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Deutsch Who is the Master in International Business Management suitable for?
The Master’s programme in International Business Management at the Gisma University of Applied Sciences is aimed at graduates who want to specifically prepare for leadership positions in internationally oriented companies. It is particularly addressed to individuals with a first degree in business administration or related fields such as economics, psychology, law, social sciences, engineering, or computer science. Applicants with existing professional experience in corporate administration, marketing, or management will also find a practical advanced training programme to complement their expertise with global business skills and open up international career paths.
What formal requirements do you need to meet?
For admission to the programme, you need to provide the following proofs:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant or closely related field (e.g. business administration, economics, law, psychology, social sciences, engineering, or computer science)
- English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (e.g. IELTS 6.0 or equivalent certification)
If your degree is not directly in the relevant subject area or if you are seeking an alternative admission route, an individual assessment by the university is possible.
You should have an openness to intercultural collaboration and an interest in international business. Experience in teamwork, an analytical mindset, as well as good communication skills are helpful. Independent working, good English skills, and a willingness to engage with digital topics such as big data or cloud computing will support your study success. Practical experience in management, marketing, or related fields is also recommended but not a mandatory requirement.
Which Study Contents Does the Master’s Programme in International Business Management Cover?
In the Master’s programme International Business Management at Gisma University of Applied Sciences, you engage with a comprehensive selection of business administration and management-related topics at an international level. These include, among others:
- International Strategic Management: Development and implementation of global corporate strategies
- International Marketing: Markets, brands and marketing instruments for international target groups
- Global Supply Chain Management: Organisation and control of international value creation networks
- International Economics: Basics and influencing factors of macroeconomic developments
- Intercultural Competences: e.g. Management of People in Cross Cultural Environments, Emotional Agility, virtual teamwork
- CEO Decision Making and Case Studies: Analysis and simulation of decision-making processes at executive level
- Innovation, Project Management and Sustainability: Innovation Management, digital transformation, CSR, diversity and ethics
- Finance and Risk Management: Financing strategies, risk management and controlling methods
- Digital Competences: Elective module on Cloud Computing, Big Data and Cyber Security with best practices from Amazon, Alibaba, etc.
- Methodological and Scientific Competences: Research Methods and preparation of the Master’s thesis
By combining analytical expertise, digital key competences and intercultural leadership experience, you acquire a modern skillset for international business management.
How is the Course Structure Organised in the Master’s Degree in International Business Management?
The programme offers you maximum flexibility while maintaining high quality standards. You can complete the course either in one year (60 ECTS) or two years (120 ECTS). Teaching is conducted entirely in English.
- Practice-oriented modules: Combination of lectures, case studies, group projects and online discussions
- Individual specialisation: In the two-year model, additional contents such as an internship, a business project or a semester abroad, e.g. in London, Shanghai or Singapore, are available
- Digital flexibility: On-campus teaching is complemented by e-learning and project-based learning
- Master’s thesis: After earning two-thirds of the ECTS credits, you can start your Master’s thesis (processing time: three or six months, depending on the study variant)
You benefit from a modern, student-centred approach that promotes collaborative and individual learning. The programme is accredited according to the guidelines of the Accreditation Council and FIBAA.
In Which Sectors and Positions Do Graduates Work Later On?
With the Master’s in International Business Management, you qualify for diverse positions in national and international companies. The most common fields of employment include:
- Leadership and Management: Project management, team leadership, divisional management and middle to senior management
- International Marketing and Sales: Development of global marketing strategies, brand management, key account management
- Supply Chain and Logistics: Management and optimisation of international supply chains and value creation networks
- Human Resources: Personnel management in global organisations, intercultural personnel development
- Consulting and Business Advisory: Strategy and digital consulting with a focus on transformation and innovation
- Finance: Risk management, controlling, financial analysis in internationally operating companies
According to current market analyses, the average starting salary of graduates of business-related Master programmes in Germany is around €45,000 per year. Gisma additionally offers individual career counselling, coaching and networking opportunities with international companies and partner universities.
How is the Study Location Potsdam Oriented Towards International Study?
The main campus of Gisma University of Applied Sciences is located in the SAP Think Campus in Potsdam. The university building is designed as a smart building with modern learning landscapes and co-working spaces. You benefit from:
- Innovative environment: Neighbourhood to SAP, Tesla and a dynamic tech and media landscape
- Internationality: Student body from over 80 nations, English-speaking campus life
- Optimal transport connections: Tram, bus and main train station; Berlin reachable in 20 to 30 minutes
- Cultural offerings: Potsdam as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with attractive leisure opportunities
The programme is designed as an on-campus course in Potsdam, while individual modules and e-learning components also promote flexible, location-independent learning.
What Tuition Fees and Financing Options Can You Expect?
For the two-year Master’s programme (120 ECTS) at Gisma University of Applied Sciences, tuition fees total €13,000. Payment is possible in up to six flexible instalments. A down payment of €3,000 is required to secure the study place, with the remaining amounts payable according to your payment plan after the start of studies.
- Flexible payment plans – up to six instalments
- Payment options – bank transfer, Transfermate or Stripe
For individual financing situations, you can contact the university’s advisory team. Scholarships, educational and study loans, as well as external funding programmes, are optionally available.
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