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Who is this MSc for, and what do you need to apply?
This programme suits international graduates who want to step into leadership roles in Germany or the EU. Typical profiles include: business or economics graduates aiming for general management or consulting; early-career professionals (1–3 years) from finance, marketing or operations seeking a career boost; and STEM or IT graduates who want to add a management qualification to move into product, project or business roles. If you plan to build a career around strategy, analytics and cross-functional leadership, this 90-ECTS MSc in Göttingen is a fit.
Admission requirements
Entry is selective but transparent. You need a recognised first degree and proof that you can study in the programme language.
- A first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) that qualifies you for postgraduate study.
- Admission with foreign qualifications: your degree is assessed for equivalence under German higher education law. Submit official transcripts, diploma/degree certificate and (where applicable) certified translations with grading scale.
- Teaching language: German or English (track-dependent). Language proof is required in the respective language:
- English: an internationally recognised test such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT. Required level is typically B2–C1 (CEFR).
- German: a recognised certificate such as TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat, usually at C1 (CEFR).
- Abitur (German school-leaving exam) is not required if you already hold a first university degree.
- Full-time study on campus in Göttingen; plan your start date so you can be present from day one.
The programme is officially accredited (reaccredited by ZEvA, valid to 30 Sept 2026), which supports international recognition of your Master’s degree.
Personal requirements
This is an intensive full-time Master’s. Expect around 35–40 hours per week for lectures, group work, case studies and exam preparation. You will succeed if you bring solid self-organisation, perseverance through quantitative modules (accounting, finance, analytics) and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams. Clear, professional communication in the teaching language is essential; if you choose the English track, ensure robust academic English, and if you study in German, strong academic German is needed for readings and exams.
- Realistic time planning: block study hours on weekdays and keep weekends for revision during exam phases.
- Independent learning: read ahead, manage multiple deadlines and seek feedback proactively.
- Intercultural readiness: you will work with peers from different backgrounds—be open and responsive.
- If you are new to Germany, basic everyday German will make life in Göttingen easier (housing, services), even if you study in English.
Studying from abroad before arrival is limited, as teaching is on campus. If you relocate, align your timeline for housing, enrolment and your first teaching week so you can fully participate from the start.
What will you study in the General Management (M.Sc.) at PFH Private University of Applied Sciences?
The General Management M.Sc. is offered in German or English (track varies by intake). This matters for your application: you will need to provide proof of proficiency in the teaching language of your chosen track, and non-German speakers should confirm an English-taught cohort before applying. PFH is a private university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule – practice-oriented institution awarding the same Bologna-compliant degrees as public universities).
You build a broad leadership profile across core business domains. In strategy and leadership, you typically cover areas such as corporate strategy, organisational development and change, and leadership communication. This gives you the frameworks to analyse competitive positions and to lead transformation projects across functions.
Finance and controlling deepen your ability to steer organisations by numbers. You engage with topics such as managerial accounting and controlling, corporate finance and valuation, as well as risk and performance management. The aim is to read financials critically and translate them into operational decisions.
Marketing, sales and innovation expand your growth toolbox. Modules often include strategic marketing, brand and customer management, product and service innovation, and go-to-market planning. You learn to align customer insight with data-driven decision-making for profitable growth.
Operations, data and projects prepare you to deliver results. Expect themes like operations management, business analytics for managers, and project/programme management. You practice process thinking, KPI setting and agile execution to get initiatives over the line.
Electives and focus: Depending on intake, you may be able to select electives to specialise—for example in entrepreneurship, HR, or sector contexts. Elective availability can differ by language track and semester; confirm current options when you apply.
Practical orientation and thesis: As a Fachhochschule, PFH emphasises applied learning through case work and projects with real business scenarios. You complete a Master’s thesis in the final phase to demonstrate your ability to tackle a complex management problem using academic methods and practical insight.
How does studying in the General Management (M.Sc.) work?
Teaching language: German or English, depending on cohort
The programme runs either in German or English. The language is set per intake or cohort. If you do not speak German, you should secure a place in an English-taught cohort. Applicants are expected to prove proficiency in the teaching language; details and accepted certificates depend on the current intake and must be checked before you submit.
