Programmes

Open Bachelor’s

Home

›

Overview

›

Open Bachelor’s

Modelled on the US Liberal Arts system, the Open Bachelor’s offers a wide spectrum of courses in political science, international relations, economics, management, data science & AI, innovation, psychology and leadership allowing students to tailor their bachelor’s to their interests and aspirations.

Personalised

Explore courses from various disciplines in Year 1 before specialising in years 2 and 3

Forward looking

Leverage knowledge from different perspectives and disciplines to decipher and solve contemporary issues

Skills based

Build up the skills most sought after by recruiters

Explore before you specialise

Most high school students are unsure which subjects they want to pursue at university. That’s why the Open Bachelor’s gives the students the freedom to explore a wide variety of subjects in Year 1 before making their choice of major(s) or major/minor combination in Years 2 and 3.

Year 1: Exploration Year

Students select 10 courses they want to explore among the following subjects:

Data Science and AI
Management & Innovation
Economics
Politics & International relations
Psychology
Leadership

Understanding and visualising Data Contemporary Issues in Economics The Economics of People: Health, Gender, and Employment Contemporary Issues in Economics

Understanding and visualising Data Maths 1: Discrete Mathematics Exploratory Data Analysis Maths 2: Calculus and Analytical Geometry

Understanding and visualising Data Introduction to Political Science Political and Moral Philosophy Fundamentals and Perspectives of International Relations

Understanding and visualising Data Contemporary Issues in Economics Foundations of Innovation: Principles and Practice Contemporary Issues in International Business Management Complex Systems and Human-Centred Design

Year 2 & 3: Specialisation

At the end of Year 1, students select their major(s) or major/minor in which they will specialise in years 2 and 3. To validate their major, students must have validated at least 20 ECTS in Year 1 (4 courses out of a total of 10 courses per year).

Available majors are: Data Science & AI | Management & Innovation | Economics | Politics & International Relations
Available minors are: Management | Innovation | Economics | Politics | International Relations | Psychology | Leadership

Microeconomics 1: Competition, Conflict, and Coordination Behavioural Economics Firm Structure, Conduct, and Strategy Macroeconomics 1: Institutions, Instability, and Inequality Econometrics and Causal Inference

Information Systems 1: Business Modelling Programming for Data Science Linear Algebra and Matrix Computations with Python Programming for Data Science Econometrics and Causal Inference Data Structures and Algorithms

Democracy in Crisis? Historical and Theoretical Perspectives Current Events and Perspectives on International Relations Research Methods in Politics and International Relations Democracy in Crisis? Comparative Perspectives Politics and Technology

Strategic Management in Business Digital Prototyping Accounting and Financial Analysis Foundations of Organisational Behaviour Advanced Digital Prototyping Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Business

Microeconomics 2: Inequality & Technology Economy and Ecology Dissertation I Macroeconomics 2: International Economics and Policymaking Contending Perspectives in Economics Disseration II

Statistical Learning Statistical Modelling and Time Series with R Dissertation I Machine Learning Advanced Programming for Data Science Dissertation II

Conflict and Cooperation: Problem Solving in Politics and IR Economy and Ecology Dissertation I Conflict and Cooperation: Problem Solving in Politics and IR Dissertation II Speech Communication and Politics

Complexities of Modern Marketing Sustainability and Technology Transition in Management Consultancy Project I Digital and Social Transition in Management Management Control and Impact Measurement Consultancy Project II

Graduation requirements

Our graduation rules ensure our students meet the requirements for highly selective masters programmes:

To validate a major, graduates must validate at least 100 ECTS out of 180.
To validate a minor, graduates must validate at least 40 ECTS out of 180.
A double bachelor’s degree (240-260 ECTS) enables students to pursue two majors and possibly a minor, providing a broad range of opportunities for master’s programmes.

Experience forward looking courses

Climate change, artificial intelligence, growing inequalities, wavering democracies and rising citizen engagement pose urgent challenges as much as they open new opportunities. There is no time to lose.

Our courses are designed to help our students to make sense of the world, decipher the future and learn how to influence it. We bring knowledge to life.

Contemporary Issues in Economics

What: Don’t just learn economics. Do economics. In confronting the most pressing global issues from the very start, you will develop the tools of a modern economist with rigour, and an emphasis both on practical data analysis and interdisciplinary perspectives. Our flagship introductory economics course uses the revolutionary CORE Econ syllabus, supercharged here at Forward by our signature pedagogy and focus on developing your human intelligences. From strategic interactions to the impact of AI on inequality, and from a cutting-edge treatment of labour markets to a nuanced appreciation of capitalism within democracy and global sustainability challenges, this course will empower you with both the data tools, the analytical skills, and the agency to make a positive difference in society.
How: Use real-world data and real case-studies to apply and appraise the tools of an economist, and develop crucial collaboration and communication skills in producing professional yet accessible video reports, executive summaries, and presentations.

Conflict and Cooperation

What: In a world where political tensions and global crises dominate the headlines, understanding the dynamics of conflict and cooperation has never been more urgent. This course dives into the heart of political decision-making and international relations, exploring the drivers behind global conflicts and the strategies that can foster cooperation among nations. Whether you’re passionate about diplomacy, peacebuilding, or global security, this course offers the tools to make a real impact in shaping the future of international relations.
How: Through hands-on simulations, case studies of contemporary geopolitical challenges, and interactive role play scenarios, you’ll gain the skills to analyze and influence the complex interactions between states, international organizations, and political leaders.

Sustainability & Social Responsibility in Business

What: In an era of unprecedented environmental and social challenges, businesses are at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future. This course offers a deep dive into how organisations can lead in addressing the global sustainability crisis through innovative and responsible practices. You’ll explore cutting-edge strategies for integrating sustainability into core business models, from reducing carbon footprints to creating socially equitable policies. Whether your goal is to lead sustainability efforts within established companies or to innovate new solutions through startups, this course empowers you to tackle the urgent challenges of our time and redefine success in today’s business landscape.
How: Through real-world case studies, hands-on projects, and authentic scenarios, you’ll gain the tools to drive meaningful change in the business world.

Build up your 21st century skills

Each course is not only designed to help students acquire and apply knowledge to emerging issues but also develop a set of core skills to succeed in a fast changing world. These skills cover all human intelligences: cognitive, social, emotional and practical. Our commitment to skills is unique and fosters students success in the workplace, helping them embarking others in meaningful initiatives.

When graduating, a students’ skills profile help them select the most relevant jobs and stand out in recruitment processes.