International Management

To conquer foreign markets and to globalise the value chain - these are key challenges companies face in international competition. Our Master's programme in International Management (MA) prepares you perfectly for these kinds of management tasks: you learn to think in an intercultural way as well as to work across disciplines. Having gained some additional practical experience, you will be ready to take on responsible, international management functions in all kinds of sectors and in companies of various sizes.

The Master's programme in International Management has two core content areas: so-called "Divisional Skills" and "Leadership Skills". While the former deal with core business competencies such as global marketing, human resources, controllership, and decision analysis as well as risk management, and international finance, the latter comprise the methodological, social, intercultural and communicational skills required for executive positions. In addition, the second core area explores the relationship between leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and change processes in companies.

Besides these core areas, the wider "International Business Environment" is analysed in the programme, including the essential legal and economic conditions for international business generation. Further, you can shape and individualise your studies according to your own interests and needs by choosing two elective modules (Elective Courses) from a list ranging from accounting to logistics. Towards the end of your studies, you will attend a set of modules under the umbrella term "Integration". These modules, including corporate strategic planning simulations, a strategic management seminar and the Master's thesis, aim to consolidate previously acquired knowledge and apply it to real business situations.

To sum up: if you enjoyed studying business-related modules in your Bachelor's degree, see the internationalisation of business as an exciting development, and seek an executive position in an international company after some time in the "field", then our International Management Master's programme is the right postgraduate degree programme for you! In Fulda, you will find an ideal study environment with small group sizes, an above-average proportion of international students, direct access to lecturers, and an extensive international network offering opportunities to complete parts of the programme abroad.

Educational organisation

The International Management Master's programme is organised as follows: during your first semester, you develop your business skills in the areas of human resources, marketing, and corporate management with an international focus. You are also familiarised with the relevant quantitative methods, international business law and international economics. The second semester is devoted to expanding and solidifying your knowledge in risk, innovation and strategic management as well as to fostering your social skills in the areas of leadership, communication, and social responsibility. In the third semester, cross-linking modules are offered: an extensive, computer-based business simulation game in which you co-lead an international high-tech company in a team, and the Master's thesis on an international management topic of your choice, often in cooperation with a company. Two elective modules in the second and third semesters allow you to set your own priorities.

The programme consists of lectures, seminars, practical elements, workshops, excursions, small-group discussions, and tutorials. The Faculty of Business maintains a significant number of lively ERASMUS partnerships with universities throughout Europe, and further collaborations with universities in the USA, Korea, Jordan, and Australia to name but a few. You have the opportunity to take advantage of this excellent network of partner universities for a complementary study abroad period. In some cases it is even possible to obtain a second degree in the context of your study abroad period in addition to the MA degree in Fulda. The faculty also runs its own Internship Unit, which provides assistance in finding placements in Germany or abroad.

In order to graduate, students are required to pass all 13 mandatory modules plus the two elective courses, resulting in 90 ECTS overall. Should your Bachelor's degree have only 180 ECTS, you are required to obtain an additional 30 ECTS, for instance through a six-month internship, a semester abroad or by taking additional modules.

A special introductory course is offered for eligible applicants to the Master's programme in International Management. This course provides advanced preparation for students from abroad who want to "warm up" for their future studies in Fulda.
The programme offers German and English language courses, preparatory courses on Principles of Management, Financial and Managerial Accounting, an introduction to the methods and techniques of academic work, and an introduction to the higher education system in Germany. Priority is assigned to Master's applicants.
Duration: four and a half months, 450 hours
Fee: 850 EUR including language course and 500 EUR without language course
Semester: only offered during the summer semester (April - July)
For more information, see: http://www.hs-fulda.de/pre-study-fulda.de

Study abroad unit(s)

Study units abroad are not mandatory but possible.
We run double degree programmes with

• Pfeiffer University, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
• West Virginia University of Morgantown, USA
• University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Internships

No obligatory internship included

Forms of assessment

Oral and written examinations, term papers as well as oral presentations

Course objectives

The goal of the Master's programme is to provide an excellent business education focusing on chief executive management in a globalised world.

Language requirements

• English language proficiency at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the field of business administration or economics. Minimum credits have to be equivalent to 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Equivalence of credits will be checked after application.

Students with 180 ECTS in their Bachelor's degree are required to obtain an additional 30 ECTS (besides the 90 ECTS awarded in the taught Master's programme), for instance, through a six-month internship, a semester abroad, or by taking additional modules.

In the case that eligible applicants outnumber available places, a selection process will take place, taking into consideration the overall average grade of the first degree of each applicant.

Semester contribution

The semester contribution of approx. 330 EUR entitles you, amongst other things, to use the regional and local public transport in Germany

Costs of living

Approx. 950 EUR per month, including enrolment fee, rent and health insurance (120 EUR minimum per month), depending on one's living standard

Job opportunities

From tutoring jobs and student assistantships at Fulda University to typical students´ jobs in restaurants, shops and many other industries in the city of Fulda and surroundings, there is a wide range of job opportunities available.

Arrival support

• Pre-arrival assistance, i.e. visa support
• Orientation week takes place prior to the start of the programme, including pick-up service at Fulda train station and intercultural training.
• Assistance with accommodation and with administrative formalities is offered.

Services and support for international students

• A Buddy programme organised by the International Office for all new international students.The buddy introduces the new student to the social and academic sides of student life at Fulda University.

Support during the studies:

• German classes on different levels from four hours/week up to 20 hours/week ranging from beginners courses to advanced levels including DSH trainings; free of cost
• Leisure and cultural activities - for example, film and board game nights or international dinners
• Careers Service
• Excursions to different sights in Germany like Berlin, Munich, or the River Rhine