International Business & Management Master (M.Sc.)
Kickstart Your Global Career with the International Business Master’s at CBS!

International Business: Your master's degree for an international career in management
You’re ready to take your next career step – to deepen your understanding of how businesses operate and to shape your professional direction. The English-taught Master in International Business at CBS gives you the opportunity to build a strong foundation in management while keeping your career options open across industries and functions.
You will learn how to develop business strategies, evaluate business models, and actively shape transformations – without having to specialise too early. Whether your interests lie in finance, marketing, or people and organisations, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of all key areas of management.
Our goal is to equip you with a versatile skill set that will benefit you in any industry. You will develop analytical, strategic, and communication skills, learn to think critically about economic contexts, and work on real business challenges in collaboration with partners such as KPMG. Practice-oriented formats such as workshops, Consulting Projects, and Leadership Conventions show how theory and application intertwine. A particular highlight is the Business Model course, where you learn to analyse and further develop business models.
By studying in Germany – one of the world’s most respected education systems and strongest economies – you’ll position yourself at the heart of Europe’s business landscape.
*Tuition fees differ for EU and non-EU students. For the specific fees please check the tuition fees information page. Status: April 2025.

Curriculum
Economic Analysis & Global Markets
6
ECTS
- Apply tools of economic analysis to understand market dynamics
- Gain critical insights into international trade, foreign exchange, and interests
- Analyse economic forces in trade policies and global markets
- Understand international capital flows and financial institutions
Economic Analysis & Global Markets
6
ECTS
- Apply tools of economic analysis to understand market dynamics
- Gain critical insights into international trade, foreign exchange, and interests
- Analyse economic forces in trade policies and global markets
- Understand international capital flows and financial institutions
Strategy Development
6
ECTS
- Apply strategy-making processes and strengthen strategic reasoning
- Turn analysis into sustainable strategy
- Play the strategic chess of business with foresight
- Master decision-making from firm to network level
Strategy Development
6
ECTS
- Apply strategy-making processes and strengthen strategic reasoning
- Turn analysis into sustainable strategy
- Play the strategic chess of business with foresight
- Master decision-making from firm to network level
AI Based Data Research
6
ECTS
- Use AI to automate data collection and analysis
- Generate insights faster — with reproducible, transparent AI research pipelines
- Turn unstructured information into decision-relevant intelligence — at industry speed
- Apply data analytics and scientific methods to real data
AI Based Data Research
6
ECTS
- Use AI to automate data collection and analysis
- Generate insights faster — with reproducible, transparent AI research pipelines
- Turn unstructured information into decision-relevant intelligence — at industry speed
- Apply data analytics and scientific methods to real data
Financial Investment Analysis
6
ECTS
- Analyse business models and annual reports of international companies
- Use relevant key ratios to evaluate companies
- Speak the language of management consultants, investors and private equity firms
- Use your knowledge to develop investment decisions and strategies
Financial Investment Analysis
6
ECTS
- Analyse business models and annual reports of international companies
- Use relevant key ratios to evaluate companies
- Speak the language of management consultants, investors and private equity firms
- Use your knowledge to develop investment decisions and strategies
Digital Marketing
6
ECTS
- Master digital marketing principles that drive sustainable business growth
- Create strategies that deliver measurable value to customers throughout their lifecycle
- Design customer-centric approaches that balance acquisition, retention, and brand building
- Apply growth marketing frameworks to optimise funnel performance
Digital Marketing
6
ECTS
- Master digital marketing principles that drive sustainable business growth
- Create strategies that deliver measurable value to customers throughout their lifecycle
- Design customer-centric approaches that balance acquisition, retention, and brand building
- Apply growth marketing frameworks to optimise funnel performance
Empirical Research & Visualisation
6
ECTS
- Design attractive visual narratives that effectively communicate research findings to stakeholders
- Apply visualisation best practices to present empirical evidence in formats that engage audiences
