Global Management and Digital Competencies (MGM) – MSc

Management career with single or double degree

Spend the first part of your studies in France, Ireland, Italy or Canada and complete the second half at ESB Business School in Reutlingen. At both locations you will study entirely in English.

Optimally prepared
The programme prepares you for a global management career in the age of digital transformation.
Focus on internationality
You will complete your studies entirely in English.
Two countries
You will study in Germany and at a partner university in France, Ireland, Italy or Canada, taking a single or double degree.

Further advantages

You will learn to recognize the effects of digitization on organizations. You will be able to successfully manage and exploit the resulting tasks and opportunities.
You will acquire in-depth business knowledge to develop effective solutions for the challenges of globally operating companies.
You will learn the necessary communication, analytical, problem-solving and teamwork skills to operate effectively in an intercultural environment.
You will study within the strong network of the International Partnership of Business Schools (IPBS).

Key data
structure
Study programs
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Key data

All facts and figures for your degree programme at a glance

Language of instruction

English

Duration of study

Standard period of study 15 months,

plus 6 months for students who complete an integrated internship or decide to write their master's thesis in cooperation with a company.

Admission requirements

A bachelor’s degree
and very good proficiency in English

Start of studies

For winter semester

Application deadline for single degree:
June 15 (UCSC) or June 30 (Brock)

Application deadline for double degree:
July 15 (for DCU non-EU applicants: July 1)

Costs

Information about the costs

on the IPBS website

Study location

Reutlingen and location of international

partner institution

All key facts

Application deadlines

Brock/ESB: 30 June

UCSC/ESB: 15 June

DCU/ESB & NEOMA/ESB:
15 July (EU applicants)

1st July (non-EU applicants)

Admission requirements

First degree with 210 (3.5 years) or 180 (3 years) ECTS and a grade of at least 2.5 (German grading system) (2.3 for German-Canadian link).
Applicants with 180 ECTS must complete an integrated sixmonth internship. Relevant work experience after the first degree may be recognized.
Applicants need at least 6 months of relevant full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) from the start of their Bachelor's degree programme. This may include internships.
Graduates in the following disciplines are eligible to apply: Business Administration or a related field. In addition, graduates of non-business majors may apply, provided they have taken at least four modules in business administration, including two from the quantitative area (e.g., accounting, financial management, economics, statistics, logistics).
Very good English language skills. (TOEFL - minimum 88 ibt (minimum 21 in written and spoken), IELTS minimum 6.5 with minimum 6/unit), Pearson Test of English (Academic) PTEA 60 (minimum 50 in each component), Cambridge First (minimum 175), Cambridge Advanced or Cambridge Proficiency). Please note that test results are only valid for 2 years after the test date and your last result will be taken into account.
Applicants for the German-Canadian link whose native language is not English and who have completed at least 3 years of their Bachelor's degree programme in an English-speaking country are exempt from the language test.
Applicants for all other links are exempt from the language test if they have completed their entire degree programme in English or at least 50 percent of their Bachelor's degree programme in an English-speaking country. Proof of this must be provided.

Information on the English test:

Please note that your language certificates may be submitted later (if not yet available). In this case, your admission to the programme is subject to meeting our minimum requirements.

Start of studies

winter semester

Duration of study

15 months

Students who are writing their final thesis in cooperation with a company or those who have to complete a compulsory internship (applicants with 180 ECTS) should allow around six months more.

Costs

Detailed information on the cost of the program can be found on the IPBS website.

Additional costs:

Registration fee: €50
Semester fee: €199.30
Applicants who have already completed a Master's degree in Germany: Tuition fee of €650 per semester

Places in programme

No restriction on admission

Study location

Reutlingen University and location of international partner institution.

Single-Degree:

Piacenza, Italy
St. Catharines, Canada

Double Degree:

Dublin, Ireland
Reims, France

Study period 1 takes place at the chosen partner university in France, Ireland, Italy or Canada (Sept/Oct-Dec). Study period 2 takes place at the ESB Business School of Reutlingen University from February onwards. In study stage 3 you are flexible in terms of location. The supervision of your master thesis can be done virtually. You decide for yourself whether you want to stay in Reutlingen or complete your studies elsewhere.

