General Management, Master of Arts

Who is the Master’s Degree in General Management (M.A.) at CBS suitable for?

The Master’s programme in General Management at CBS University of Applied Sciences is aimed at individuals who wish to acquire a broadly-based business qualification at master’s level. It is particularly targeted at graduates of a business-related bachelor’s degree who want to specifically prepare themselves for leadership roles in national and international companies. The programme is ideal for anyone aspiring to management positions – for example in controlling, marketing, human resource management, or consulting. Those interested in self-employment or management roles in the public sector also benefit from the programme. The study format (on-campus studies in Cologne), the strong practical orientation, as well as the opportunity to set individual priorities through elective modules appeal to applicants who want to actively develop their careers.

Admission Requirements: What is needed for the Master’s programme?

• University degree: Admission requires a first professional university degree (usually a bachelor’s) in business administration or a related subject. The precise content requirements for the prior degree may vary depending on the university and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Online application: Applications are submitted digitally via the CBS application portal. The application deadline is open throughout the year.
• Admission process without numerus clausus: There is no numerus clausus restriction. Instead of a fixed grade point average, a selection procedure takes place. Depending on the programme and grades, you either receive an offer directly or are invited to an interview.
• Language skills: The programme is offered in German, so very good German language skills are required.
• Additional documents: Proof of university entrance qualification, CV, possibly a letter of motivation, as well as other programme-specific documents must be submitted.

Personal requirements for the Master’s in General Management

• Basic understanding of business administration: As the programme builds on prior knowledge of business studies, you should have fundamental knowledge of business administration and related disciplines.
• Motivation and goal orientation: Initiative, willingness to perform, and the readiness to engage in a challenging, practical-oriented programme are important.
• Interest in leadership roles: The programme specifically prepares you for management and leadership positions.
• Communication and teamwork skills: Many modules and practical projects require group work and willingness to exchange ideas.
• Openness to internationality: Intercultural skills and the readiness to think internationally are promoted and expected.
• Flexibility and sense of responsibility: Adaptability to changing tasks and professional time management are also helpful.

Course Content in Detail: What Do You Learn in the Master’s in General Management?

The Master’s programme in General Management at CBS University of Applied Sciences in Cologne provides you with broad-based business management skills with a strong practical focus. You will acquire both specialised and interdisciplinary abilities that specifically prepare you for leadership roles in business and administration.

• Fundamentals of Business Management and Specialisation:
  • Case Lab – application of management knowledge to case studies
  • Analysis & strategy tools
  • Digital management
  • Change management
  • Investment & financing calculation
  • Corporate accounting & financial statement analysis
  • Economics & economic policy
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Business law & corporate governance
  • International marketing and human resource management
  • Global supply chain management
• Programme-specific Focus Areas & Electives:
  • Several programme-specific electives allow you to tailor your studies individually according to interests in marketing, HR, controlling or other management fields.
  • Business electives and elective areas for further specialisations.
• Practice-oriented Modules:
  • Business Project – real projects in cooperation with companies
  • Management Simulation Game – business management as a simulation
  • Internship (10 ECTS) at home or abroad as a compulsory component
• Interdisciplinary Competences:
  • Foreign language training – development of language skills and intercultural competences
  • Team & self-management
  • Creative thinking & innovation
  • Leadership behaviour
• Degree: In the final semester, you write the Master’s thesis, supported by a preparatory module.

Course Structure: How Is the General Management (M.A.) Programme Organised?

The Master’s programme in General Management at CBS comprises 4 semesters (standard period of study), corresponds to 120 ECTS credits, and is offered as on-campus study in Cologne. The language of instruction is German.

• Semesters 1–3:
  • Subject fundamentals, elective modules, practical projects and language training
  • Each semester: one programme-specific elective module to build your individual profile
  • Integration of business projects and simulations
• Semester 4:
  • Master’s thesis (scientific final thesis, 24 ECTS)
  • Preparatory module for support
• Practical Training: A compulsory internship with 10 ECTS is integrated into the course.

Lectures and exams mainly take place on campus in Cologne. The programme is complemented by skills training and practice-based teaching projects.

Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities after the Master’s in General Management

With the Master of Arts in General Management degree, you will have broad expertise and practical experience that qualify you for a variety of leadership and management positions. Typical professional fields for graduates include:

• Strategic Management: CEO/Managing Director, middle and senior management positions
• Project Management: planning, control and monitoring of projects in companies of various sectors
• Operations Management: management and optimisation of operational processes, supply chain management
• Product Management: development and launch of new products, market research and innovation management
• Controlling, Marketing, HR: positions in finance, human resource management and marketing
• Consulting: advising companies on strategic, organisational and business management issues
• Self-employment: founding and managing your own company
• International Career: through foreign language and soft skills training, entry into international companies is possible.

Study Location: On-Campus Study at the Cologne Campus

The General Management (M.A.) programme is offered at the Cologne campus of CBS University of Applied Sciences. CBS provides a modern campus life with personal interaction, networking events and digital infrastructure. Practical projects and business partnerships are an integral part of the location.

Costs and Financing

The tuition fees for the Master’s programme in General Management amount to around €5,730 per semester (equivalent to approx. €955 per month) and total approximately €34,380. CBS University of Applied Sciences supports you with advisory services on scholarships, BAföG or private financing options.

• Total cost: approx. €34,380 for four semesters
• Flexible financing options such as BAföG, education loans and scholarships
• Practice partner programmes for dual study models

The CBS student advisory service provides individual information on the suitable financing option for you.