BA (Hons) International Business Management ​with Internship IMI International Management Institute Switzerland

Overview

Programme Overview

The BA (Hons) International Business Management with Internship is an undergraduate degree delivered at IMI's campus in Luzern. The programme focuses on current trends and innovation in business management and is designed to develop students' critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing them for leadership positions across a wide range of international industries.

The curriculum balances core business fundamentals, including organisational structure, markets, finance, accounting, sales, and marketing, with emerging areas such as digital literacy, analytical tools, automation technology, and ethics and sustainability. Each academic semester is followed by a paid internship, ensuring that students complete a minimum of 12 months of professional experience during their degree. The programme is intended for high school graduates who wish to develop the managerial abilities required for roles in global business, as well as for those planning to pursue their own entrepreneurial projects. It is taught in English and carries 360 ECTS credits. Teaching takes place in small classes within an international campus community, allowing for active participation and individual academic support.

Programme Structure

The degree is completed over three years. Each year consists of a 22-week academic semester on campus, followed by a 22-week paid internship in Switzerland or abroad:

• Year 1: Diploma Semester, followed by a paid internship
• Year 2: Higher Diploma Semester, followed by a paid internship
• Year 3: BA (Hons) Semester, followed by a paid internship

The curriculum is designed to progress in stages. The first year establishes a foundation in business, accounting, economics, and entrepreneurship. The second year develops management, finance, and operations competencies, with an introduction to international trade and business law. The third year focuses on international strategy, cross-cultural management, sustainability, and marketing, and concludes with an independent research project. Students with relevant prior education or work experience may be eligible for direct entry into a later semester, with each case assessed individually.

Internships

Internships form an integral part of the programme. Students complete paid placements with employers in Switzerland and internationally, and 12 months of paid internship experience is guaranteed. IMI maintains a network of employers across business, finance, consulting, services, and hospitality-related industries, with placement opportunities in Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. This network also supports students in securing graduate positions upon completion of their studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme are prepared for roles in four main areas:

• Business and management: business development manager, business development executive, management trainee
• Finance, analytics, and strategy: junior business analyst, financial operations assistant, revenue or performance analyst
• Sales, marketing, and revenue: sales executive, marketing coordinator, revenue or business analyst
• Entrepreneurship and international careers: startup founder or co-founder, trade and export coordinator, international business consultant

Further Study

Graduates who wish to continue their studies can progress directly into IMI's MSc in International Hospitality Business Management.

Intakes

The programme offers four intakes per year, in February, May, August, and November.

Student Life

Beyond the academic programme, students benefit from the quality of life that Switzerland offers and from a diverse international community on campus. The programme is structured and demanding, while small class sizes and ongoing academic support ensure that students receive guidance throughout their studies.