TAKE THE LEAD! Get to know all our microdegrees HERE!
 

The current developments in society and the economy put the focus of education on the independent and self-directed learner. Next to classic degree programs, opportunities to rapidly improve previously acquired skills and abilities are becoming increasingly important.

 

Estonian Business School was the first Estonian university to offer microdegree programmes (previously called nanodrgees) . EBS’ microdegrees are mostly master’s study learning modules, focusing mainly on five areas:  sustainability and green economy, digital transformations, communication and marketing, management and leadership, finance and accounting. Starting in autumn 2023 we have some microdegrees for participants, who do not have university degrees yet.

 

"When designing microdegrees, we are guided by the principle that we create and adapt them according to the challenges of the labour market," explains Anto Liivat, Head of Bachelor’s and Specialist Master’s Programmes at EBS.

Microdegree programme is a continuing education programme with comprehensive content based on one or more subjects from a degree studies programme or as a separate continuing education programme.

 

Why is microdegree programme good for you?

 

1 The rapidly changing working life requires updated knowledge and skills, even if you already have a master's degree

2 An in-depth course in a specific field allows you to acquire modern knowledge with a future perspective

3 A systematic and short study period (9 weeks) allows you to acquire skills and knowledge at a pace that favours the formation of new habits, whilst fitting into your work schedule

4 Expand your horizons and business network – the study group includes experts with deep professional know-how and people with at least three years of management experience

5 Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded an EBS microdegree certificate with a value of 15 ECTS, which you can transfer to the curriculum of any university in the world and continue with graduate studies if you wish.

How will your company benefit?
1 An employee with modern skills is a valuable investment for the company, both when updating existing skills and if acquiring new skills
2 The student can connect the homework done within the programme with their professional life, so many real business challenges can be solved
3 Employee development plays an important role in the company's value proposition.

Spring 2025 (from January until June)

We encourage you to have an online consultation with us to ensure that the program fulfills your requirements and aligns with your interests!
 

• Going Green: Company-Level Changes * Fridays and Saturdays from January 17 until March 14, 2025. Pre-registration and online consultations has started. 
  This advanced-level microdegree is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive sustainable development at the company level. The module aims to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle environmental and social issues and to drive sustainable development at the company level while maintaining business profitability. 
  For more detailed information about the programme you can find here
   
• Building Successful Teams in Tech*  Fridays and Saturdays from January 17 until March 14, 2025. Pre-registration and online consultations has started.  
  New micro programme is crafted to help current and aspiring tech team leaders master their roles.
  The program is structured into three cohesive courses providing practical learning opportunities to explore and refine your leadership style, deepen your knowledge about tech team specifics, and understand the importance of collaborative working styles. It is designed to foster consistent self-development experience, combining deeper insights into personal development as a leader, a practical approach to managing tech-focused teams, and strategies to ensure effective co-creation with diverse stakeholders.
  For more detailed information about the programme you can find here
   
• Managerial Decision-Making. The programme will held from the first week of February until the end of May 2025. Registration starts in December
   The microdegree equips aspiring managers with essential skills for making ethical and informed business decisions in an international context. Participants will gain practical knowledge in financial analysis, including time value of money, risk assessment, and budgeting, as well as managerial accounting techniques for effective planning and resource allocation. The programme also enhances professional communication skills, focusing on overcoming cross-cultural barriers and confidently presenting ideas in global business settings. By the end, participants will be prepared to apply these skills in real-world scenarios, making sound decisions and communicating effectively within diverse professional environments.
  The programme will be delivered during on weekdays, office hours. The exact schedule will be available at the end of the year.  For more detailed information about the programme, please find here 
   
• Introduction to Financial Management  The programme is held on the period first week of February until mid-May. Registration starts in December 2024
  This bachelor level microdegree programme provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in valuing securities and managing risks in business activities. The course covers risk assessment and mitigation, as well as the application of valuation models in real-world financial environments. Participants will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling them to make informed, ethical financial decisions that consider both market dynamics and corporate responsibility. Designed for individuals with intermediate economics or finance knowledge, including business students, managers, and those advising top management.
  The programme will be delivered on weekdays and during office hours. The exact schedule will be available at the end of the year. For more detailed information about the programme you can find here
   
• Leadership in Digital Era *  The programme is held on Fridays and Saturdays on period March 28 until May 23, 2025. Consultations and pre-registration have started.
  In a rapidly changing digital landscape, leaders must be adaptable and comfortable with uncertainty. Our programme focuses on acquiring 21st-century skills to thrive in a volatile, complex, and ambiguous world. Topics covered include leadership and management concepts, impactful communication and presentation skills, creative and playful leadership approaches, and managing diverse global teams. Through real-life capstone projects, students gain hands-on experience and work closely with business executives to provide innovative solutions. 
  For more detailed information about the programme you can find here
  ​
• Business Innovation and Strategy*  The programme is held on Fridays and Saturdays on period March 28 until May 23, 2025. Consultations and pre-registration have started.
  The programme prepares participants to lead innovation and strategic change in rapidly evolving business environments. The program covers how to develop and implement new ideas, products, and services while fostering a culture of continuous innovation within an organization. Participants will learn to identify and analyze VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) elements and create flexible strategies that help them navigate today’s uncertain business landscapes. Through practical tasks and group work, they will acquire the skills to manage innovation projects and implement change within their organizations. The program includes project-based and interactive learning to support participants’ professional development and equip them with the tools to become effective innovation leaders. For more detailed information about the programme, please find here

* a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification is a prerequisite

Autumn 2025   (from August until January)

Full list of autumn 2025 microdegree programmes will be updated beginning of new year.
We encourage you to have an online consultation with us to ensure that the program fulfills your requirements and aligns with your interests!

