When you’re weighing up whether or not to do a master’s degree, there are a range of factors you need to consider. As the number of students signing up for postgraduate courses increases, awareness of the benefits of further study is also increasing. Not only does a master’s degree give you specialist knowledge and an edge over the competition in the job market, it can also lead to better career prospects and higher earning potential.
But did you know…? Studying for a master’s degree abroad has additional benefits, including networking with international business professionals (and potential future employers), learning a new language, and statistics show it can even make you happier! According to the 2019 Global Student Satisfaction report, compiled by Studyportals, international students have a better study experience at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, with an average score of 4.17 compared to domestic students, who scored 4.01.
In this article, we look at why you should study a master’s degree in Barcelona specifically.
Why Study a Master’s Degree in Barcelona?
Called Spain’s Silicon Valley, Barcelona is known around the world as a global center for innovation, design, and entrepreneurship. In 2023, it was ranked in the Top 50 Best Student Cities by QS based on a range of criteria, including student mix, employer activity, and affordability.
Here are our top five reasons for studying a master’s degree in Barcelona:
1. Affordability
As a student, money is one of the most important factors to consider – especially if you’re thinking about studying abroad. The cost of living in Barcelona is much cheaper than other European cities, such as London and Berlin, which are popular with international students. Basic amenities, like food and transport, cost less, and depending on where in the city you live, it’s possible to find very reasonably priced accommodation. EU Business School students in Barcelona can choose to rent private or shared accommodation, starting from €300 per month.
2. Accessibility
One of the best things about Barcelona, especially for international students, is how easy it is to get to. With direct flights from over 60 countries, friends and family will be able to visit, hassle free. Plus, convenient road and rail links to the rest of Spain and mainland Europe give you plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the city. Getting around once you’re here is also a breeze! Barcelona is mostly flat, making it easy to walk or cycle – but if you live outside the city center, the public transport network of trains, buses, and trams is a cheap and easy way to get to and from class.
3. Innovation
In recent years, Barcelona has become known for its thriving entrepreneurial scene. It is home to over 1300 startups as well as some of the world’s largest multinational enterprises, including Yahoo!, Microsoft, and Capgemini, which are headquartered at 22, the urban renewal area which sits at the heart of the city’s technological and innovation district.
Master’s students at EU Barcelona are given the opportunity to attend company visits as part of their program to see first-hand how global businesses operate and network with top management personnel. If you are interested in a career in international business, there are few other European cities that can offer the same hands-on learning experience or career opportunities as Barcelona.
4. Diversity
Barcelona is a bustling city of over 1.6 million people, where one in five residents come from different countries. With 179 nationalities represented in the city at large – and students from over 100 countries studying at EU Barcelona – you’ll quickly find a home here, wherever you’re from. Despite its large population, and many millions of visitors each year, the city and our campuses have a very relaxed feel to them with Plaça Catalunya only a five minute walk away!
5. Culture
In addition to the stunning beaches, where you can run, do yoga, and play volleyball (or sunbathe if that’s more your speed!) Barcelona is renowned for its impressive architecture, vibrant nightlife, and buzzing music scene. The city’s growing gourmet food industry also offers plenty of opportunities to try the local cuisine, especially fresh fish, paella, and tapas. After a busy week of classes, why not unwind with a visit to the Sagrada Familia or Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona FC, followed by a few drinks with your friends?
Still looking for a reason? Download our Barcelona city campus brochure for more.
Discover EU Barcelona
EU Barcelona boasts two modern campus buildings in the heart of the city. Our main campus building, named after the Avinguda Diagonal, one of the main arteries of the city’s business district, sits in a sunny, ten-storey building supplied with cutting-edge facilities specifically designed to optimize the student experience. Its central location makes it handy for a wide range of shops, restaurants, and other services, while nearby public transport links make it easily commutable from other parts of the city.
Take a virtual tour around our Diagonal Campus today.
The five-floor Ganduxer building, where you may also have classes, is situated in the leafy and elegant neighborhood of La Bonanova, alongside many of the foreign embassies and consulates. The classrooms here have large windows, letting in lots of natural light – good for the brain! – and are equipped with the latest technology for a high-speed learning experience. In between classes, you can relax or study in one of the spacious lounges or go out and explore the nearby attractions. Grab lunch from a traditional Catalan food market, hop on the train to Plaça Catalunya, or visit the world-famous street of Las Ramblas.
Where Could You Go with EU Barcelona?
At EU Business School, we offer nine industry-specific master’s programs for students who want to learn the latest trends and business models:
- Master in Management
- Master in Marketing
- Master in Finance
- Master in Tourism & Hospitality
- Master in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Master in Digital Business
- Master in Fashion & Luxury Business
- Master in Digital Marketing, Transformation & Design Thinking
- Master in Business Analytics & Data Science
- Master in Artificial Intelligence for Business
Check out the individual course pages for more information on the course structure, entry requirements, and career options for each program.
You can also sign up for our on-campus open day on December 15, 2023, where you will hear all about our innovative programs and our hands-on approach to learning, as well as what it’s like to live and study in cosmopolitan Barcelona!
