International Business and Intercultural Management (MSc)

Program structure

This MSc is organised in three main phases. It begins with an induction and foundation stage that gauges your existing subject knowledge and builds a solid base in both internal and external business environments. Core topics covered early on include human resource management and leadership, global marketing, and international finance and economics. Intercultural communication is a strong focus from the outset, preparing you to navigate cultural differences that commonly arise in international organisations.

In the second semester you move to advanced, cross-disciplinary studies in intercultural management and the wider business environment. This phase is designed to broaden your perspective and lets you concentrate on areas that match your interests or career goals, while deepening your management and intercultural competence.

The final phase is the Master’s thesis, which requires independent empirical research in a chosen topic. Theses are ideally undertaken on practical problems faced by international companies or organisations and may emphasise sustainability and corporate responsibility. Research methods — both quantitative and qualitative — are taught during the first two semesters to prepare you for this intensive research project. There is also flexibility to include an internship or a semester abroad; if you take one of those options in the third semester, the thesis is then completed in a fourth semester.

What this means for international students

• Taught in English and focused on global business practice and intercultural skills, the programme equips you to work across borders and cultural contexts.
• Practical orientation: coursework and the thesis encourage empirical work with real organisations and a sustainability/CSR perspective.
• Flexibility to gain international or industry experience through an internship or study-abroad semester.

Program requirements (academic / programme progression)

• Complete the induction and foundation stage assessing and consolidating prior knowledge.
• Complete coursework on internal and external business environments, HR & leadership, global marketing, and international finance & economics.
• Complete advanced, cross-disciplinary modules in intercultural management and the business environment in semester two.
• Complete quantitative and qualitative research-methods courses during the first two semesters.
• Produce an in-depth, empirical Master’s thesis (preferably involving an international organisation and a sustainability/CSR angle) in semester three.
• Optional: integrate an internship or a study-abroad semester; if chosen in semester three, the thesis is completed in a fourth semester.

Curriculum overview

The program features a dedicated period of intensive independent study that lets you work at your own pace and pursue initiatives that match your interests. This self-directed phase is designed to build practical research skills—how to investigate topics, organise findings, and present results—while encouraging autonomous project management and personal responsibility for achieving academic goals.

Teaching combines a solid theoretical foundation with experiential learning. You'll apply concepts through guided business simulations, case studies, applied project work, and role plays, giving you hands-on practice with decision-making and problem solving in intercultural and international business contexts. A clear emphasis on sustainability runs through the curriculum, prompting you to consider environmental and social implications in business scenarios.

Ongoing tutorial support is provided both one-to-one and in groups, so you have regular access to academic guidance as you progress through independent and collaborative tasks. The mix of self-study, practical exercises, and mentorship prepares you to think critically, analyse logically, and communicate professional results—skills that are directly transferable to international business careers.

Key modules and learning outcomes (requirements)

• Develop research techniques: researching, organising, and presenting results effectively
• Strengthen critical thinking and logical analysis skills
• Cultivate responsibility for setting and achieving personal and academic goals
• Increase awareness and consideration of sustainability issues in business decisions
• Gain practical experience through guided business simulations, case studies, project work, and role plays
• Receive tutorial support on both individual and group bases to aid learning and project development

Graduates are prepared for roles in international companies and organisations where cross-cultural competence and business expertise are essential. Typical career paths include positions in human resources and leadership development, global marketing, international finance and corporate sustainability/CSR functions, as well as roles in consulting, project management, and international programme coordination.

The programme’s research and applied project components also equip students for analytical roles that require quantitative and qualitative research skills, and for further academic study or doctoral research in business and intercultural management topics.