HOCHSCHULE REUTLINGEN

International Business Development (IBD) - MSc

Management-oriented and with practical special knowledge

In the International Business Development degree programme, you will build upon your business administration basics and acquire further expertise in the areas of strategic management, international sales and business development.

  • Optimally prepared
    Best possible training for a management career in internationally expanding companies (mission statement for globalisation managers).

  • Focus on new business fields
    Imparting practical, in-depth knowledge for the development of new business ideas and fields of business.

  • Goal-oriented learning
    Based on academic knowledge, practical and highly application-oriented.

 

Further advantages:

  • Complementing the lectures are challenging, real-life business projects, a business simulation game and full-day workshops in companies.

  • In addition to our team of professors with practical experience, you will be taught by qualified company representatives.

  • The focus on international business relations is a common thread running through all the subjects.

The next application period - for the winter semester - begins in early summer.

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Coordination: MSc International Business Development / MSc International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation

Key Data

All facts and figures for your degree programme at a glance

Duration of study

3 to 4 semesters
(depending on prior international experience)

Admission requirements

University degree and

very good proficiency in German and English

Language of Instruction

German and Englisch (50/50)

Start of studies

15 March in summer semester
1 October in winter semester

Costs

€167.30 for regular students 
€97.30 for exchange students

Places in programme

22 in summer semester
23 in winter semester

All key data

Duration of study

3 to 4 semesters
(depending on prior international experience)

Study location

Reutlingen and location of partner institution

Start of studies

15 March in summer semester
1 October in winter semester

Application deadline

Winter semester: 15 July
Summer semester: 15 January

Places in programme

22 in summer semester
23 in winter semester

Admission requirements

  • Qualifying university degree from Germany or abroad in an economics degree programme of at least 180 ECTS and an overall average grade of "good" (2.5).
  • The final grades obtained abroad must be converted to the German grading system in advance by recognised authorities.
  • Documented English proficiency of level B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. More info: "Regulations on Language Proficiency for Study".
  • Good German proficiency, documented by language certificate (DSH, at least level 2/ TestDaF at least 14 points) or equivalent
  • Proof is not required if you have a German university entrance qualification or a German-language higher education degree. 
  • Relevant experience abroad (e.g. study semester or internship abroad). This may be acquired during the degree programme as part of an additional semester. Detailed information on this may be found in the IBD Study and Examination Regulations.

Language of instruction

German and English (50/50)

Degree

Master of Science (MSc)

ECTS

90

Costs

Admission requirements

  • Qualifying university degree from Germany or abroad in an economics degree programme of at least 180 ECTS and an overall average grade of "good" (2.5).
  • The final grades obtained abroad must be converted to the German grading system in advance by recognised authorities.
  • Documented English proficiency of level B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. More info: "Regulations on Language Proficiency for Study".
  • Good German proficiency, documented by language certificate (DSH, at least level 2/ TestDaF at least 14 points) or equivalent
  • Proof is not required if you have a German university entrance qualification or a German-language higher education degree. 
  • Relevant experience abroad (e.g. study semester or internship abroad). This may be acquired during the degree programme as part of an additional semester. Detailed information on this may be found in the IBD Study and Examination Regulations.

Costs

Qualification in 3 semesters

In this internationally-oriented degree programme, you will learn to develop new business models and to evaluate and further develop both untapped and existing business fields. After graduation, you will be able to combine interdisciplinary approaches and actively respond to changing markets and economic conditions.

 

Structure and Content


You will complete the first and second semesters at Reutlingen University’s ESB Business School, where you will build upon your existing business knowledge and acquire expertise in areas including business development, strategic management and international sales.

There are two options for the third semester:
If you have already gained experience abroad before starting the Master's programme, you can take a voluntary study semester abroad or an internship semester after the second semester. Alternatively, you can directly write your Master's thesis.

If you have not yet gained any experience abroad before starting the Master's programme, you will complete a compulsory study semester or internship abroad in the third semester. That means that when you have completed the Master's programme, you can demonstrate qualified international experience. This extends your studies by one semester.

You can write your Master's thesis in a country of your choice.