Language of instruction

English

Degree

Master of Science (MSc)

+ degree from partner institution abroad in the double degree tracks

ECTS

90

Admission requirements

First degree with 210 (3.5 years) or 180 (3 years) ECTS and a grade of at least 2.5 (German grading system) (2.3 for German-Canadian link).
Applicants with 180 ECTS must complete an integrated six-month internship. Relevant work experience after the first degree may be recognized.
Applicants need at least 6 months of relevant full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) from the start of their Bachelor's degree programme. This may include internships.
Graduates in the following disciplines are eligible to apply: Business Administration or a related field. In addition, graduates of non-business majors may apply, provided they have taken at least four modules in business administration, including two from the quantitative area (e.g., accounting, financial management, economics, statistics, logistics).
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a TOEFL iBT score of at least 4.5 overall, with minimum 4.5 in Speaking and Writing. During the transition period, this corresponds to approximately 88 on the legacy 0–120 scale, with at least 21 in Speaking and Writing. Further acceptable English certificates: IELTS minimum overall score 6.5 and minimum 6/unit), Pearson Test of English (Academic) PTEA 60 (minimum 50 in each component), Cambridge First (minimum 175), Cambridge Advanced or Cambridge Proficiency. Please note that test results are only valid for 2 years after the test date and your most recent result will be taken into account.
Applicants for the German-Canadian link whose native language is not English and who have completed at least 3 years of their bachelor's degree in an English-speaking country are exempt from the language test.
Applicants for all other links are then exempt from the language test if they have completed their entire studies in English or at least 50 percent of their bachelor's studies in an English-speaking country. Proof must be provided.

English test information: Please note that your language certificates may be submitted later (if not already available). In this case, your acceptance into the program is contingent upon meeting our minimum requirements.

ESB Business School Global Management and Digital Competencies students sitting together

Two universities, one goal

The degree programme pays particular attention to the global dimension of business and management in an age of digital transformation. After graduation, you will have the knowledge and skills for a successful career in the top management of internationally-operating companies.

Structure and Content

Global Management and Digital Competencies addresses the following questions, among others:

What tools do you use for effective decision making in a global environment and for strategic management?
How do you manage and guide structural change in an era of organizational transformation?
How do you develop and communicate effective, data-driven, organizational solutions?
What financial and regulatory risks do companies face in a global environment?
How do you transform a classic supply chain into a smart supply chain?
How do you use tools such as Design Thinking as part of agile project management?

overview over the three studying blocks and their content

Study in two countries: In the Master of Science Global Management and Digital Competencies programme, you will spend the first part of your studies at one of four international partner universities and then complete the second part at ESB Business School in Reutlingen. You will study entirely in English at both locations.

Global Management and Digital Competencies offers these degree programmes

Double Degree

Franco-German

Irish-German

Franco-German degree programme

In the Franco-German progamme, you will begin your studies at NEOMA Business School (Campus Reims) in France, and then come to ESB Business School in Reutlingen. NEOMA Business School has three campuses for around 9,500 students from 100 countries. With the AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditations, NEOMA Business School holds the prestigious "Triple Crown".

Degrees

At the end of your studies you will receive two degrees:

MSc Global Management and Digital Competencies from Reutlingen University (ESB Business School)
MSc Global Management from NEOMA Business School

Irish-German programme

In the German-Irish programme, you will study at DCU Business School in Dublin and then at ESB Business School in Reutlingen. At DCU, more than 16,000 students form around 110 countries study at three locations. Since 2016, DCU has carried the accreditation seal of AACSB International.

Degrees

At the end of your studies you will receive two degrees:

MSc Global Management and Digital Competencies from Reutlingen University (ESB Business School)
MSc Global Management (Digital Disruption) from Dublin City University Business School

Single degree

Canadian-German

Italian-German

Canadian-German programme

You will start your studies at the Goodman School of Business of Brock University (St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada) in the immediate vicinity of Niagara Falls, about an hour's drive from Toronto. Brock University is accredited by AACSB International. You will spend the second part of your studies at ESB Business School at Reutlingen University.

Degree

At the end of your studies, you will receive the MSc Global Management and Digital Competencies from Reutlingen University (ESB Business School).

Italian-German programme

In the ltalian-German programme, you will begin your studies at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Piacenza and then come to ESB Business School in Reutlingen. Piacenza is located in one of the economically strongest regions in northern Italy, close to Milan and Turin.

Degree

At the end of your studies, you will receive the MSc Global Management and Digital Competencies from Reutlingen University (ESB Business School).

Students relaxing on the ESB Business School Campus

DIME Studierende beim Entspannen auf dem Campus der ESB Business School

Studying at ESB Business School

Where will I live, how will I finance my studies and what is the ESB Spirit?

FIND OUT MORE

Upcoming events

17.10.2026 / 10:00 - 16:30

e-fellows Master Day Fair

Come and visit the ESB Business School's stand!

18.11.2026 / 09:00 - 13:00

Info Day at Hochschule Reutlingen

All events

Your application process

1.

Carefully read the admission requirements

2.

Apply to Reutlingen University online by 15 June, by 30 June or by 15 July*, depending on your choice of track

*(Application deadline for DCU non-EU applicants July 1)

3.

If you receive study place offer, you need to formally accept this.

