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Deutsch Who is the MBA General Management at ISM suitable for?
The full-time MBA programme General Management at the International School of Management (ISM) is aimed at professionals who have already obtained a first university degree and have at least two years of relevant professional experience. It is especially targeted at specialists and managers from various industries who want to specifically develop their business and strategic skills in order to take on leadership positions in an international business environment or accelerate their careers across industries. The programme is also attractive for candidates from abroad or with an international background, as it is taught entirely in English and offers international modules as well as the possibility of a double degree.
What formal admission requirements apply for the MBA programme?
To participate in the MBA General Management, you must provide proof of the following criteria:
- Completion of a first degree (e.g. Bachelor) with at least 210 ECTS credits
- At least two years of relevant professional experience after the first degree
- Very good English skills at least at level B2 (e.g. proven by IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent evidence)
- Successful participation in the internal admission process of the ISM (including an interview to assess motivation, suitability and personality)
The programme is not restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC). An individual assessment is possible at the university in cases of differing study achievements (e.g. fewer than 210 ECTS).
For successful participation, you should have a interest in business-related issues and strategic corporate management. Key to success are analytical and structured thinking, confident English skills, international openness, as well as willingness to work independently and in a team. Strong communication skills, pronounced self-motivation and the ability to act interculturally are advantageous. Some initial leadership experience or project responsibility can facilitate entry, but is not mandatory.
What content can you expect in the MBA General Management?
In the MBA General Management programme at the International School of Management (ISM), you will develop comprehensive business and management skills. The programme is designed to be interdisciplinary and links current theory with practice-oriented study content. You will learn to competently cover essential management specialisations, including:
- Fundamentals of Business Administration: Business economics, strategic management, corporate governance
- Functional Management: Marketing, finance, controlling, cost and risk management
- Intercultural Leadership: International management, leadership skills in global teams
- Entrepreneurship: Business start-up and development
- Innovation & Digitalisation: Current trends in the economy and practical handling of the challenges of digital transformation
An integrated coaching programme supports your personal development and focuses on leadership consulting, communication skills and personal potential.
Additionally, in the MBA Plus programme, you can take extra courses such as Data Science, Digital Marketing Management or Sustainability Management free of charge and thus earn up to 15 additional ECTS credits.
How is the programme organised and structured?
The MBA programme is offered as a full-time study in English at the ISM campus in Munich and lasts two to three semesters plus a master’s thesis (a total of 60 ECTS credits).
- The programme start is each winter semester (September).
- Practical relevance is central: lecturers with management experience and company cooperations provide real insights into the business world.
- The curriculum includes a study abroad module at IQS Barcelona (Spain).
- You can optionally obtain an international double degree at the City University of Seattle (USA).
- The coaching element supports you personally to strengthen your leadership skills.
- The optional MBA Plus additional programme enables you to take distance learning courses and thus individually expand your focus areas.
Through this structured and internationally oriented programme, you gain comprehensive knowledge for future leadership responsibilities.
What career opportunities does the MBA General Management at ISM open up?
With the Master of Business Administration in General Management, you qualify for leadership positions in international companies across various industries. The degree is especially suitable for professionals with work experience who aim for a management-oriented career or want to make a career leap into senior management levels.
- Entry and advancement in top management of international companies
- Positions in marketing, finance, controlling or international management
- Management consulting as well as project and change management
- Leadership roles in the telecommunications and technology sectors
- Self-employment, start-up or restructuring of companies (entrepreneurship)
- Optional: Doctorate (PhD) in cooperation with international partner universities
Graduates of ISM report rapid advancement opportunities and international careers, for example as a SAP Consultant or Director of Controlling at global industrial companies.
Where does the programme take place and how is the Munich campus organised?
The MBA General Management programme is completed at the ISM Campus Munich. The location is centrally situated in Karlstraße, close to the main station. Munich is an important economic and cultural metropolis with a high quality of life, numerous leisure opportunities and a variety of employers. Thanks to the central location, networking and practical relevance are optimally ensured during the programme.
A study abroad module at the IQS Instituto Químico de Sarrià in Barcelona is a mandatory component. Optionally, you can complete an additional semester at the City University of Seattle and thus acquire an additional MBA degree.
What costs should you expect for the MBA General Management – and is there support available?
The tuition fees for the MBA General Management full-time programme at ISM amount to a total of 27,300 €. This amount includes the courses at the Munich campus, coaching, the study abroad module and optional additional services such as the MBA Plus programme.
- Total tuition fees: 27,300 € (one-off fee for the entire duration of the programme)
- MBA Plus additional courses: included free of charge in the total price
- Optional double degree fees (if you participate at the City University of Seattle) may incur additional costs
ISM offers various discount and financing programmes, including the "Bring a Friend" programme with bonuses as well as advice on scholarships and installment payment models.
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