DURATION
FULL TIME - 2 + 1 YEARS
PART TIME - 4 + UP TO 2 YEARS
LANGUAGES
English
LOCATION
Barcelona | Malta | Online
Blended
ANNUAL INTAKES
OCT | JAN | APR
FORMAT
Face-to-face | Online
Ready to embark on a fulfilling learning and career journey? The official state-accredited qualification Bachelor (B.A.) of Business Administration and Digital Innovation taught in Barcelona combines entrepreneurship, technology and theory into an exciting learning foundation.
GBSB Global’s Bachelor in business in Barcelona is designed to be an alternative to traditional business degrees in management emphasizing digital trends and innovation and focusing on new online markets and technologies. Students will learn about fundamental business concepts, but will also concentrate on digitalization and business innovation. Study to grow into a highly demanded professional with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and innovation in Barcelona, Spain. Hands-on training and extensive theory study await as part of the Bachelor (B.A) of Business Administration and Digital Innovation. Take on a new challenge and set yourself up for career success with a Bachelor that combines theory with soft skills training, including digital entrepreneurship, communications and marketing.
QUALIFICATIONS
GBSB Global Business School is accredited by the Government of Catalonia’s Department of Education and delivers Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Administration and Digital Innovation (120 ECTS, EQF/MQF Level 5) face-to-face from our campus in Barcelona, Spain. Once you’ve obtained your Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Administration and Digital Innovation, tailor your final year to your needs, culminating in your Top-Up Bachelor (B.A.) of Business Administration and Digital Innovation (60 ECTS, EQF/MQF Level 6) delivered by GBSB Global Business School either online, in Malta, or stay in Barcelona to combine your online studies with an additional Diploma in Applied Business Innovation.
YEAR 1 & 2
QUALIFICATION
Higher Education Program: Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Administration and Digital Innovation
Accreditation Status: An officially recognized qualification awarded by GBSB Global Business School, licensed as Higher Education Institution by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (License number: 2020-012) and accredited by Government of Catalonia’s Department of Education.
MQF/EQF Level: MFHEA deems this qualification to be at Level 5 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.
Number of ECTS Credits: 120 ECTS
RANKINGS, ACCREDITATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Accredited by the Catalan Department of Education
Accredited by National Commission for Further and Higher Education in Malta
GBSB Global awarded as a Five Star Institution by QS Ranking System
Ranked as a Leader in Business Education by Newsweek Magazine
GBSB Global’s Bachelor in business is tailor-made according to professional aspirations and interest of each student, with several innovative specializations to develop competencies, knowledge and skills in a particular subject area.
LIST OF BACHELOR SPECIALIZATIONS
LIFE IN BARCELONA
Despite being one of the most popular touristic cities in Europe, Barcelona ranks among the best for quality of life and cleanliness of the environment. Offering a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers, Barcelona has numerous beaches along the Mediterranean Sea coast, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains, parks, and small towns perfect for weekend getaways. As the second largest city in Spain, and the capital of Catalonia region, Barcelona is home to world’s leading arts and sports arenas, on top of its rich history and culture. Also known for its business ambitions and entrepreneurial spirit, the city is home to over 1500 start-ups, and regularly holds various world-renowned networking events, including the World Mobile Congress, gathering over 2000 international companies annually.
STUDENTS PROFILE
GBSB Global's student body comes from around the world to Barcelona to earn their undergraduate degree in business and digital innovation and learn how to become agile leaders ready to meet the demands of today’s marketplace. Equipped with the skills to be competitive in the world of business, graduates are ready to step out into the ever-evolving landscape and be successful. Through communication and collaboration, international students acquire, develop, and transform ideas and information that they have learned in class. Bachelor in business students connect with their peers, professors and professionals in the field to share their ideas, express their views, expand their knowledge, and meet demand of the ever-changing global business environment.