Admission requirements

First degree with 210 (3.5 years) or 180 (3 years) ECTS and a grade of at least 2.5 or better (German grading system) (2.3 for German-Canadian link).
Applicants with 180 ECTS must complete an integrated six-month internship. Relevant work experience after the first degree may be recognized instead, if applicable.
Applicants need at least 6 months of relevant full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience since the start of their bachelor's degree. This may include internships.
Graduates in the following fields are eligible to apply: Business Administration or a related field. In addition, graduates of non-business programs may also apply, provided they have taken at least four modules in business administration, including two from the quantitative area (e.g. accounting, financial management, economics, statistics, logistics).
Very good proficiency in English. (TOEFL - minimum 88 ibt (minimum 21 verbal and written), IELTS minimum 6.5 and minimum 6/unit), Pearson Test of English (Academic) PTEA 60 (minimum 50 in each component), Cambridge First (minimum 175), Cambridge Advanced or Cambridge Proficiency). Please note that test results are only valid for 2 years after the test date and your most recent result will be taken into account.
Applicants for the German-Canadian Link whose native language is not English and who have completed at least 3 years of their bachelor's degree in an English-speaking country are exempt from the language test.
Applicants for all other links are exempt from the language test if they have completed their entire studies in English or at least 50 percent of their bachelor's degree in an English-speaking country. Proof must be provided.

Information on English test:

Please note that your language certificates may be submitted later (if not already available). In this case, your acceptance into the programme is conditional upon meeting our minimum requirements.

Here is how to apply online

The application is submitted online via the programme’s applications portal.

Application deadlines:

Brock/ESB: June 30

UCSC/ESB: June 15

DCU/ESB & NEOMA/ESB: July 15*

*(Application deadline for DCU non-EU applicants July 1)

Apply now!

Fill in the application form, upload the following documents as PDF and pay the 50 € application fee:

Bachelor's degree certificate and final transcripts or provisional if you have not yet finished your bachelor studies
Results of your English language tests (these may be sent in later if they have not yet been completed).
one academic reference

The admissions committee, which is made up of people from your chosen track, will review your online application. As a rule, you will receive an acceptance or rejection letter by email within two weeks. If you have not yet completed your studies at the time of application or are still waiting for your test results in English, any acceptance is subject to confirmation. Your offer of a place includes all relevant terms and conditions. Any acceptance offer will be provisional until you have fulfilled all the admission requirements.

Welcome to ESB Business School!

Study Block 1:

As a rule, the start dates vary from university to university (usually September/October). The dates will be announced as soon as possible.

Study Block 2

March to June, Location: Reutlingen

Study Block 3

July to Dezember, location: global

Tips on finding a room or flat can be found on the Reutlingen University website.

For international students: On the website of Reutlingen University you will find information about studying in Germany, our range of preparatory courses, testimonials and much more.

Downloads & Links

'Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen' of Reutlingen University (in general)

'Auswahlsatzung und Zugangssatzungen' of Reutlingen University (in general)

IPBS-network

Questions?

Your personal study advisor is happy to help you!

M.A. Julie Dengler

+49 7121 271 3023

Send E-mail

And after your studies?

As a graduate, you will have in-depth knowledge of the global business context, the relevant business toolbox, digital skills and leadership skills to successfully tackle the challenges of global companies.

ESB CAREER CENTER

ESB COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

ESB Reutlingen Alumni e.v.

Global Management and Digital Competencies students at the ESB Business School collaborating on a project.

Your qualification profile

You have the business knowledge to develop effective solutions to the challenges faced by international companies due to the impact of digitalisation.

Global Management and Digital Competencies ESB Business School students on their way to a lecture.

Typical sectors

As a graduate of the Global Management and Digital Competencies degree programme, your knowledge is the basis for a successful management career in internationally-oriented companies in every sector.

Global Management and Digital Competencies Students interacting at the ESB Business School.

Possible fields of business

Our graduates find employment in a wide variety of corporate sectors.

Global Management and Digital Competencies ESB Business School students interacting with each other in the library.

PhD Studies

Your MGM degree offers you the best foundation to doctoral studies in the future

With a global lens, a digitally empowered skill set, and a strong analytical edge, the MGM programme has elevated my strategic clarity and digital competence to build my entrepreneurial journey in the FoodTech space.
Bharath Mohan Sreekumar
Co-Founder and COO @ Plenti
Graduated in 2023

The NEOMA/ESB MGM programme provided me with the essentials: a broad range of strategic frameworks, digital competencies like familiarity with relevant software and analytical tools, working in cross-cultural teams in English and building a great network of global corporate contacts.

Marie Bour
Tax Consultant Transfer Pricing at EY Stuttgart

The programme builds a strong and interesting profile, from problem-solving skills to broad knowledge of disruptive technologies. It is precisely these core competencies that make applicants from this degree programme extremely attractive.

Chris Müller
Head of Regulatory Reporting, UBS

MGM and ESB on social media

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Students from Reutlingen cycle all the way to Switzerland and raise 20,000 euros for children in need

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Highly satisfied students and excellent prospects for new students – these are the hallmarks of the range of study programmes offered by Reutlingen University, a leading university of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg. ESB Business School, the business faculty at Reutlingen University, has once again achieved excellent results in the latest CHE ranking.