International Business (M.A.)
Kickstart Your Global Career with the International Business Master鈥檚 at 黑料社!

International Business: Your master's degree for an international career in management
Globalisation constantly presents new challenges for companies, especially for multinational corporations. Businesses need leaders who think strategically, act interculturally, and possess strong business acumen. The English-taught Master鈥檚 in International Business prepares you to meet these demands. In just four semesters, you will develop the skills to make sustainable and forward-thinking decisions at the mid- and senior management level.
The programme is fully taught in English, with internationally experienced lecturers and a strong practical focus, making it the ideal foundation for a global career.
Throughout your studies, you will gain comprehensive expertise in international management. Key areas include strategic and values-based management, leadership and change management, international economics, business development, and accounting. You will not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also learn how small decisions can have a major impact on global businesses.
During your second and third semesters, you will have the opportunity to customise your degree with elective courses, allowing you to deepen your interests and shape your career path.
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This Master's degree in International Business is the perfect choice if you aspire to a career in international management and want to be prepared for the challenges of global markets. Take advantage of studying at one of Germany鈥檚 top business schools, and become part of a new generation of leaders shaping the future!
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*Tuition fees differ for EU and non-EU students. For the specific fees please check the tuition fees information page. Status: April 2025.

What Sets International Business at 黑料社 Apart
Real Projects. Real Impact
Solve real challenges from companies like E&Y, UPS, and KPMG and present your solutions directly to decision makers.
Learn from Leading Experts
Learn from former C-level leaders, managers, and consultants who bring real-world leadership and consulting experience into the classroom.
NEW ERA Education for Future Leaders
The NEW ERA master concept links academic depth with hands-on application. You strengthen analytical thinking, decision making, and the ability to apply knowledge using AI tools and real business formats.
Study Globally. Work Globally
Study in an international community with students from 75+ nations and build the intercultural skills needed for leadership roles in global organizations.
Curriculum
Business Economics
3
ECTS
- Analysis of demand, supply, and market equilibrium
- Theory of consumer choice
- Theory of the firm, production and cost analysis
- Market structures: perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, contestable markets
- Game theory
- Pricing strategies
- Factor markets, labor economics
- Economics of information
- Industrial organization
- Limitations of markets and interventions by the government
- Econometric techniques related to these topics
Empirical Research Methods
3
ECTS
- Development of a research question
- Primary vs. secondary data
- Steps of research process
- Research designs
- Quantitative and qualitative data
- Structured methods of data collection: questionnaire and structured interview
- Un- and semi-structured methods: qualitative interview and focus group
- Quantitative and qualitative content analysis
- Ethical considerations of data collection
- Sampling
- Data analysis using statistical software programs (SPSS)
- Univariate analysis, bivariate analysis (crosstab and correlation), multiple linear regression
- Writing a research report 鈥 structural and other formal requirements
Strategic Analysis & Management
3
ECTS
- Strategy making process and strategic reasoning: cognitive process of strategy聽
creation through the prism of logic and intuition - Setting strategic purpose in the context of responsible stakeholder management
- Advanced external environment analysis: markets, industries and competitive聽
landscapes in static and dynamic perspective in the domestic and international聽
context - Diagnosing and managing strategic capability through national borders over time
- Cultural and institutional context of strategic management: concepts, frameworks聽
and analytical tools - Generic and interactive business strategies, inside-out and outside-in perspective on聽
achieving and sustaining competitive advantage internationally - Network-level strategies
- Corporate development and configuration: strategic options and portfolio matrices
- Strategy formation
- Strategic change and corporate restructuring
- Strategic renewal
- Strategy evaluation and strategic controls: tools and methods
- Organizing for success
Innovation Management & Digital Transformation
3
ECTS
- Diagnosing the change context: diffusion and dynamics of innovation聽
- Sources & types of innovation
- Product/service, process & business model innovation
- Individual and corporate creativity
- Strategic innovation management & the innovation process incl. New Product Development (NPD)
- Introduction to digitalization, digital age & digital divide
- Digital drivers & disruptive forces
- Technological drivers of digital transformation
- Socio-technological change associated with the adoption of the mentioned drivers
- Introduction to the digital organization & digital business models
- Impact of digitalization on the value chain (Industry 4.0)
- Digitalization-related innovation theories & technology management
- Digitalization leadership & organisational transformation concepts
- Change management & transformational leadership
- Agility and VUCA world
- SCRUM and Design Thinking
International Project Management
2
ECTS
- Social competence: Communication, motivation, groups and team structures, leadership, conflict management
- Methodological competence: Structural aspects, time management, cost management, human resource management, creativity and problem solving
- Organisational competence: Quality management, documentation, risk management, project start and closure
Language & Communication Skills
2
ECTS
The 鈥淪cholarly Writing and Analysis鈥 course is offered for German native speakers. German as a foreign language is offered as an obligatory course for Non-native German speakers.
