Bachelor's Degree in International Business

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Study International Business (B.Sc.) in Germany

Study International Business in Cologne at CBS International Business School

Business operates on a global scale - nearly every company engages in international endeavors, whether driven by a diverse workforce, expansion into foreign markets, or involvement in global projects. Consequently, in numerous major corporations and medium-sized companies, English serves as the corporate language, or at the very least, a high level of the foreign language is deemed essential. Studying International Business at CBS International Business School entails lectures conducted in English. Beyond language skills, a thriving international career requires specialized knowledge in business administration and well-developed soft skills. The curriculum is carefully customized to include essential subjects for success in the sphere of international business.. Moreover, you will be given the chance to explore further into the facets of the business world that captivate your particular interest.

NXT GEN - Discover the future of business studies

Anyone who studies today as they did yesterday will be left behind tomorrow. A qualification for the labour market of the future cannot be based on the learning experiences of the past. CBS has radically rethought its business degree programme and is launching the next generation of business bachelor's degrees on the education market. We are offering you a qualification that is consistently based on modern business models and principles of our time. Discover what NXT GEN is about here.

Everything at a Glance - International Business (Bachelor of Science)

Campus

Cologne

Start of Studies

Winter & Summer

Semester

ECTS

180

Study Fee*

5.550 €

Highlight

Bachelor NXT GEN

All facts in detail

Language English
Type of Study Full-time
Degree Bachelor of Science
Internship Integrated
Semester Abroad Integrated

Start of Studies Summer Cologne
Start of Studies Winter Cologne

*The displayed prices are semester fees. For non-EU students' fees please check the tuition fees information page. Status: January 2024.

Study Course Plan

Some information about the study plan for the study programme Bachelors in International Business:

Foundation

Business Models6 ECTS

You learn to understand the different types of business models for production, servicing, software development on concrete example. You also learn to analyze the strength and weaknesses of business models.

NXT GEN Insight: Everybody talks about Business Models. CBS not only teaches it in a separate class, but also built a whole study program on it.

Data Analysis & Statistics6 ECTS

Hands-on practice to understand, summarize, and decode data; learn how to frame business questions to enable data analysis, how to use statistical methods and tools to read the story behind the data, and how to visualize your findings and proposed answers to real world problems.

NXT GEN Insight: At CBS we will not just show you statistical theory, but enable you to use your analytical competency to support your company in making and communicating good business decisions.

Economics (with Mathematical Models)6 ECTS

There are plenty of Economic Models. They determine the decisions companies must take. In this class we will discuss demand & supply curves, preference curves, equality models, economic cycles and prisoner dilemmas.

NXT GEN Insight: Out of Macro and Micro Economics we will teach you the most relevant models for businesses. In order to understand them better, we are modelling them in an applied manner with Mathematics.

Marketing & Branding6 ECTS

Marketing is essential in identifying the customer requirements, needs and wants. Branding plays an important role in today´s attention economy. In this course you learn the most modern marketing concepts as well as how to build strong brands, especially in a digital world, and how to measure its success.

General Skills

Rhetoric & Presentation Skills, CV & Letter of Motivation3 ECTS

Spreadsheets (& Financial Maths)3 ECTS

Knowledge Transfer

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Foundation

Financial Analysis6 ECTS

Whether you want to take an investment decision as an investor, a credit decision as a bank or help to improve a company as a consultant, you need to be able to analyze the financials of a company. We teach you the language, ratios and all the tricks.

Global Management & Strategy6 ECTS

Managers and consultants need a strong analytical mind as well as the ability to use tools and frameworks. In this class we teach you a range of tools & frameworks for analyzing companies and recommending solutions!

Operations & Supply Chain6 ECTS

Companies rely on a global network of partners, that has to be actively managed. In the context of increasing global challenges, you will learn how to succeed with necessary transformations along your supply chains in key Industries like resilience, sustainability or digitalization.

NXT GEN Insight: A company and its products or services can only be competitive, if their international supply chains and operations are well managed. Hence you will also learn how modern operations are best managed.

Product Management, Competition Analysis & Pricing6 ECTS

The success of every great company starts with one more product, that generate so much customer benefit, that customers want to buy it. But one needs to find the right pricing for the product in the context of competition. We teach you all about it.