UNDERGRADUATE TARGET GROUPS:
Typically, a recent High School graduate with a good academic profile. They are academically driven working their way through the educational steps that they are now attending undergraduate program as the next logical steps in their academic aspiration;
This target group of students are predominately using this academic step to advance their specific career prospects and are extremely job oriented. They are focused on life after studying at GBSB Global and using studying at GBSB Global to reach their career position. Some of them will be working in family businesses or are interested to launch their own entrepreneurial venture;
Simply students attending GBSB Global, these students may not have a particular focus however they believe obtaining a degree will open doors for them. Additionally, if they come from abroad, they are interested in experiencing a different culture;
Mature Students and Students with Non-Standard Qualifications: GBSB Global encourages applications from mature and non-standard applicants who do not possess the standard entry qualifications but have relevant skills and experience.
Typically, a recent High School graduate with a good academic profile. They are academically driven working their way through the educational steps that they are now attending undergraduate program as the next logical steps in their academic aspiration;
This target group of students are predominately using this academic step to advance their specific career prospects and are extremely job oriented. They are focused on life after studying at GBSB Global and using studying at GBSB Global to reach their career position. Some of them will be working in family businesses or are interested to launch their own entrepreneurial venture;
Simply students attending GBSB Global, these students may not have a particular focus however they believe obtaining a degree will open doors for them. Additionally, if they come from abroad, they are interested in experiencing a different culture;
Mature Students and Students with Non-Standard Qualifications: GBSB Global encourages applications from mature and non-standard applicants who do not possess the standard entry qualifications but have relevant skills and experience.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Recent high school graduates
International students interested in experiencing new cultures
Speak high level of English language
SUCCESS STORY
Introducing Nicolas Bekhazi - a young entrepreneurial mind from Lebanon, a student in the undergraduate program in Digital Marketing on our Barcelona campus. Nick has always been passionate about living abroad, Barcelona in particular. Having found GBSB Global with its academic and extracurricular offerings, and great, world-renowned accreditations and rankings, Nick knew this business school was the right choice for him, seeking further personal and professional development. Having mastered his Spanish, Nick is excited about launching his own business within Digital Marketing and e-Commerce in the nearest future, as he continues to expand his theoretical knowledge, international network, and practical skills.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The globalized world calls for globalized skills and the Bachelor (B.A.) of Business Administration and Digital Innovation delivers.
Become your own boss: launch a start-up, disrupt or even create a new industry, take your talents to a global company – the beauty of this BA is its flexibility to real-world application.
Students graduate with a thorough grasp of technology trends, digital innovation, agile environments, information systems and digital strategies. Graduates will understand and create new business models, identify value-generation opportunities and be equipped to work with artificial intelligence, digital interfaces, digital platforms and big data.
YOUR BACHELOR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
| Year of Study | EQF Level | Location | Government Accrediting Body |
Qualification | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
L5 | Barcelona | MFHEA + the Catalan Department of Education | Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Administration and Digital Innovation (120 ECTS, EQF/MQF Level 5) | ||||||||||
| 3 | L6 |
|
|
|
Accrediting Body
Accrediting Body
Accrediting Body
Accrediting Body
Accrediting Body
PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND POSSIBLE EXIT AWARDS:
1ST YEAR:
BARCELONA
- Global Business Environment (7 ECTS)
- Business Communication (6 ECTS)
- Introduction to Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation (7 ECTS)
- Fundamentals of Marketing in the Digital Era (13 ECTS)
- Principles of Accounting (7 ECTS)
- Business Law in a Digital Context (7 ECTS)
- Business Math and Statistics (13 ECTS)
Possible Exit Award
- Undergraduate Certificate in Business Administration and Digital Innovation
