In an increasingly competitive international education market, the question of how to stand out and provide students with the confidence that they have made the right choice is a pressing one. Accreditations are becoming increasingly important to prospective university students, as an awarded quality label assures them that the education they will receive is academically strong, has an international perspective and is closely connected to the business world. The School of Business and Governance's International Business Administration programme, which is taught in English, has been awarded the prestigious EFMD accreditation, which recognises these strengths.
What does EFMD accreditation mean?
EFMD accreditation is a prestigious international quality label for business education programmes and higher education institutions. Above all, it signifies reliability. "For current students, it means a high-quality, well-designed learning experience. For prospective students, it indicates that the programme provides more than just a degree; it offers a comprehensive development environment,” confirms Programme Director Marianne Kallaste, adding: “The curriculum does not focus solely on subject-specific knowledge, but also supports students personal and professional development, the two of which go hand in hand in the programme. To achieve this, interdisciplinary courses and modern teaching methods are integrated into the studies.”
From a graduate’s perspective, the quality label means a strong position in the labour market. From society’s perspective, it means alumni who are ready to act responsibly in an international environment, explains Kallaste. She adds that the accreditation also ensures that the curriculum is systematically structured with clear learning outcomes that are aligned with labour market needs.
For employers and partners in different countries, the quality label indicates that the graduate has studied on a programme that meets internationally recognised standards. “The programme is taught by lecturers with international experience, and students operate daily in a multicultural environment where fellow students come from all over the world, from Finland and Georgia to Japan and India,” she explains.
Consequently, students gain experience in cross-cultural collaboration during their studies, develop their use of professional English in a business context and hone their communication and self-expression skills, as well as their readiness for teamwork, adaptability and professional self-management.
Practice that goes beyond paper
One of the key features of EFMD accreditation is the strong focus on practical experience. In this programme, practical experience is an integral part of the curriculum. “This is supported by various forms of learning, such as guest lectures by practitioners, company visits, case studies and projects that address real organisational challenges,” explains the Programme Director.
She also highlights the professional internship, which gives students the chance to apply their knowledge in practice. “Our goal is for students to see, even during their studies, how theoretical knowledge is connected to management situations that arise in organisations.”
The lecturers' practical experience also plays an important role, providing up-to-date examples and a business perspective to enrich the learning process. This gives students a better understanding of the skills and attitudes actually needed in working life and eases their transition from university to the labour market.
Quality as a Continuous Process
EFMD accreditation is not permanent recognition, but rather part of a continuous quality management process. According to Kallaste, one of the greatest strengths of the accreditation process is that it encourages a systematic, holistic view of the programme. “The most recent and ongoing development direction is an emphasis on coherence in the curriculum, ensuring that the learning outcomes of each course, its assessment and its teaching methods are clearly aligned. We have also increased the proportion of practical examples used in teaching,” she says. She notes that these steps further strengthen the connection between theory and practice, ensuring that the curriculum remains up to date in a rapidly changing business environment.
Explore the International Business Administration programme and submit your application