International Management Asia-Europe (MIM)

This full-time, English-taught Master of Arts is a three-semester programme (extended to four semesters when opting for the double-degree pathway). Designed to equip students with practical executive management skills, it places particular emphasis on business at the intersection of Europe and Asia and is offered by the Asian Studies Department.

Building on more than 25 years of experience, this flagship programme is notable for its favourable student–instructor ratio and small group settings, which support close interaction and applied learning. The curriculum highlights complexity and risk management in international business, preparing graduates to handle strategic and operational challenges in cross-regional contexts.

Program details and highlights

• Degree: Master of Arts
• Study mode and duration: Full-time, 3 semesters (4 semesters with double-degree option)
• Language of instruction: English
• Department: Asian Studies Department (flagship programme with 25+ years of history)
• Teaching format: Small group sizes and a favourable student–instructor ratio
• Core focus areas: Executive management skills; complexity and risk management in international business; Europe–Asia business context

Program structure

This Master’s is delivered across two on-campus semesters in Konstanz (A and B) followed by a research semester (C) in which students complete their Master’s thesis. The on-campus semesters combine in-depth courses in business, economics, regional and cultural studies to build both academic knowledge and applied practical skills. All teaching is anchored in a central theme: managing complexity and risk in international organisations operating between Asia and Europe.

Study focus and options

The Konstanz semesters emphasise theoretical foundations, contemporary management concepts, leadership, and market-specific knowledge for the Asian–European context. Students may also choose elective modules from other Master’s programmes at HTWG Konstanz to tailor their studies. An optional double‑degree pathway expands the international dimension: students spend the A‑semester in Konstanz, then two semesters at STUST in Tainan, Taiwan, and return for the C‑semester to write the thesis. Successful completion of that route awards an MA from HTWG and a GMBA from STUST.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Key modules

  • Business and management theory
  • Economic analysis relevant to international markets
  • Regional and cultural studies focused on Asia–Europe relations
  • Leadership and contemporary management concepts
  • Market-specific modules addressing Asian and European contexts
  • Electives from other HTWG Konstanz Master’s programmes

• Core learning outcomes

  • Ability to analyse and manage complexity and risk in international organisations
  • Practical and applied competence in functional business areas across Asia and Europe
  • Solid methodological foundations for research and decision‑making
  • Enhanced international competence, especially for careers spanning Asian and European markets

Completion requirements

• Attend and complete two on‑campus semesters in Konstanz (A and B)
• Complete the research semester (C) and submit a Master’s thesis
• Fulfil coursework across business, economic, regional and cultural study modules
• Optional: select elective modules from other HTWG Konstanz Master’s programmes
• Optional double‑degree route: A‑semester in Konstanz + two semesters at STUST (Tainan, Taiwan) + C‑semester thesis, leading to an MA (HTWG) and a GMBA (STUST) upon successful completion

Graduates are prepared for international management and leadership roles that require intercultural competence and the ability to manage complexity and risk across Asian and European contexts. Typical pathways include positions in multinational corporations, international project management, consulting, risk management functions, and roles that bridge operations between Europe and Asia.

The programme’s applied focus and industry links also make it suitable for careers in business development, international strategy, and for graduates seeking to work with government agencies, NGOs or research institutions that engage with Asia–Europe relations.