International Business

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) is a vibrant academic institution located at the heart of one of Germany’s most exciting cities. One of the largest universities in northern Germany, we offer degree courses in a wide range of fields, including engineering, computer sciences, fashion, design, and – of course – business and social sciences. We specialise in delivering real-world, hands-on higher education on a solid scientific basis. Our students and academic staff come from a broad spectrum of academic, professional, national and cultural backgrounds. Qualifying our students to take on responsible professional roles in business and society and continuously improving the academic education we deliver are at the heart of our mission.

This course is targeted primarily towards graduates with a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in international business, management sciences or related subjects. You should have strong analytical, numerical and communication skills, and be interested in studying alongside a small group of equally qualified graduates from diverse cultural backgrounds, working closely with highly motivated academic staff with track records in research and business. We’re looking for applicants with an interest in all business-related fields who aim to widen their methodological and intellectual horizons in order to qualify for strategic roles in companies or organisations working internationally.

The Master of Science in International Business is a three-semester programme worth 90 CP in the ECTS system. You take five required modules in your first winter semester (September–February), a further five required modules in the summer semester (March–July), and undertake a research project in the following winter semester which you write up in your Master's thesis.

The curriculum will provide you with a solid understanding of the global marketplace and covers a broad range of interrelated fields. Alongside a core set of modules on business and management issues, you will gain an all-round picture of international business by taking modules on strategic, quantitative, technological, intercultural and legal matters, and leave us with the latest knowledge on modern management theories. You can find details about the modules in our Module Handbook.

The admission requirements are as follows:

• Bachelor's or equivalent degree in International Management or International Business or in a major field of studies in economic sciences with a strong international emphasis
• Bachelor's degree must be based on studies with a minimum of seven semesters and at least 210 credit points in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
• For graduates whose Bachelor's degree stems from a six semester programme (180 credit points): Provided that you satisfy all of the other entrance requirements and that the course is not yet filled to capacity you might be enrolled under the condition that you acquire 30 credit points (ECTS) within the first year of your Master's studies at HAW Hamburg. The student advisor for Master's studies (Studienfachberater_in) will decide which additional courses have to be taken.
• In order to qualify, applicants need to have successfully completed courses with a total of at least 60 credit points (ECTS) that focus on economic issues from an international perspective and the profile of the respective degree programme is classified as economics. Furthermore they need to have successfully completed courses with a total of at least 120 credit points (ECTS) that deal with economic content that is not predominantly industry-specific or sectoral.
• Proof that a written thesis worth at least 12 CP has been completed in a subject area appropriate to the focus of the Master's degree programme using scientific methods.
• You are also required to provide proof of proficiency in English at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference as stipulated in section 7, paragraph 3 of theGeneral Admissions Regulations (HAWAZO)

Additional documents you may submit to enhance your application (optional):

• Proof of employment or internship of at least 20 weeks completed outside the country of the Bachelor's degree which took place during or after the period your first professionally qualified university degree
• Completed an semester of study abroad during the period of the first professionally qualified university degree
• Successful completion of a module on quantitative methods in economics totalling at least 5 CP, whereby modules on mathematical and descriptive statistical principles are not creditable
• Successful completion of a module on empirical research methods in economics totalling at least 5 CP, whereby modules on statistical principles and quantitative methods are not creditable

Information on the selection procedure can be found in the admission and selection regulations.

The degree course admits students for the winter  semester only. Application period: 1 May–15 June .

Applications for all Master's courses must be submitted online. The online application system is only activated during the application period. It is not possible to apply outside of the application periods. You do not need to submit hard copies of your application. You can find more information at Applying for a Master's degree course.