- master's programme without compulsory attendance at Germany's largest university
- start of studies possible at any time, no semester operation
- interesting specialisations, for example in Agile Leadership and Design Thinking
- master's programme in only 2-4 semesters with 60 ECTS or in 3-6 semesters with 90 ECTS
- language of instruction either English or German
- over 15 different majors to choose from
These are the requirements for the Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration is offered by the IU International University of Applied Sciences in 2 variants: the 60-ECTS variant lasts 2 semesters in full-time study, the 90-ECTS variant lasts 3 semesters in full-time study.
For both variants, a first degree from a state-recognised or state-run higher education institution is required, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The final grade of your degree should be at least "Satisfactory".
For the 60 ECTS variant, the following is required:
- You have completed a first degree at a state or state-recognised higher education institution. The final grade should be at least "Satisfactory".
- Your degree comprises at least 210 ECTS.
- You can prove at least 1 year of qualified professional experience.
For the 90 ECTS variant, the following is also required:
- You have completed a first degree at a state or state-recognised higher education institution. The final grade should be at least "Satisfactory".
- Your degree comprises at least 180 ECTS.
- You can prove at least 1 year of qualified professional experience.
In addition, you can choose whether you complete this Master's programme in German or in English. If you choose the English-language option, prove your English skills via TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English test, Cambridge certificate or similar. If you wish, you can also take a free English course at the IU at the B2 level.
In addition, you can have extensive prior achievements recognised in order to shorten the study time in the distance learning programme and to save tuition fees. For example, achievements you have made in previous Master's programmes can be recognised. The university can also recognise extensive work experience in the field of Master of Business Administration. It is best to submit your application for recognition together with your application.

These are the study contents in the online study programme Master of Business Administration
This Master's degree at IU comprises about 10 modules, which you take and complete in the course of 2-3 semesters of standard study time. Each module has a scope of 5-10 credit points (ECTS) and concludes with an examination such as a term paper or a written exam. In total, you will acquire 60-90 credit points from module to module and semester to semester.
In the 60 ECTS variant, the full-time study programme is structured as follows:
- Semester 1: Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Corporate Finance, International Marketing, Managerial Economics, Performance Management
- Semester 2: Strategic Management, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, Operations and Information Management, Capstone Thesis and Defence
In the 90 ECTS variant, the full-time programme is structured as follows:
- Semester 1: Leadership, Performance Measurement, Corporate Finance, International Marketing, Managerial Economics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Semester 2: Strategic Management, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, Operations and Information Management, Elective Module A, Elective Module B
- Semester 3: Capstone Project Thesis & Defense
You choose your two Specialisations from these modules in the 90 ECTS variant: Digital Business Models and Change, Smart Product Service Systems, Digital Insurance, Business Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Agile Leadership and Design Thinking, Inclusion, Diversity Management, E-Sports Management, E-Sports Marketing and Event Management, Health Care Management A, Health Care Management B, Real Estate Fundamentals, Real Estate Management, Sustainable Business and Value Creation, Sustainable Development and Business Models, Recruitment and Development of Human Resources, New Work, Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Excellence Manager, Salesforce Consultant Specialisation, Salesforce Sales Specialisation.
These are the majors you can choose from in IU's MBA programme
In the 90 ECTS variant, you also have over 15 different majors to choose from. With the MBA majors, the IU International University of Applied Sciences offers you interesting specialisations to choose from.
- MBA - Engineering Management
- MBA - Health Care Management
- MBA - Finance & Accounting
- MBA - Big Data Management
- MBA - International Marketing
- MBA - IT Management
- MBA - Digital Insurance
- MBA - Artificial Intelligence
- MBA - Digital Business
- MBA - Digital Transformation
- MBA - Diversity Management
- MBA - E-Sports Management
- MBA - Human Resource Management
- MBA - Real Estate Management
- MBA - Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- MBA - New Work & Talent Management
- MBA - Salesforce
- MBA - Supply Chain Management
The majors are offered partly in German, partly in English, and partly bilingually.
If you do not choose any of the majors as your specialisation, choose one of the many specialisation options offered by IU in the 90 ECTS variant.
This is how flexible the standard period of study is in the MBA distance learning programme
At IU International University of Applied Sciences, you can choose one of 3 study models for your part-time distance learning programme:
- In the full-time study, the standard period of study is 2 semesters for the 60 ECTS variant and 3 semesters for the 90 ECTS variant. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. The MBA full-time study programme is particularly suitable for those who do not work or only work a few hours a week.
- In the Part-time study I, the standard period of study is 3 semesters for the 60 ECTS variant and 4 semesters for the 90 ECTS variant. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. Part-time study I is suitable, for example, if you work part-time alongside your studies.
- In Part-time study II the standard period of study is 4 semesters for the 60 ECTS variant and 6 semesters for the 90 ECTS variant. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. Part-time study II is particularly suitable if you are heavily involved in your career alongside your distance learning.
By the way, you can also take a vacation semester during the course of your studies, at no additional cost.
How does online study at IU work?

In MBA online study at IU International University of Applied Sciences, there is no compulsory attendance - you study continuously from home, in the library of your choice or wherever you can learn best.
You take your modules and courses when you want. This means that you can generally arrange your study plan and semester schedule flexibly yourself.
Central to the IU distance learning programme are your interactive learning scripts. You receive the scripts in printed form as well as digitally as a PDF and for your tablet. The smart app IU Learn gives you access to the scripts for your MBA studies as well as scripts from all other distance learning programmes at IU.
You can also access additional materials, such as videos, via myCampus, IU's online campus. You can exchange information with your lecturers and fellow students in virtual live formats, for example, about the interactive courses.
And exams? If you wish, you can write them as online exams. You can take an online exam around the clock as soon as you feel sufficiently prepared for the course material. Alternatively, you can take the exam at one of the IU's numerous exam centres throughout Germany.

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