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Press release

The Global BBA and CESEM programme merger

Published on 09 October 2024 by Aziza B.

The merger of NEOMA’s Global BBA and CESEM programmes, announced at our Back-to-School Seminar, will officially take place in September 2025. This new programme, offered across the Reims, Rouen, and Paris campuses, will combine the strengths of both bachelor’s degrees, offering students a choice between a general track and a double-degree track. This merger will enhance the international positioning of the new Global BBA and increase students’ exposure to key issues in sustainable transformation, AI, and Data. 

Enhancing NEOMA’s international undergraduate programme offering   

Established in 1974, long before most French business schools introduced BBAs, CESEM was a trailblazing undergraduate programme with a clear international focus and an innovative 2+2 model: two years at NEOMA, followed by two years abroad in an international double-degree programme, where all graduates earned two degrees. Initially focused on Europe (CESEM stands for “Centre Européen d’Études Supérieures en Management”), the programme later expanded worldwide, developing partnerships with 23 universities across all continents. “As CESEM’s network grew globally, the ‘BBA’ label became a recognised market standard both in France and internationally,” says Delphine Manceau. 

Now, NEOMA is uniting its two programmes, Global BBA and CESEM, under a single name: Global BBA. This change, effective from September 2025, reflects the school’s commitment to offering a more streamlined and relevant programme. “While CESEM was groundbreaking 50 years ago, business schools have since shifted to offering four-year BBAs with an international outlook. As both our post-bac programmes met these standards, we often found candidates struggling to choose between the Global BBA and CESEM,” explains Delphine. “It became clear that we needed to combine the best of both programmes into one. 

The new Global BBA will align perfectly with the undergraduate market, where it is now recognised as an international benchmark. “Four-year BBAs are highly appealing to students with global aspirations,” adds Molka Abbes, Director of the Global BBA. 

Thanks to this merger, NEOMA will offer two ways for students to gain international experience within the same programme: either through one or two semesters abroad at prestigious partner universities in more than 60 countries (such as Berkeley in the US, FGV in Brazil, and Dublin City University in Ireland), or by completing a double degree after two years of study at one of CESEM’s 23 international partners. 

Expanding learning opportunities for students 

The Global BBA is designed for high school graduates interested in economics, project management, entrepreneurship, geopolitics, and international relations. The new programme will also place a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, data, and climate change, providing students with the skills to become key players in driving business transformation. 

The new curriculum will merge the best features of both existing programmes. “This new programme brings together two highly respected courses,” says Molka. “We’ve carefully combined all the educational opportunities and strengths that have made CESEM and the current Global BBA so valuable over the years,” adds Cindy Zawadzki, Director of CESEM. 

The new programme will offer a general track and a double-degree track called the “Global Double Degree CESEM Track”. Key features will include: 

  • A choice between a fully English-language track and a bilingual track.
  • In the “General Track”: One to two semesters (from six months to one year) abroad at a prestigious partner university in one of over 60 countries.
  • In the “Global Double Degree CESEM Track”: Two years at one of the 23 partner universities, with the opportunity to complete an international internship.
  • Up to 18 months of internships, both in France and abroad, throughout the course.
  • Early introduction of projects and internships from the first year to develop both practical and soft skills.
  • A focus on humanities, mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, and geopolitics throughout the programme.
  • he option to complete a work-study programme in the fourth year (General Track).

Admissions via the SESAME Exam 

The new Global BBA will be available on NEOMA’s Rouen, Reims, and Paris campuses, with admissions for French candidates continuing through the SESAME competitive entrance exam. “This new programme’s international focus aligns perfectly with the SESAME test bank, of which we’ve been a long-standing member,” says Delphine. “With this unique programme, we aim to increase our appeal to both French and international students.”