(32 ECTS, EQF/MQF Level 5) - Undergraduate Diploma in Business Administration and Digital Innovation
(60 ECTS, EQF/MQF Level 5)
2ND YEAR:
BARCELONA
- Strategic Management of Enterprise and Digital Innovation (13 ECTS)
- Managerial Accounting(6 ECTS)
- Leadership and Organisational Behaviour (6 ECTS)
- Starting a New Digital Business (7 ECTS)
- Business Economics (7 ECTS)
- Business Research Methods (7 ECTS)
- Specialisation I (4 ECTS)
- Specialisation I (4 ECTS)
- Specialisation I (7 ECTS)
Possible Exit Award
- Undergraduate Higher Diploma in Business Administration and Digital Innovation
(120 ECTS, EQF/MQF Level 5)
3RD YEAR:
ONLINE/MALTA
- Corporate Finance (7 ECTS)
- Disruptive Technologies for Innovation and Change (13 ECTS)
- Professional and Career Development (6 ECTS)
- Specialisation II (4 ECTS)
- Specialisation II (4 ECTS)
- Specialisation II (7 ECTS)
- Undergraduate Dissertation (15 ECTS)
Final Qualification
- Top Up Bachelor of Business Administration and Digital Innovation
(60 ECTS, MQF/EQF Level 6)
BUSINESS BACHELOR WITH DIGITAL INNOVATION
IN BARCELONA SPECIALIZATION UNITS
DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (45 ECTS)
- Valuating and Fundraising a Digital Start-up (7 ECTS)
- E-Commerce Development (7 ECTS)
- Knowledge Management and Learning Organizations (4 ECTS)
- Talent Management in the Digital Era (4 ECTS)
- Design Thinking and Agile Methodology for Innovation (4 ECTS)
- Social Entrepreneurship (4 ECTS)
- Dissertation in the area of Digital Entrepreneurship (15 ECTS)
FASHION AND LUXURY BUSINESS (45 ECTS)
- Sustainable Fashion and Luxury (4 ECTS)
- Digital Branding (7 ECTS)
- Recreation, Leisure and Wellness Business (4 ECTS)
- Fashion & Luxury Marketing (4 ECTS)
- Event Management & Sponsoring (7 ECTS)
- Management of Retail and Electronic Distribution Channels (4 ECTS)
- Dissertation in the area of Fashion and/or Luxury Business (15 ECTS)
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION & PR (45 ECTS)
- Digital Branding (7 ECTS)
- Digital Communication Strategies and Digital Media (4 ECTS)
- Principles of Public Relations (4 ECTS)
- Visual Communications for Digital and Offline Channels (7 ECTS)
- Reputation and Relationship Management in the Digital Era (4 ECTS)
- Investor Relations (4 ECTS)
- Dissertation in the area of Digital Communication & PR (15 ECTS)
FINANCE & FINTECH (45 ECTS)
- Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning (4 ECTS)
- Investments (4 ECTS)
- Advanced Issues in Accounting (7 ECTS)
- Foundations of FinTech (7 ECTS)
- FinTech in Banking: Challenges and Opportunities (4 ECTS)
- Investor Relations (4 ECTS)
- Dissertation in the area of Finance and/or FinTech (15 ECTS)
SPORTS AND ESPORTS MANAGEMENT (45 ECTS)
- Sports and eSports Management (7 ECTS)
- Business Models and Entrepreneurship in eSports (4 ECTS)
- Talent Management in the Digital Era (4 ECTS)
- Recreation, Leisure and Wellness Business (4 ECTS)
- Event Management & Sponsoring (7 ECTS)
- Sports and eSports Marketing (4 ECTS)
- Dissertation in the area of Sports and/or eSports Management (15 ECTS)
DIGITAL MARKETING (45 ECTS)
- Digital Branding (7 ECTS)
- Management of Retail and Electronic Distribution Channels (4 ECTS)
- Pricing Strategies and Digital Products (4 ECTS)
- E-Commerce Development (7 ECTS)
- Sales Management (4 ECTS)
- Consumer Behavior and Emerging Technologies (4 ECTS)
- Dissertation in the area of Digital Marketing (15 ECTS)
LEARN MORE
Please download the Course Outline below for full program details including module learning outcomes, learning hours, teaching, learning and assessment methods, grading system and pass rates.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Understands professional theoretical and practical knowledge related to business administration, including both broad knowledge in the field of business administration and a considerable degree of specialized managerial knowledge in digital innovation;
Possesses advanced professional knowledge of business administration and digital innovation in a specific industry or functional area chosen as an elective option in the undergraduate program;
Critically understands approaches to promoting the culture of digital innovation within an organization by managing talent and knowledge and by incorporating the values of entrepreneurship, continuous learning and digital transformation into organizational strategic objectives;
Understands managerial methods and digital technologies that are in demand in the complex and challenging global business environment, innovation in terms of methods and technologies used, and implications of digital technologies for individuals and societies;
Demonstrates professional understanding of issues of digital business and how it can be interpreted with different theoretical approaches;
Critically understands the principles included in the Agenda for Sustainable Development defined by UNESCO that are associated with social welfare, business ethics, and corporate social responsibility.
