This programme addresses the complex realities facing internationally active firms today — from globalisation and national protectionism to trade wars, financial crises and currency volatility. Many companies respond by expanding abroad, yet international ventures often stumble when managers lack the specific knowledge and cultural sensitivity required; high-profile examples such as Walmart’s experience in Germany and the Daimler–Chrysler merger illustrate how easily cross-border strategies can fail. The Master’s in International Management equips you to navigate these risks and to lead organisations through uncertain international environments.
Alongside core business and management principles, the programme emphasises the particular demands of international operations: market-specific know-how, language proficiency and intercultural competence. Located at the tri-border area of Germany, Poland and Czechia, the course places special focus on the interactions between Western European companies and firms in Central and Eastern Europe — looking at flows in both directions. This regional perspective gives practical insight into a dynamic part of Europe where cross-border business activity is frequent and multifaceted.
You will also study theories of intercultural communication and receive structured language training — including English plus opportunities in Polish and Czech — to strengthen your ability to operate across languages and cultures. Current global developments are covered as well, from the rising economic significance of BRICS countries to broader patterns of regional integration and disintegration, all of which shape strategic decisions for internationally minded firms.
Requirements / target profile
The programme is a four-semester, full-time MSc that blends core international management theory with practical, regionally focused content. Key taught elements include:
Learning outcomes include the ability to manage international enterprises, evaluate foreign markets, design and implement internationalisation strategies, communicate across cultures and languages, and collaborate effectively with international partners.
To be eligible for this Master's, you must already hold a recognised first vocational university qualification with a clear grounding in business. The programme accepts German vocational university degrees and officially recognised vocational academy qualifications in the field of business administration. Alternatively, applicants with a prior degree or study programme that includes a substantial business focus may also be admitted.
In practice, “substantial” means at least 60 ECTS credits devoted to business administration and economics subjects — roughly the equivalent of one year of full‑time study in those areas. If your qualification was gained outside Germany, you should be prepared to demonstrate that your degree is equivalent to the types of German vocational qualifications described above and that the required ECTS in business-related modules have been completed.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in internationally active companies, such as international business development, market entry and expansion, cross-border project management, and consulting. Employers include multinational corporations, regional subsidiaries, export departments and consultancies that require language skills and intercultural competence.
The programme’s regional emphasis and partner-network projects also suit careers focused on Central and Eastern Europe—e.g. positions managing intra-European trade relations, regional strategy roles, or roles in public institutions and NGOs working on economic cooperation and international projects.
HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) — Berlin
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts — Dortmund
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
Harz University of Applied Sciences — Wernigerode