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COVID-19 Campus Updates For European Business Schools

Check out the latest COVID-19 campus updates for European business schools as students are welcomed back to campus and schools continue to adopt hybrid teaching

Mon Jun 21 2021

BusinessBecause
The coronavirus pandemic hit Europe hard, but as we begin to exit what for many of us has been a third lockdown, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many business schools have welcomed students back to campus, and more plan to do so by fall 2021. 

Schools have largely maintained a hybrid model of teaching, with students splitting their time between the physical and virtual classrooms. That seems to be the plan for most schools going forward. 

Here, we highlight the latest COVID-19 campus updates for Europe’s top business schools. This page is regularly updated with the latest campus reopening plans for MBA students, and more schools will be added as updates are released.


COVID-19 Campus Updates: Europe


Business Schools with Multiple Campuses


ESCP Business School

- Berlin campus 

As of May 20th, restrictions have been gradually loosened in Berlin. However, classes at ESCP remain online, with students not yet allowed to return to campus due to current restrictions from the Berlin Senate—according to a statement on ESCP’s website. 

From June 10th the school’s campus library has been open for on-site use. Students can book a table to work, browse the library, and ask questions at the help desk.

A negative test result is required to work or study on-site. As is wearing a mask through your entire stay on campus. The rest of the campus remains closed.

- London campus 

From May 17th COVID-19 restrictions in England eased further. This allowed for the restart of in-person teaching at higher education institutions. 

In-person teaching has resumed on ESCP’s London campus, along with student access to campus services. 

Students returning to campus are expected to self-test for COVID-19 twice weekly. This applies to students who are safely in England and able to travel to campus. 

There are still measures in place in England meaning if international students are travelling from a ‘green’, ‘amber’, or ‘red’ listed country, they will have to complete the necessary quarantine period upon arrival and provide a negative COVID-19 test. 

There are remote campus services available for those who cannot attend in-person. 

- Madrid campus

ESCP developed a new teaching model to adapt to the demands of the pandemic: Adaptive Model Blended Learning. The model is a hybrid methodology, and is flexible to allow the school to transition between fully in-person, fully online, or blended learning, depending on the circumstances.

The school is currently using a hybrid model of teaching. Recruiting events are also still mostly virtual, as are student events—although a few have started happening in person.

- Turin campus

This year ESCP’s Turin campus is offering a hybrid teaching format to students, with a part of the school’s lessons held online and a part of them in class.

For the next academic year, the school is planning to continue with this hybrid method, with most of the lessons held onsite with some asynchronous online classes. 

The expectation is that student events will also be in person, but ESCP is ready to switch them online if needed.

The same applies for recruiting events, which have been organized online during 2020/2021. These can be in-person for students living near Turin and online for international students and candidates.


UK Business Schools


Alliance Manchester Business School 

The Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) campus is open with COVID-19-secure measures in place.

The school’s full-time MBA students have returned to campus for a hybrid model of teaching. There’s some face-to-face lectures while other sessions remain online.

Upcoming Global Part-Time MBA workshops scheduled for July will continue to take place online due to ongoing travel restrictions. Students who live locally will have the option to attend the virtual workshops on campus in small, socially distanced groups.  

From September 2021, Alliance Manchester Business School plans to welcome the new full-time MBA class to campus for their three-week induction period, core modules, and not-for-profit project. There will also be frequent socials and MBA+ and careers activities.

The school also hopes to reintroduce face-to-face teaching for the Global Part-Time MBA September workshops. Due to the highly international composition of the cohort though, the school is closely monitoring government travel advice.

AMBS is delivering Executive Education Open Programmes on campus in line with current government advice relating to social distancing.  


Cambridge Judge Business School

At Cambridge Judge Business School all student events are currently online, and the school’s campus visit program is suspended. 

In line with government guidance from Monday May 17th, university students have been allowed to return to in-person teaching. For students on courses where teaching would normally be taking place at this point in the academic year, in-person small-group University and College teaching can resume.

There is a hybrid teaching model in place, in which the MBA will be delivered in person complemented by a wide range of digital resources and preparatory study. This will continue to be used for the incoming students in fall 2021—there is also no delay to the start of the new academic year. 

All students of the business school are required to follow the health and safety protocols in place, pending further government changes. These include mask wearing, social distancing, checking your temperature on entering the building, and following the one-way system that is in place.

London Business School

London Business School is open for students and staff. The fresh air supply is on in lecture theatres, and the additional units that recirculate air are turned off for safety. 

