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Deutsch Who is the MBA General Management programme at ISM suitable for?
The part-time MBA General Management at the International School of Management is aimed at professionals from business, engineering or services who wish to specifically prepare themselves for a leadership position in an international context. It is particularly targeted at specialists and junior managers with initial professional or managerial experience who want to systematically expand their management skills and broaden their network in a practice-oriented, English-speaking environment. The programme is also suitable for career changers without a traditional business background who aspire to a career in global management.
What formal criteria must you meet for admission?
To enrol in the MBA General Management programme at ISM, you must demonstrate the following admission requirements:
- Completed university degree (Bachelor) with at least 240 ECTS credits
- At least two years of qualified professional experience after completing your studies
- English language skills at least at level B2 (confirmed, for example, by TOEFL, IELTS or proof through the university’s selection process)
- Successful participation in the digital admission procedure of ISM (including a personal interview)
There is no Numerus Clausus (NC). Professional experience can also come from different industries or international activities. For applicants with 210 ECTS, there may be the option to make up missing ECTS credits beforehand or alongside the programme.
You should be willing to communicate in English and actively engage in intercultural team projects. Practical experience in an international environment is an advantage but not a strict requirement. Analytical thinking skills, self-motivation and strong communication abilities will help you successfully complete the demanding on-campus and online modules as well as the integrated stays abroad. Interest in topics such as strategic management, leadership and sustainable corporate governance is beneficial. For the part-time format, resilience and good self-management are also necessary.
What content does the MBA General Management at ISM cover?
In the part-time MBA General Management at the International School of Management, you acquire comprehensive business management skills with a strong practical orientation and international focus. The curriculum is designed to specifically prepare you for leadership positions in international companies. Key focuses of the programme include:
- Business management expertise: business economics, strategic management, marketing
- Intercultural leadership and management methods for complex, international contexts
- Cost and risk management, financial management as well as legal frameworks of global markets
- Elective modules: you can set individual specialisations, e.g. in Sustainability Management, Applied Business Data Science or Digital Marketing Management
- Development of your social skills through communication training, personal development and leadership coaching
- International study abroad modules at partner universities in the USA, India and South Korea
Optionally, you can choose MBA Plus additional courses from ISM’s distance learning programme free of charge and earn up to 15 extra ECTS credits. These offer you in-depth insights into current topics such as Digital Marketing, Sustainability or Data Science.
How is the course of study for the part-time MBA at ISM organised?
The programme MBA General Management is organised part-time and designed for a duration of 3 to 4 semesters. The programme starts each September in the winter semester. The classes take place roughly once a month from Friday to Sunday at the Dortmund campus. This way, studying remains compatible with full-time employment.
- Attendance phases compact at weekends (Friday to Sunday)
- Language of instruction: English
- Integrated study abroad modules: stays at e.g. University of California Riverside (USA), Indian Institute of Management (India) and Woosong University (South Korea)
- Accompanying coaching: potential analyses, career advice and leadership coaching
- Flexible additional offers: free MBA Plus additional courses with extra certificate
- Optional double degree: acquisition of a second MBA at the City University of Seattle (USA) possible
Thus, the programme combines face-to-face teaching, international practical components and individual coaching so that you can ideally combine personal and professional growth with your employment.
What career opportunities open up after the MBA General Management?
Graduates of the MBA General Management at ISM are qualified for leadership positions in an international environment. The degree is recognised both in the German and the international business world. Typical fields of employment are:
- Management roles in international companies
- Senior positions in the areas of strategy, marketing, controlling or human resources
- Project management or development of business units in multinational corporations
- Consulting (e.g. business, strategy consulting)
- Entrepreneurship and start-ups
- Further development up to an academic career is possible through doctoral programmes at partner universities
The MBA specifically promotes leadership skills and intercultural competences which prepare you for diverse challenges in top management as well as for the step into international business.
Where does the MBA study take place and how is the spatial organisation?
The part-time MBA General Management programme is offered at the ISM Campus Dortmund. ISM’s largest campus is located centrally in the Dortmund Technology Park and is reachable within 10 minutes from the city centre.
- Place of study: Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia
- Face-to-face teaching: once a month at the weekend at the campus
- Study abroad modules: stays at partner universities in the USA (e.g. University of California Riverside Extension), India (Indian Institute of Management) and South Korea (SolBridge International School of Business)
- MBA Plus additional courses: online formats for maximum flexibility
Thanks to the hybrid concept, you can ideally combine the on-campus attendance phases with international experience and online offerings.
What are the costs for the MBA General Management and what financing options are there?
The total costs for the part-time MBA General Management at ISM amount to €28,800 for the entire course of study.
- Total tuition fees: €28,800 (usually payable in instalments per semester)
- Included: on-campus attendance phases, study abroad modules, accompanying coaching, MBA Plus additional courses
- Discounts possible: e.g. through partner programmes (“Bring a Friend” bonus of up to €500)
- Further financing options: scholarships, education funds, tax deductibility of study costs within the scope of income-related expenses
This way, you receive a complete service package with an internationally recognised degree, individual career support and a strong practical relevance.
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