Study model and where you will study: full time on campus in Göttingen
This is a full-time, on-campus Master’s with the standard duration of three semesters (90 ECTS). You study at PFH’s campus in Göttingen, a classic German student city in Lower Saxony with a compact centre, short distances and a strong academic atmosphere. The campus brings together classrooms, study spaces and student services, so daily logistics are straightforward.
Learning experience and academic support
Teaching follows an applied, seminar-style approach typical for universities of applied sciences. You learn through lectures, case studies, group work and presentations. Cohorts at private universities are usually smaller than at large public institutions, which supports closer contact with lecturers and quicker feedback. You can expect structured timetables and contact hours across the week in line with a full-time workload.
Exams and assessments you can expect
Assessment formats span written exams, case study reports, individual and group presentations, and project work. The programme concludes with the Master’s thesis, where you investigate a management question using academic methods and, ideally, company data or applied scenarios.
What enrolment means for non-EU applicants
Admission and enrolment steps for international students depend on the current intake and language track. As procedures and required documents can change, especially where language proof is concerned, confirm the latest instructions directly with the admissions team for your target semester.
What does the General Management (M.Sc.) cost?
Tuition is listed at €700 per month, amounting to €14,020 in total over the standard duration of three semesters (90 ECTS). This is a typical fee level for a private, full-time Master’s in Germany and substantially lower than tuition at comparable institutions in the UK or USA. Check whether there are one-time enrolment or examination fees for your intake; these vary and are not included in the total above.
Payment plans usually spread fees over the study period; if you pay from abroad, factor in international transfer costs and potential currency conversion fees charged by your bank. Private universities in Germany often offer merit-based or need-based scholarships and company-sponsored options for high-performing students—availability depends on the year and cannot be guaranteed.
Living costs in Göttingen are moderate by German standards. As an orientation for rent, food, local transport, health insurance and personal expenses, plan around €900–€1,100 per month, depending on lifestyle and housing. Student dorms and shared flats can reduce costs; private studios near the city centre are higher.
What careers and recognition does the General Management (M.Sc.) offer?
The Master awards 90 ECTS credits under the Bologna framework and is programme-accredited by ZEvA (2019–2026). Programme accreditation by an EQAR-listed agency like ZEvA signals that curriculum, staffing and quality assurance meet German and European standards. ECTS credits and the MSc degree are widely recognised across the EU and support international mobility for further study or work.
With a cross-functional management profile, you qualify for roles in SMEs, corporates and consultancies. Typical paths include:
- Business or management consultant in strategy, operations or growth practices
- Project or programme manager driving transformation and digital initiatives
- Business development or key account manager in B2B industries
- Product manager or marketing manager in tech, services or consumer goods
- Controller/finance analyst supporting planning and performance management
Salaries vary by sector and region. In Germany, graduates entering consulting, industrial Mittelstand or tech typically progress from analyst/associate roles into specialist or leadership tracks within a few years, with compensation growing alongside responsibility and profit impact.
Who is the General Management (M.Sc.) right for – and who not?
This Master’s fits graduates who want to broaden a business or STEM background into a leadership-ready general management profile, and who prefer an applied approach with case work and structured full-time study.
- You want a compact, three-semester (90 ECTS) Master focused on employability.
- You value an applied, case-driven approach at a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule).
- You aim for roles in consulting, project leadership, business development or product/brand management.
- You prefer studying in a student city with manageable living costs and a campus setting.
There are also clear cases where this programme may not match your plans. Read these carefully to avoid a mismatch from abroad.
- You need a guaranteed English-only programme: the teaching language varies by intake (German or English), so availability of an English cohort must be confirmed.
- You cannot relocate for on-campus, full-time study in Göttingen; this is not a distance-learning or part-time format.
- Your goal is a programme with no or very low tuition; German public universities can be significantly cheaper than private providers.
- You require a 120 ECTS Master for specific PhD tracks or professional recognition in your home country; this programme awards 90 ECTS.
- You seek access to regulated professions such as medicine or law; a general management MSc does not qualify for these paths.
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