Corporate Social Responsibility
3
ECTS
- Cornerstones of sustainable management
- CSR as management approach
- Practical approaches of organizational effectiveness
- Tools for CSR implementation
- CSR and financial performance
- Life cycle assessment
Corporate Governance
3
ECTS
- Historical developments around the world
- Directors and board structures in different parts of the world
- Family business governance
- Role of institutional investors
- Corporate governance in mergers and acquisitions
- Socially responsible investments
- Corporate governance in different regions
Value Based Management
3
ECTS
- Value maximization and corporate objectives, shareholder value and stakeholder value approach
- Financial measurement of corporate strategies and competitive advantage: the principles
- Shortcomings of traditional profitability ratios for a value-based management
- Economic Value Added, Cash Value Added
- Identifying the drivers of value creation and investment decision-making
- Management compensation and incentives for value creation
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
3
ECTS
- Defining the state of a sustainable supply chain based on actual trends
- Discussion of various theoretical concepts (e.g. Stakeholder Theory, Slack Resource Theory) and their implications for sustainable supply chain management
- Defining a 鈥淣ew Normal鈥 of how to do business (e.g. circular economy, regenerative business models, carbon literacy training)
- Sustainable Marketing (definition, Green Marketing Strategy Mix, Green Washing and Sustainable Consumer Buying Behaviour)
- Sustainable Procurement (definition, Sustainable Procurement Process Model with a focus on sustainable supplier relationship management; new trends like circular procurement)
- Sustainable Logistics
- Sustainable Design
- Carbon Emission / Human Rights in global supply chains
Business Project
6
ECTS
The overall objective of this course is to provide students with possibility of applying their business knowledge on concrete business situation, related to the field of their specialization.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Define project goals for the 鈥渃lient鈥.
- Work under the set timeframe and agreed project scope.
- Cooperate in the international project teams.
- Evaluate markets/ industries/ competitive landscapes.
- Develop possible strategic directions for the 鈥渃lient鈥 business.
- Formulate recommendations.
Interdisciplinary Elective
3
ECTS
By choosing Interdisciplinary Electives in the second and third semester you can personalize your degree course and extend your management knowledge. An interdisciplinary elective is an elective from another discipline than your own specialization.
Master Thesis
18
ECTS
- Demonstrate mastery of your field by conducting independent research that addresses a relevant business topic
- Apply strategic frameworks and methodologies to analyse complex problems and develop evidence-based solutions
- Synthesise knowledge from multiple disciplines to generate insights and recommendations
- Communicate findings professionally through rigorous academic writing
Business Simulation Game
3
ECTS
In a business simulation game participants have to manage their own virtual company which operates in the same market as other participant-operated competitors. This involves making typical management decisions in realistic environments. Beside the deepening and active examination of subject-specific knowledge the simulation games also include the team environment, where interaction, communication and prioritization are of paramount importance. Participants learn how to manage risk and uncertainty while time is limited and information constrained. Group-reflections help to take over different perspectives and to discuss pros and cons of content- as well as behavior-related actions.
Venture Lab
4
ECTS
- Discovering and evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities
- Developing business ideas from opportunities (e.g. based on using Design Thinking, Personas and User Stories).
