International Business (M.A.)
Kickstart Your Global Career with the International Business Master’s at CBS!
International Business: Your master's degree for an international career in management
Globalisation constantly presents new challenges for companies, especially for multinational corporations. Businesses need leaders who think strategically, act interculturally, and possess strong business acumen. The English-taught Master’s in International Business prepares you to meet these demands. In just four semesters, you will develop the skills to make sustainable and forward-thinking decisions at the mid- and senior management level.
The programme is fully taught in English, with internationally experienced lecturers and a strong practical focus, making it the ideal foundation for a global career.
Throughout your studies, you will gain comprehensive expertise in international management. Key areas include strategic and values-based management, leadership and change management, international economics, business development, and accounting. You will not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also learn how small decisions can have a major impact on global businesses.
During your second and third semesters, you will have the opportunity to customise your degree with elective courses, allowing you to deepen your interests and shape your career path.
This Master's degree in International Business is the perfect choice if you aspire to a career in international management and want to be prepared for the challenges of global markets. Take advantage of studying at one of Germany’s top business schools, and become part of a new generation of leaders shaping the future!
*Tuition fees differ for EU and non-EU students. For the specific fees please check the tuition fees information page. Status: April 2025.
What Sets International Business at CBS Apart
Real Projects. Real Impact
Solve real challenges from companies like E&Y, UPS, and KPMG and present your solutions directly to decision makers.
Learn from Leading Experts
Learn from former C-level leaders, managers, and consultants who bring real-world leadership and consulting experience into the classroom.
NEW ERA Education for Future Leaders
The NEW ERA master concept links academic depth with hands-on application. You strengthen analytical thinking, decision making, and the ability to apply knowledge using AI tools and real business formats.
Study Globally. Work Globally
Study in an international community with students from 75+ nations and build the intercultural skills needed for leadership roles in global organizations.
Curriculum
Business Economics
3
ECTS
Empirical Research Methods
3
ECTS
Strategic Analysis & Management
3
ECTS
Innovation Management & Digital Transformation
3
ECTS
International Project Management
2
ECTS
Language & Communication Skills
2
ECTS
Corporate Social Responsibility
3
ECTS
Corporate Governance
3
ECTS
Value Based Management
3
ECTS
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
3
ECTS
Business Project
6
ECTS
Interdisciplinary Elective
3
ECTS
Master Thesis
18
ECTS
Business Simulation Game
3
ECTS
Venture Lab
4
ECTS
Integrative Case Studies
3
ECTS
Business Elective
3
ECTS
Interdisciplinary Elective
3
ECTS
Master Thesis Tutorial
2
ECTS
Internship or Study Abroad
10
ECTS
Event Management (Ted Talk) Seminar
2
ECTS
Financial Analysis
3
ECTS
Assessment Center Bootcamp
2
ECTS
Corporate Development & Business Transformation
3
ECTS
Customer Relationship Management
3
ECTS
Service & Brand Management
3
ECTS
Strategic Human Resource Management & Leadership
3
ECTS
Strategic Digital & Social Media Marketing
3
ECTS
Experience Lab: Search Engine Marketing
3
ECTS
International Law
3
ECTS
Digital Strategizing
3
ECTS
Business Models in the Digital Era
3
ECTS
International Corporate Finance
3
ECTS
One Master. Three Tracks
Your career goals are unique, and your study path should be too. That’s why we offer you full flexibility: simply choose the 120, 90, or 60 ECTS track that best matches your academic background, your schedule, and your ambitions. Whether you want to fast-track your entry into the job market or dive deep into specialization, at CBS you can design the Master’s degree that fits your life.
120 ECTS
90 ECTS
60 ECTS
Career Opportunities with a Master’s in International Business
A Master’s in International Business opens up various career paths across all areas of multinational companies, including marketing, human resources, controlling, and corporate governance. CBS alumni have successfully launched careers in the automotive industry, consulting, controlling, and the financial sector.
Below, you’ll find top career opportunities with your Master’s in International Business.
Why CBS UNIVERSITY
Your path to CBS
Starting your studies at CBS University of Applied Sciences is as unique as you are – and at the same time, completely hassle-free. With our user-friendly online application process, you can apply from anywhere, with no numerus clausus restrictions. Instead of rigid admission requirements, we focus on a personal selection process that highlights your strengths and potential.
Whether you choose a dual, part-time, or full-time programme, CBS University offers the perfect combination of theory and practice.
