Business Administration - International Management, Bachelor of Arts

Dual studies @ IU International University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The dual Bachelor's programme in Business Administration - International Management at IU International University is aimed at school graduates with university entrance qualifications as well as applicants with completed vocational training or advanced vocational training. The programme combines basic business administration principles with internationally-focused skills, such as management, intercultural cooperation and global markets. Theory and practice are closely intertwined: alongside the studies, you work around 20 hours a week in a partner company that covers the tuition fees. The programme starts three times a year. Graduates qualify for roles including international marketing, human resources management or business consulting.

At a Glance

🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
Practical relevance, international orientation or maximum flexibility: IU International University (IU) prepares over 100,000 students for the global job market. It brings together under its umbrella more than 100 study programs offered in three independent university areas: the IU Dual Study Program, the IU Distance Learning Program and the flexible IU myStudium. IU offers students a network of renowned practical partners in the business world: more than 15,000 companies have already successfully cooperated with IU, including ZURICH Versicherungen or Motel One. IU, which was founded in 2000, is now represented in over 40 cities in Germany.
🎓 Field of Study EconomicsInternational Management
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Introduction to academic work for economics, management and communication, business administration, accounting and financial reporting, fundamentals of management, investment and financing, cost and performance accounting, Leadership 4.0, Managerial Economics, Marketing, Personnel and Company Management, Law, Statistics, Taxation, Business Planning and Control, Business Mathematics, Seminar: Current Topics in Business Administration, Practical Project: Agile Project Management, Practical Project: Corporate Social Responsibility, Practical Project: Digital Business Models, Practical Project: Megatrends in the Business Context, Practical Project: Business Start-up, Practical Project: Economic Policy, Practical Project: Generative AI in the Business Context, Practical Reflection 1: Business, Practical Reflection 2: Business, Practical Reflection 3: Business, Practical Reflection 4: Business, Practical Reflection 5: Business, Practical Reflection 6: Business, Practical Reflection 7: Business, Bachelor Thesis, Colloquium
📚 Electives Intercultural Management, Global Companies and Globalization, International Contract Management, International Market Research, International Human Resource Management, International Trade Strategies
📍 Location Aachen, Bielefeld, Bonn, Braunschweig, Duisburg, Karlsruhe, Münster, or Virtual Campus
📅 Enrollment January 1st, April 1st, October 1st
🔗 More Info https://www.iu-dualesstudium.de

Who is suitable for the Bachelor's in Business Administration - Specialization in International Management?

The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration - Specialization in International Management at IU International University is aimed at all those who aspire to a career in internationally operating companies, want to understand economic relationships in a global context and enjoy a practical, business-oriented education. It particularly appeals to school leavers with university entrance qualifications, as well as applicants with completed vocational training or advanced training who are interested in a practice-oriented dual study programme. If you bring a high motivation for intercultural issues, think analytically, and want to actively engage in international teams and dynamic work environments, you will find the right study programme here.

Admission requirements for the programme

  • General university entrance qualification (A-levels), subject-restricted university entrance qualification (technical college entrance qualification) or subject-specific university entrance qualification: You can be admitted to the programme directly with a traditional school leaving qualification such as A-levels or technical college entrance qualification.
  • Studying without a traditional school leaving qualification: Alternatively, access is also possible if you have completed a professional advancement training (e.g. state-certified business administrator or master craftsman's certificate).
  • Vocational training plus professional experience: With completed vocational training and at least three years of full-time professional experience, you will also be admitted.
  • Practical partner: For the dual study programme, a practical placement at a company is required. IU actively supports in finding a suitable practical partner. During the studies, you will work an average of 20 hours per week at your partner company.
  • Start of studies: The study programme starts three times a year: January, April, and October (depending on the study location and study model).
  • Study models: Depending on the location, the dual study programme can be in the traditional model or as the Dual myStudy variant. Both models require parallel practical work in the company.