- Master research design principles and methodologies to investigate business questions
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative data using statistical tools to derive meaningful insights
Empirical Research & Visualisation
6
ECTS
- Design attractive visual narratives that effectively communicate research findings to stakeholders
- Apply visualisation best practices to present empirical evidence in formats that engage audiences
- Master research design principles and methodologies to investigate business questions
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative data using statistical tools to derive meaningful insights
Business Transformation
6
ECTS
- Guide transformation processes towards digital and sustainable business models
- Integrate ESG and digital innovation into strategic planning
- Build organisational capabilities for dual transformation
- Strengthen synergies between corporate goals along the value chain
Business Transformation
6
ECTS
- Guide transformation processes towards digital and sustainable business models
- Integrate ESG and digital innovation into strategic planning
- Build organisational capabilities for dual transformation
- Strengthen synergies between corporate goals along the value chain
Product Development & Innovation
6
ECTS
- Transform customer insights into innovative products that address real market needs
- Lead through the development lifecycle from ideation to market launch
- Apply innovative concepts and solve complex problems to create user-centered solutions
- Evaluate market opportunities and validate product-market fit
Product Development & Innovation
6
ECTS
- Transform customer insights into innovative products that address real market needs
- Lead through the development lifecycle from ideation to market launch
- Apply innovative concepts and solve complex problems to create user-centered solutions
- Evaluate market opportunities and validate product-market fit
Business Model Analysis & Industry Comparisons
6
ECTS
- Adopt a holistic view of corporate business models
- Integrate knowledge from your studies into real business and industry analysis
- Develop practical, cross-disciplinary solutions to complex cases
- Solve complex business model challenges
Business Model Analysis & Industry Comparisons
6
ECTS
- Adopt a holistic view of corporate business models
- Integrate knowledge from your studies into real business and industry analysis
- Develop practical, cross-disciplinary solutions to complex cases
- Solve complex business model challenges
Managing Change with Projects
3
ECTS
- Become a project manager who contributes to value-based business development
- Set up projects to solve real problems and use project reviews
- Apply the techniques and methods that make projects successful
- Achieve change with change management methods
Managing Change with Projects
3
ECTS
- Become a project manager who contributes to value-based business development
- Set up projects to solve real problems and use project reviews
- Apply the techniques and methods that make projects successful
- Achieve change with change management methods
Leadership & Executive Development
3
ECTS
- Learn core leadership concepts and latest research insights
- Combine scientific principles with practical tools for effective leadership skills
- Strengthen your personal leadership profile through communication skills and confident decision-making
- Develop an understanding of leadership skills for modern organisations
Leadership & Executive Development
3
ECTS
- Learn core leadership concepts and latest research insights
- Combine scientific principles with practical tools for effective leadership skills
- Strengthen your personal leadership profile through communication skills and confident decision-making
- Develop an understanding of leadership skills for modern organisations
Event Lab
3
ECTS
- Develop an event (TedX/leadership/team building/company/else)
- Design and carry out the event marketing to potential participants
- Organise the event and carry it out in concrete terms
- Perform the event review & retrospective
Event Lab
3
ECTS
- Develop an event (TedX/leadership/team building/company/else)
- Design and carry out the event marketing to potential participants
- Organise the event and carry it out in concrete terms
- Perform the event review & retrospective
Project: Consulting a Company
9
ECTS
- Receive a consulting challenge from a real client company
- Define and scope a real consulting project in a team
- Develop evidence-based solutions and actionable recommendations
- Present your recommendations to the client company
Project: Consulting a Company
9
ECTS
- Receive a consulting challenge from a real client company
- Define and scope a real consulting project in a team
- Develop evidence-based solutions and actionable recommendations
- Present your recommendations to the client company
Managing Operations, Processes & Technology
6
ECTS
- Design efficient operational systems that optimise resources and deliver consistent quality
