Master - full-time

Change Management

Study Change Management in Groningen and learn how to best manage organizational change in the era of transformations.

How can you embed sustainability goals into an organization's culture? What strategies are effective when employees push back during digital transformation?

In today's fast-evolving world, organizations must adapt to thrive. In the MSc Business Administration - Change Management , we teach you about the rapid shifts like digitalization, global demands for sustainability , and various crises that have reshaped the world. You will learn to apply the latest insights from research, theory, and practice to drive positive impacts on business and society.

In the programme in Groningen:

you will be prepared to manage impactful transformations, taking into consideration the organizational, technological, cultural, and human factors;
you study in a challenging and international setting ;
you work on assignments from various organisations, do company-based research and learn from practice by attending guest lectures ;
you can specialize in focus areas such as Energy transition and climate change, Future prosperity and sustainability, Healthy society, or Digitalization and AI.

Facts & Figures

Degree: MSc in Business Administration
Course type: Master
Duration: 12 months (60 EC)
Croho code: 60644
Language of instruction: English
Start: February, September
Faculty: Economics and Business

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Why study this programme in Groningen?

You gain a deep understanding of change management through diverse theoretical and practical lenses .
You can tailor your programme with a wide range of elective courses and develop key skills to navigate digital, cultural, and sustainability-driven transformations.
Learn about the dynamic interplay of organizational, technological, cultural, environmental, and human factors.
If you want to gain practical experience, you can choose to do a Master internship .
You join a vibrant community of staff, students, and expert practitioners to prepare for a global career.
The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

Programme

First semester
You will explore various change strategies and theories designed to address the complexities of organizational change, including intervention tools. Engage in company-based research to learn from real-world change management practices and analyze findings with your research team.

Second semester
You focus on the roles of change agents and managing technological adoption and resistance behaviors. You finish by writing a master's thesis on topics like: digital inclusion, transformation in SMEs, leadership in change, sustainability strategies, technological innovation in healthcare, collaborative strategies for innovation, data spaces for a circular economy, and workplace inclusion.

Throughout the year, you can choose from a variety of elective courses. Please check the course catalogue below.

	Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >	1a	1b	2a	2b
Change and Human Factors (5 EC)
Theories and Approaches of Change Management (5 EC)
Electives MSc BA Change Management (15 EC) A few examples are: Sustainability: Strategies, Innovation & Change; Digital Transformation Strategy; E-Health; Energy Transition & Innovation; Business Research and Consulting; Stress, Work Design and Team Processes. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.
Research and Skills for MSc BA (5 EC)
Change Consulting: Approaches and Instruments (5 EC)
Managing Technological Change (5 EC)
Master's Thesis (20 EC)

Programme options
Master Internship (specialization) Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study. You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester. More information about this option
Future Prosperity and Sustainability (specialization) Focus on the sustainable developments in our current society by the increasing influence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The upcoming impact of the SDGs force companies to redefine their purpose and seek a path for meaningful contribution. But, what are companies responsible for, and who bears the burden of the consequences? Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to actively contribute to the strategic developments in this dynamic field. More information about this option
Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (specialization) Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook. More information about this option
Energy Transition and Climate Change (specialization) Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector. More information about this option
Healthy Society (specialization) . You will think about designing solutions that take into account incentives of different stakeholders while also leading to a healthier population, high quality of care for citizens, contained costs, and high quality of working life for healthcare professionals. More information about this option
Leadership and Governance (specialization) The Leadership and Governance focus area provides you with a deep understanding of both macro-level governance frameworks and micro-level leadership processes. This dual approach enables you to understand the broader implications of governance and leadership, while also recognizing the conditions that shape behavior, decision-making and organizational dynamics. More information about this option

Study abroad

Study abroad is optional

A study exchange semester is not included in the one-year programme. If you wish to spend a semester abroad, you will need to extend the study period by one additional semester. Please discuss this with the programme coordinator as study exchanges are not arranged by the MSc BA - CM programme. You would need to arrange the exchange independently.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	Below you will see a table with 'transfer options'. Please check the entry requirements for your Bachelor's degree (from a research university of a university of applied sciences). This programme offers customized entry packages: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-change-management. If your degree is not mentioned in the table below, you can still apply via a Pre-Master's programme. For information on application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions Board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Specific requirements

More information

previous education

Below you will see a table with 'transfer options'. Please check the entry requirements for your Bachelor's degree (from a research university of a university of applied sciences).