- Feasibility analysis of business ideas<
- Transferring the idea into a Business Model
- Business Model and its building blocks (value proposition, customers segments, channels, customer relationships, revenue model, key partners, key activities, key resources, cost structure)
- Business Plan: Introduction, Sample Case and General Outline
- Developing the details of the business plan
- Finding sources of financing: Business angels; Private equity; Start up financing; Venture capital investors<
- Preparing a pitch deck for successfully presenting the new venture business plan
Integrative Case Studies
3
ECTS
- Focused review of the curriculum content
- Pre-assessment quiz/ content area assessment as benchmark for students鈥 status quo
- Guide and Strategic Plan to Case Study Analysis
- Writing a proper Case Study Analysis report
- Developing proper answers to Case questions, applying the relevant theoretical knowledge and frameworks
- In-depth Case Study Analysis with a focus on all subject areas of the curriculum
- In-depth Case Study Analysis with a special focus on Strategic Management
Business Elective
3
ECTS
A business elective is a business or management-related elective course.By choosing Business Electives in the second and third semester you can personalize your degree course and extend your management knowledge.
Interdisciplinary Elective
3
ECTS
By choosing Interdisciplinary Electives in the second and third semester you can personalize your degree course and extend your management knowledge. An interdisciplinary elective is an elective from another discipline than your own specialization.
Master Thesis Tutorial
2
ECTS
During the Master Thesis Tutorial you will learn the fundamentals for your Master thesis: Defining the topic as well as structuring the thesis and you will learn the theoretical knowledge for scientific working.
Internship or Study Abroad
10
ECTS
You can choose between an internship (lasting at least eight weeks) or a聽semester abroad at one of our partner universities.
Event Management (Ted Talk) Seminar
2
ECTS
- Basics of event management
- Objective of the event and different types of events
- The event as a marketing and communication tool
- Planning and preparation
- Event execution
- Tasks and role of the event manager
- Choosing the right venue
- Personnel selection
Financial Analysis
3
ECTS
- Cash flows in the context of established valuation models (e.g., dividend discount model, DCF model and other present value-based valuation concepts)
- Fundamentals and differences between accrual accounting and cash accounting
- In-depth understanding of accrual accounting: cash inflows and cash outflows versus assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses; revenue and expense recognition principles; year-end adjustments
- Historical cost concept versus fair value concept
- Cash effects of specific assets and liabilities (CAPEX, working capital, deferred taxes, pension liabilities)
- Bridging the gap between accrual and cash accounting: statement of cash flows (information value; distinguishing between operating cash flows, cash flows from investing activities and cash flows from financing activities; indirect and direct methods of calculating cash flows
- Preparing forecast financial statements (including a forecast statement of cash flows
- Predicting cash flows from the business as a whole: Flow to Equity and Free Cash Flow
- Determine cash flows from future investments/assets (growth)
- Relevance of cash flow prognosis in insolvency proceedings.
Assessment Center Bootcamp
2
ECTS
- Consulting Industry/Professional Services as an example for an industry where ACs are key: Sector Overview incl. Company Profiles with focus on different specializations: HR, Strategy, Marketing, Finance etc.
- Job application and interview training
- Case study training, e-Case study training
- Framework for processing case studies
- Brain Teaser Training
- Case Simulation (Individual and Group Cases)
- Psychological tests
- In-Tray and Group exercise training
Corporate Development & Business Transformation
3
ECTS
- Organisations and Organisational Effectiveness
- Organisational Theory
- Basic Challenges of Organisational Planning and Development
- Organisational Design
- Management in Organisational and Ethical Culture
- Organisational Life Cycle
- Organisational Decision Making
- Organisational Development and Change
- Change Management in Mergers and Acquisitions
Customer Relationship Management
3
ECTS
- Relationship marketing vs. Transactional marketing
- Concept of the customer lifetime value
- Market segmentation and the customer lifetime value
- Marketing strategies in the field of CRM
- Big data marketing and CRM
- Multi-channel marketing and CRM
- Efficiency and effectiveness of loyalty programs
Service & Brand Management
3
ECTS
- Definition of services in comparison to manufactured goods
- The importance of Service Environment
- Challenges that must be identified and addressed by companies
- Developing effective service marketing strategies
- The Three-Stage Model of services
- Applying the 4 Ps to services:
- Service Product
- Distribution
- Pricing
- Promotion