- Implement process improvement methodologies to increase organisational performance
- Build operational strategies that align with business goals and create sustainable competitive advantages
Managing Operations, Processes & Technology
6
ECTS
- Design efficient operational systems that optimise resources and deliver consistent quality
- Implement process improvement methodologies to increase organisational performance
- Build operational strategies that align with business goals and create sustainable competitive advantages
Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility
6
ECTS
- Discuss corporate responsibility for social and environmental developments
- Apply stakeholder and double materiality analyses for sustainable strategy development
- Integrate ESG criteria into leadership and decision-making processes
- Strengthen resilience, leadership, and communication through sustainability
Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility
6
ECTS
- Discuss corporate responsibility for social and environmental developments
- Apply stakeholder and double materiality analyses for sustainable strategy development
- Integrate ESG criteria into leadership and decision-making processes
- Strengthen resilience, leadership, and communication through sustainability
Strategic Human Resource Management
3
ECTS
- Develop a strategic alignment of HRM practices
- Consider current HRM trends and best practices
- Get familiar with strategic HRM analysis
- Apply modern methods of HRM
Strategic Human Resource Management
3
ECTS
- Develop a strategic alignment of HRM practices
- Consider current HRM trends and best practices
- Get familiar with strategic HRM analysis
- Apply modern methods of HRM
Facilitation, Communication & Negotiation
3
ECTS
- Analyse negotiation scenarios systematically and design effective strategies
- Understand communicative and economic factors that influence negotiations
- Learn how to strategically prepare, conduct and evaluate negotiations
- Develop persuasiveness, tactical thinking and decision-making skills in complex settings
Facilitation, Communication & Negotiation
3
ECTS
- Analyse negotiation scenarios systematically and design effective strategies
- Understand communicative and economic factors that influence negotiations
- Learn how to strategically prepare, conduct and evaluate negotiations
- Develop persuasiveness, tactical thinking and decision-making skills in complex settings
Entrepreneurship & Venture Lab
6
ECTS
- Develop and test innovative business ideas
- Implement the Lean Startup methodology
- Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking
- Develop and define scalable business ideas
Entrepreneurship & Venture Lab
6
ECTS
- Develop and test innovative business ideas
- Implement the Lean Startup methodology
- Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking
- Develop and define scalable business ideas
Management Simulation Game
6
ECTS
- Lead a virtual company in a simulation
- Make complex managerial decisions
- Assess the impact of business decisions
- Anticipate competitor reactions
Management Simulation Game
6
ECTS
- Lead a virtual company in a simulation
- Make complex managerial decisions
- Assess the impact of business decisions
- Anticipate competitor reactions
Master Thesis
18
ECTS
- Demonstrate mastery of your field by conducting independent research that addresses a relevant business topic
- Apply strategic frameworks and methodologies to analyse complex problems and develop evidence-based solutions
- Synthesise knowledge from multiple disciplines to generate insights and recommendations
- Communicate findings professionally through rigorous academic writing
Master Thesis
18
ECTS
- Demonstrate mastery of your field by conducting independent research that addresses a relevant business topic
- Apply strategic frameworks and methodologies to analyse complex problems and develop evidence-based solutions
- Synthesise knowledge from multiple disciplines to generate insights and recommendations
- Communicate findings professionally through rigorous academic writing
Master Thesis Tutorial
2
ECTS
During the Master Thesis Tutorial you will learn the fundamentals for your Master thesis: Defining the topic as well as structuring the thesis and you will learn the theoretical knowledge for scientific working.
Master Thesis Tutorial
2
ECTS
During the Master Thesis Tutorial you will learn the fundamentals for your Master thesis: Defining the topic as well as structuring the thesis and you will learn the theoretical knowledge for scientific working.
Master Thesis Tutorial
2
ECTS
During the Master Thesis Tutorial you will learn the fundamentals for your Master thesis: Defining the topic as well as structuring the thesis and you will learn the theoretical knowledge for scientific working.
Master Thesis Tutorial
2
ECTS
During the Master Thesis Tutorial you will learn the fundamentals for your Master thesis: Defining the topic as well as structuring the thesis and you will learn the theoretical knowledge for scientific working.