NXT GEN Insight: Product development cycles are fast. Designing, updating, improving or renovating a product needs competences. We wonder, why do you seldomly get this at other business school or universities?

General Skills

Digital Literacy3 ECTS

Profiles

Profiles3 ECTS

Applied Mathematics
Digital Marketing Tools
Econometrics
Innovation
Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Website Development
Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
Language

Knowledge Transfer

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Foundation

Accounting, Managerial Account & Taxation6 ECTS

Accounting is important because it measures the success of a company. You will learn to make the according entries into the Balance Sheet and Income Statement. You’ll also discover what is important to be reported internally to a CEO/CFO and of course will understand taxes that drive decisions on locations.

NXT GEN Insight: Almost all business programs start with Accounting in the 1st semester. We don’t we first ask you to analyze companies’ annual reports before you put them together in parts yourself.

Digital Technology & AI6 ECTS

The future is based on digital technologies. Databases, web services, apps, networks, cloud services, encryption, APIs, and so on. Learn and apply those technologies and become proficient in the use of modern AI tools.

NXT GEN Insight: This course will be your stepping stone to practical AI, machine learning, big data and more advanced studies of digital technology.

Sustainability, CSR & ESG6 ECTS

Every company exists in a context of an environment, a society, a governing authority or an economy. Learn what decisions managers have to take and why it is actually more than sensible to run a sustainable company.

General Skills

(Academic) Writing3 ECTS

Students will be equipped with versatile writing skills applicable in academic and professional settings. It emphasizes audience analysis, research proficiency, and effective communication, while learning how to utilize AI tools for writing. Enhance your writing skills from essays, academic and professional reports, to social media and blog writing to prepare you for your multilingual profession.

Industries

Industries6 ECTS

Consulting:

This course provides you with: strategic analysis tools, structured approaches to problem solving and decision making, approaches to communicating complex ideas and developing meaningful structured presentations.
NXT GEN Insight: You will receive a consultant's toolkit that is a set of consulting tools and methods that can be universally applied in any business situation.

E-Commerce:

You will learn to build and promote online stores and to monitor store performance. This class will help you to develop e-commerce solutions based on an understanding of latest Internet and technology trends.

Trade:

International trade is the lifeblood of economies. You want to export/import products to/from international markets? Do you want to know how SMES & MNEs manage their international supply chain? Unlock the answers here!

Profiles

Profiles3 ECTS

Negotiation Skills
Project & Change Management
Language

Knowledge Transfer

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.

Foundation

HR & Organisation6 ECTS

People are the most valuable resource to companies. Managers firstly must be up to date on the tools used, when it comes to recruitment, onboarding etc. Secondly, we will take a closer look at the place where HRM happens – the organisation.

NXT GEN Insight: The innovative approach of this module is to think and design HR Management and the organisation of a company, its structure, processes and incentive systems, together from the very beginning.

Sales & CRM6 ECTS

Nowadays, in many cases more than 70% of the value of companies is generated from a company’s ability to sell. You learn a comprehensive approach to sales and the most effective sales methods and about customer relationship management tools.

NXT GEN Insight: Even though Sales & CRM are key to the success and value of any company a lot of other study programmes have not even put a lecture on it in the core — we did.

Industries

Industries6 ECTS

Corporate Finance:

Companies exist because they can make things and provide services much more efficiently than individuals. To do so however, companies need money. Financing and Investments are two important pillars of corporate finance. How–and from whom–does a company raise money, how are returns from investments and their risks distributed, and how should the money raised be used, are some of the questions you will tackle in this course and more.

Entre-/Intrepreneuership:

You want to turn an idea into a product? You want to understand the customer with Design Thinking? You want to understand how start-ups operate? You wonder how investors are evaluating companiesß All the answers will be provided in this lecture.
NXT GEN Insight: We are the only Business School with an online planning tool from one of our professors: https://business-planner.online/

Emerging Markets:

The emerging markets fuel nearly 50% of global trade. Why are countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa (BRICS) important for the world economy? How did they change the world supply chain & business models? Unlock the answers during this course!

Profiles

Profiles3 ECTS

Applied Mathematics
Digital Marketing Tools
Econometrics
Innovation
Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Website Development
Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
Language

Knowledge Transfer

Business Projects6 ECTS

You will learn how to define project objectives, develop project plan/concept, formulate evidence-based recommendations, structure complex presentations, work under the set timeframe and collaborate in a project team.

