European Master's in Business Studies (EMBS)

Program overview

This Master of Arts is a Bologna-compliant, postgraduate management degree designed to give students practical and European-wide perspectives on business. The programme runs over four semesters, each spent in a different partner country within the consortium, and leads to a total of 120 ECTS. It is aimed at both European and non-European graduates who want hands-on experience of doing business across Europe.

Coursework covers core management subjects with a particular emphasis on sales and marketing at a European level. Teaching is delivered in English by university faculty together with managers from European companies through lectures, seminars and workshops. A strong focus is placed on multicultural learning: students study in four different countries, work in internationally mixed teams, and gain direct exposure to diverse business cultures. Participants also have the chance to learn the local language of the country where they spend each semester.

Key facts / requirements

• Duration: 4 semesters, each in a different European country (consortium partners)
• Credits: 120 ECTS total
• Degree: Master of Arts (Bologna framework)
• Language of instruction: English
• Target group: postgraduate students from Europe and beyond
• Curriculum highlights: management fundamentals, sales & marketing, seminars, workshops
• Teaching staff includes both academic faculty and practicing European managers
• Practical, on-site multicultural learning and opportunity to study the host country’s language

This two-year, four-semester Master’s combines study in four different European countries — Trento (Italy), Annecy (France), Kassel (Germany) and León (Spain) — giving a truly international classroom and strong exposure to different business cultures. The curriculum mixes foundational business disciplines (law, accounting, strategy, HR and information systems) with applied courses in marketing, supply chain, finance and negotiation, and finishes with research, an applied company project and a three-month internship to consolidate practical skills.

The program is organised semester-by-semester:

• Semester 1 (Trento, winter): European and International Commercial Law; Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Management; Information Systems; International Accounting; International Strategic Management.
• Semester 2 (Annecy, spring): Statistics and Marketing Research; Principles of Marketing Research; Intensive Study Programme; Purchasing and Supply Chain Management; European and Global Economics; European and Global Consumer Behaviour; Financial Markets and Corporate Finance.
• Semester 3 (Kassel, winter): Business Negotiation; Distribution Management and Pricing in the Internet Age; Research Methods and Thesis (including dedicated Research Methods and Thesis modules).
• Semester 4 (León, spring): Sustainable and Responsible Management; Communication Challenges (with Cross-Cultural Obstacles module); Company Project; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; followed by a three-month internship.

Key learning outcomes

• Ability to analyse and apply international commercial law, accounting and strategic management frameworks in cross-border contexts.
• Quantitative and qualitative research skills for marketing and finance, supported by a Research Methods module and a master’s thesis.
• Practical competencies in purchasing, supply chain, digital distribution and pricing strategies for online environments.
• Enhanced negotiation, communication and cross-cultural management skills through targeted modules and a company project.
• Competence in sustainable and responsible business practices, plus the entrepreneurial skills to develop and implement innovation projects.
• Real-world experience and professional readiness gained from a company project and a mandatory three-month internship.

Program requirements (study/degree components)

• Study across four semesters in the designated partner locations: Trento (IT), Annecy (FR), Kassel (DE), León (ES).
• Successful completion of all core modules listed per semester.
• Completion of Research Methods module and submission/defence of a Master’s thesis.
• Participation in the Company Project and Innovation & Entrepreneurship activities.
• Completion of a three-month internship as part of the final semester.

Graduates are prepared for careers in international management, marketing and sales, supply chain and procurement, corporate finance, and business development within European and multinational companies. The program’s mobility across four countries, combined with practical modules (negotiation, distribution, pricing, innovation) and an obligatory three-month internship, enhances cross-cultural competence and immediate employability in roles that require managing pan-European projects, international teams, or market entry strategies.

Alumni may also pursue roles in consulting, export/import operations, and entrepreneurship or continue into research-oriented paths if they choose (though the program is not an integrated PhD track). The consortium structure and partnerships facilitate networking and opportunities across partner institutions and the broader European labour market.