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Deutsch What kind of background do you need for International Business (B.A.)?
The Bachelor's programme in International Business is designed for motivated individuals who are interested in business processes in an international context and aim to focus their careers on global companies, sustainability management, marketing, logistics, or diversity management. You are particularly suitable if you are enthusiastic about the social and environmental responsibility of companies and want to work in international teams. The programme appeals to high school graduates as well as career changers who are aiming for international career prospects and are willing to complete practical phases alongside their studies.
Admission requirements: What is formally required?
To be admitted to the Bachelor's programme in International Business (B.A.) at Karlshochschule, you need a university entrance qualification. Typically recognized proofs include:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur), university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife), or subject-specific university entrance qualification
- An in- or out-of-country education recognized as equivalent, especially recognized vocational advancement trainings
- A professional qualification according to the State Higher Education Act plus an on-site consultation and a successful aptitude test.
Since the programme is taught in English, proof of good English skills is required. Usually, at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is expected.
Non-EU applicants have earlier application deadlines (usually 15th July), depending on the visa process of their home country.
Personally, you should bring intercultural openness, willingness to learn, and interest in global developments. It is advantageous to have initial experiences abroad, for example through student exchanges, internships, or international projects. Independence, ability to work in a team, and the ability to engage with different perspectives and cultures promote academic success. The ability to analyze complex economic relationships and willingness to actively participate, also in English, are other important requirements.
What content does the Bachelor's programme in International Business (B.A.) convey?
In the International Business (B.A.) programme, you acquire comprehensive management knowledge with an international focus. The curriculum combines business fundamentals with practice-oriented specialisations. The following areas are the focus:
- General Management: Introduction to management, strategic management, use of financial and human resources, as well as controlling and change management.
- International Economics and Organizations: Analysis and interpretation of economic processes using scientific theories and methods in an international context.
- Specializations (Profiles):
- Sustainability Management: Developing sustainable business models, responsible consumer psychology, transformation of organizations and international value chains.
- Intercultural, Diverse and Inclusive Management: Organizational culture, diversity and inclusion management, international human resource management, intercultural communication, and adaptation of management strategies to different cultures.
- International Marketing: Global marketing strategies, intercultural advertising psychology, international law, brand management, and development of communication campaigns.
- Logistics: Strategic supply chain management, optimization of global goods and information flows, resilience in supply chains, use of digital technologies.
- Practical Skills: Corporate projects, practical phases, internship (also possible abroad), application-oriented case studies.
- Regional Specialization: Option to deepen knowledge in specific world regions such as Latin America, Anglo-America, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East.
- Language of Instruction and Language Skills: Classes in English plus additional language courses.
You learn to lead companies globally considering ethical, sustainable, and intercultural aspects and actively shape change processes.
What is the structure and course of the International Business Studies?
The International Business (B.A.) programme is designed for six semesters (three years) and follows a structured division:
- Duration and Structure of Studies: The programme comprises 180 ECTS and is divided into six semesters.
- Start of Studies: Once a year, starting at the end of September.
- Teaching Formats: Lectures usually take place from Mondays to Fridays and in the form of block seminars.
- Language Instruction: The course language is English, supplemented by additional language courses.
- Practical Orientation: Essential components include corporate projects, a mandatory internship (also possible abroad), and a semester abroad at a partner university. The practical phases promote job-relevant skills and provide networking opportunities with companies in the international environment.
- Specialization & Profile Building: In the later stages of the programme, you choose one of the four profiles (Sustainability Management, Intercultural Management, International Marketing, or Logistics) and can additionally specialize in a world region.
The practical study components, international phases, and regional focuses prepare students specifically for entering the professional world in an international business environment.
What career prospects are available with a B.A. in International Business?
With a degree in International Business (B.A.), various activities in international and intercultural management are open to you. Typical fields of application include:
- Sustainability Management: Sustainability management, CSR reporting, environmental analysis, supply chain and change management, environmental consulting.
- Intercultural, Diverse and Inclusive Management: Diversity and inclusion management, international personnel and communication management, integration consulting, organizational development.
- International Marketing: International market research, international marketing, brand and product management, development and management of global communication campaigns.
- Logistics: Management in logistics service companies, supply chain management, organization of procurement and shipping, quality management of logistic processes.
Graduates are also capable of leading international projects, driving innovative organizational developments, and responsibly managing processes in a global context. The interdisciplinary orientation provides access to companies in all industries and promotes the later assumption of leadership responsibilities.
What costs can you expect with this degree programme and what are the financing options?
The tuition fees for the Bachelor's programme in International Business are:
- EU Students: €550 per month
- Non-EU Students: €750 per month
The fees are payable regularly over the six semesters (three years) of study. The total price includes the lectures, practical projects, and services of the university. Additional costs are incurred for accommodation, living expenses, and possible stays abroad.
Several financing options are available for funding your studies:
- Payment of tuition fees in instalments (monthly)
- Applications for BAföG funding (for eligible students)
- Private and public scholarship programmes
- Support from employers during practical phases
- Education loans and study funds
- Tax deduction of study costs as special expenses or business expenses under certain conditions
Another possibility is to combine different financing methods. Many students also use jobs as part of student activities to support their cost of living.
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