Students, participants, staff, and faculty can collect free, at-home, lateral flow antigen testing kits from the school—the same tests that are available online or for collection from local pharmacies or test centers. Students attending lectures on campus are expected to self-test twice per week. 

You must wear a face covering while in any indoor space on campus except single person offices. Face coverings may only be removed while eating or drinking or in spaces where social distancing can be followed.

The school’s current lecture theatre occupancy is set at 50% capacity, and faculty are wearing personal protective visors while teaching. Lecture theatres are cleaned before each teaching session, and for those who can’t attend classes in person, Zoom is being used for virtual teaching.


COVID-19 Campus Updates For US Business Schools

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(©DukeFuqua / via FB)


Business Schools in France / Monaco


HEC Paris

Since September 2020, the French government has authorized in-person teaching at universities, with strict regulations including social distancing and mandatory mask wearing.  

HEC Paris has since offered students a blended learning format consisting of in-person courses with reduced capacity, and online teaching. Students who do not wish to attend any in-person courses are offered the possibility of attending remotely.

All career fairs will remain virtual until the end of 2021. There is a possibility that smaller student/recruiter events might take place in person before then. 

With the progressive deployment of the vaccination campaign, the school expects courses to fully return to normal in September 2021, with full classroom capacity. Though should that not be possible, the model already deployed will guarantee academic continuity.

If borders are open in September 2021, and it is safe to do so, the school plans to also resume full academic and research activities in person and on campus.


EDHEC Business School

EDHEC Business School’s Lille and Nice campuses are open. Wearing a mask is required at all times on campus, and the required health and safety measures are in place on site—hand sanitizing stations, social distancing, and temperature checks, for example. 

Classes are in person, and the school plans to keep this in place for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year. The plan is for students to be able to benefit from the full range of on-campus services, including career support, catering, sports facilities, and student life.


International University of Monaco

For the 2020-2021 academic year the International University of Monaco set up a new teaching method that allowed students to safely be on campus. On campus and classroom capacity has been reduced, and mask wearing is mandatory across the premises. 

The new model of onsite/online teaching has become the norm. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the school plans to continue with this teaching method, with learning being split 80% on-site and 20% online. 


Business Schools in Denmark


Copenhagen Business School

Restrictions are being reduced to normal or to a basic level at all Danish educational institutions. 

From June 14th, all buildings will reopen with admission and opening hours as normal. Students are no longer required to use face masks or shields. The one-to-two meter social distancing requirement is being removed, and physical attendance for staff on campus will be increased to 50%.

Then from August 1st, students are no longer required to produce a negative test result as a requirement for campus access. CBS will no longer provide a testing facility for staff and students, and all staff may return to campus.


Business Schools in Germany


ESMT Berlin

ESMT Berlin welcomed its first group of students back to campus in April 2021.

The school is currently teaching a mix of hybrid and face-to-face classes. Half of the class is face-to-face, and the other half join online. To make this happen, ESMT invested over $600K to ensure lecture halls are able to deliver an optimum learning experience whether you are in the room or remote.

Health and safety measures in place include testing, mandatory masks, social distancing, cleaning schedules, and contact tracing.

For the new academic year starting in fall 2021, the school currently plans to operate with the same hybrid model of teaching, so students can choose the option they prefer.


Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

Since May 14th, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management has been offering students an elective model of teaching, where they choose whether to attend classes from campus or online. 

Students can be on campus only if they provide a negative test no older than 48 hours, and face coverings are mandatory across all public areas of campus.


HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management launched HHL Promise, the school’s commitment to reopening campus for students enrolling in fall 2021. The school intends to open campus and have in-person lectures. 

Social distancing and hygiene measures will be followed. Students are expected to wear mandatory face coverings, regularly wash hands, and use hand sanitizer. 

Hybrid study options will be available for international students who can’t yet make it to Germany. If the situation changes before the new academic year, the school is also prepared to begin with online courses during the first few weeks of the semester, opening when it’s safe to do so. 


WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management

Teaching is taking place mostly in hybrid form at WHU. BSc and MSc students are currently not on campus as term is over and it’s internship season.

The school’s EMBA conducted two hybrid modules in May 2021, welcoming the first students back to campus. Since June 7th, the school’s full-time and part-time MBA programs have also been offered in hybrid form.

For both campuses in Düsseldorf and Vallendar, state regulations allow students to join classes in person again based on a strict hygiene concept implemented by the school. That includes social distancing, capacity limits for classrooms, hygiene regulations, and testing.

Where regulations allow, WHU has started organizing events in hybrid form or in-person. The majority of events are still taking place online though.

The expectation is that from September 2021, when the new term begins, larger events will be able to be held on campus. Should everything be safe, BSc and MSc students will return to campus for the new academic year.

