Studies

What you can expect from the International Business and Economics degree program

What is the course content of the Master’s program in International Business and Economics? What are the specializations? How are research and applied studies linked? What requirements should I meet in order to be admitted to the program? When can I do my semester abroad? Here you can get an insight into what you can expect from the Master’s program – and why the University of Hohenheim is the right choice.

Program content | Requirements | Practical elements during your studies | Why the University of Hohenheim? | Lecturers

Program content

Hands-on studies with individual specialization options

The Master’s degree program in International Business and Economics covers the subject areas of business administration and economics.

In the first semester, you will be taught methodological and basic knowledge in the compulsory area of “Methods in International Business & Economics”. In terms of content, you will cover strategies in business, mathematics for economics, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods.

The core of the program consists of two areas of specialization, which you can choose yourself and which form the semi-elective area. You will select two of four possible areas of specialization. You can choose from: Innovation Management & Economics, International Economics, Finance, Data Analytics. You start taking courses in one area of specialization in your first semester. You will take a seminar in one of the two specializations during your studies.

In addition to the semi-elective area, you can continue to specialize individually in the free elective area, which consists of five modules. In the free elective area, you can choose from all subjects offered by the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences. Here you have a wide range of modules to choose from in diverse subject areas.

The fourth semester is typically used for the Master’s thesis. Within four months you will independently write your thesis, applying the scientific methods you have learned during your studies. You are free to choose the subject area in which you would like to write your Master’s thesis. This can be a subject area from the compulsory area, semi-elective area, or free elective area. The main purpose of your Master’s thesis is to provide you with the opportunity to conduct in-depth scientific research in a subject area of your choice.

Ideally, you will complete a semester abroad or a double degree (HERMES) in the third and/or fourth semester.
You can find information about the individual modules in the module catalog.

Would you like to know more?

Detailed information about the course and structure of the degree program can be downloaded here:

Curriculum (PDF, 592 kB)
Module catalog
Examination regulations
Study Compass: Info about organizing your studies

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Requirements

What you should bring with you!

The Master’s program in International Business and Economics is an interdisciplinary program, for which prior knowledge of business administration and economics is required. You have already completed a relevant Bachelor’s degree and perhaps even gained some work experience? If you want to deepen your empirically based knowledge of business and economics, and learn with an eye on both research and practice, this is the right place for you.

The formal requirements for the Master’s program are:

Completed Bachelor’s degree with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters (180 ECTS), or a degree in business administration, management, economics, or an equivalent program
As part of the application process, you can improve your chances of getting a place by taking a GMAT, GRE or TM-WiSo test.
English language proficiency (proof of TOEFL, IELTS, UNIcert or secondary school diploma, except for applicants whose native language is English and applicants who have completed an English-only degree program).

You should have the following interests and knowledge in addition to the formal criteria:

Interest in business and economics issues in an international context
Skills and knowledge in business administration and economics
Analytical and conceptual thinking skills
Good mathematical skills
Good English speaking skills

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Practical elements during your studies

Practice must be experienced - study in a hands-on program!

Thinking and shaping the economy internationally

With an IBE Master’s degree, you will face complex and interdisciplinary challenges in your career. To enable you to analyze and solve these problems competently, we provide you with comprehensive knowledge of business and economics during your studies.

Gain practical experience

The Master’s program in International Business and Economics does not include a mandatory internship, but you do have the opportunity to complete a longer internship in Germany or abroad as part of a leave of absence.

Expand skills

With the semi-elective area and free elective area, you also have the opportunity to acquire skills in subject areas that are new to you. In addition, you have the opportunity to complete the AIDAHO certificate (AI & Data Certificate Hohenheim) – if you do this, you can receive credit for 3 of 5 modules in the Data Analytics specialization.

Besides this targeted specialization, the University’s F.I.T. continuing education program offers you numerous course options for developing soft skills. The InnoGreenhouse also supports you in all matters relating to sustainable business start-ups and financing.

Learning from practice

It is important to us that you are able to apply what you have learned in your studies in practice, and we create initial points of contact with the real world. We offer guest lectures as well as seminars with a practical orientation which you can attend.

- Projects with companies: Industry Challenge Seminar

- Excursions

- Contact with practitioners: Marketing & Management Excellence Circle

Strengthen language and intercultural skills

In an increasingly globalized economy, foreign language skills are essential, and that applies in particular to English. You can study the International Business and Economics Master’s program entirely in English and thus develop your language skills in various subject areas. Furthermore, you can integrate a stay abroad into your studies or even choose to complete a double Master’s degree.
You would like to acquire language skills before going abroad or learn a new language? The Language Center at the University of Hohenheim offers various semester and intensive courses that you can take individually during your studies.

Research during your studies

The International Business and Economics Master’s degree program has a strong research focus. Our teaching is based on the latest research findings, and you come into contact with research literature right from the beginning of your studies. In the first semester, you will learn about and apply quantitative and qualitative research methods. Furthermore, you are required to write a business or economics seminar paper and Master’s thesis in order to complete your degree.

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Why study at the University of Hohenheim?

What makes our degree program so special?

The Master’s program in International Business and Economics is a modern, interdisciplinary program that skillfully combines international affairs, business administration, and economics.
You study at the cutting edge of international business challenges.
International orientation through the possibility to integrate a semester abroad or complete a double Master’s degree.
A network of international students that will provide you with valuable contacts and intercultural competence.
Due to the excellent student-faculty ratio, we offer a high level of interaction with the lecturers as well as individual advice and support.
You can specialize specifically and thus enhance your individual profile. The semi-elective and elective areas are structured in such a way that you have a wide range of options and can tailor the study content to your individual needs.
You can organize your studies individually and flexibly. Only 4 modules are compulsory for all students. That means you will have plenty of freedom to integrate a semester abroad, take further education or language courses, or pursue your own start-up idea.
You benefit from the wide range of subjects offered by the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences.

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Lecturers

Your lecturers on the International Business and Economics Master’s program

The Master’s program in International Business and Economics emphasizes the link between research and practice. Our lecturers are therefore not only active in research, they are also familiar with the applied side and teach theory directly from practical use cases. This gives you the best of both worlds – based on the latest research and current practical challenges. Due to the excellent student-faculty ratio, you also receive the benefit of personal interaction with experts in their field, as well as individual guidance and advice. The department directors can serve as your first point of contact:

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Applying

Admission type	Limited number of spots in the program (65 university places)
Start of studies	Winter semester
Application deadline	15 May for the first or higher subject-related semester beginning in the winter semester 15 January for a higher subject-related semester beginning in the summer semester
Admission requirements	1. Completed Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Economics or degree in the fields of business administration, management, and economics of at least 6 semesters from a domestic or foreign university or in an equivalent degree program 2. Sufficient English language skills (proof of TOEFEL, IELTS, UNIcert or German university entrance qualification, except for native speakers and applicants who have completed an English-language Bachelor's degree)
Selection criteria	Yes, see admission regulations
Application to a higher semester is possible for the winter semester (application deadline: 15 May) and summer semester (application deadline: 15 Jan) possible.
Admission regulations