Curriculum structure

In a global and constantly changing environment, business leaders must be equipped with extremely broad skills. They must be able to adopt both global and local perspectives, capable of dealing with complexity and change, and skilled at leading innovation. They must be able to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in order to generate a shared vision and enthusiasm for their firms’ activities. By delivering solid business training and encouraging independent thought, team collaboration and open communication, CEIBS provides its graduates with the essential tools for success in many career paths.

Your Academic Journey

The 64-credit full-time programme consists of compulsory courses totalling 33 credits and elective courses totalling 31 credits. The programme is designed to lay a solid foundation of management fundamentals while providing the flexibility of tailored programmes to fit individual interests and career ambitions. Students can choose to focus on general business management, or select one of four concentrations in Finance, Marketing, Digital Business or Entrepreneurship. Furthermore, students are required to gain international experience either through the school's impressive international exchange programme, one of three coordinated degree programmes and/or one of five overseas electives.

MBA Class of 2018 participating in Shanghai’s annual Dragon Boat Race  

China Focus

One of CEIBS’ most significant features is its clear China focus, encapsulated in our positioning statement: "China Depth, Global Breadth”. CEIBS teaches the most advanced international business theories while attaching great importance to the practical application of these skills in China.

Basic Chinese language competency is compulsory for foreign students in order to improve their marketability in China’s dramatically growing economy. Those who do not speak Chinese when applying for admission will be recommended to attend a Chinese language course in the summer before MBA classes begin. Chinese language course of different levels will be offered for foreign students during the first year of the programme.

International students from the MBA Class of 2019 show off their Chinese writing skills

Once classes are underway, many of the cases discussed in core courses and electives are taken from CEIBS’ own pool of China-specific cases written by faculty and staff of the Case Development Centre. In addition, the school dedicates significant resources to staging the 'China Discovery Series' each year – an intensive elective series that aims to deepen students’ understanding of China’s business environment and offers an opportunity to analyse perspectives on China’s history, international relations and economic development. 

Given the dynamic business environment developing outside the walls of campus, the school brings students closer to the opportunities and challenges through initiatives such as the ‘Integrated China Strategy Project', China modules and Real Situational Learning Method, ensuring both a rigorous and experiential business education is provided.

MBAs visit an ancient theatre in Caesarea during the overseas elective in the start-up nation – Israel

Global Reach

Although teaching methods vary by subject, lectures and case studies come alive thanks to our professors' extensive experience in the business world. Many cases are selected from top schools such as Harvard, IMD, etc. and taught by a faculty base with approximately 1/3 originating from Europe, 1/3 from the USA and 1/3 from China.  

A series of five overseas electives, each with a unique industry focus, is also arranged in order to broaden students’ global perspectives through lectures, company visits and cultural exploration. 

MBA Class of 2019 travel to Kyoto during their overseas elective in Tokyo

Flexibility and Choice

CEIBS' current MBA curriculum gives you the flexibility to personally tailor the second year of your studies. In the autumn of Year Two, you can choose to go on international exchange or stay at CEIBS to study with a large number of inbound students from the world’s top business schools.  The length of the MBA is 18 months, but an intensive 12 month option is also available to those who will return to their family business, sponsor company or plan to start their own venture after graduation.