International Business & Leadership – Healthcare Management (MA)

Program overview The program trains students for leadership roles within international companies by combining core management training with an emphasis on cross‑cultural competence and strategic leadership. It targets those who want to develop a global mindset and the practical management and leadership skills employers worldwide look for.

Healthcare Management focus The Healthcare Management specialization builds deeper knowledge of the healthcare sector and of managing healthcare organizations, systems and services. The track is offered in two flexible durations so you can choose the study length that best fits your background and career goals: a one‑year option or a two‑year option. Instruction is delivered in English and sits within the field of Business Administration.

Who this is for (concise requirements)

• Interest in pursuing leadership positions in international companies
• Desire to develop intercultural competence and a global mindset
• Motivation to build management and leadership skills
• Wish to specialize in the healthcare industry and healthcare management
• Choice of a one‑year or a two‑year study path
• Program language: English
• Field: Business Administration
• Location: Heidelberg, Germany (campus-based at SRH University)

Curriculum overview

This two-year MA combines core business disciplines with healthcare-specific management training. In the first year you build a solid foundation in areas such as Marketing Management, Economics of Globalisation, Accounting, Strategic Management and Business Research Methods — equipping you with analytical tools and managerial theory that are directly applicable to health services and organizations. These modules prepare you to understand market forces, financial reporting, strategy formulation and evidence-based decision-making in an international context.

In the second year the programme shifts toward leadership and sector-focused practice. Key modules include Introduction to Leadership, Financial Management, Operations Management & Financial Flow in Healthcare, Organisation in Healthcare and Public Healthcare Management, supported by either an internship or a global study semester to gain practical exposure. The course finishes with a Master’s Colloquium and a research-based Master’s Thesis. Graduates should be able to lead teams, design and manage financial and operational processes in healthcare settings, apply strategic and marketing insights, and carry out applied research culminating in a substantial thesis project.

Program requirements / structure (concise)

• Two-year option (full programme duration)
• First semester: Marketing Management; Economics of Globalisation; Accounting; Strategic Management; Business Research Methods
• Second semester: Introduction to Leadership; Financial Management; Operations Management & Financial Flow in Healthcare; Organisation in Healthcare; Public Healthcare Management (Healthcare)
• Third semester: Internship or Global Study Semester; select one module at SRH/international
• Fourth semester: Master’s Colloquium; Master’s Thesis

Key learning outcomes (summary)

• Develop leadership and team-management skills tailored to healthcare contexts
• Manage financial flows, budgeting and operational processes specific to health organisations
• Apply strategic, marketing and economic analysis to international healthcare challenges
• Conduct applied research and present findings in a Master’s Thesis and colloquium setting
• Gain practical experience through an internship or international study semester to enhance employability in public or private healthcare sectors

Graduates are prepared for leadership and management positions in the healthcare sector, including roles in hospital administration, health services management, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, consultancy and international organisations. The mix of leadership training, healthcare operations and financial management equips alumni to manage teams, lead cross-border projects and drive strategic initiatives within health-focused organisations.

The two-year route—with its optional internship or global study semester—also offers practical work experience and international exposure that can strengthen employability in global markets or serve as preparation for further academic study (e.g., doctoral programmes).