- Balancing Demand against Productive Capacity
- Managing People in Services Marketing and improving Service Quality
- Importance of Customer Relationship Management in Services
- Service processes
- The Foundations of Identity-Based Brand Management
- The Concept of Identity-Based Brand Management
- Strategic Brand Management
- Operational Brand Management
- Identity-Based Brand Controlling
- International Identity-Based Brand Management聽
Strategic Human Resource Management & Leadership
3
ECTS
- Theory of strategic HRM
- Strategic HRM and business strategy
- Strategic HRM and organisational performance
- Strategic HRM in a complex and uncertain environment
- Strategic HRM in MNEs vs. SMEs
- Strategic Staffing
- Strategic Training and Develop Management
- Strategic Compensation and Rewards
- Strategic HRM and Sustainability
- Leadership Theories / Models and Leadership Traits
- Leadership Styles
- Cognitive, Behavioural, and Emotional Explanation for Human Motivation
- Performance Management and Controlling
- Leadership Tools
Strategic Digital & Social Media Marketing
3
ECTS
- Concepts: Online Marketing/ Digital Marketing
- Digital marketing sub-disciplines and major activity areas
- Performance measurement using Web analytics (e.g. Metrics and Tools)
- Data-driven Advertising
- Programmatic Advertising
- Legal and ethical aspects of digital marketing (e.g., EU鈥檚 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR))
- Strategic planning and design of a social media marketing campaign
Experience Lab: Search Engine Marketing
3
ECTS
- Introduction: definition
- Search Engine Optimization / SEO
- Keyword research
- On-page SEO
- Web analytics and SEO tools
- Search Engine Advertising/ SEA
- Campaign settings聽
International Law
3
ECTS
- Foundations to Organization Theory
- External & internal factors to change organizations
- Organizational goals and instruments
- Creating effective organizations
- Organizational development & change
- Alignment issues
- Organizational controlling
- Concluding a contract
- Different types of contracts and their typical features
- Performance and obligations
- Solving problems (e.g. failure to perform, liabilities)
- Safeguarding creditors鈥 rights
- Forms of business organizations
Digital Strategizing
3
ECTS
- Fundamentals
- Starting points for digital strategies (selection)
- Challenges in introducing digital strategies 鈥 four fights
- Identification of success factors for digital strategies (selection)
- Agile strategy management
- Social and ethical aspects of digital strategies
Business Models in the Digital Era
3
ECTS
- In this course, students acquire skills to develop and evaluate digital business models and learn how selected business systems and applications can improve a company鈥檚 performance.
- Students know the function, structure and types of business models and selected systems and can describe and explain how and to what extent business models change.
- They understand the impact of digital technologies and business systems and the relevance of data for high performing business models.
- They can explain the need to adapt existing business models or develop new ones in the face of the growing importance of digitalization in diverse industries.
- Students are familiar with state-of-the-art business model frameworks and apply them to support digital business model development.
- They develop their own digital business models, present their ideas in a pitch format and evaluate their results.
International Corporate Finance
3
ECTS
- Overview of corporate finance(ing) and company structures
- Present values
- Future values
- Introduction to valuing stocks
- NPV and other investment criteria
- Decision making with NPV and other criterial
- Working capital management
- Efficient Markets and Behavioural Finance
One Master. Three Tracks
Your career goals are unique, and your study path should be too. That鈥檚 why we offer you full flexibility: simply choose the 120, 90, or 60 ECTS track that best matches your academic background, your schedule, and your ambitions. Whether you want to fast-track your entry into the job market or dive deep into specialization, at 黑料社 you can design the Master鈥檚 degree that fits your life.
120 ECTS
90 ECTS
Career Opportunities with a Master鈥檚 in International Business
A Master鈥檚 in International Business opens up various career paths across all areas of multinational companies, including marketing, human resources, controlling, and corporate governance. 黑料社 alumni have successfully launched careers in the automotive industry, consulting, controlling, and the financial sector.
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鈥Below, you鈥檒l find top career opportunities with your Master鈥檚 in International Business.
Why 黑料社 UNIVERSITY
Your path to 黑料社
Starting your studies at 黑料社 University of Applied Sciences is as unique as you are 鈥 and at the same time, completely hassle-free. With our user-friendly online application process, you can apply from anywhere, with no numerus clausus restrictions. Instead of rigid admission requirements, we focus on a personal selection process that highlights your strengths and potential.