This course will enable you to apply your knowledge in a real business situation and excercise your analytical/ project management/ interpersonal skills.

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.

Semester Abroad

Semester Abroad24 ECTS

You will spend the fifth semester at one of our numerous partner universities abroad. Our International Office supports you in the selection & application process and coordinates the courses to be taken abroad with you in advance.

Profiles

Profiles3 ECTS

Applied Mathematics
Digital Marketing Tools
Econometrics
Innovation
Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Website Development
Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
Language

Knowledge Transfer

Business Plan Writing & Pitching3 ECTS

Should you ever want to be a manager, you probably not only have to explain a product or service, but also calculate its feasibility and profit contribution. For this you need a business plan and this course will help you to put one together.

Simulation Game3 ECTS

In a business simulation game participants have to manage their own virtual company which operates in the same market as other participant-operated competitors. This involves making typical management decisions in realistic environments. Beside the deepening and active examination of subject-specific knowledge the simulation games also include the team environment, where interaction, communication and prioritization are of paramount importance.

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.

Thesis Tutorial & Empirical Work3 ECTS

During the last semester of your studies, you will have to opportunity to study a question of particular interest to you in depth over a three month period. As part of the Thesis Tutorial you will learn how to link a question of practical business relevance to concepts learned during your studies, building an hypothesis, gathering data, and contributing new understanding to a topic of interest.

Thesis12 ECTS

During your 6th semester you are working on your Bachelor thesis. You have 12 weeks to complete your thesis and the subject is freely selectible. A supervisor from CBS will support you and you can write the thesis in collaboration with a company as well.

An internship (10 ECTS) in Germany or abroad is integral part of your degree. Our Career Service is happy to support you in finding the perfect company.

How we qualify you for the labour market of tomorrow

The foundation classes are at the heart of your curriculum. These courses map the business world from a current business model and transform it into well-founded and innovative essential qualifications for the future labour market. Here, you will acquire all the necessary skills to understand and actively shape modern entrepreneurial success processes. And so that you can also make a global impact in your dream job, a semester abroad is an integral part of your studies. For this special academic experience, you have a choice of over 160 partner universities worldwide.

This newly designed core competency set significantly differs from conventional business studies programmes. It provides a state-of-the-art qualification to make your mark and establish yourself in tomorrow's business world.

Over the course of your studies, you will develop additional specialist expertise and skill profiles around this core profile, which will effectively advance you and your career.

PROFILES

Sharpen your profile according to your strengths and interests or go on an inquisitive search for unknown talents within you. Leadership, project and change management, languages, intercultural skills - with a selection of 12 profiles, we provide you with the opportunity to continuously develop your personality and capabilities throughout your degree programme through various hard and soft skills and to set individual accents in your qualification profile.

GENERAL SKILLS

The general skills courses teach skills that are invaluable in any professional career, regardless of your future company or role. With the general skills, we will prepare you for your everyday working life of tomorrow, making you attractive to the players in the modern business world.

INDUSTRIES

If you choose the broad-based International Business degree programme, you can gain specific insight and expertise in future-oriented sectors, such as consulting, corporate finance, or e-commerce, in the 3rd and 4th semesters. Find out at an early stage which area you see your professional future in and gain specialised knowledge to give you a decisive advantage when you start your desired career.

When you choose one of the NXT-GEN specialisation courses, such as Finance & Management or Business Psychology, industry-specific application topics and professional fields are automatically part of your foundation classes.

KNOWLEDGE-TRANSFER

This bachelor's degree programme is tailored to practical relevance and application in professional life. The formats and subjects you will experience and apply to transfer theoretical knowledge into practice, such as Business Projects and Simulation Games, as well as your multi-week internship, are integral to your day-to-day studies and the curriculum. This is not about optional extras but a core aspect of your education that strengthens your employability right from the start. During your internship, you will gain insights into an industry of your choice and intensive practical experience. Your thesis will crown your expertise with a direct link to reality. With the support from your mentor, you can apply and deepen the skills and knowledge you have acquired in a subject area of your choice. By the way, a wise choice of topic for your thesis can lead to more inspiring job interviews.

