International Business and Resources in Emerging Markets (MBA)

Program overview This English-taught MBA combines international business and development economics with a specific focus on transition countries, emerging economies and less developed regions. The programme is designed to strengthen your career prospects by blending academic rigour with practical intercultural training and opportunities to gain international experience through collaborations with selected partner universities.

What you will gain You will develop skills for operating across diverse markets, including economic analysis, business strategy and cross-cultural competence relevant to emerging-market contexts. The curriculum draws on the long-standing expertise of the faculty at one of the world’s oldest universities and on the experience of carefully chosen partner institutions, ensuring a global perspective and applied learning opportunities.

Learning environment Expect a competitive, challenging study atmosphere that emphasises international exposure and interdisciplinary approaches. The programme targets motivated students and professionals ready to engage with the complexities of development and international business in rapidly changing economies.

Who this programme is suitable for

• Applicants with a professional or academic interest in transition countries, emerging economies or less developed countries
• Those seeking additional academic challenge to improve career prospects in international business and development economics
• Students aiming to acquire intercultural skills relevant to these markets
• Candidates who want to gain international study experience through partner universities
• Individuals prepared for a demanding and competitive programme environment

Overview

This economics-focused Master's combines modern development and environmental economics with international business administration, emphasizing resource-related industries and their role in emerging markets. The curriculum explores economic and managerial perspectives on cooperation between Eastern, South-Eastern and Western Europe and emerging Asian economies, while stressing the growing importance of ecological interrelationships. The program prepares you to work in rapidly changing, complex environments—such as international companies, public administrations, and international organisations—where strategic decisions must often be made with incomplete information.

Key modules and learning outcomes

Core teaching covers contemporary development economics, environmental economics, and international management, with course formats ranging from lectures and tutorials to practical exercises, case studies and seminars. You will learn to critically assess doctrines, terminologies and methodological limits across these fields; apply theoretical frameworks to generate, test and evaluate new ideas and procedures; and develop strategic solutions for real-world problems in resource-related sectors. The interactive courses also build soft skills: goal-oriented team leadership, constructive conflict management, cross-cultural awareness, and the ability to factor social, economic and cultural impacts into decision-making processes.

Program components and requirements

• Tuition-free German language courses provided during the first two semesters
• Option to complete an internship for credit points
• International Business specialization includes the opportunity to spend one semester abroad at a partner university
• Double-degree agreements available that allow a one-year stay abroad and the award of two Master’s degrees (one from each institution)
• Teaching formats include lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, case studies and seminars
• Emphasis on preparing students to manage strategy-oriented processes in dynamic, unpredictable international contexts

Graduates are prepared for management and advisory roles in international companies, administrations, international organisations and NGOs—particularly in sectors linked to natural resources, development and environmental policy. The programme emphasises strategic problem‑solving under uncertainty, intercultural leadership and the ability to manage complex, cross-border projects.

International mobility options and double-degree arrangements enhance employability by providing broader networks and comparative perspectives valued by employers in consulting, public policy, corporate strategy and international development.