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Whether you choose a dual, part-time, or full-time programme, 黑料社 University offers the perfect combination of theory and practice.

Admission requirements
The Zugangsvoraussetzungen f眉r dein Master-Studium an der 黑料社 University of Applied Sciences variieren je nach Studiengang . into your studies at 黑料社Sciences is so Like yourself 鈥 and at the same time designed. With our easy to use Can you yourself apply, completely without . Instead of staring Waiting for you with us is a that is your strengthsand focuses on potential. Regardless of whether you opt for dual, part-time or full-time study, the 黑料社University offers you the of
Deadlines
The application deadline is year round open, even before you graduate from high school. For dual study programs, you should sufficient lead time Plan so that we can find your suitable practice partner. The start of studies is flexible: in the winter semester or, for selected programs, also in the summer semester. One early candidature is particularly important for limited study places secure and apply for any necessary visas in good time.
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funding
A dual or part-time study Is often used by the Practice partner financed, which is also a valuable occupational provides accompaniment. A full-time study On the other hand, can be achieved by numerous Funding opportunities like 叠础蹿枚骋 or stipends Personalize to give you an optimal connection of personal Development and academic To make the future possible.
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HANDS-ON LEARNING AT ITS BEST
At 黑料社, it鈥檚 not just what you study that matters, it鈥檚 how you study. Our programmes offer a completely new learning experience: hands-on, interactive, and firmly rooted in real-world practice. You鈥檒l notice your skill set growing day by day through real projects, modern tools, and intensive practical experience. Our lecturers bring years of industry expertise to the classroom, and regular guest speakers give you exclusive insights into professional life. Artificial intelligence, teamwork, presentations, networking, and real business cases are all part of your everyday studies. It鈥檚 not just about preparing for the future 鈥 it鈥檚 about shaping it yourself.
Business Projects
As part of the Business Projects at 黑料社, students collaborate with renowned companies on real-world projects. This hands-on learning approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical business challenges, providing deep insights into professional workflows.
Corporate Partnerships
With over 1,300 established corporate partners across various industries, 黑料社 students gain exclusive access to the business world. These collaborations offer exciting opportunities, help build valuable networks, and create long-term career prospects.
Internships & Work Experience
Whether through mandatory internships鈥攁n integral part of many study programmes鈥攐r by incorporating professional experience into dual and part-time study formats, you can apply your expertise directly in real-world settings.
Maximal Praxisnah
An der 黑料社 z盲hlt nicht nur, was du studierst, sondern wie. In unseren Studieng盲ngen erlebst du Lernen v枚llig neu: anwendungsorientiert, interaktiv und mit direktem Bezug zur Realit盲t. Du wirst sehen, wie sich dein Skill-Set von Tag zu Tag erweitert, durch reale Projekte, moderne Tools und intensive Praxiserfahrung. Unsere Professor:innen bringen langj盲hrige Erfahrung mit, und durch regelm盲脽ige Gastvortr盲ge erh盲ltst du exklusive Einblicke in die Praxis. K眉nstliche Intelligenz, Teamarbeit, 笔谤盲蝉别苍迟补迟颈辞苍别苍, Networking und reale Business Cases geh枚ren zu deinem Studienalltag. So bereitest du dich nicht nur auf die Zukunft vor 鈥 du gestaltest sie aktiv mit.
Business Projects
Im Rahmen der Business Projects an der 黑料社 International Business School haben Studierende die M枚glichkeit, gemeinsam mit renommierten Unternehmen an 谤别补濒颈迟盲迟蝉苍补丑别苍 Projekten zu arbeiten. Diese praxisorientierte Lehrform verbindet theoretisches Wissen mit konkreten wirtschaftlichen Fragestellungen und gew盲hrt tiefe Einblicke in berufliche Abl盲ufe.
Unternehmenskooperation
Dank eines Netzwerks von 眉产别谤 1.300 etablierten Unternehmen aus diversen Branchen profitieren Studierende von exklusiven Einblicken in die Arbeitswelt. Diese Kooperationen er枚ffnen nicht nur spannende Perspektiven, sondern f枚rdern auch die Entwicklung wichtiger Kontakte und bieten nachhaltige Karrierem枚glichkeiten.