• Green Transition and Sustainable Economy Foundations * (on Fridays and Saturdays, every other week, from August until October 2025)
  The programme addresses the acute need for individuals and organizations to understand the principles of sustainable economics and green business practices and the social, environmental, and economic benefits of transitioning to a more sustainable economy. It covers topics such as the role of businesses in the sustainability crisis, clean technology entrepreneurship, and the importance of reducing CO2 emissions. Also, programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable strategic management and innovation, emphasizing integrating sustainability principles into corporate strategies to tackle the transition towards a sustainable economy in Estonia.  
  Take a look at the 2024 delivered programme. Programme will be updated in spring 2025
• Management and Marketing in the International Business Environment  (Delivery mode: during working days and working hours in the period September- December 2024; an exact schedule will be available in May)
  This bachelor-level micro-degree provides an overview of the key issues and challenges of international economics, management and marketing and is designed for those interested in starting an international business career and does not require prior knowledge of business or economics. Take a look at the 2024 delivered programme. Programme will be updated in spring 2025, purchasing the programme starts in summer 2025.
• Financial Reporting and Communication (Delivery mode: during working days and working hours in the period September- December 2024; an exact schedule will be available in May)
  The micro-degree is designed for those interested in starting an international career in finance and enhancing their professional communication skills. The content is aligned to the equivalent topics in the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Applied Skills. The microdegree programme consists of two integral courses, both designed to equip students with essential skills in the field of finance and accounting. Prerequisite: A basic knowledge of accounting.
  Take a look at the 2024 delivered programme. Programme will be updated in spring 2025, purchasing the programme starts in summer 2025.

• Core Competencies in Investment and Finance (Delivery mode: during working days and working hours in the period September- December; an exact schedule will be available in May)
  The micro-degree is designed for those interested in starting an international career in investment and finance. The content is aligned to the equivalent topics in CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level 1 requirements. The key points of this microdegree are:
  Financial markets and institutions; Investment portfolios, risk and return; Fundraising and capital structure; Ethical standards for finance professionals. NB! The microdegree program requires prior basic knowledge of finance and accounting, so it is most beneficial for those who already have a certain understanding and experience in these fields.
  Take a look at the 2024 delivered programme. Programme will be updated in spring 2025, purchasing the programme starts in summer 2025.

• * a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification is a prerequisite

Study format
 

Studies are in a session-based format, which allows to study without interrupting your professional life. Lectures and seminars for master-level programmes take place every second week on Fridays and Saturdays between 10:00-17:15 for nine weeks. Lecturers for bachelor-level micro degrees will be delivered mostly on Mondays to Thursdays during working hours. 
Active learning takes place in the classroom through discussions, group work and practical tasks. Group dynamics and communication are an integral part of learning, and that's why we put a lot of emphasis on it. In between school days, you need to contribute to your studies by preparing for lectures or seminars.

Registration

EBS will open registration for the new microdegree programmes twice a year- by the end of June 2025 and the end of December 2024. 

Programme registration goes via MyEBS  (login, add microdegree to the shopping cart)  and starts on December 2024 for spring 2024 programmes and  July 1, 2025 and for autumn 2025 progammes. If you cannot add the microdegree to your shopping cart yet, then you have not probably passed a consultation first. We are recommending to book your online consultation before that date.  Registration is open until 72 h before the first lecture of the programme or until there are free seats available.
NB! If you intend to take a microdegree (or any Open university short-term courses), you will not be issued a residence permit for studies. A residence permit is issued only for studies leading to a degree. 

Prerequisites for master level microdegrees

• Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification
• Have at least 3 years of work experience in business, entrepreneurship or economics sector. We value both people and process management experience.
• Sufficient proficiency in English (B2)
• Passed consultation with EBS consultant

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• For EBS alumni or previous EBS continuing education participants (Open University), please use your current EBS account in MyEBS.  
• For the prospective learners for microdegrees only, please book an online consultation or write to avatudulikool@ebs.ee 
• To start master's studies at EBS, please write to admission admission@ebs.ee

We encourage you to register for consultation if:

• You doubt whether your previous work experience or education is compatible with your chosen microdegree;
• You are choosing between several courses or programmes s want more information or support to make the right choice;
• You want more information about the registration process, organisation of studies or the financing of studies.  
  The personal online consultation lasts for up to 30 minutes. The consultation language is Estonian or English

NB! If you intend to take a microdegree (or any Open university short-term courses), you will not be issued a residence permit for studies. A residence permit is issued only for studies leading to a degree. 

Note! We would like to announce that, starting from the autumn semester of 2023, EBS nanodegree programs were renamed microdegree programs. Nanodegrees acquired until the autumn of 2023 remained valid with their former name and value (15 EAP).