Business Administration (Master of Science) – Major: Accounting & Taxation, Corporate Development, Finance, Marketing or Supply Chain Management

Program overview The MSc program builds on the knowledge acquired during your bachelor's studies and lets you specialise in one of five business disciplines from the very start. You choose a single major and focus your coursework and training around that area, developing deeper technical and analytical skills that prepare you for leadership roles across industry as well as for careers in research and teaching.

Many courses are taught in English, and the program attracts students from a wide range of countries, creating an international and intercultural learning environment. The faculty combines rigorous theoretical and methodological teaching with applied elements: research-led courses, frequent cooperation with companies, and visiting lecturers (many of whom are experienced managers and practitioners) ensure that the curriculum stays current and connected to real-world business practice.

Students also benefit from extensive global opportunities through partnerships with numerous international universities, as well as short, intensive study options in New York and Hong Kong and summer schools. To get a clearer picture of career outcomes, the faculty shares graduate interviews that highlight possible professional paths after completing the master’s degree.

Specialisations

• Accounting & Taxation
• Corporate Development
• Finance
• Marketing
• Supply Chain Management

What to expect / key points

• You select one major at the start and concentrate on that field throughout the program.
• Courses are offered largely in English, contributing to an international teaching environment.
• The program is designed to deepen bachelor-level knowledge and to qualify graduates for managerial, research, and teaching roles.
• Strong emphasis on combining theory with practice via company collaborations and visiting industry lecturers.
• Multiple options for study abroad and short programmes (including New York, Hong Kong, and summer schools) through partner universities.

Overview

This two-year (four-semester) Master’s curriculum comprises 120 ECTS and is organised into distinct but complementary areas that guide your progression from methodological foundations to specialised expertise and independent research. You will first take basic method modules (chosen by you) to build the analytical and technical skills needed for advanced study. The programme then deepens your knowledge through a major-specific specialisation and seminar, allows you to broaden your perspective with elective options in related disciplines, and culminates in an independently researched Master’s thesis.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Core and advanced (basic method) modules give you methodological competence — the tools and approaches required to analyse business problems rigorously and to undertake empirical or theoretical work at master’s level.
• The specialisation section focuses on major-specific modules and an associated seminar, developing subject-matter expertise and applied skills in your chosen concentration (Accounting & Taxation, Corporate Development, Finance, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management).
• The supplementary section offers interdisciplinary electives in management, economics and the social sciences, helping you broaden your perspective and tailor your studies to individual career goals.
• The Master’s thesis (30 ECTS) is the capstone: it demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research or an applied project, synthesise knowledge from the programme, and communicate findings professionally.

Programme requirements (credit breakdown)

• Total workload: 120 ECTS over four semesters
• Core & advanced (basic method modules): 18 ECTS (student-selected)
• Specialisation (major modules + seminar): 48 ECTS
• Supplementary (electives in management, economics, social sciences): 24 ECTS
• Master’s thesis: 30 ECTS

This structure balances depth and breadth: methodological grounding, focused expertise in your major, options to expand into related areas, and a substantial research or applied project to prepare you for professional roles or doctoral study.

The MSc Business Administration prepares graduates for management positions across industries and for research and teaching roles where a Master’s degree is often required. By specialising in one of five majors, students gain in-depth, discipline-specific expertise (e.g. accounting/taxation, finance, marketing, supply chain), qualifying them for specialist and leadership roles within corporate departments, consulting, financial institutions, and public sector organisations.

International study options, practical components and cooperation with industry increase employability in multinational firms and positions requiring intercultural competence. Graduates who choose the Accounting & Taxation major and those aiming for German-market regulated roles should note language and professional requirements may apply.