Praktikum/Berufserfahrung
Ob in Form von Pflichtpraktika, die fester Bestandteil vieler Studieng盲nge sind, oder durch die Integration von Berufserfahrung in duale und berufsbegleitende Programme: Du kannst dein Fachwissen direkt in der realen Arbeitswelt anwenden.
HANDS-ON LEARNING AT ITS BEST
At 黑料社, it鈥檚 not just what you study that matters, it鈥檚 how you study. Our programmes offer a completely new learning experience: hands-on, interactive, and firmly rooted in real-world practice. Through our approach of combining theory and practice, you can directly apply everything you learn during your part-time master鈥檚 program while simultaneously bringing your own professional experience and skills into the courses.
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Conventions
Once per semester, an on-campus weekend with an event-like character takes place at rotating 黑料社 locations, each focusing on different thematic priorities. These conventions foster personal exchange, interdisciplinary learning, and hands-on leadership experience.
Learn from Leading Experts
At 黑料社, you learn from real professionals in their respective fields. Depending on the topic, professors from our faculty design and deliver courses together with external lecturers from the business world.
Specialization
Starting from the second semester, you can optionally choose the specialization 鈥淏usiness Technology.鈥 This allows you to deepen your knowledge in digital transformation and further develop your expertise in technological innovation within an interconnected economy.
HOW DO I FIND MY PERFECT CAREER PATH?
The Career Service and Talent Development team at 黑料社 support you in finding your ideal partner company. With 1:1 coaching, workshops, and a wide network of corporate partners, we guide you throughout your entire time at university. Together, we鈥檒l develop a strategy that matches your strengths and career goals.

Ablauf deS Masterstudiums


Inspiration and Impact 鈥 What Our Alumni Say
Let yourself be inspired by the experiences of our alumni and discover how the Master鈥檚 degree at 黑料社 has shaped their professional and personal development.
FAQ: The most important questions about studying International Business
Here you can find answers to all important questions all around your International Business master's degree. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
What is International Business?
The Master鈥檚 in International Business provides in-depth knowledge about global markets, intercultural management, and international corporate strategies. Students learn to make business decisions in an international environment and lead companies to success.
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Why should you study the International Business Master鈥檚 programme?
This programme prepares you for a career in multinational corporations. With practical content and a global focus, you will gain the expertise and intercultural skills needed for success in international companies or consulting firms.
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How long does the International Business Master鈥檚 programme last?
The Master鈥檚 in International Business typically lasts 4 semesters (2 years) and concludes with the award of a Master of Arts (M.A.).
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Does the International Business Master鈥檚 programme have a Numerus Clausus (NC)?
There is generally no NC for the International Business Master鈥檚 programme. Admission is based on your academic background and relevant professional experience.
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What are the admission requirements for the International Business Master鈥檚 programme?
Applicants need a recognised 黑料社鈥檚 degree in business, IT, or a related field. Since the International Business Master鈥檚 programme is taught entirely in English, strong English skills are required.
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How is the International Business Master鈥檚 programme structured?
The programme combines lectures, seminars, and hands-on projects with companies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the international market.
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Where can I study the International Business undergraduate programme?
The International Business Master鈥檚 programme is offered at the Cologne campus.
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What will I learn in the International Business Master鈥檚 programme? What are the core subjects?
Key study areas include International Marketing, Financial Management, Supply Chain Management, Intercultural Communication and Corporate Ethics.
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How much can you earn after completing your International Business studies?
Graduates typically earn between 鈧50,000 and 鈧75,000 per year, depending on industry and company size.
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Can I write my Master鈥檚 thesis in collaboration with a company during the International Business studies?
Yes! In the final semester, you can either spend a semester abroad or complete a corporate internship, providing the perfect opportunity to write your Master鈥檚 thesis with a business focus.
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Any questions? We're here to help
Do you have any questions about our bachelor's or master's degree programs? Our Student Advisory team is here to support you! Schedule your personal consultation鈥攐nline or in person鈥攆or tailored, non-binding guidance on finding the right study program for you.














