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Deutsch Who is the Master’s in Strategic Marketing Management suitable for?
The Master’s programme in Strategic Marketing Management is aimed at university graduates who aspire to a specialist or leadership role in international marketing. It is particularly targeted at graduates of business, communication studies or related Bachelor’s degree programmes who wish to deepen their analytical and strategic skills specifically in the field of marketing. The programme is suitable for anyone who wants to work in areas such as Brand Management, Digital Marketing, Marketing Consulting or international corporations and values a practice-oriented degree with a focus on international experience.
What formal criteria must you meet for admission?
To be admitted to the Master’s in Strategic Marketing Management, you need the following proofs:
- Completed Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent university degree, ideally in business, marketing, communication or related disciplines
- Language skills at least at B2 level – depending on the chosen study location, either in German or English
- Complete application documents including certificates and CV
- Successful participation in the multi-stage digital admission process, which assesses your motivation, personal characteristics and professional abilities
A Numerus Clausus (NC) is not required for admission. If your first degree is based on fewer than 210 ECTS credits, a Pre-Master programme allows for the subsequent acquisition of missing credits.
You should have a strong interest in strategic marketing issues and international economic contexts. Analytical skills, the ability to structure information and communication skills are key requirements. Practical experience in marketing, whether through internships or projects, facilitates entry – but is not mandatory. Openness to stays abroad and intercultural cooperation is important, as the programme includes an international semester. Initiative as well as the willingness to work in a team and engage critically with current marketing trends complete your profile.
Detailed Study Content
In the Master's programme Strategic Marketing Management, you acquire comprehensive knowledge for the development, planning and control of international marketing strategies. The focus is on deriving and implementing successful marketing concepts from market research and the requirements of corporate management. The course includes practice-oriented classes, a market research project and a twelve-week compulsory internship.
- Fundamentals of marketing: marketing strategies, marketing planning, market analysis
- Specialist knowledge: e-marketing and e-commerce, public relations, digital marketing
- Market research: design, implementation and evaluation of research projects
- Leadership and management: development of leadership competence in the marketing context, project management
- International orientation: cross-country marketing instruments, intercultural management
- Practice orientation: consulting projects with companies, 12-week compulsory internship
- Language development: German and English as languages of instruction, expansion of technical language
As part of an integrated semester abroad at one of around 190 partner universities, you deepen your international and intercultural skills. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain a international double degree (Double Degree).
Course Structure
The programme is designed as a full-time programme over 4 semesters (120 ECTS) and starts every year in September. It is organised in modules, which include both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
- Languages: Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Hamburg: German with English-language modules / Munich, Berlin: English
- Integrated semester abroad in the third semester
- Twelve-week compulsory internship in a national or international company
- Practical projects and cooperation with companies
- Final thesis in the fourth semester
- Options: Double Degree and Fast Track (completion in 3 semesters with corresponding ECTS)
The study programme is practically structured and actively incorporates real company projects. Personal support at the ISM locations enables an individual study experience in small groups.
Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities
With the Master of Arts degree in Strategic Marketing Management, you qualify for management roles and specialised positions in the global marketing environment. The practice-oriented training and international experiences prepare you to take responsibility for strategic marketing decisions and to lead cross-company projects.
- Marketing manager in national and international companies
- Brand manager with responsibility for brand and product strategies
- Online marketing specialist, e-marketer or content marketing manager
- Marketing consultant for agencies or consulting firms
- Interface positions between marketing and sales, business development
- Research and project management in the field of market research
- Prospect of a PhD (Promotion) at international partner universities
Graduates find a wide range of entry-level options in industry, trade, media companies as well as specialised consulting firms. Reported examples range from product marketing (e.g. at Audi AG) to senior roles in brand management.
Study Locations
You can complete the on-site Strategic Marketing Management course at five urban ISM locations:
- Dortmund: central in the technology park, largest ISM campus, personal support
- Frankfurt/Main: in the Sachsenhausen district near Südbahnhof, international orientation
- Munich: Karlstraße near the main station, modern ambience, business and cultural location
- Hamburg: directly on the Elbe in HafenCity, innovative learning environment
- Berlin: in the trendy Schöneberg district, modern seminar rooms and creative communal spaces
Depending on the location, the teaching is conducted in German (with English-language modules) or in English. During the integrated semester abroad, you are enrolled at one of the partner universities worldwide and study on site with an international focus.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees for the four-semester full-time course amount to €6,480 per semester, which totals €25,920 for the entire programme.
- Possibility of installment payments for the fees
- Discounts and special conditions (e.g. "Bring a Friend" programme with rewards up to €500)
- Financial aid such as BAföG, education funds, scholarships and education loans
- Advice from the ISM finance team for individual financing concepts
Additional costs may arise for the semester abroad (e.g. travel, accommodation) as well as for learning materials. Individual funding options are available and can be used to secure the financing of your studies.
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