Gathers and interprets relevant data on problems, obstacles and opportunities faced by international organizations to inform judgments that include reflection on relevant social, technological, scientific or ethical issues with the purpose to evaluate alternative approaches and strategies an organization may adopt to meet stakeholder needs and minimize risk within changing internal and external environments;
Conducts research into business and digital innovation issues, which may relate to general business and innovation processes or to a specific business function or digital technology, which requires familiarity with a range of data, research sources and appropriate methodologies;
Demonstrates innovative theoretical and practical responses to management of strategic, operational and transformational processes by which an organization plans and coordinates the use of resources and innovation efforts with the general objective of securing or maintaining competitive advantage;
Works effectively as a member of a team, continually reflecting on the group process to evaluate the management of projects and people;
Demonstrates innovation in managing intra-entrepreneurial processes and strategies to design a digital product or service by assessing the commercial viability of digital technologies and business opportunities and by planning, organizing, and executing a project or a new venture;
Demonstrates mastery in using digital tools for business administration and innovation purposes in various media and different modes (autonomous, collaborative, exploratory, designing).
Engages in critical thinking in the area of business administration and digital innovation and demonstrates independent thought and problem solving underpinned by evidenced based arguments;
Manages complex professional activities efficiently and professionally to put managerial decisions into practice taking into account the organizational context together with different constraints;
Demonstrates administrative design and resource in elaborating social, ethical, innovative and international approaches to complex management and digital business situations, and takes responsibility for their consequences;
Shows creativity and initiative in developing digital transformation and digital intra-entrepreneurial projects by liaising and working with others to deliver high level of team performance;
Has developed learning skills that are necessary to continue professional development in the area of business administration and digital innovation by critically evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses, keeping up to date with relevant management and digital business technologies, ideas and practices;
Has developed proficiency and literacy in the use of digital technology needed to access learning opportunities and to pursue a managerial career in dynamic, innovative digital organizations.
TAILOR YOUR STUDIES WITH A MULTITUDE
OF OPTIONS DURING YEAR 3 OF YOUR DEGREE
Proceed to Bachelor Year 3 (EQF/MQF Level 6 Pathway) choosing between several study and location options depending on your personal preferences and circumstances. The quality of the program is guaranteed to remain the same across all the available options and locations with no changes in accreditation status, however with a possibility to gain an additional Diploma in Applied Business Innovation alongside specialized skills and learning experiences if you choose to stay in Barcelona.
MALTA
ONLINE
BARCELONA +
ONLINE
OPTION 1: TRAVEL ABROAD
YEAR 3 – STUDY ABROAD AT OUR MALTA СAMPUS
Top-up your international experience with an additional study destination in Europe. Choose to complete your third year on our campus in Birkirkara, Malta. Graduate with an officially recognized, state-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration and Digital Innovation degree.
WHAT DEGREE WILL YOUR EARN?
Higher Education Program: Top Up Bachelor of Business Administration and Digital Innovation (MQF/EQF Level 6).
An officially recognized qualification awarded by GBSB Global Business School, licensed as Higher Education Institution by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (License number: 2020-012). MFHEA deems this qualification to be at Level 6 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.
WHY MALTA?
