Develop your business talent with a keen eye for opportunities in the market. After completing this two-year Associate Degree program in Business & Innovation at HBO Academy, you will know how to turn innovative ideas into concrete results and successfully market products and services.
Top-level sport and studying
In this two-year online HBO program, you will study alongside your top-level sporting career. You will have one fixed evening per week of virtual classroom lessons. You will follow the lessons online in small groups. Like-minded people who, just like you, have a busy schedule alongside their studies. The program has been adapted to the unique needs of (professional) soccer players in collaboration with VVCS. Of course, you can also take longer to complete your program. You can also follow Business & Innovation as a bachelor’s program with us, in which case you can obtain your diploma in four years.
About the program
Conduct research into the target group for a new personal training app, write a marketing plan for a new webshop, or develop a strategy for a soccer club to attract more young members—these are just a few examples of how you can fulfill the assignments within the study program. During this associate degree program, you will develop practical management skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
This part-time program has been developed in collaboration with professionals from the business world. This ensures that the study program always meets current market needs. And thanks to the practical education, you will be well prepared for your future career. In two years, you will learn the basics of entrepreneurship, innovation, and management.
Why choose Business & Innovation?
• Focus on innovation and entrepreneurship: benefit from the unique combination of entrepreneurship, concept development, and strategic thinking in this program.
• Plenty of room for your career goals: work on your personal goals and specialize in the sector or industry where your ambitions lie.
• Practical learning: learn from experts in the field and put what you learn into practice right away.
• Personal and small-scale education: receive instruction in small classes with room for personal attention and guidance.
• Study alongside your (top-level sports) career: combine this online program flexibly with your busy schedule as a top athlete.
• Follow an online program: follow this online higher professional education program entirely online, wherever you are. The lectures are also recorded, so you can always watch them again.
Study program
The part-time Business & Innovation program is flexibly structured in separate modules. Each module lasts five, ten, or twenty weeks.
Year 1
The company 1 – Discover how companies really work and which processes keep everything running. From HR to logistics: you will gain an understanding of how an organization works and how you can make an impact there.
The market – Dive into the world of market research and discover where opportunities lie. You will learn how to outsmart your competitors and how to successfully market a product or service.
My product 1 – Turn your creative ideas into an innovative concept. You will learn to apply design thinking and discover how to come up with innovative products or services that really add value.
Project management – Become a pro at planning and organizing! You will learn how to manage a project effectively and how to work with a team to turn ideas into results.
My product 2 – Time to turn your idea into a concrete plan. You will investigate whether it is feasible, put a business case on paper, and work on a revenue model.
Year 2
Branding – Turn a product or service into a strong brand that stands out. You will learn how to build a brand story, attract customers, and choose the perfect marketing strategy.
The Company 2 – Learn how to set up and grow a business as smartly as possible. From optimizing processes to recognizing risks, you will gain a firm grasp of how an organization remains successful.
Management 1 – Develop your leadership skills and discover how to motivate and manage a team. You determine how an organization works and grows!
Business plan – Turn your business idea into a rock-solid plan that will convince investors or customers. You will learn to think strategically, investigate feasibility, and determine how you will conquer the market.
Management 2 – Become a master of communication, negotiation, and persuasion. Whether you’re closing a deal or giving a pitch, you’ll know how to get people on board with your story.
Your investment
The tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic year are €3,725 per academic year. Payment in four installments is possible. The amount may be adjusted annually based on price indexation and cost developments. The cost of books is approximately €950 for the entire program (this is subject to change).
Savings opportunities:
• As a VVCS member, you are entitled to a 10% discount on tuition fees.
• You may be eligible for the government’s lifelong learning credit.
• During your studies, you can receive a €250 discount on your tuition fees if you encourage someone from your network to enroll in the program and that person applies.
Admission and registration
You have a HAVO, VWO, or MBO 4 diploma. If you do not have one and are 21 years of age or older, you can take the 21+ admission test to assess your suitability for the program.
After registration, you will have an intake interview with HBO Academy, during which we will discuss your ambitions, motivation, and study needs in order to successfully guide you through the bachelor’s program.
Want to know more?
The VVCS, in collaboration with HBO Academy, regularly organizes information sessions about this program. The next one is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Teams. If you would like to attend, please fill out the form on the HBO Academy website:
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please send an email to Arjan Ebbinge:
Email: a.ebbinge@vvcs.nl
Phone: 06-42298097
HBO Academy website: www.hbo-academy.nl
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