International Business and Leadership (MA)

This English-language MA trains you to take on leadership roles in international companies or to launch and grow your own business. The curriculum emphasizes management and leadership from a global perspective, preparing you to operate across borders and cultural contexts. You will complete a semester abroad at one of the university’s partner institutions, strengthening your international outlook and professional network.

Classes bring together students from diverse backgrounds and focus exclusively on international topics in business and management. The programme is offered across multiple German locations (Heidelberg, Fürth, Hamburg, and Munich), giving you exposure to different regional business environments and the chance to study in a setting that fits your interests and career goals.

For international applicants, studying entirely in English makes the programme accessible without German-language fluency, while the semester abroad and culturally diverse cohorts provide practical experience working in multinational teams—valuable when pursuing careers in global firms or entrepreneurship.

Application overview — what to expect

• A completed undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant discipline is typically required
• Proof of English language ability is required since instruction is in English
• Standard application documents usually include academic transcripts, a CV, and a motivation statement
• Check the university’s official admissions page for exact entry criteria, required documents, deadlines, and any program-specific prerequisites

Program structure and teaching approach

This two-year (24-month) MA is organised into intensive five-week teaching blocks rather than traditional semesters or trimesters. Each module culminates in an examination during the fifth week, which reinforces focused, competency-based learning. Content is delivered mainly through case studies and project-based assignments to ensure practical application of theory, and the curriculum includes an integrated study-abroad period during the second year.

Small cohort sizes (maximum 25 students), a mentoring system and an open-door policy from staff create a personalised learning environment. Teaching is provided by an experienced faculty with a practice-oriented orientation, offering close supervision as you complete the required modules and, in year two, your master’s thesis.

Core modules and expected learning outcomes

The first academic year covers core management subjects designed to build both strategic and operational skills:

• Strategy — develop strategic analysis and decision-making capabilities for complex business environments
• Marketing and Sales Management — learn market analysis, customer-centred strategies and sales processes
• Economics of Globalisation — understand macro and micro effects of international economic integration
• Current Topics — engage with contemporary issues shaping global business practice
• Leadership — build people management, ethical leadership and organisational behaviour skills
• Business Research Methods — acquire the methodologies to conduct rigorous applied research and prepare for thesis work
• Accounting — gain competence in financial reporting and interpretation for managerial decision-making
• Financial Management: Controlling and Corporate Finance — learn budgeting, performance control and corporate finance fundamentals
• Entrepreneurship — develop the mindset and practical tools to launch and manage new ventures

By the end of the programme you should be able to apply strategic and financial frameworks, lead teams in international settings, conduct applied business research, design marketing and sales initiatives, and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities.

Program requirements (at-a-glance)

• Total duration: 24 months
• Teaching format: consecutive five-week blocks (no semesters/trimesters)
• Assessment: an exam for each module in week five of the block
• Teaching methods: case studies and project-based applications
• International component: integrated study-abroad period in year two
• Final requirement: master’s thesis completed in the second year
• Learning environment: small classes (max 25), mentoring system, open-door policy, experienced faculty

Graduates are prepared for careers in multinational companies and international organisations as well as for entrepreneurship. The programme’s international focus, combined with modules in strategy, leadership, marketing, finance and entrepreneurship, readies students for roles such as management trainee, business development manager, international project manager, consultant, finance/controller roles or starting their own business.

Practical elements — including an integrated study-abroad period, optional internship, small cohort size and mentoring — help students gain applied experience and intercultural skills valued by employers, enhancing employability in global business environments or providing a foundation for further academic study where desired.