Beautiful Malta is undeniably one of the most stunning countries in the world. Offering its Mediterranean island charm, it attracts over two million visitors annually, from tourists and business travelers to students seeking to study abroad in an English- speaking environment. Home to a dynamic startup ecosystem, especially across AI, Gaming and Blockchain industries, Malta showcases the fastest growing economy in the EU. Profit from a lower cost of living, as well as numerous beaches, natural beauty, welcoming culture, lots of entertainment offerings and fascinating history. An ideal location for travel enthusiasts to complete that student life abroad experience.
OPTION 2: GO DIGITAL
YEAR 3 – APPRECIATE THE CONVENIENCE OF OUR ONLINE CAMPUS
Find the perfect balance between your academic life and other obligatory commitments. Switch to our Online Campus in your final year of Bachelor studies, allowing for a much greater flexibility enabling you to customize your learning schedule according to personal needs and time constraints. Graduate with an officially recognized, state-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration and Digital Innovation degree.
WHAT DEGREE WILL YOUR EARN?
Higher Education Program: Top Up Bachelor of Business Administration and Digital Innovation (MQF/EQF Level 6).
An officially recognized qualification awarded by GBSB Global Business School, licensed as Higher Education Institution by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (License number: 2020-012). MFHEA deems this qualification to be at Level 6 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.
WHY STUDY ONLINE?
Whether you choose to relocate, seek an internship, start building your career, or prioritize your dissertation, online learning will make it all possible with much greater ease. Take full advantage of GBSB Global’s innovative learning modalities and latest online tools to increase your marketability, digital literacy, and business acumen, as you become proficient in your field of expertise. With identical curriculum to the corresponding offline programs, get taught by outstanding faculty members with international work experience and diverse academic backgrounds. Study the exact same course material with real-time assistance, collaborate at distance, gain 24/7 access to pre-recorded study materials and benefit from total freedom when choosing your own preferred learning schedule. Develop the same practical skills and theoretical knowledge, equipping you with the most advanced digital experience, and graduate with the exact same qualification as your on-site classmates.
OPTION 3: CONTINUE TO ENJOY BARCELONA &
GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
YEAR 3 – ONLINE CAMPUS + BARCELONA CAMPUS
Enrich your academic qualification with an additional Diploma in Applied Business Innovation on top of your Bachelor’s degree. Students who decide to stay in Barcelona during their Year 3 studies have an opportunity to gain practical experience by pursuing further professional development with an additional Diploma in Applied Business Innovation.
TAILOR YOUR SCHEDULE
Graduate with applied business acumen and practical experience needed to excel in the highly digitalized, interconnected world of today. By transferring physical Bachelor studies to flexible online learning on our Online Campus, only Diploma in Applied Business Innovation training sessions will require onsite attendance, meaning much greater freedom in terms of personalizing your own daily schedule to fit in full-time work experience or startup mentorship.
This qualification will be an excellent addition to the official Bachelor of Business Administration and Digital Innovation (EQF/MQF Level 6) awarded by GBSB Global Business School in Malta and accredited by MFHEA.
The diploma can be used to prove practical experience (either through a corporate internship or an entrepreneurial practical project) to potential employees and investors to increase the chances of students’ success on the labour market.
WHAT DEGREE WILL YOUR EARN?
Higher Education Program: Top Up Bachelor of Business Administration and Digital Innovation (MQF/EQF Level 6).
An officially recognized qualification awarded by GBSB Global Business School, licensed as Higher Education Institution by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (License number: 2020-012). MFHEA deems this qualification to be at Level 6 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Professional Program: Diploma in Applied Business Innovation.
A private professional qualification awarded by GBSB Global Business School in Spain certifying successful completion of additional training and mentorship sessions (and vocational internship hours, if applicable).
ABOUT DIPLOMA IN APPLIED BUSINESS
INNOVATION
ENHANCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS. PURSUE
A DIPLOMA IN APPLIED BUSINESS INNOVATION
The specialized additional qualification is ideally suited to those who’d like to further develop their knowledge and applied skills in business while appreciating the familiarity and comfort of the GBSB Global Barcelona campus in their final year of undergraduate studies.
