Study change management in Groningen and learn how to best manage organizational change in the era of transformations.
Organizations rely on change management for survival, creating an exciting demand for skilled change experts who can craft and manage these impactful transformations in business and our society. In Groningen, you will learn to deal with the complexity of change as a dynamic interplay of organizational, technological, cultural, and human factors. You study in an international and challenging environment in which you develop a solid understanding of the diversity in theories and approaches but also learn from practice. You get to apply in real-life situations what you study by conducting company-based research, attending guest lectures, and working on business cases given by various organizations.
The programme is proud to have a lively and active community with students from many different countries and lecturers and alumni who are open to sharing their knowledge and expertise to prepare you for your future career.
The programme offers many opportunities to specialize in a certain field by taking a Focus area in Energy, Sustainable Society, or Digital Business. Dive deeper into these highly relevant topics in our society and your future career.
In the first semester, you will learn about different change strategies and theories that have been developed to deal with the complex reality of organizational change, including intervention tools. You develop critical thinking skills by studying approaches from a theoretical, philosophical, and historical context. To learn from change management in practice, you will conduct company-based research and analyze your findings with your research team.
In the second semester, you will learn about change agents and
their roles and how you can manage technological adoption and
resistance behaviours. For example, you might analyze how a company
adopted digital tools to transform its operations or explore
strategies for cultural integration after a merger. You finish by
writing a master's thesis on topics such as digital inclusion in
digitally-enabled societies, transformation in SMEs, CEOs as
leaderships of change, implementation of sustainability strategies
within organizations, technological innovation in healthcare,
collaborative strategies for innovation and change, data spaces for
a circular economy, humour and inclusion in the workplace, among
others.
Throughout the year, you can take elective courses in business
ethics, sustainability, energy transition, digital transformation
strategy, and stress and health in the workplace, just to name a
few. Check the course catalogue for the complete list.
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 BA Change Management (20 EC) |
Programme options |
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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. |
Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area (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. |
Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (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. |
Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (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. |
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.
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
International Business | 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 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. |
Sociology | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Econometrics and Operations Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
International Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam | 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 Analytics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Business Engineering | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Global Studies | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Accountancy | Nyenrode New Business School | No additional requirements |
Business Administration | Nyenrode New Business School | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
International Business Administration | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Economics | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Actuarial Science | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Business Administration | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Business Analytics | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Data Science | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
International Business Administration | University of Twente | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Economics and Business Economics | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Management and Consumer Studies | Wageningen University | No additional requirements |
Economics and Governance | Wageningen University | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Analytics | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Econometrics and Operations Research | 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 |
Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam | No additional 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, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business. 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. |
other admission requirements |
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. |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
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. |
certified competences |
A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre. |
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 . |
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.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
---|---|---|---|
EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 20800 | full-time |
Practical information for:
As a graduate of Change Management you are much in demand, both in for-profit and non-profit organizations. Employers value a change management profile who 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. Graduates of Change Management are particularly good at combining strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, and practical implementation to guide organizations through successful and sustainable transformations.
An important share of all graduates of Business Administration find jobs in consultancy, external or internal to organizations. They play a pivotal role in guiding clients through organizational change and helping them achieve their strategic objectives.
As a change or transformation expert, you lead organizational transformations, ensuring smooth transitions during technological, structural, or cultural changes. You can also choose to specialize in consulting companies on how to align business goals with societal and environmental contributions.
But consultancy is not the only option for the graduates of Change Management. Our alumni fulfill/have fulfilled different job positions in a variety of organizations and sectors, among others:
Our education is research-driven and incorporates the latest developments in the field. You will be taught by renowned researchers who actively conduct research into various aspects of organizational change and change management in diverse sectors.
Important topics are, for example, stakeholder and issue management, duality management, strategic leadership, and governance, change implementation strategies, technology-induced changes like digital transformation, and post-adoption behaviour. Students’ thesis subjects can be related to staff research projects. However, the aim of the program is, primarily, not to train researchers. The main objective is to work with and discuss academic research as a means to develop state-of-the-art knowledge, an analytical and critical mind, as well as problem-solving capabilities that are key to any career path. Next to that, through case-based assignments, simulation, guest lectures, and other activities, students apply what they learn to practical change situations. In this way, you actively co-produce your development as a future change management professional.
Would you like to find out more about our research? Check the FEB Research Institute (FEBRI).
Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. However successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.