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline
Financing
HANDS-ON LEARNING AT ITS BEST
At CBS, it’s not just what you study that matters, it’s how you study. Our programmes offer a completely new learning experience: hands-on, interactive, and firmly rooted in real-world practice. You’ll notice your skill set growing day by day through real projects, modern tools, and intensive practical experience. Our lecturers bring years of industry expertise to the classroom, and regular guest speakers give you exclusive insights into professional life. Artificial intelligence, teamwork, presentations, networking, and real business cases are all part of your everyday studies. It’s not just about preparing for the future – it’s about shaping it yourself.
Business Projects
Corporate Partnerships
Internships & Work Experience
Maximal Praxisnah
An der CBS zählt nicht nur, was du studierst, sondern wie. In unseren Studiengängen erlebst du Lernen völlig neu: anwendungsorientiert, interaktiv und mit direktem Bezug zur Realität. Du wirst sehen, wie sich dein Skill-Set von Tag zu Tag erweitert, durch reale Projekte, moderne Tools und intensive Praxiserfahrung. Unsere Professor:innen bringen langjährige Erfahrung mit, und durch regelmäßige Gastvorträge erhältst du exklusive Einblicke in die Praxis. Künstliche Intelligenz, Teamarbeit, Präsentationen, Networking und reale Business Cases gehören zu deinem Studienalltag. So bereitest du dich nicht nur auf die Zukunft vor – du gestaltest sie aktiv mit.
Business Projects
Unternehmenskooperation
Praktikum/Berufserfahrung
HANDS-ON LEARNING AT ITS BEST
At CBS, it’s not just what you study that matters, it’s how you study. Our programmes offer a completely new learning experience: hands-on, interactive, and firmly rooted in real-world practice. Through our approach of combining theory and practice, you can directly apply everything you learn during your part-time master’s program while simultaneously bringing your own professional experience and skills into the courses.
Conventions
Learn from Leading Experts
Specialization
HOW DO I FIND MY PERFECT CAREER PATH?
The Career Service and Talent Development team at CBS support you in finding your ideal partner company. With 1:1 coaching, workshops, and a wide network of corporate partners, we guide you throughout your entire time at university. Together, we’ll develop a strategy that matches your strengths and career goals.
Ablauf deS Masterstudiums
Inspiration and Impact – What Our Alumni Say
Let yourself be inspired by the experiences of our alumni and discover how the Master’s degree at CBS has shaped their professional and personal development.
"What I value most about CBS is the truly international nature of the Master’s programme. In my cohort, there were 17 students – only three of them from Germany, with the rest coming from all over the world. To me, this is a major strength of CBS and, in this form, truly unique in Germany: “international” is not just a label here, but a lived reality. In the end, the experience convinced me so much that I remain part of CBS as a lecturer."
"CBS was more than just a study program for me – it was my entrepreneurial playground. Through founding the CBS Finance Club and starting my first business during my semester abroad, I was able to explore my entrepreneurial side. The most valuable part was the network I built, which introduced me to my first employer, now my mentor and business partner. For over six years, we’ve been shaping leadership development together – an invaluable network."
"The practical learning experience in small groups effectively prepared me for today’s project-based work and teamwork, sharpening my professional skills. At CBS, I not only acquired essential soft skills but also gained up-to-date practical knowledge that directly supported my personal and professional growth. This combination has been invaluable in helping me successfully launch my career and confidently navigate the challenges of the professional world."
"My studies at CBS International Business School provided me with the ideal foundation for my career in consulting. The practical projects, in which we gained insights into major consulting firms, including the Big Four, were particularly valuable. The combination of theory, practice, and international exchange has thoroughly prepared me for the challenges in management consulting."
"I particularly appreciated the personal character of the program and the pleasant atmosphere, which were fostered by the small class sizes and the close collaboration with the lecturers. This close-knit support system not only significantly enhanced my learning process but also allowed me to focus on developing my skills in a more targeted and effective way."
FAQ: The most important questions about studying International Business
Here you can find answers to all important questions all around your International Business master's degree. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
What is International Business?
Why should you study the International Business Master’s programme?
How long does the International Business Master’s programme last?
Does the International Business Master’s programme have a Numerus Clausus (NC)?
What are the admission requirements for the International Business Master’s programme?
How is the International Business Master’s programme structured?
Where can I study the International Business undergraduate programme?
What will I learn in the International Business Master’s programme? What are the core subjects?
How much can you earn after completing your International Business studies?
Can I write my Master’s thesis in collaboration with a company during the International Business studies?
Any questions? We're here to help
Do you have any questions about our bachelor's or master's degree programs? Our Student Advisory team is here to support you! Schedule your personal consultation—online or in person—for tailored, non-binding guidance on finding the right study program for you.
