Master in International Business (MIB)

HTW Berlin — the city's largest university of applied sciences — offers an 18-month, full-time Master of Arts in International Business taught entirely in English. The programme readies graduates for the realities of working in fast-moving multinational organisations by combining up-to-date business and economics theory with a strong emphasis on practical international management challenges. Instruction and coursework are designed to reflect the demands of today’s global markets and European integration.

The curriculum balances conceptual understanding with applied skills: alongside core international business topics, students take supplementary modules and learn problem-solving methods that are specifically tailored to international contexts. The course also emphasizes intercultural awareness and effective international communication, helping students work across borders and cultural settings with confidence.

Overall, the programme aims to prepare graduates for demanding roles in international management or for further research. Its focus on globalisation and European integration equips students for careers in multinational corporations, public institutions, NGOs or academic pathways where cross-border knowledge and communication skills are essential.

Key facts and requirements

• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Business
• Duration: 18 months, full-time
• Language of instruction: English (entirely)
• Institutional context: Offered at HTW Berlin, the largest university of applied sciences in Berlin
• Programme focus: Contemporary business and economics concepts, practical international management, supplementary modules, problem-solving methodologies, intercultural communication
• Intended outcomes: Preparation for roles in international management or research, with attention to globalisation and European integration
• More information: https://international-business.htw-berlin.de/master/for-applicants/

Curriculum overview

This Master's programme runs over three semesters. During the first two semesters students complete a total of twelve taught modules, made up of both compulsory (core) and elective options that allow for breadth and some specialization. The final (third) semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis: students participate in a thesis seminar and then produce their independent research project.

Mandatory modules are scheduled so they do not overlap, which helps students manage their workload and supports on-time graduation. The combination of taught modules and the thesis seminar is designed to move students from classroom learning to independent research and applied project work.

Key module themes and learning outcomes

• Core and elective modules across the first two semesters build advanced knowledge in business administration with an international focus.
• Electives give students the opportunity to tailor their studies toward areas of interest or career goals.
• The thesis seminar plus the Master’s thesis develop research design, academic writing, independent project management, and the ability to apply theory to practical or empirical problems.
• Non-overlapping scheduling of mandatory modules promotes effective time management and a realistic pathway to timely programme completion.

Programme facts (curriculum requirements)

• Duration: 3 semesters
• Taught modules: 12 modules across semesters 1 and 2 (mix of compulsory and elective)
• Final semester: participation in the Master's thesis seminar and completion of the Master's thesis
• Mandatory modules are arranged without timetable overlap to support timely completion

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in international management, including positions in multinational corporations, international marketing, finance, consulting, and project management. The programme's combination of contemporary business theory, practical modules and problem-solving training equips students to manage cross-border teams, handle global market challenges, and adapt to organisational needs driven by globalisation and European integration.

Those interested in academic pathways can pursue research-oriented roles or further doctoral study, while graduates seeking industry employment will find the skills relevant for entry to mid-level international positions, particularly where English-language competence and intercultural communication are required.