PROFILES

GENERAL SKILLS

INDUSTRIES

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

Discover the CBS by joining our Online Information Sessions or Trial Lectures

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#Tryoutstudies - Trial Lectures

Online Information Session Bachelor's

Career, career perspectives & possible salaries

What are the career perspectives and possible professions with an International Business degree?

With a Bachelor in International Business, many career opportunities are available to you. CBS alumni can be found in numerous well-known companies worldwide, whether in management consulting, marketing or other positions. These include companies in the following sectors:

the automotive industry
the communications industry
the internet industry
the energy industry
logistics

Salary after studying International Business

Graduates with a degree in International Business are in high demand in the global economy. The salary depends heavily on the industry and the size of the company (small, medium-sized, global) and ranges from €50,000 to €70,000.

How do I find the right job with a degree in International Business?

As a student at CBS, you have numerous opportunities to network with companies throughout your studies. The integrated internship or the business projects offer you insights into different areas of the company. Thanks to personal support from our Career Service, you can receive individual coaching and use the exclusive company network for your job search.

Practical experience, soft & intercultural skills trainings prepare you for the job market

Practical approaches and projects are at the core of our International Business curriculum so that you can optimally prepare yourself for the job market and get to know various aspects of different industries during your studies. For example, you will complete an eight-week internship during your lecture-free period and work on complex issues in a joint business project with corporate partners. Our Business Simulation Game also offers you the chance to apply your knowledge in practice. Our Career Service supports you in finding an exciting internship in Germany or abroad with a renowned company!

In addition, our soft skills courses teach you how to write the perfect application, use digital programmes and communicate effectively with your fellow students at all levels of the hierarchy. Whether in a job interview or at an important final presentation - a confident appearance is the sum of your experience and targeted training in which you can improve your skills. with convincing charisma and rhetoric, you will always be successful in your working life.

Besides these practical insights, you will strengthen your intercultural skills during your semester abroad. As CBS has a large network of partner universities, you can spend your semester abroad at one of over 160 universities all over the world. The International Office staff will assist you with your choice and the whole application process.

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Most important questions about studying International Business

Which level of English do I need to study International Business?

The English level for an English-language degree course at CBS should be at level C1. You can provide us with proof of your English language skills up to the start of your studies and do not need it at the time of application. We accept the following certificates: TOEFL certificate (min. 83 points internet-based), IELTS (min. band 6.5),Cambridge English First (FCE), BEC Vantage as well as other comparable language certificates. These must not be older than two years. Your proof of English is also deemed to have been provided if you can prove that you have spent at least 6 months abroad in an English-speaking country (internship, work) or have completed parts of your school career in English (case-by-case assessment). Alternatively, you can take our free online English test.

What are the requirements for being admitted to the International Business degree program?

To be admitted to the International Business degree program, you need a full entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or a general higher education entrance qualification. You do not need to have a degree at the start of your application - you are welcome to apply with your intermediate certificate.

For admission to an English-language degree program, we also require proof of English language skills. You can submit proof of your English language skills to us at any time up to the start of your studies. Alternatively, you can take our free online English test.

Do I need German language skills?/ Can I take a German language class?

You don't need German language skills in order to enter the International Business programme. But we do offer a free German language course for international students. Though it is not part of the curriculum, we encourage all international students to attend the class. Good German language skills will make it easier for you to find an internship and ensure a successful entry into the German job market.

What is the deadline to apply for International Business?

We accept applications for the International Business study program all year round. The program starts in the summer (March) and winter (September) semesters. As places are limited and you will have to go through a personal selection process, we recommend that you start your application at least six months before the start of the program.

Where can I apply to study International Business and how does the application process proceed?

You can apply all year round using the online application form on our homepage. The first step is to fill in your personal details and send them off. Our system will then generate an automatic link which you will receive by e-mail. Use this link to send in your most recent school report, a tabular CV and, if available, a language certificate. If you do not have proof of English, you can take a free language test via the CBS.

Our Admissions Office will then review your documents and send you an invitation to a personal selection interview, which will take place digitally and in English. After the selection interview, you will receive feedback from our applicant management team within a few days.

What is the process for planning the semester abroad in the International Business degree program?

