Who is the part-time Business Administration degree at ISM suitable for?
The part-time Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the International School of Management is aimed at working professionals and trainees who want to obtain a recognised university degree in the field of business without giving up their professional commitments. The programme is particularly suitable for those who wish to develop management skills flexibly and practically alongside work or training. It appeals both to career changers and to those with initial commercial experience who are aiming for management or project responsibility within a company. Those interested in international business management, marketing, finance, logistics or data analysis will also find suitable specialisation options.
The formal criteria you must meet
You do not need a Numerus Clausus to be admitted to the part-time Bachelor's degree. Admission is granted with:
- general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or
- advanced technical college entrance qualification or
- an equivalent recognised prior qualification, for example:
- completed vocational training plus at least three years of professional experience in a relevant field
- completed advanced training qualification (e.g. master craftsman examination, certified business administrator, IHK business economist)
Regardless of your school leaving qualification, you will take part in the ISM admission procedure which tests aptitude and motivation. You do not necessarily need to provide proof of current employment (no employer certificate required).
Furthermore, English skills are recommended, as a study abroad module in Ireland as well as specialist literature are partly offered in English.
Personal prerequisites and recommended prior experience
You should have good time management and perseverance, as the programme requires independent organisation of work, private life and study phases. Teamwork and communication skills are important for projects, group work and interaction with lecturers. An interest in business administration topics and international economic processes is advisable. Basic knowledge of mathematics and economic subjects makes entry easier but is not mandatory. Independent learning, high self-motivation and a confident manner in an intercultural context support your study success.
What content does the part-time Business Administration degree at ISM convey?
In the Bachelor's degree programme Business Administration at the International School of Management (ISM), you acquire solid foundational knowledge in business administration and economics, complemented by application-oriented content specifically aimed at managers and all-rounders in international companies. The training is oriented towards the working methods and practices of modern managers.
- Basic modules: Business Administration, Economics, Financial Accounting, Business Law, Marketing, Corporate Management, Human Resource Management, Controlling, Business Informatics
- Skills: Development of analytical and decision-making skills, communication skills, teamwork, strategic thinking
- Specialisations: You specialise in one of the following areas:
- International Management
- Finance & Management
- Sales & Marketing Management
- Logistics Management
- Data Analysis
- Practical relevance: In the 6th semester, you independently work on a market research project for a company.
- Internationalisation: A two-week study abroad module at a university in Dublin, Ireland, is integrated into the curriculum.
- English language competence: Deepening of job-related English skills to prepare you for international activities.
You develop the ability to understand complex economic relationships and to develop practical solutions. Soft skills such as presenting, project management and intercultural communication are specifically promoted.
How is the part-time Business Administration degree at ISM organised?
The degree is designed as a part-time blended learning model spanning 7 semesters (3.5 years). You combine independent online learning with face-to-face sessions and interactive online lectures, which gives you a high level of flexibility to balance work and private life.
- On-campus sessions: Saturdays from 08:30 to 15:45 at one of the seven locations
- Online lectures (via Zoom): Specialisation modules every Tuesday from 17:45 to 21:00
- Online phases: Asynchronous learning offerings and materials for individual time management
- Group size: You study in small groups (maximum 32 students) with personal support
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts, 180 ECTS
The programme is designed so that no employer commitment is required. Parallel vocational training is also possible. During lecture-free periods your professional responsibilities continue as usual. The study abroad module and the market research project are fixed parts of the degree.
What career prospects does the Business Administration degree at ISM open up?
The degree as a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration provides you with a broad range of business management skills and opens up diverse professional fields in national and international companies. The international orientation as well as the specialisation options particularly qualify you for the following roles:
- Professional and leadership careers: Entry as a trainee or junior manager in various company departments
- Management and control: Taking on positions in marketing, sales, controlling, financial management, human resources, logistics and project management
- International career paths: Thanks to the study abroad module and English-language elements, you are well prepared for the global job market
- Part-time career advancement: The programme enables targeted development in your existing job or transition to more demanding tasks
- Foundation for Master's programmes: After the bachelor's, you can pursue a part-time or full-time master's degree at ISM
Graduates of the programme are sought-after all-rounders in companies of all sizes and industries, especially because of their structured, analytical and practice-oriented training.
Where does the part-time Business Administration degree at ISM take place?
The International School of Management offers the part-time degree at seven locations in Germany:
- Dortmund
- Frankfurt am Main
- Munich
- Hamburg
- Cologne
- Stuttgart
- Berlin
The organisation is designed so that the on-campus sessions take place on Saturdays. The specialisation modules run entirely online via Zoom. The study abroad module is carried out at a partner university in Dublin, Ireland. At all ISM locations, you benefit from personal support and small groups.
What costs and financing options do you have to expect in the ISM degree?
The part-time Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at ISM costs €2,040 per semester, which corresponds to a total price of €14,280 for a standard period of seven semesters. These costs include teaching materials as well as access to digital learning platforms.
- Semester fee: €2,040 every six months
- Total costs: €14,280 for the entire degree
- Financing:
- Installment payments of the semester fees are possible
- Support from the employer is individually negotiable
- Eligibility for BAföG-like funding programmes (e.g. Aufstiegs-BAföG, scholarships)
- Special promotions such as the "Bring a Friend" programme with a bonus
By combining work and study, your monthly income is maintained. ISM recommends discussing the possibility of cost-sharing with your employer.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Business Administration? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution International School of Management or the editorial team will answer you.