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
The Zugangsvoraussetzungen für dein Master-Studium an der CBS University of Applied Sciences variieren je nach Studiengang . into your studies at CBSSciences is so Like yourself — and at the same time designed. With our easy to use Can you yourself apply, completely without . Instead of staring Waiting for you with us is a that is your strengthsand focuses on potential. Regardless of whether you opt for dual, part-time or full-time study, the CBSUniversity offers you the of
Deadlines
The application deadline is year round open, even before you graduate from high school. For dual study programs, you should sufficient lead time Plan so that we can find your suitable practice partner. The start of studies is flexible: in the winter semester or, for selected programs, also in the summer semester. One early candidature is particularly important for limited study places secure and apply for any necessary visas in good time.
funding
A dual or part-time study Is often used by the Practice partner financed, which is also a valuable occupational provides accompaniment. A full-time study On the other hand, can be achieved by numerous Funding opportunities like BAföG or stipends Personalize to give you an optimal connection of personal Development and academic To make the future possible.
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
Im Rahmen der Business Projects an der CBS International Business School haben Studierende die Möglichkeit, gemeinsam mit renommierten Unternehmen an realitätsnahen Projekten zu arbeiten. Diese praxisorientierte Lehrform verbindet theoretisches Wissen mit konkreten wirtschaftlichen Fragestellungen und gewährt tiefe Einblicke in berufliche Abläufe.
Unternehmenskooperation
Dank eines Netzwerks von über 1.300 etablierten Unternehmen aus diversen Branchen profitieren Studierende von exklusiven Einblicken in die Arbeitswelt. Diese Kooperationen eröffnen nicht nur spannende Perspektiven, sondern fördern auch die Entwicklung wichtiger Kontakte und bieten nachhaltige Karrieremöglichkeiten.
Praktikum/Berufserfahrung
Ob in Form von Pflichtpraktika, die fester Bestandteil vieler Studiengänge sind, oder durch die Integration von Berufserfahrung in duale und berufsbegleitende Programme: Du kannst dein Fachwissen direkt in der realen Arbeitswelt anwenden.
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.

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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.
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?
The Master’s in International Business provides in-depth knowledge about global markets, intercultural management, and international corporate strategies. Students learn to make business decisions in an international environment and lead companies to success.
Why should you study the International Business Master’s programme?
This programme prepares you for a career in multinational corporations. With practical content and a global focus, you will gain the expertise and intercultural skills needed for success in international companies or consulting firms.
How long does the International Business Master’s programme last?
The Master’s in International Business typically lasts 4 semesters (2 years) and concludes with the award of a Master of Science (M.Sc.).
Does the International Business Master’s programme have a Numerus Clausus (NC)?
There is generally no NC for the International Business Master’s programme. Admission is based on your academic background and relevant professional experience.
What are the admission requirements for the International Business Master’s programme?
Applicants need a recognised Bachelor’s degree in business, IT, or a related field. Since the International Business Master’s programme is taught entirely in English, strong English skills are required.
How is the International Business Master’s programme structured?
The English-taught Master’s in International business combines practice-oriented learning with a solid theoretical foundation. You will work on real company projects, analyse markets using AI tools, and develop strategies for international expansion and transformation. Interactive workshops, case studies, and leadership conventions with industry experts make the programme both engaging and highly practical.
Where can I study the International Business undergraduate programme?
The International Business Master’s programme is offered at the Cologne campus.
What will I learn in the International Business Master’s programme? What are the core subjects?
Key study areas include International Marketing, Financial Management, Supply Chain Management, Intercultural Communication and Corporate Ethics.
How much can you earn after completing your International Business studies?
Graduates typically earn between €50,000 and €75,000 per year, depending on industry and company size.
Can I write my Master’s thesis in collaboration with a company during the International Business studies?
Yes! In the final semester, you can either spend a semester abroad or complete a corporate internship, providing the perfect opportunity to write your Master’s thesis with a business focus.
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.










