MBA Summer School
ESSAM 2026
21 June - 4 July 2026
University of Glasgow, Scotland (Glasgow and Dumfries campuses)
About ESSAM
The European Summer School for Advanced Management (ESSAM) is an intensive, two-week summer programme for MBA students, combining high-level coursework, workshops, guest lectures, consultancy projects, and immersive cultural experiences. ESSAM enables MBA students to fast-track part of their studies in a dynamic international setting.
Established over 30 years ago, ESSAM is delivered by an international consortium of business schools, offering participants diverse perspectives and expertise.
Hosted by the triple-accredited Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow, ESSAM 2026 offers:
- a blend of core module and professional skills focused on the themes of sustainable enterprise and impact-driven business
- a real-world team consultancy project with a local client organisation
- a programme designed to encourage global networking among MBA students, academics and industry professionals
- access to Scotland’s rich cultural heritage through curated excursions, events, and local partnerships.
Why choose ESSAM
Global expertise in sustainable business: Learn from leading experts and practitioners in sustainability, social enterprise, and impact-driven business.
Practical experience with real-world projects: Collaborate on a team-based consultancy project, tackling real challenges faced by an enterprise in Scotland, guided by faculty and industry mentors.
Accelerate your MBA journey: Earn 10 ECTS in just two weeks, compressing core and elective coursework.
Cultural immersion: Engage deeply with Scottish culture, exploring the country’s heritage through excursions, networking events, and local partnerships.
Expand your network: Connect with an international cohort of MBA students, forming valuable relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
How to apply
ESSAM 2026 is open to both full-time and part-time currently registered MBA students.
Application and payment processes
To apply for ESSAM in the first instance, please:
- provide a personal statement
- provide your CV
- email them to business-essam@glasgow.ac.uk.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 19 April 2026.
Please note: A minimum of three years management experience is required for ESSAM.
Personal statement requirements
- Maximum 500 words
- Why you want to apply to the programme
- What attracts you to the ESSAM 2025 theme - "Building Global Leaders in Sustainable and Impact-Driven Business"
- Curriculum vitae (CV) (Maximum of two pages)
- Where you are studying for your MBA
- Describe your work experience and responsibilities (3 years management experience is required)
Once you are offered a place on ESSAM and confirm your acceptance, we will ask you to complete our online booking form and payment. Please be aware that registration is only complete when the applicable fees have been paid online.
Please note: MBA students at Consortium Universities or Friends of ESSAM Universities are eligible for reduced rate fees.
Fees
Consortium University students: £3,600.00 (GBP)
Friends of ESSAM Universities students: £4,150.00 (GBP)
Standard ESSAM fee: £5,200.00 (GBP)
Your fee includes the two-week programme tuition, return transport between Glasgow to Dumfries, ensuite hotel accommodation for one person in Glasgow and Dumfries, meals, course materials, company visits, cultural and social activities and excursions.
Please contact the ESSAM team to check if you qualify for Consortium University or Friends of ESSAM Universities reduced rate fees.
Theme
"Building Global Leaders in Sustainable and Impact-Driven Business"
ESSAM 2026 will focus on advancing sustainable, impact-driven business leadership while building a global community of future business leaders. This year’s programme will highlight Scotland’s role as a hub for sustainable and impactful enterprise, interweaving cultural experiences with immersive learning led by leading academics and industry experts.
Programme
Core themes
Sustainable Development and Impact-driven Leadership
Week 1: University of Glasgow
Week 1 will be held at the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School, located on our Glasgow Campus.
The first week will focus on “Leading in the World” and will involve an exploration into:
- Sustainability - what does it mean for us?
- Leading in the World – what sort of leadership is needed?
- Strategic Thinking – a practical guide
- Leading Change – a meta-theory for change
- Culture and Decision-Making – in a complex world
Week 2: Dumfries Campus
Week 2 is based at the University of Glasgow School of Sustainability on our Dumfries Campus.
This week will focus on regional and rural sustainability and cover some of the techniques and methods required to develop sustainable business models with the potential to deliver economic and social impacts. These include the application of concepts and research findings relevant to rural enterprise, researching and identifying opportunities and challenges.
We will explore what is meant by 'leadership' in the context of regional development, who place leaders are and how they exercise leadership, in the context of multi-level governance where 'no-one is in charge'.
Consultancy project
Work in teams to provide consulting services to a Scottish-based, impact-driven business, culminating in a final report and presentation to a panel of business and academic leaders.
Cultural and networking events
- Ceilidh (Scottish traditional music, dance and cuisine)
- Self-led tourism opportunities
- Networking dinners and social events with industry leaders
Assessment
Components
The assessment of ESSAM has two components:
- Individual written assignment – 60%
- Group Consultancy Project – 40%
Credits
National credits and grades are awarded by the individual participant's home university based on the ECTS credits and grades achieved (ECTS = European Course Credit Transfer System). The University of Glasgow will provide the grades based on its own marking system and each individual’s home university may adjust as required by their system.
ESSAM suggests 10 ECTS for the full programme.
This is an intensive and immersive programme that requires full participation over the two-week period, ensuring that all participants fully engage and make the most of this exciting opportunity.
Hear from our students
Desiree, Queen’s University Belfast (2025)
“ESSAM 2025 was one of the most rewarding and genuinely enriching experiences of my MBA journey. Beyond the intensive learning, I loved having the chance to explore the breathtaking Scottish countryside and connect with global colleagues, who I hope will remain lifelong friends. The programme broadened my perspective and deepened my confidence in my strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and ability to tackle complex challenges in a global context. It also allowed me to embed sustainability into my learning in a meaningful way, something I hope to carry forward into my career. ESSAM is an unforgettable experience and an absolute must for anyone given the opportunity!”
Tim, Griffith University, Brisbane (2025)
“The programme blends world-class teaching, a diverse international cohort, and a truly uplifting environment that fuels personal and professional growth. ESSAM helped me see leadership and sustainability through a new lens and left me energised to drive impact in my own community. It’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone who wants to stretch their thinking and be part of something special.”
Arbab, Loughborough University (2025)
“ESSAM was one of the most enriching experiences of my academic journey. The diversity of the cohort, with students from multiple nationalities, disciplines, and universities, created an incredible environment to learn from different perspectives. The programme’s focus on sustainable development gave me a deeper understanding of how sustainability drives long-term business advantage. The consultancy project was a real highlight, combining practical problem-solving with healthy competition. The ESSAM management team ensured everything was seamless and supportive throughout. As an international student, ESSAM gave me a true community, meaningful learning, and a strong network; I would highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to participate.”
Kirti, University of Glasgow (2025)
“ESSAM brought together MBA students from different universities, cultures, and experiences, and that diversity shaped the whole programme. The conversations, group work and the consultancy project all felt richer because everyone saw the world differently and shared openly.
ESSAM struck the right mix of academic depth and genuinely fun moments.
The sessions created a space where you could think honestly about your own leadership, question old habits, and understand complexity with empathy and clarity. The consultancy project tied it all together and showed how these ideas come alive in real situations.
I would recommend ESSAM to anyone who wants a leadership experience that feels grounded, human, and memorable. You walk away with new insights, new friendships, and a stronger sense of how you want to show up as a leader”