International Industrial Management

International Industrial Management is a dynamic and comprehensive master's program offered by Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the global industrial sector. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical industry experience, equipping graduates with the essential skills required to manage and optimize complex manufacturing and industrial processes across international markets. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including production management, supply chain logistics, quality assurance, innovation management, and strategic decision-making, all within an international context. Students will develop a deep understanding of intercultural communication, project management, and sustainable industrial practices, enabling them to lead diverse teams and manage international projects effectively. The program emphasizes practical application through internships, project work, and collaborations with industry partners, providing students with valuable insights into current industrial challenges and solutions. Courses are taught in English by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, ensuring a high-quality education that aligns with industry standards and global trends. Graduates of the International Industrial Management program are well-equipped to pursue careers in manufacturing companies, engineering firms, logistics providers, and consulting agencies worldwide. They will possess the strategic thinking, technical expertise, and intercultural competencies necessary to innovate and improve industrial processes in a competitive global environment. The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in exchange semesters and international projects, fostering a truly global educational experience. By completing this program, students will be prepared to take on managerial responsibilities and to drive digital transformation initiatives, sustainability projects, and operational excellence in the international industrial landscape.

Educational organisation

The Esslingen MBA equips our students with a wide range of managerial and cross-disciplinary knowledge from

• operations & supply chain management
• marketing, strategy & leadership
• finance & business planning

These fields are rounded off with topics on organisational behaviour and supplemented with discussions of state-of-the art topics in the developments of business, science, and society.

During the first two semesters, students complete courses in the university. This includes practical, hands-on learning during project work and company visits. In the third semester, students complete their theses in the industry.

The Esslingen MBA is organised as follows:

• September:
  • orientation week as well as German language courses and culture programme.

• First semester:
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management: e.g., industrial solutions, information technology, project management, quality management, supply chain management
  • Marketing, Strategy & Leadership: e.g., corporate strategy, industrial & applied marketing, market & competitive intelligence
  • Finance & Business Planning: e.g., corporate & applied finance, economics, financial accounting, quantitative methods
  • organisational behaviour: e.g., interpersonal skills, teamwork

• Second semester:
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management: enterprise resource planning, global operations management, international technology and production, production systems,
  • Marketing, Strategy & Leadership: e.g., international commercial transactions, international marketing
  • Finance & Business Planning: e.g., business simulation, entrepreneurship, international finance, management accounting, mergers & acquisitions, risk management
  • Organisational Behaviour: e.g., human resources management, business ethics

• Third semester:
  • Corporate project, defence of thesis, Master's thesis, scientific methodology.

Additionally, German language courses are offered parallel to the coursework on campus.

The teaching staff in the MBA programme consists of Esslingen University professors and guest lecturers from academia and the industry. Please see our homepage for further details: http://www.graduate-school.de/mba

Internships

The third semester is a practical semester. Each student performs a corporate project and completes a Master's thesis in the industry under the supervision of a professor and a partner manager. They will thus be able to transform theory into practice and develop crucial contacts for future employment.

Forms of assessment

Requirements for the degree are:

• written examination
• oral examination
• presentation
• assignment
• completion of a corporate project report and Master's thesis including a colloquium

Course objectives

BOOSTING YOUR INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CAREER
Today's business managers need a whole new range of skills to lead an enterprise in the global marketplace. Companies need experts not only to run the business but also to build bridges between countries and cultures. Professionals are needed who combine a strong industrial knowledge with a passion for management. The Esslingen MBA has a dedication to educate business professionals to reach this goal.

As an Esslingen MBA graduate, you will be prepared for a management career in an international environment. You will understand the functional areas of business and the interrelationships in complex organisations. You will be able to work at the interface between technology and management, or in a management position requiring goal-oriented problem solving.

Esslingen MBA graduates are particularly sought after by German companies in the field of automotive and mechanical engineering as well as consulting.

Language requirements

Knowledge of English shown by TOEFL (our code: 1680) or a comparable qualification is required. Minimum TOEFL score: 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79 (Internet-based) or IELTS of at least 6.5 or Cambridge Certificate (CAE or CPE).
Native English speakers as well as applicants who have completed their first degree in English are exempt from the English language test.

Proficiency in German is very important for students not only to manage everyday life, but also to apply for a placement in industry for the corporate project and the Master's thesis. Most companies require fluent or at least intermediate knowledge of German, and finding a position in Germany after graduation is practically impossible without a good command of the language. Therefore, all students are required to have at least basic knowledge (CEFR level A1) of German at the beginning of the programme in September. To meet this prerequisite, beginners must take German language courses in their home country. By the end of the second semester, CEFR level A2 must be proved.

Academic requirements

The prerequisite for participation in the Master's programme is either a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent academic qualification, preferably in a STEM subject.

All applicants must take either GMAT (our code: TJ2-P4-65) or GRE (our code: 7004) to prove that they are sufficiently qualified for this course of studies.

Applicants must demonstrate proof of at least two years' work experience after their first academic degree.

The APS is required for applicants whose first degree is from PR China, Vietnam, or Mongolia.

Enrolment fees

Each semester, students are required to pay approx. 180 EUR as an enrolment fee.

Costs of living

In order to cover personal expenses during their studies in Esslingen, we recommend that participants budget approx. 750 EUR per month for accommodation, cost of living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

Opportunity to work at the university or off-campus during the semester holidays.

Arrival support

We offer an orientation week for new students, including local tours and assistance with residence permit, health insurance, public transport, bank account, etc.
Throughout their stay, students are offered support in administrative, accommodation, and personal matters.

Services and support for international students

STUDY IN ENGLISH - EXPERIENCE GERMANY
All classes are taught in English. However, a knowledge of German is important for your Master's thesis work, and German language courses are given before programme begin; through excursions, cultural and social events, you can explore the German mentality and culture.

Furthermore, academic advice is offered by professors, and help and counselling services in most matters will be provided by the student services. In addition to offering the workshop "How to apply in Germany", the professors will assist students in finding a placement in a company.

Accommodation

Most of our students live in a student residence in modern single apartments with bathroom/toilet and modern facilities. A room in the dormitory is guaranteed for one year. The monthly cost is between 260 and 300 EUR per month.