Associate Degree Programme: Business & Innovation

Associate Degree Programme: Business & Innovation

 

 

This online, two‑year, part‑time Associate Degree in Business & Innovation is designed to be combined with your sporting career. Classes take place on one fixed evening per week and are delivered through live virtual classroom sessions.

 

Throughout the programme, you will develop the skills and theoretical knowledge needed to succeed as a manager or independent entrepreneur in a dynamic business environment. You will gain insight into market developments and learn how to translate these into potential new products and services within your organisation or business.

What makes this course attractive? 

• Developed in collaboration with business communities
• An investment in a solid post sport career
• Flexible learning: attend classes from home, with sessions recorded
• Modular and adaptable course structure
• Hybrid teaching by academic and industry professionals

Course outline

Thanks to its modular and flexible structure, combined with intensive guidance, this programme is well suited for professional athletes who wish to study alongside their sporting career.

Interactive online learning

The programme uses an online learning environment where you can access all course materials and complete interactive assignments. This platform allows for direct, real time interaction with lecturers and fellow students.

Knowledge and skills

You will explore key theoretical frameworks in management, marketing, and innovation. The programme focuses on applying these frameworks in practice, enabling you to develop and implement new ideas that add value to business operations, services, or products.

Personal development

Personal and professional development is a core part of the programme. You will work on building essential skills such as perseverance, creativity, and leadership. Time is dedicated to developing competencies including leadership, collaboration, analytical thinking, and decision making.

Programme

Over the two year programme, you will build a strong foundation in core business disciplines. Topics include market analysis, business operations, branding, and quality management, providing a broad understanding of how organisations create and sustain value.

Practical information

Starting date and class schedule
The programme starts in early September 2026. Classes take place weekly on Tuesday evenings.

Admission requirements

To enrol in the Associate Degree programme in Business & Innovation, you must have: • Senior general secondary education (high school), or
• Level 4 EQF qualification, or
• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
Not sure if you meet the requirements? Please contact your union.

Registration

Complete the application form HERE before the 15 August deadline. After registering, you will be invited to a personal online intake interview to discuss your ambitions, motivation, and study planning. Together, we will identify what you need to succeed and enjoy your studies.

Tuition fee

The tuition fee is €4,145 per year. Estimated costs for books are approximately €120. Fees are adjusted annually based on indexation and cost developments. Updated fees for the following academic year will be communicated to current students by October at the latest.
When referring another professional footballer, both players receive a €500 discount on their tuition fees.

Payment in instalments

Payment in instalments is possible, with up to four instalments per academic year. Invoices are issued prior to the start of the academic year, and the first instalment (or full payment) must be made before the programme begins.

Subsidies and grants

For information on possible funding, please contact your local player development manager.

After completing the programme

Upon completion, you will have specialised knowledge in entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, and promotion, and be equipped to respond to changes in the market. Career opportunities exist across business and non profit sectors, including:

• Marketing Manager
• Innovation Manager or Consultant
• Independent Entrepreneur
• Commercial Director

Progression to a Bachelor’s programme

After completing the two year Associate Degree, you may progress to a Bachelor’s programme. While a Bachelor’s degree normally takes four years, exemptions obtained during the Associate Degree allow you to complete it in an additional two years.

Contact

For further information, please contact your union or email dzaal@hbo-academy.nl.