About the program This Master’s programme deepens your skills in global business development, focusing on international expansion strategies, market management and product development. You will study how to spot and shape new business opportunities, evaluate business models and lead innovation processes—all with an emphasis on major contemporary trends such as digitalisation, globalisation and sustainability. Courses address creativity and innovation management, working in international (including virtual) teams, and practical approaches to challenges like climate change (for example through circular economy models).
How it’s taught and what to expect The curriculum is delivered entirely in English over three semesters and awards 90 ECTS. The first two semesters consist of lectures, seminars and applied projects; the third semester is reserved for the Master’s thesis, which in most cases is completed in cooperation with a company. For more than ten years the programme has worked closely with international partners, offering networks and industry links that support applied learning and professional collaboration.
Career outlook and who should apply This degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in international companies where they will be expected to identify new markets, design strategic market-entry approaches and drive business growth. International applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply and will find the programme geared toward developing the cross-cultural, digital and sustainability-focused competencies that employers now demand.
Key facts and entry information
This three-semester Master’s programme is designed to be highly practice-oriented, combining classroom learning with hands-on, project-based work. The first two semesters focus on lectures and intensive applied projects, while the final semester is reserved chiefly for completing your Master’s thesis. There is strong emphasis on real-world application: the thesis can be carried out in partnership with a company under the supervision of a faculty member, offering a clear pathway to industry experience and employability.
International exposure is built into the curriculum through several major project modules. Two of the core courses are international projects that include on-site excursions to Tenerife (Spain) and Łódź (Poland). Another significant course is delivered jointly with partner universities in Lapland (Finland) and Northern Ireland (UK), providing opportunities to work across institutions and cultures. Students may also choose to extend their mobility by taking an additional semester abroad before starting the thesis.
Graduates will leave with practical skills in global business development, including project management, strategic planning for international markets, and applied problem solving. The programme develops intercultural competence and teamwork through international projects and institutional collaboration. In addition, students gain research and analytical skills necessary to design and complete an applied Master’s thesis, often in collaboration with industry partners, strengthening both academic and professional profiles.
You must hold a completed Bachelor’s degree (or an internationally recognized equivalent) in business administration or a closely related field. The degree should demonstrate that you have the academic background needed for advanced study in business administration at the master’s level.
Additionally, a Preliminary Review Documentation (VPD) issued by uni-assist is required. uni-assist evaluates international qualifications to determine whether they are comparable to the German Bachelor’s degree level; you should request the VPD well before the program’s application deadline and follow uni-assist’s instructions about which documents to submit.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for leadership and strategic roles in international companies, focusing on identifying new business opportunities and defining market-entry and growth strategies. Typical positions include business development manager, product or innovation manager, international market analyst, project manager for cross-border teams, and consultant in firms that prioritise international expansion and sustainable business models.
The programme’s practical orientation, international projects and frequent industry-linked master’s theses increase employability in multinational corporations, SMEs, consultancies and startups. Skills in managing innovation, working in virtual international teams, and applying circular-economy and digitalisation concepts also open opportunities in sustainability-focused roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
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