This English-taught MBA in European Management has been offered since 1990 and is designed around a clear vision: Behavioural Management. The programme emphasizes understanding people — consumers, customers, employees and decision-makers — from economic, societal and psychological angles, and learning methods to influence and respond to behaviour in a European and international context. Its long tradition, international student body, and links to renowned lecturers and industry partners create a learning environment focused on applied, Europe-relevant management practice.
Core teaching explores why people and organisations behave as they do, how European integration and internationalisation shape those behaviours, and how to align customer expectations, stakeholder interests and employee skills with managerial strategy. Since winter semester 24/25 the programme also offers a new elective entrepreneurship track alongside the established Behavioural Management focus, with specialised courses such as Marketing of Innovations, Prototyping and Agile Project Management, Business Model Development, Data Analytics Project and Entrepreneurial Management. Practical, team-based learning is central: case studies in every course, leadership and teamwork training, guest lectures and panel discussions, company visits, and practitioner-led sessions.
Teaching methods are practice-oriented and include “learning in action” components, for example up to three international study weeks (e.g., in Valencia, Spain). The programme’s quality has been externally recognised (FIBAA seal reconfirmed in 2009) and is covered by the Saarland University Quality Passport within the university’s system accreditation (2019). Graduates hold management roles across Europe and globally; employers include European and international companies as well as public administrations and governments.
Overview
This modular MBA in European Management is designed for flexibility: you can study full-time and finish in one year, or take a part-time route that can be extended up to four years. The curriculum is composed of 15 specialist modules that together cover the core areas of contemporary business management. Courses are delivered in intensive blocked format (typically Wednesday–Saturday), making it possible to combine study with professional commitments.
Teaching approach and international exposure
The programme emphasizes applied learning and international perspectives. Instruction uses interactive case studies, team work and real-life examples, supported by field trips, company visits and guest lectures with practitioners. Students benefit from exchange and collaboration with partner universities across Europe and are taught by professors from Saarland University and other recognised European institutions. The cohort is international, preparing graduates to lead multicultural teams and operate across borders.
Learning outcomes
Graduates gain specialist knowledge across strategic, economic, legal and organisational aspects of modern management—plus essential intercultural and soft skills. Key outcomes include the ability to analyse data for managerial decisions, design sustainable and socially responsible strategies, lead and manage people across cultures, and launch or manage entrepreneurial initiatives. The programme also strengthens applied research skills: students complete a Master’s thesis on an innovative management or marketing topic (three months writing time for full-time students; six months for part-time students).
Key programme facts and requirements
This master's programme looks for applicants who already hold a completed undergraduate degree equivalent to at least 240 ECTS credits. If your prior degree comes from a non-ECTS system, you should be prepared to document workload/credit equivalence or contact the admissions office for guidance on how your qualification will be assessed. The programme is aimed at candidates with some practical experience, so recent graduates without work experience are unlikely to meet the profile.
In addition to the degree and work experience, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and complete the standard management admissions test. Note that the GMAT requirement can be lifted in exceptional or otherwise justified situations — applicants who believe they qualify for a waiver should discuss this with admissions. Finally, applicants from India, China and Vietnam must provide an APS certificate as part of their application.
Requirements (bullet list)
Helpful tips
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for leadership and management roles in European and international companies, public administrations and international organisations. The programme’s emphasis on behavioural management, marketing, consumer insights, leadership and international business equips alumni for positions in marketing management, product management, strategy, consulting, HR/leadership development and roles involving cross-cultural team leadership.
The new entrepreneurship elective further prepares graduates to found startups or take on innovation and intrapreneurship roles within firms. Strong practitioner engagement, company visits and networking opportunities support direct access to employers across Europe and beyond.
HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) — Berlin
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts — Dortmund
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
Harz University of Applied Sciences — Wernigerode