Overview The programme gives you a broad, practice-oriented understanding of how business is conducted across borders. It trains you to recognise and respond to the legal, organisational and cultural differences companies face when operating internationally, and emphasises analytical decision-making for foreign market entry and management strategies. Communication and intercultural skills are developed alongside analytical capabilities to prepare you for management roles in multinational settings.
Curriculum and practical experience Core modules build a solid foundation across key topics such as Environment of International Business, Foundations of International Management, International Strategic Management, International Functional Management, International Information Management, Soft Skills, International Finance and Corporate Governance, International Corporate Sustainability, and International Relations. The course features company visits and workshops with executives from leading firms, and a broad selection of business language courses to improve employability in global careers. You can also earn credits at partner universities worldwide and take advantage of the university’s international network.
Specialisation and mobility Elective courses let you specialise in a particular world region, with study tracks focused on English-speaking countries, Latin America, Asia or Europe. The programme supports significant international mobility: students may spend up to two semesters abroad at one of the university’s partner institutions, enhancing regional expertise and international experience.
Program facts / key requirements
This programme blends classroom teaching with practical, hands-on experiences to develop managers who understand business in an international context. Teaching formats include lectures, seminars, workshops, practice elements, excursions, company visits and small-group discussions, so you will alternate between theory and learning-by-doing. The modular structure uses the ECTS system, giving you room to personalise part of your study load through elective choices within the programme guidelines.
Core coursework (60 of the programme’s 90 ECTS) covers the main functional and contextual areas of international business. Key modules include International Political Economy; International and European Trade Law; Foundations of International Management I & II; Business Strategy; Advanced Methods of Management Research; International Marketing; Global Operations Strategy; E-Business Strategy, Projects and Innovation; Managing Intercultural Relations; International Finance; Change Management; Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility; Regeneration and Sustainable Development; plus courses on the organisation of the international system and on power, order and institutions in world politics. Together these modules aim to build strategic decision‑making, analytical research skills, cross‑cultural management capability, digital and operations competence, and a solid understanding of legal, ethical and political frameworks that shape global business.
Electives (30 ECTS) let you specialise in a geographical area by choosing one area study during your programme: English-speaking countries, Latin America, Asia or Europe. The language used for elective teaching varies depending on the area you select. There is also an option to pursue a joint degree with partner institutions (EM Strasbourg or Universidad de Alcalá), should you want a bi-institutional qualification and additional international exposure.
Program requirements (concise)
This programme targets highly motivated, top-performing applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree in international business, business administration, management or a closely related subject. Applicants with degrees in other fields may still be considered, but they must document sufficient prior knowledge in management and international business. A minimum of 5 ECTS in statistics is required.
Candidates who can demonstrate relevant academic or practical experience and a clear interest in pursuing a career in international business will be favoured. Practical international exposure is compulsory — you must have lived, studied or worked outside your country of origin for at least three months. Only applicants who meet all core criteria are encouraged to apply.
Admission requirements
If you’re unsure whether your prior coursework meets the ECTS or subject requirements, contact the admissions office for guidance before applying.
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in multinational corporations, international consulting, export/import management, global marketing, international finance, and positions that require managing cross-border operations and sustainability initiatives. The programme’s mix of strategy, functional skills and intercultural training suits careers that demand both analytical capability and practical, hands-on experience.
Alumni may also pursue further research (e.g. doctoral studies) or specialised professional paths in government, international organisations and NGOs where regional expertise and international business competency are valued.
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