Designed to compliment the Bachelor of Business Administration and Digital Innovation degree, this practical program provides hands on experience allowing students to graduate with a set of soft skills needed to succeed in today's career.
Boost your career development with a vocational course that includes advanced business theory, practical workshops and soft skills that are designed to give graduates an advantage in entrepreneurship and corporate world.
Practical classes and workshops are interactive and engaging delivered by expert lecturers. Besides the opportunity to further enjoy the stay at the GBSB Global Barcelona campus, the Diploma in ABI enriches students’ knowledge of product ideation, business planning and business development.
Students can participate in on-campus training, corporate-focused lessons and a range of entrepreneurship opportunities. The program delves into a variety of relevant lessons, including Market Development, Planning & Resources and Negotiation.
All in all, the ABI Diploma merges hands-on training with comprehensive theoretical concepts to give GBSB Global students the know-how to tackle the business world.
DIPLOMA IN APPLIED BUSINESS INNOVATION OFFERS
TWO PATHWAYS:
CORPORATE PATHWAY
- Soft skills for Corporate Environment
- Option 1: 6 months internship
or
- Option 2: Corporate Innovation
- Innovation, customer understanding and product design
- Market validation
- 3-months Internship*
ENTREPRENEURSHIP PATHWAY
- Soft skills for Corporate Environment
- Entrepreneurship Center - Stage 1
- Innovation, customer understanding and product design
- Market validation
- Entrepreneurship Center - Stage 2
- Market development
- Planning & resources
* Internship is not guaranteed by the school. Students are invited to use Career Services to secure an internship.
** This pathway is not available for students starting their ABI studies in April.
The pathways in the final year of undergraduate Bachelor studies is an excellent opportunity for students to decide whether they would like to develop their career in the corporate world or embark on an entrepreneurial project and launch their own start-up
ADMISSION AND FEES
to be qualified for admission to the undergraduate programme in Business Administration and Digital Innovationм in Barcelona, you must:
The entry profile should include one of the following:
- A/S or A levels at the appropriate level or the Matriculation Certificate Exam with three subjects exams with grades of A, B, C or D
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with 34 points; or Mathematics at minimum score of 4 (HL/SL) and one programme related subject at minimum score of 4 (HL/SL);
- GCSE/IGSCE "O" Levels: five subject exams with grades of A, B, C or D, and A/S or A Levels: three subject exams with grades of A, B, C or D
- AP Program
- Other high school leaving certificate or equivalent (other educational systems)
Proof of Proficiency in the English Language:
- English as a native language
- TOEFL - Minimum score: 213 (computer based), 79/80 (internet based), or 550 (paper based)
- IELTS - Minimum score: 6.0
- Cambridge ESOL, Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Minimum score: C
- English as the language of instruction during previous studies in the formal educational system
- Internal English level testing at GBSB Global
Complete all required forms for admission and submit all required documents
| Fees* |
Year 1
Barcelona
|
Year 2
Barcelona
|
Year 3
Malta
Online
Online + Barcelona
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee (Paid Annually for Every Academic Year of the Program) | 200 € | 200 € | 200 € | 200 € | 200 € |
| Administrative Fee (Paid Annually for Every Academic Year of the Program) | 950 € | 950 € | 950 € | 950 € | 950 € |
| Tuition Fee for One Academic Year (60 ECTS Credits)** | 10750 € | 10750 € | Fee Valid in Malta at the Time | 10750 € | |
| Optional Diploma in Applied Business Innovation (ABI) | 1900 € | ||||
*Fees apply to students commencing their studies on-campus. Please note, fees will remain the same should the student decide to complete their education online for the remainder of the 3-year program.
**Fees valid for students starting their studies in the Academic Year 2023-2024.
All tuition fees are the same for EU and non-EU students.
*If payments are not paid by the deadlines, a penalty fee of 5% of the remaining tuition amount will be charged.·Payments are accepted online or by bank transfers (commission charges may apply).
*Program fees do not include accommodation, flights, insurance or program materials.·Students who wish to participate in Global Study Trips may do so by paying additional fees.