This programme offers customized entry packages: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-change-management.

If your degree is not mentioned in the table below, you can still apply via a Pre-Master's programme. For information on application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions Board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

All Universities of applied sciences

Erasmus University Rotterdam

University of Groningen

Maastricht University

Wageningen University

VU University Amsterdam

Nyenrode New Business School

Utrecht University

University of Twente

Tilburg University

University of Amsterdam

Leiden University

Radboud University Nijmegen

Study programme	Organization	Transition
	All Universities of applied sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC More information: The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced the 30 EC and 45 EC Pre-Master's programmes. Depending on the HBO degree you will obtain, you will be able to follow the 30 EC or 45 EC variant. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Erasmus University Rotterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Sociology	University of Groningen	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: In addition to your BSc programme, you need a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-change-management.
International Business	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and Management	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Psychology (NL)	University of Groningen	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 25 EC More information: In addition to your BSc programme, you need a customised entry package of 25 EC. For more information, visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/customized-entry-packages/msc-ba-change-management.
Business Administration	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	University of Groningen	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Global Studies	Maastricht University	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC More information: You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.
International Business	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Business Engineering	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	Maastricht University	No additional requirements
Business Analytics	Maastricht University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Economics and Governance	Wageningen University	No additional requirements
Management and Consumer Studies	Wageningen University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
International Business Administration	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Analytics	VU University Amsterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	Nyenrode New Business School	No additional requirements
Accountancy	Nyenrode New Business School	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Economics and Business Economics	Utrecht University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
International Business Administration	University of Twente	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
International Business Administration	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Economics	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Fiscale Economie	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations Research	Tilburg University	No additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation	Tilburg University	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Fiscale Economie	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Analytics	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Business Administration	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Actuarial Science	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements
Econometrics and Data Science	University of Amsterdam	No additional requirements

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Public Administration Science	Leiden University	No additional requirements More information: For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.
Computer Science	Leiden University	No additional requirements More information: For profile Informatica & Economie.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Business Administration	Radboud University Nijmegen	No additional requirements
Economics and Business Economics	Radboud University Nijmegen	No additional requirements

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
non-EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Business Economics, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.
language test	IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).
other admission requirements	Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes .

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027
non-EU/EEA students	15 October 2025	01 February 2026
	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
	15 October 2026	01 February 2027

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 2601	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 21400	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

After your studies

Job prospects

As a graduate, you are much in demand, both in for profit and non-profit organizations. Employers value a change management profile that can bring specialized knowledge and skills to handle the multilevel interplay of strategic, organizational and human sides of change, including communication, stakeholder engagement, and using resistance.

If you take the role of a change or transformation expert , you will be in charge of organizational transformations, ensuring smooth transitions. You can also choose to specialize in consulting companies on how to align business goals with societal and environmental contributions. Consultancy is not the only path, our alumni have secured diverse roles across various organizations and sectors.

Examples of rganizations : ING, Permata Bank, NIBC, Linda Gallery, Sligro, Toyota, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, UMCG, BlinkLane Consulting.

Job examples

Senior analyst
Head of implementation
Transformation consultant
Organisational advisor
International business development manager
HR administrator
Project leader
Management trainee

Research

In Groningen, research is deeply connected to business practice, economics, and society . Some key areas of research you might explore as a student are:

stakeholder and issue management;
strategic leadership and governance;
change implementation strategies;
technology-induced changes like digital and transformation, role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and post-adoption behaviour.

Would you like to find out more about our research? Check the FEB Research Institute (FEBRI) .

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Contact

Are you a current student? Contact the Student Support Desk (FEB)
Are you a prospective student? Fill in this contact form (FEB) (We will answer your question within 72 hours.)

Please to see this video

Esther Poortstra | Change manager at ING

Please to see this video

In depth: MSc Business Administration - Change Management

Please to see this video

Study associations

Master Community - Change

Make the most of your master by getting to know your fellow students and prepare for your future career.

https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/committees

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.

The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.

https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Change Management

Why study this programme in Groningen?

Programme

Study abroad

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Transfer options

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Tuition fees

After your studies

Job prospects

Job examples

Research

Contact

Study associations

Master Community - Change

EBF

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