Master's in International Management

Program overview This 18-month, full‑time Master of Arts in International Management is taught in English and builds on prior undergraduate study in business, management or related fields — including engineering and architecture. The curriculum responds to the demands of globalised markets by focusing on contemporary business trends: digitisation, sustainable development, new ways of working, supply chain optimisation, and ethics & compliance. Teaching is practice-oriented and developed in close cooperation with international companies and business associations, with an emphasis on developing management competencies, intercultural awareness and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Curriculum highlights Core modules address cultural and communication issues in global organisations (Organisational Communication Management, Interdisciplinary Case Studies, Intercultural Studies) alongside technology and management topics (Knowledge Management; Business Simulation and Controlling; Innovation Management) and academic research skills (Academic Research and Writing). All compulsory modules integrate the five global trends so students learn how these forces shape strategy, operations and organisational change.

Electives and practical experience A flexible elective system lets students tailor studies to their interests. Electives include international law options with strong environmental, social and governance content (Public International Law; Principles of Health and Safety; Global Rules; State and Economy), trade and supply‑chain topics (Export Marketing; Transport Management; International Business Transactions), plus applied options such as the Interdisciplinary Practice Project (real‑world projects involving engineers and business specialists), Business Ethics, and a German Language and Culture course for those considering work in Germany. The programme combines theoretical study with business-linked projects to strengthen practical and intercultural team skills.

Key facts & entry requirements

• Degree awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Duration: 18 months, full‑time
• Language of instruction: English
• Eligible applicants: Bachelor's graduates in business administration, management studies, related professions, engineering or architecture
• Curriculum requirement: students must complete four elective modules to graduate (additional electives may be taken)
• Programme includes close cooperation with international companies and business associations to support practical learning and industry relevance

Program structure and duration The degree typically runs for three semesters, but students whose first degree carries fewer than 210 ECTS must complete a four‑semester track that begins with a pre‑semester. During that pre‑semester these students select and pass bridging modules from the Department of Business or certain offerings in the university’s International Exchange Programme before joining the main cohort. Students may take these bridging modules in German only if they have not previously covered similar content and can demonstrate German at CEFR level C1 or above; otherwise they take the available modules in English and may also study German as a subject.

Core modules and learning outcomes The taught phase spans two main semesters. In each of these semesters students take three compulsory modules and choose at least two electives (elective availability and assessment formats change by semester). Core modules commonly run on this schedule: Organisational Communication Management, Knowledge Management, and Business Simulation & Controlling are normally offered in the winter semester; Innovation Management, Intercultural Studies and Interdisciplinary Case Studies are usually taught in the summer. Teaching is delivered in seminar format with a mix of assessment types: Organisational Communication Management concludes with a written exam, while most other modules combine written exams with project work. Together, these modules build competencies in strategic communication, knowledge processes, quantitative and simulation‑based decision making, innovation and product/service development, cross‑cultural collaboration, and interdisciplinary problem solving.

Thesis, research training and practical options The final study semester is focused on preparing, writing and presenting a Master’s thesis (workload equivalent to about four modules) and includes a compulsory Academic Research and Writing module assessed by a written exam plus a project. Students are encouraged to enhance employability and networks by undertaking a one‑semester internship or a study exchange with a partner university; such an experience is supported by programme provisions but will typically extend total study time by about six months. As a result, total time to graduation normally ranges from approximately 18 to 30 months, allowing flexibility to align the programme with individual backgrounds and career aims.

Key requirements and facts

• Programme length: 3 semesters (direct entrants) or 4 semesters (if first degree < 210 ECTS, includes pre‑semester)
• Pre‑semester: choose and pass bridging modules from Department of Business or select International Exchange Programme modules
• Language for pre‑semester modules: German available only if student has C1 level and has not covered similar modules previously; otherwise English‑taught modules must be taken; German may additionally be studied as a subject
• Main semesters: each of the first two taught semesters contains 3 compulsory modules + at least 2 electives
• Typical compulsory modules: Organisational Communication Management; Knowledge Management; Business Simulation & Controlling (usually winter) — Innovation Management; Intercultural Studies; Interdisciplinary Case Studies (usually summer)
• Teaching format: seminars; assessments combine written exams and project work (Organisational Communication Management ends with a written exam)
• Thesis semester: Master’s thesis (~equivalent to 4 modules) plus Academic Research and Writing (written exam + project)
• Electives: vary by semester in content and examination type
• Practical experience: optional internship or partner‑university exchange encouraged; typically adds ~6 months to programme duration
• Total possible duration: approximately 18–30 months depending on entry credits and optional placements

Graduates are prepared for international management roles across sectors where globalisation, digital transformation and sustainable practices matter—examples include positions in international firms, supply chain and operations management, innovation or technology management, compliance and ethics functions, and consulting. The programme’s emphasis on applied projects, simulation exercises and company cooperation helps build practical skills and industry contacts.

Taking an internship or semester abroad is actively encouraged and can improve job readiness and networks. Elective choices allow graduates to specialise toward careers in international trade, logistics, legal/compliance units, or roles requiring strong intercultural and interdisciplinary collaboration.