All classes should take place in person again, with a hybrid model continuing to be used where necessary.


Updates: Coronavirus Impact On Business Schools

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©gemphotography


Business Schools in Italy 


MIP Politecnico di Milano

MIP is starting a lot of programs online in fall 2021 before shifting students to on-campus teaching. The International Masters in Big Data and the Full-Time MBA start online at the end of September 2021. The school’s International Masters in Sustainability, and International Masters in Cybersecurity Management start online at the start of October 2021. 

There are a suite of business master’s programs then resuming on campus at MIP later in the fall. They include the fintech, finance, and digital innovation program, the financial risk management masters, and the international masters in big data—all starting on campus October 2021.

The school’s international masters in sustainability, cybersecurity management masters, and full-time MBA are set to resume on campus at the start of November 2021. 

The Career Development Center will continue to operate virtually, providing students with virtual career fairs, remote consultancy projects, online career workshops and company presentations, and one-to-one consultancy. 

Italy began to reopen from May 18th 2021, and an update on MIP’s website confirms the Lombardy region has been designated a white zone from June 21st 2021. That means curfew has been lifted, and movement is allowed between white and yellow regions with no restrictions. 

Face coverings must still be worn in all public spaces, outdoors and indoors, and on public transport. Social distancing is also still in place. 


SDA Bocconi School of Management

In compliance with safety and health rules, SDA Bocconi is using a hybrid teaching model. The school is open, and Master’s and Executive Open Programs students are splitting their time between the classroom and online.


Business Schools in Spain


ESADE Business School

Esade Business School has invested over $3 million in its facilities and systems to guarantee students the same standard of education across all delivery methods: fully in-person, hybrid, or 100% online.

“If something has become clear in the field of university education during this crisis, it is the need to combine different methodologies to develop and strengthen the essential knowledge and skills of every professional,” explains Joan Rodon, vice dean for faculty and research at Esade.

The school is recognized by SGS—the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company—as a completely safe space against COVID-19. All classrooms are set up to deliver in-person and virtual teaching. Cleaning and disinfection are carried out daily.

From fall 2021, the school plans to combine online and face-to-face teaching and provide students with more control over their own learning, giving them the option to learn online or on campus, depending on their safety preference.


IE Business School

IE Business School’s campus has been open since July 2020. The school has since developed a comprehensive action plan that involves daily testing of all IE community members, and each classroom being closely monitored for COVID-19 outbreaks. 

The school expects all programs to start on their expected dates, and don’t foresee any delays to the new academic year in 2021. 

Besides face-to-face teaching, the school’s new Liquid Learning method allows students to follow their studies remotely if circumstances require them to do so. 


IESE Business School

IESE Business School is running in-person classes at reduced capacity on its Barcelona campus. All students who are unable to return to the classroom for health reasons or because of travel restrictions can continue with online classes. 

The school has also created an online platform for campus access. Students complete a simple questionnaire, and a QR code attached to the platform is used to access campus buildings. 

Temperature control cameras have been installed at the campus entrance, and all used rooms are fully disinfected at the end of each day. Standard COVID-19 health and safety regulations are in place across campus.


Read our latest updates on the impact of coronavirus on business schools


This article was last updated Monday June 21st 2021

Student Reviews

Copenhagen Business School (CBS)

Student

Verified

29/09/2019

CBS: efficient international network

CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success. The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way. CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.

Stella

Verified

24/04/2019

Good academic career

I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.

Student

Verified

13/04/2019

CBS is one of the best!

All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.

Stefani

Verified

12/04/2019

The ideal business school

I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.

José Pedro

Verified

22/09/2019

A Place of Personal Growth

In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth. The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.

Cathy

Verified

5/02/2019

Environment

The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.

Philip

Verified

15/04/2018

Quality education

Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school. However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!

Student

Verified

27/09/2017

Best Time!

Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.

Student

Verified

22/09/2017

A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment

I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.

Student

Verified

29/09/2019

CBS: efficient international network

CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success. The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way. CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.

Stella

Verified

24/04/2019

Good academic career

I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.

Student

Verified

13/04/2019

CBS is one of the best!

All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.

Stefani

Verified

12/04/2019

The ideal business school

I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.

José Pedro

Verified

22/09/2019

A Place of Personal Growth

In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth. The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.

Cathy

Verified

5/02/2019

Environment

The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.

Philip

Verified

15/04/2018

Quality education

Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school. However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!

Student

Verified

27/09/2017

Best Time!

Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.

Student

Verified

22/09/2017

A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment

I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.

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