EBS nanodegree programmes will be renamed microdegree programmes. Nanodegrees acquired until autumn 2023 will remain valid with their former name and value (15 EAP).

The current developments in society and economy put the focus of education on the independent and self-directed learner. Next to classic degree programs, opportunities to rapidly improve previously acquired skills and abilities are becoming increasingly important.

Estonian Business School was the first Estonian university to offer microdegree programmes (previously called nanodrgees) . EBS’ microdegrees are mostly master’s study learning modules, focusing mainly on five areas:  sustainability and green economy, digital transformations, communication and marketing, management and leadership, finance and accounting. Starting in autumn 2023 we have 2 new microdegrees for participants who do not have university degrees yet.

"When designing microdegrees, we are guided by the principle that we create and adapt them according to the challenges of the labour market," explains Jim Seltenrijch, Head of master’s studies at EBS.

Why is microdegree programme good for you?

1 The rapidly changing working life requires updated knowledge and skills, even if you already have a master's degree

2 An in-depth course in a specific field allows you to acquire modern knowledge with a future perspective

3 A systematic and short study period (9 weeks) allows you to acquire skills and knowledge at a pace that favours the formation of new habits, whilst fitting into your work schedule

4 Expand your horizons and business network – the study group includes experts with deep professional know-how and people with at least three years of management experience

5 Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded an EBS microdegree certificate with a value of 15 ECTS, which you can transfer to the curriculum of any university in the world and continue with graduate studies if you wish.

How will your company benefit?
1 An employee with modern skills is a valuable investment for the company, both when updating existing skills and if acquiring new skills
2 The student can connect the homework done within the programme with their professional life, so many real business challenges can be solved
3 Employee development plays an important role in the company's value proposition.

Autumn 2023   
 

• Green Transition and Sustainable Economy Foundations  (started)

• Digital Innovation and Transformations (started)
• Sustainable and Green Finance (on Fridays and Saturdays from October 21 until December 15-16, 2023)  
  Microdegree is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable and green finance, and how it can be used to support environmentally friendly and socially responsible investments. By the end of the course, participants will be able to analyze, evaluate and support sustainable and green investments.  Join our comprehensive course to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills. Start making a difference in your organization and the world.
• Business Innovation and Strategy (on Fridays and Saturdays from October 21 until December 15-16, 2023)
  Through this module, the participants will master the concepts, tools and strategies for driving growth within organisations through business innovation. It will capture the participants’ passion for new ideas, products, services, and technologies and help them become true innovation leaders who will succeed in their business innovation projects.
• Management and Marketing in the International Business Environment  (during working days and working hours in period September- December; the new programme starts on September 2024)
  This bachelor-level micro-degree provides an overview of the key issues and challenges of international economics, management and marketing and is designed for those interested in starting an international business career and does not require prior knowledge of business or economics. 
• Core Competencies in Finance and Accounting (during working days and working hours in period September- December; the new programme starts on September 2024)
  The bachelor-level microdegree is designed for those interested in starting an international career in finance. The content is aligned to the equivalent topics in the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Applied Skills exams and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level 1 requirements. Participants are required to have a basic knowledge of accounting and principles of finance. 

Spring 2024 

• Going Green: Company-Level Changes is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive sustainable development at the company level. The aim of the module is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle environmental and social issues and to drive sustainable development at the company level while maintaining business profitability.
  Lecturers: Kerli Kant Hvass, Mehruba Haque, Katri Kerem, Mari Kooskora + guest lectures.
  Programme starts in mid-January, 2024
• Data-Based Decision-Making and Leadership.  In the newest module, you will be given the overview of data-based decision-making together with the tools for developing the skills as an aspiring or current manager. 
  This programme is designed to empower emerging leaders and high-level managers with the essential skills for data-based decision-making and effective leadership. The program covers key topics such as data analytics, strategic planning, and organizational change management. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, participants will gain actionable insights to drive business growth and operational efficiency. Ideal for professionals in the ICT, manufacturing, and financial sectors, this course bridges the gap between data science and practical business applications. 
  Programme starts January 19, 2024
• Strategic Communication. A comprehensive module that provides a thorough understanding of strategic communication and its crucial components and gives a hands on learning experience via practical tasks. The aim of the module is to prepare students with an interest in marketing to utilize and harness the techniques, media and tools of professional communication.
  Lecturers: Scott Abel, Piret Masso, Katri Kerem, Scott Diel
  Time frame: Aprill 11 until May 25, 2024.  The programme will be delivered during 4 weekends (Fridays and Saturdays, except the first meeting on Thursday, April 11.
• Leadership in Digital Era. In a rapidly changing digital landscape, leaders must be adaptable and comfortable with uncertainty. Our programme focuses on acquiring 21st-century skills to thrive in a volatile, complex, and ambiguous world. Topics covered include leadership and management concepts, impactful communication and presentation skills, creative and playful leadership approaches, and managing diverse global teams. Through real-life capstone projects, students gain hands-on experience and work closely with business executives to provide innovative solutions. 
  Lecturers: Ester Eomois, Annemarie Steen, Merle Liisu Lindma.
  Time frame: Aprill 11 until May 25, 2024.  The programme will be delivered during 4 weekends (Fridays and Saturdays, except the first meeting on Thursday, April 11.

Study format
 

Studies are in a session-based format, which allows to study without interrupting your professional life. Lectures and seminars take place every second week on Fridays and Saturdays between 10:00-17:15 during nine weeks. Active learning takes place in the classroom through discussions, groupworks and practical tasks. Group dynamics and communication are an integral part of learning, and that's why we put a lot of emphasis on it. In between school days, you need to contribute to your studies by preparing for lectures or seminars.

Registration

EBS will open registration for the new microdegree programmes twice a year- by the end of June 2023 and the end of December 2023. 

Programme registration goes via MyEBS  (login, add microdegree to the shopping cart)  and starts on December 2023 for spring 2024 programmes and  July 1, 2024 and for autumn 2024 progammes. If you cannot add the microdegree to your shopping cart yet, then you have not probably passed a consultation first. We are recommending to book your online consultation before that date.  Registration is open until 72 h before the first lecture of the programme or until there are free seats available.
NB! If you intend to take a microdegree (or any Open university short-term courses), you will not be issued a residence permit for studies. A residence permit for studying is issued only for studies leading to a degree. 

Prerequisites for master level microdegrees

• Bachelor's Degree
• Have at least 3 years of work experience in business, entrepreneurship or economics sector. We value both people and process management experience.
• Sufficient proficiency in English (B2)
• Passed consultation with EBS consultant

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• For EBS alumni or previous EBS continuing education participants (Open University), please use your current EBS account in MyEBS.  
• For the prospective learner for microdegrees only, please book and online consultation or write to avatudulikool@ebs.ee 
• For starting master's studies at EBS, please write to admission admission@ebs.ee

We encourage you to register for consultation if:

• You doubt whether your previous work experience or education is compatible with your chosen microdegree;
• You are choosing between several courses or programmes s want more information or support to make the right choice;
• You want more information about the registration process, organisation of studies or the financing of studies.  
  The personal online consultation lasts for up to 30 minutes. The consultation language is Estonian or English

NB! If you intend to take a microdegree (or any Open university short-term courses), you will not be issued a residence permit for studies. A residence permit for studying is issued only for studies leading to a degree.