General Management (MBA)

This English-taught MBA (Master of Arts) is aimed at graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree and have some professional experience, and who want to move into leadership roles. The programme builds an interdisciplinary toolbox covering strategy development and leadership competence, while equipping you with the strategic and financial frameworks used to steer organisations. You will also study leadership and change processes and develop expert communication and negotiation skills to manage people and projects effectively.

The curriculum takes a holistic management perspective, addressing operational areas such as procurement and the business effects of digitalisation. Teaching uses modern, practice-focused methods including cloud-based simulations, haptic management games and case studies to connect theory with real-world decision making. The course includes internship semesters, which provide valuable on-the-job experience and help develop intercultural competence; students also benefit from structured German language support aimed at reaching at least B1 by graduation.

On completion you will be able to think of a company as a complex system affected by global megatrends (for example digitalisation), assess how these trends influence business models, and initiate appropriate change to secure an organisation’s future. Graduates enjoy strong career prospects in areas such as strategic management, procurement, key account management, and marketing and brand management. Typical entry-level roles include:

• Procurement Manager
• Project Manager
• Marketing and Brand Manager
• Controller
• Product Manager
• Key Account Manager

Requirements

• Completed bachelor’s degree
• Some relevant professional experience
• Programme is taught in English (English-language study)
• Willingness to complete internship semesters as part of the programme
• Commitment to develop German language skills (programme supports reaching at least B1 by graduation)

Program structure The degree runs over four semesters. The first two semesters focus on practice-oriented theory delivered through case studies, lab work, excursions and expert sessions to build applied management skills. During semesters three and four you complete a full-time industry internship and your Master’s thesis to consolidate workplace experience and academic research.

Key modules and expected learning outcomes In semesters one and two you take 12 mandatory modules (each 5 ECTS): four basic modules and eight core modules. Basic modules cover Applied Economics and Intercultural Management, Strategic and Financial Framework, and two consecutive German language courses. Core modules develop functional and strategic management capabilities, including Corporate Strategy and Controlling; Business Management Systems with SAP; Procurement and Risk Management; Leadership and Change Management; Communication and Negotiation Skills; Marketing and Sales; Supply Chain Management; plus one elective. Together these modules aim to equip you to make strategic and financial decisions, manage operations and supply chains, lead change, negotiate and communicate across cultures, and use enterprise systems (SAP) in business contexts.

Practical placement and thesis The final two semesters are devoted to a supervised internship (30 ECTS) within industry and an independently written Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). This combination ensures you graduate with substantial practical experience, applied problem‑solving abilities and a research project that demonstrates your capacity to address real business challenges.

Quick facts / requirements

• Standard duration: 4 semesters (full-time)
• Core classroom phase: Semesters 1–2 (12 modules, 5 ECTS each)
• Practical phase: Semesters 3–4 (Internship 30 ECTS + Master’s thesis 30 ECTS)
• Total programme credit load: 120 ECTS (derived from module and project ECTS)
• Language requirement: German language courses are mandatory; applicants must have German at A1–B1 level on admission. Course placement varies by initial German proficiency.
• All listed basic and core modules are compulsory; one elective is included for specialization.

Graduates are prepared for leadership and specialist roles in areas such as strategic management, procurement, key account management, marketing and brand management, controlling, product management and project management. The programme’s integrated, paid internship and strong industry contacts frequently lead directly to first employment with well-known companies.

The combination of strategic and operational modules (including SAP, supply chain and procurement), practical internship experience, and enhanced German-language skills makes graduates competitive for management-track positions in manufacturing, automotive supply chains, consulting and commercial departments of international firms, as well as for roles in digital transformation and change management within organisations.