For international applications, possible proof of sufficient German language skills must be provided. A personal consultation with the IU team may be part of the application process.

Personal requirements and characteristics that promote success in the programme:

  • Interest in business-related issues and international business relations.
  • Analytical thinking and enjoyment of dealing with numbers and data.
  • Readiness to engage with intercultural specifics and international markets.
  • Teamwork, communication skills, and self-motivation.
  • Organizational talent to combine studies and practical work.
  • Openness to digital learning formats, flexible work, and the use of modern technologies.
  • Good knowledge of German (for German-language studies), knowledge of English is advantageous.

The dual study programme Business Administration - Specialization in International Management offers you the opportunity to directly combine your commercial interest with entrepreneurial practice and an international perspective.

What do you learn in the Dual Study Programme in Business Administration - Specialisation International Management at IU?

The dual Bachelor's programme in Business Administration - Specialisation International Management at IU provides you with solid business basics combined with internationally oriented management skills. The curriculum is organized according to the modular principle and includes numerous modules that build on each other:

  • Basic modules such as Business Administration, Business Mathematics, Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Law establish the business management foundation
  • Management expertise through topics such as Leadership 4.0, Managerial Economics, Personnel and Corporate Management
  • International focuses: Specialization modules starting from the fifth semester such as Intercultural Management, International Trade Strategies, International Contract Management
  • Methodological competence: Statistics, Cost and Performance Accounting, Investment and Financing
  • Practical projects and reflection: Practice projects on current topics such as Agile Project Management, Generative AI, or Corporate Social Responsibility as well as practical reflections spread over all seven semesters
  • Bachelor's thesis & colloquium as the conclusion of the studies

You will learn how to analyse international markets, control global business processes, manage intercultural teams, and develop international marketing or human resources strategies.

How the Study Programme is Organised: Study Models & Procedure

You can choose between two models, depending on availability at your desired location:

  • Dual Study: Two days a week lectures on campus (or virtually) plus self-study reinforcement. In parallel, 20 hours per week at the practice company.
  • Dual myStudy: Self-study with learning materials and AI-supported learning platform. Regular accompanying events on campus or virtually. Also 20 hours per week with the practice partner.

The programme usually lasts 7 semesters (3-3.5 years) and starts three times a year - on 1st January, 1st April, or 1st October (depending on location and model).

Practice and theory are closely interlinked: from the beginning, you are part of a company team, gain valuable work experience, and can directly apply study contents.

What are Your Options After the Programme?

  • International Brand Manager: Responsible for brand building & communication of global companies. Planning and implementing international marketing campaigns, coordinating with product management, sales, and management.
  • International Talent Manager: Developing and implementing strategies for attracting and promoting (leadership) talents with an international focus. Organising assignments abroad, intercultural training, and career development.
  • Management Consultant: Advising companies on internationalisation projects, management of global teams, or change management.
  • Positions in purchasing, sales, finance, human resources, marketing, business development, or project management with an international focus are also available.

Due to the practical training and international orientation, you are particularly sought after in globally active companies across all industries, from manufacturing to services.

Where Can You Study the Programme?

IU offers the Dual Study Programme in Business Administration - Specialisation International Management at numerous locations nationwide as well as on the Virtual Campus. Depending on the model, you can study on-site, for example, in:

  • Aachen, Bielefeld, Bonn, Braunschweig, Duisburg, Karlsruhe, Münster
  • or at the Virtual Campus: participate flexibly nationwide from home or online

At the locations, you will find modern learning environments, small study groups, and personal support. On the virtual campus, you will experience the entire programme digitally - with live lectures, online seminars, and a digital learning platform.

Costs and Financing - Who Pays for Your Studies?

Your tuition fees are fully covered by the practice partner, so there are no costs for you (0 euros!). This makes your Bachelor's programme at IU completely free regardless of the model you choose.

More than 15,000 practice companies cooperate with IU and offer suitable positions for the Dual Study Programme - the university actively supports you in finding the ideal partner company.

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