Master in Leading High Growth Firms

Tuition fees are 5,700 EUR per year.

Scaling a start-up into a structured, high-growth enterprise presents one of the most intellectually demanding transitions in the entrepreneurial lifecycle. As ventures expand, the founder's role must fundamentally shift from hands-on execution to strategic leadership, requiring a sophisticated toolkit for managing complexity, governance, and organizational culture. The Leading High-Growth Firms programme is a specialized, 6-month learning journey designed to navigate this critical transformation.

Bridging the gap between rigorous academic inquiry and the volatile reality of the scale-up phase, the programme is led by Prof. Dr. Svetlana Khapova and entrepreneur Emmanuel Agha. Participants engage with research-driven strategies while applying them directly to their own ventures through interactive workshops and real-world case studies. This programme is specifically tailored for those currently navigating the pressures of rapid growth, providing a platform to:

• Master the nuances of team scaling and organizational design.
• Refine governance structures to support sustainable expansion.
• Deepen strategic insight into investor relations and venture funding.
• Engage with a peer network of founders, investors, and innovation executives.

By blending in-person sessions at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with focused online engagement, the programme offers a flexible environment for busy professionals to elevate their leadership vision and build resilient, high-performing organisations.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research-led university situated in the heart of Amsterdam, founded in 1880 and welcoming more than 31,700 students including a large international cohort. Its long history combines academic tradition with modern interdisciplinary teaching across social sciences, humanities, law, business, and sciences. English-taught bachelor and master programs make it accessible to international applicants seeking a high-quality European education in a dynamic urban setting.

The university emphasizes research excellence and societal impact, with numerous institutes and centers that connect students to real-world challenges. Small-group teaching, problem-based learning options, and close supervision at graduate level support academic growth. International students can take advantage of dedicated services for visa advice, housing support, language courses, and career guidance that ease transition and enhance employability in the Netherlands and beyond.

Student life blends campus facilities with Amsterdam cultural vitality, including museums, startups, and multinational companies that offer internships and networking. Affordable public transport and a bicycle-friendly environment make daily life straightforward while campus clubs and student associations help newcomers build a community. Prospective international students should research program entry requirements early, prepare application documents and funding plans, and reach out to the international office to plan arrival and accommodation.