Our International Office will advise you on applying to the right partner university for your semester abroad. The application phase usually begins one year before the start of the semester abroad. CBS has a broad international network of over 160 partner universities worldwide. The International Office will find the right match for you, depending on the course content and language skills you want to deepen abroad. Information on financing your studies and special funding opportunities such as ERASMUS or DAAD scholarships are also presented in the International Office's info session.

How long and where can I do an internship during the International Business Bachelor?

Das integrierte Pflichtpraktikum im International Business-Studium sollte über mindestens 7 Wochen in Vollzeit absolviert werden und kann in einer studiennahen Branche Deiner Wahl durchgeführt werden. Das Onlineportal unseres Career Services sowie die Talent Development Specialists helfen Dir bei der Suche und Bewerbung um einen geeigneten Platz. Auf Antrag kann auch eine Werkstudierendentätigkeit mit mindestens 250 Arbeitsstunden als Pflichtpraktikum anerkannt werden.

Study International Business Management based on real projects

Studying International Business at CBS International Business School provides you with all the relevant business knowledge and keeps you up to date with the latest business topics. However, at CBS it is not only theoretical concepts that count, but also concrete practical experience. You will therefore work on real case studies from international business management, which have been developed in cooperation with partner companies. Together with other students, you will often even present the results of the assignment to company representatives. This should give you an idea of what a career after your International Business degree could look like.

Studying business administration for a semester abroad: gain international experience

The Bachelor of Science in International Business includes a semester abroad so that you can gain experience abroad in addition to study content and practical examples. This is compulsory for all students on the international business degree program. You benefit from a large selection of destinations, as CBS has over 160 partner universities worldwide. You can discuss and plan whether you want to go to Australia, Spain or another country with the experts from the International Office. You can look forward to strengthening your intercultural skills and improving your language skills.

Bachelor in Business Administration with an international linguistic focus

The Bachelor's degree course in International Business naturally focuses on internationality. In addition to English as the lecture language, this also means that you have the opportunity to learn another foreign language during your International Business studies. By studying in English, you will not only acquire a basic knowledge of the language, but also specific technical terms that you will need in an international business profession. This will enable you to explain complex interrelationships in other languages and expand your field of application.

Career counseling is part of the International Business Management Bachelor

If you need more information about studying International Business at CBS in Cologne, we are happy to offer you a non-binding study consultation. You can discuss all relevant topics - whether it's how well suited you are for the course or what you should focus on. We will also be happy to provide you with information on the following topics:

Course of study
Specialization through elective courses
How to apply
Scholarships
Financial aid

You are also welcome to visit our regular information events or take a trial lecture of individual courses.

This is what our alumni say:

Philip Kollmann

Project Manager
Wayne´s Coffee

"Especially the soft skill courses have been of great help for my performance in job interviews. Through my work in the Finance and Business Club I have built up a broad network and acquired project management skills that have enabled me to score points with companies."

Katrin Rieger

Bereichsdirektorin Reisevertrieb Deutschland / Vice President Sales
HanseMerkur Krankenversicherung

"The practical learning in small groups prepared me optimally for today's project and team work. The CBS provided me with the decisive soft skills and current knowledge from the world of business."

Christopher Rosenbaum

Manager
Ernst & Young GmbH
Wirschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

"The Management Studies programme prepares you thoroughly for the tasks of a consultant. In particular, the development of presentation techniques as well as analytical thinking is of enormous importance in the everyday life of a consultant."

Oliver Kiderle

EMEA Regional Product Expert
Google Inc.

"The focus on internationality and practical skills have had a very positive influence on my development at Google. Especially the structured and very versatile project work, which is often found at a private school, was extremely helpful."

Kalle Kenkel

Commercial Excellence Manager
GE Healthcare

"My studies at CBS prepared me for a career in today's dynamic, global work environment. As one's origin and physical location become less and less decisive, it has become increasingly important to have a multinational network and adapt quickly to various cultures and environments."

Neil Jordaan

Global Digital Content Manager
Elanco

"Many professors shared their professional business experience with us in class and were able to illustrate dry theory with practical examples. I also enjoyed the international atmosphere on campus."

Patrick Stein

Head of Human Resources
Boston Consulting Group

"The strongly practice-oriented studies and the international orientation of the CBS, as well as the lectures held in English, were an absolutely necessary basis for starting a career with a renowned, international company."

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