Frequently asked questions about the triple crown accredited Hanken Executive MBA

What is the Hanken Executive MBA?

The Hanken Executive MBA is a part-time, Triple Crown accredited programme designed for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen strategic leadership, decision-making and organisational impact while continuing their careers.

Who is the Hanken EMBA designed for?

The programme is designed for senior managers, leaders and experienced specialists with substantial professional responsibility who want to broaden their business perspective and leadership capacity.

What makes the Hanken EMBA different from other EMBAs?

The Hanken EMBA is built around Strategic Leadership for Sustainable Impact, helping leaders connect strategy, finance, AI, governance, sustainability and leadership in a way that reflects today's business realities.

Rather than offering a large catalogue of electives, the programme takes participants through a carefully curated learning journey designed to broaden perspectives beyond their own area of expertise. A strong finance foundation, combined with personal leadership development, helps participants turn insight into action.

The Hanken EMBA also benefits from a relatively small cohort size, enabling active participation, meaningful dialogue and valuable peer learning throughout the programme. The programme is supported by Hanken School of Economics' Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS).

What does “Strategic Leadership for Sustainable Impact” mean in practice?

It means developing the ability to lead strategy, people and organisations responsibly and effectively, while creating long-term value for both business and society.

What is the cohort size?

The Hanken Executive MBA cohort has a maximum of 30 participants.

The relatively small cohort size is intentional. It enables active participation, meaningful dialogue and strong peer learning throughout the programme. Participants get to know one another well, creating an environment where diverse experiences and perspectives contribute to richer discussions and lasting professional relationships.

Throughout your studies, you will also learn and work alongside EMBA participants beyond your own cohort, giving you opportunities to build connections with an even broader group of experienced professionals.

What kind of network will I build during the programme?

One of the most valuable aspects of the Hanken EMBA is the opportunity to learn alongside experienced professionals from different industries, functions and backgrounds.

The relatively small cohort size, combined with a shared learning journey, creates opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships and learn from peers facing similar leadership challenges. Many participants describe the network they build during the programme as one of the most valuable and lasting outcomes of the Hanken EMBA.

How is the programme structured?

The Hanken Executive MBA is a 90 ECTS programme consisting of 45 courses across four connected themes: Strategic Leadership, Finance and AI, Sustainability and Governance, and Personal Leadership.

The programme combines in-person and online learning, international modules, individual coaching and applied assignments designed to connect learning directly to participants' own organisations and leadership challenges.

How much of the programme takes place online versus in person?

The Hanken Executive MBA combines in-person and online learning. The programme includes 56 in-person days across 18 modules, with international modules in Boston and Reykjavik forming part of the learning experience.

Additional learning activities, assignments and selected sessions are delivered online, creating a flexible study format that can be combined with a demanding professional role.

How international is the programme?

The programme includes international study modules that broaden perspectives, complementing the Nordic leadership context with global business insights.

Who teaches in the programme?

Teaching is delivered by internationally recognised Hanken faculty and carefully selected practitioners, combining research-based knowledge with executive-level relevance.

How long does it take to complete the Hanken EMBA?

The Hanken Executive MBA is a 90 ECTS programme.

The main study track is designed to be completed in approximately two years while working full-time. For participants who need greater flexibility, the programme can be personalised and completed over a longer period. The maximum completion time is four years.

Can the Hanken EMBA be combined with a demanding full-time job?

Yes. The programme is specifically designed for executives working full-time, with a part-time structure, concentrated module days, and predictable scheduling.

How much time does the programme require outside class?

In addition to in-person module days and online learning activities, participants should expect to spend regular time on readings, reflection, assignments and project work, closely connected to their professional role.

How flexible is the Hanken EMBA?

The Hanken EMBA offers multiple entry points and study tracks, as well as the possibility for individual study planning within the study right, providing flexibility as careers evolve.

How is learning assessed?

Assessment focuses on applied assignments and project work, not memorisation. Learning is demonstrated through reflection, analysis and real organisational impact.

What is the Development Project?

The Development Project is a central part of the programme where participants address a real strategic challenge from their own organisation, creating tangible value already during the studies.

What qualification will I receive upon completion of the programme?

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants are awarded the Hanken Executive MBA (EMBA) diploma.

The Hanken EMBA is a postgraduate executive education programme designed for experienced professionals and leaders. While it is academically rigorous and internationally accredited, it is an executive education qualification and not an academic Master's degree.

What does my organisation gain from my participation?

Organisations benefit directly through applied assignments, strategic analysis and leadership development, making the programme an investment rather than a cost.

What kind of employer support is recommended?

Successful participants typically agree on time allocation, expectations and priorities with their employer to ensure space for learning and application throughout the programme.

How do I know if this is the right time for an EMBA?

The right time is when you are ready to step back, reflect, challenge your thinking and strengthen your leadership impact while actively contributing to your organisation.