Two universities, two degrees: Matthias Benzinger on the value of a Dual MBA
Choosing an MBA is about more than earning a qualification. It is about gaining new perspectives, building the confidence to lead and finding a programme that fits around the career you have already built. The fully online Dual MBA from Edinburgh Business School and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) brings those elements together, combining two university perspectives, two degrees and the flexibility to study from wherever you are.
The programme combines FHNW’s applied Swiss business expertise with Edinburgh Business School’s global perspective and experience in online learning. On completion, graduates receive a degree from each university – an MBA from EBS, and an MBA Cross Cultural Leadership - and can attend graduation ceremonies at both Heriot-Watt University and FHNW.
Matthias Benzinger completed a Dual MBA from Edinburgh Business School and FHNW while working full time as a Computer System Compliance Manager in Switzerland*. His experience offers a valuable insight into the benefits of studying with two universities, from gaining two recognised degrees to developing a broader understanding of global business and leadership.
Two degrees with value in Switzerland and across the world
For Matthias, studying with a UK university and a Swiss university offered a valuable balance. He wanted qualifications that would support his career in Switzerland while keeping his options open for work across different countries.
As he explains:
“Both countries have a strong academic reputation. In international business, UK degrees are well known and respected, and when you work in Switzerland, a Swiss degree is very welcome, especially with Swiss employers. The combination keeps me flexible for international work while staying competitive here in Switzerland.”
This dual recognition is a central part of the new programme. Graduates receive one degree from Heriot-Watt University and another from FHNW. They can also choose to celebrate their achievement at graduation ceremonies with both universities.
When Matthias reflected on the most important benefits of his studies, the value of the two qualifications came first: “The three that matter most to me are: two degrees that open doors internationally, a genuine peer network across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the confidence to work with and for people.”
Learning from two academic perspectives
A dual degree offers more than two certificates. It also gives you access to different academic traditions, teaching approaches, and ways of thinking about business.
For Matthias, studying with both institutions had a lasting effect on how he approached decisions:
“More than knowledge, the two sides shaped how I think. The Scottish side stood for engineering rigour and a strong sense of sustainability, a mindset of building things properly and for the long term. The Swiss side stood for economic thinking and neutrality, staying balanced and weighing every side before deciding. Living with both sets of values, plus the constant exposure to different cultures, is what really broadened me. And my English improved significantly along the way, which was a main target.”
The new fully online Dual MBA continues to combine these perspectives. You will gain applied business knowledge while developing the strategic judgement needed to work across cultures, markets and industries.
The programme covers areas including:
- People, Work and Organisations
- Financial Decision Making
- Delivering Successful Projects
- Developing and Executing Strategy
- Strategic Marketing
- Cross Cultural Leadership and Management
- Intercultural Negotiation and Communication
- Managing Innovation
You will also complete an MBA Project, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning to a substantial business issue.
Developing the confidence to lead people
For Matthias, the programme’s impact extended beyond technical business knowledge. When asked what completing the qualification meant to him, he described it as:
“Personal growth, a wealth of knowledge about cultures, business management and, above all, dealing with people.”
That focus on people is built into the Dual MBA. Courses explore how organisations work, how leaders influence workplace culture and how professionals can communicate and negotiate across different cultural settings.
People, Work and Organisations was a particular highlight for Matthias. He explains why:
“Dr Linda Buchan delivered the course with great passion. We really enjoyed her videos, and what we learnt from them proved to be extremely useful in our day-to-day work. Without an understanding of how to deal with people, even the best MBA will not lead to success.”
The programme is designed to help you understand the human side of management as well as strategy, finance and organisational performance. This can be particularly important if you are moving into roles where you will lead teams, manage change or work with colleagues across different countries.
Matthias has already applied this people-focused approach in his professional life:
“I am already actively supporting women in the life sciences, helping them to build networks and raise awareness of their achievements, and I would like to develop into a people and culture role myself in the long term. Furthermore, I support my peer students in their job search, and I actively participate in professional networks and groups.”
Study around your career
The fully online Dual MBA is designed for working professionals who want to continue developing their careers while they study.
The programme is self-paced, with open enrolment. You can choose when to begin, how many courses to take at one time and the order in which you complete them.
Matthias continued working full time throughout his degree. The flexible structure made study possible alongside his role, while requiring commitment and careful planning:
“I used weekends to study and got up very early to learn before the workday started. I also pulled late nights and built-up overtime so I could take it back around exams. My manager arranged five extra holiday days for the exam periods, and I could take time off when I needed it.”
The online dual MBA has seven core courses, one optional course and an MBA Project, totalling 200 credits. Each course requires around 200 hours of study. Most students complete the full MBA in about two years, although the flexible format allows you to move faster or take longer when needed.
You can also pay course by course, helping you spread the cost of the programme over the course of your studies.
Building a broader view of global business
Modern business rarely operates within one country or culture. Leaders need to understand how different people communicate, make decisions, approach risk and respond to change.
Matthias found that the global and cross-cultural nature of his programme broadened his understanding of leadership and management. It also helped him build relationships with professionals from different regions.
He identified one of the most important benefits as: “A genuine peer network across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.”
As a fully online student, you will still join a global community of working professionals, exchange ideas through discussion forums, attend live webinars and learn from people working in different sectors and countries.
This exposure can help you test your assumptions, understand different business environments and build the confidence to work across cultural boundaries.
Start with one course
You don’t need to commit to the full Dual MBA from the outset. The programme offers a performance-based admission route, allowing you to begin by enrolling in and paying for one course. After successfully completing that course, you can continue towards the full degree.
This approach gives you the opportunity to experience postgraduate online study before making a larger commitment. It can also make it easier to begin studying without following a traditional application route.
Take your next step with the fully online Dual MBA
The fully online Dual MBA from Edinburgh Business School and FHNW is designed for professionals who want to build their strategic knowledge, strengthen their leadership capabilities and develop a broader view of global business.
You will study with two universities, receive a degree from each and have the opportunity to attend graduation ceremonies at both. You can study at your own pace, continue working and apply what you learn directly to your career.
Matthias’s experience shows what a dual degree can offer: two respected qualifications, exposure to different ways of thinking and greater confidence when working with people across cultures.
Explore the fully online Dual MBA from Edinburgh Business School and FHNW.
*Matthias studied a version of the programme that combined online and face-to-face learning. The new Dual MBA is delivered fully online.