Sport science

The Master's programme in Consumer Affairs (MCA) is located at TUM School of Management. Due to its interdisciplinary focus there are three other faculties involved (Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan (WZW), TUM School of Education, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Surveying).
In the international Master's programme, students gain theoretical and methodical skills in consumer research as well as profound knowledge in consumer affairs issues. With its interdisciplinary approach, the programme combines topics of management and economics as well as life sciences, environmental issues, and mobility issues.
During the first semester, students concentrate on the methodical and theoretical basics in consumer affairs, such as research methods, consumer behaviour or consumer economics and policy. In the second and third semester students can choose from two specialisations at Technische Universität München (TUM).
 

• Specialisation: Consumer, Technology and Innovation

This specialisation deals with the consumer in the context of the development of technologies, products, and services in markets and companies. Questions of interest are the drivers of innovations and the crucial role of consumers. Economic and legal aspects are added for comprehensive consideration of these topics.
 

• Specialisation: Sustainable Consumption

Over the past decades, the topic of sustainability has become significantly important. Since water, energy and food are restricted commodities, diligent utilisation is critical for every human being. This specialisation deals not only with topics on consumer behaviour but also with the role of companies and governments with regard to the concept of sustainable consumption.

Educational organisation

Besides the basics of consumer affairs in the first semester (24 ECTS), students are required to choose their specialisations (18 ECTS) and electives (48 ECTS).
The module catalogue consists of lectures, seminars, and exercise courses. In addition, students can achieve 12 ECTS with consumer related project work. It is recommended that students take five modules (30 ECTS) per semester.
The Master's thesis (30 ECTS) should be written within the fourth semester. Students have the opportunity to combine their theses at TUM School of Management with an internship in a company or (market) research institution.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students have the possibility to take part in the exchange programme with one of over 90 worldwide partners of TUM School of Management. For organisational reasons, it is recommended that students spend the third semester abroad.

Internships

Internships are optional.

Forms of assessment

Oral and written exams, assignments, presentations; modules (six ECTS each)

Course objectives

After graduation, students are academically trained experts in consumer affairs with a focus on their specialisations. They can seek employment with a wide variety of employers, including companies, government agencies, consumer associations, research institutes, and consultancies. MCA students are trained to work in European and international companies and institutions, especially if they have participated in an exchange programme or graduated with a double degree.

Language requirements

Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an acknowledged language test. TUM accepts one of the following:

1) TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL):
Minimum requirements:

• Internet-based test: 88
• paper-based test: 605

Please note: TOEFL ITP is not accepted.

2) INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM (IELTS):

• Only a minimum score of 6.5 and the Academic Module will be accepted.

3) CAMBRIDGE MAIN SUITE OF ENGLISH EXAMINATIONS:

• CAE (Cambridge Advanced English), Level A, B, C
• CPE (Cambridge Proficiency English), Level A, B, C

4) Alternative proof of language proficiency:
In some cases, an alternative form of proof of language proficiency may be submitted in place of a language certificate. Please refer to the Academic and Examination Regulations (FPSO) of your degree programme for specific details.

5) PROOF OF GERMAN UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION:
School leaving certificate in Germany (Abitur or vocational school diploma):

• good grade in English (minimum of 10 points on average)

6) LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION IS/WAS ENGLISH:

• Evidence in the form of certificates or citizenship is required. (Please note: a semester spent in an exchange programme or internship is not sufficient)

For more information, see: http://www.tum.de/en/studies/application-and-acceptance/german-language-skills/english-language-skills/

Academic requirements

1) Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in socio-economics (e.g., business administration, economics, sociology) or Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least 30 credits in socio-economic courses
2) Additionally, applicants must submit evidence of proficiency in English during the application period.
3) Successful completion of the assessment procedure

Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Approx. 115 EUR per semester
The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in Munich.

Costs of living

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Munich and Freising, we recommend that students budget at least 800 EUR per month for accommodation, living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

TUM School of Management wants all of its students to enjoy a successful and fulfilling career - which starts from the first semester onwards.
We offer a range of support services to help students along this path, for example:

• an online job board, which provides details of current openings at companies - full-time jobs as well as internships, working student jobs, project studies, student assistant jobs at the faculty/school, or other part-time jobs (known of as "minijobs" in Germany).
• At frequent career events with TUM School of Management's corporate partner companies, students can get in touch with Germany's leading employers.
• A personal career coach may provide useful hints and advice on applying for jobs in Germany.

Funding opportunities within the university

http://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/scholarships/

Arrival support

TUM's International Center offers a special programme tailored for international students, TUMinternational (TUMi). The TUMi programme provides help and advice for new students as well as a cultural programme with events scheduled both prior to and during the academic periods.
The service desk of the Student Service Center is the first contact point for international students. We are here to help you with issues such as applications, enrolment, student ID cards, etc. Furthermore, we offer various three- to six-week summer schools combining academics with a rich menu of educational and social activities as a foretaste of university life. For international students who have been admitted to a degree programme, the Student Service Center offers a four-week pre-study course designed to help you get started at the TUM. Students new to TUM are invited to the service fair "Fit for TUM", which takes place before the semester officially starts, to get an overview of the various offerings of support services at TUM. See: http://www.tum.de/en/studies/international-students/
Learning German: While the language of instruction for many of TUM's postgraduate programmes is English, learning German and thus being able to participate in daily German life at a deeper level enriches the experience of studying and living in Munich. TUM's Language Centre offers language classes for students at all levels, both prior to and during the semester: See: http://www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/startseite/

Services and support for international students

In addition to support services offered by TUM International Center and the Student Service Center (SSZ), the faculty also has its own adviser for international students.

Accommodation

It is not easy to find a place to live in Munich - but it is not impossible either! TUM supports students and employees in their search for accommodation, providing personal advice, in-house listings and useful information to ensure that you can quickly find a place to call your own. See: http://www.tum.de/en/university-life/accommodations/.
With high rents and not enough rooms in halls of residence, the Munich rental market is one of the most competitive in Germany - especially for students. The city boasts over 1.4 million inhabitants, with more people moving to Munich every year - many of them attracted by the excellent study opportunities that Munich has to offer.
Student halls of residence usually offer affordable accommodation for students. The Munich Student Union runs most of these halls of residence. For more information, see: http://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/en/accommodation/.