 

The International Business Development programme addresses the following questions:

  • What is needed to develop business models?
  • How can you evaluate innovative business areas or business areas that have not yet been tapped by an organisation?
  • How can the role of information from the areas of product management, marketing, sales and customer care be classified?
  • What is the impact of the complexity of decisions?
  • How can interdisciplinary approaches be linked?
  • How do you actively respond to changing markets and changing economic conditions?

Options for double degrees

In cooperation with Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, double degrees are possible: e.g. Master of Science International Human Resource Management or Master of Science Management.

Core areas

The programme includes the following modules:

  • Data Analytics & Business Research
  • International Marketing Cases
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Strategy & Business Models
  • Business Ethics & Sustainability Management
  • Marketing Research  & Consulting Projects
  • Transformation Management & Management Workshops
  • Digital Marketing
  • International Sales & Innovation Management
  • Electives z. B. Business Languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese)
  • International Controlling, International Finance & International Accounting
  • Futures Thinking, Sustainability Dynamics

Study and work

Studying and working is possible if the employer is a little flexible. Our recommendation for the amount of time is up to 10 hours per week.

Your application process

1.

Carefully read the admission requirements.

2.

Apply online by 15 January or by 15 July.

3.

Accept the invitation to the selection interview.

4.

If you receive notification of acceptance, you need to formally accept the place offered to you at the university.

Admission requirements

  • Qualifying university degree from Germany or abroad in an economics degree programme of at least 180 ECTS and an overall average grade of "good" (2.5).
  • Final grades obtained abroad must be converted to the German grading system in advance by recognised authorities.
  • English proficiency of level B2 must be proven according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. More information: "Regulations on Language Proficiency for Study"
  • Good German proficiency, documented by language certificate (DSH, at least level 2/ TestDaF at least 14 points) or equivalent
  • Proof is not required if you have a German university entrance qualification or a German-language university degree.
  • Programme-related experience abroad (e.g. study semester or internship abroad). This may be acquired during the degree programme as part of an additional semester. Detailed information on this can be found in the IBD Study and Examination Regulations.

 

This is how an online application goes

Applications are made exclusively online. You will upload all the necessary documents during the application process. A printout and signature are not required for the online application. A signed application form on paper is required later, when you formally enroll.

 

APPLYING

Please switch to the English version on the following (after pressing applying) page (Campus-PoRTal) if necessary. The button is located on the next page in the lower right corner.

Activate the email notifications to stay informed about the status of your application. You can also check the status of your application here.

Accept the invitation to the selection interview.

Have you received an invitation to the selection interview from us by e-mail? We look forward to an approximately 1-hour online interview with you!

What can you expect in terms of content?

  • We want to get to know each other
  • Discuss current business topics
  • Understand the challenges of previous practical experience
  • To understand your motivation for the study program, ESB Business School and Reutlingen University

For the further successful course of the application process, it is mandatory to accept the invitation to the selection interview. Therefore, please be sure to let us know if you are unable to attend the appointment.

You will receive an exclusion letter if you are not invited to the selection interview. Whether or not you receive an invitation is determined by your academic performance in comparison to your fellow applicants (§ 5 of the Admission and Selection Statutes).

Welcome to ESB Business School!

The following criteria are critical for admission:

  • Previous studies
  • Practical experience relevant to the programme
  • Experience abroad
  • Language skills

If you have received an admission notice and would like to accept the place, please return the signed application for enrolment together with the requested documents and pay the semester fee. What address do I send the application to? How do I pay the fee? Get the answers in our enrolment questions & answers.

You can find tips on finding a room or flat on the Reutlingen University website.

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

And after your studies?

As a graduate of the Master of Science International Business Development programme, you will have an enormous amount of specialist knowledge and will be ideally prepared for a career in consultancy or management - in a global corporation or at an ambitious start-up company.

ESB Career Center

ESB COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

ESB Reutlingen Alumni e.v.

Your qualification profile

You have a high level of business knowledge, which you have supplemented with the completion of this degree programme in the areas of Business Development, Strategic Management and International Sales.

Typical sectors

As a graduate, your knowledge and skills are the basis for a successful management career both in internationally-oriented SMEs and in globally active, large companies in all sectors.

Potential fields of business

With their high level of competence in the areas of business development, strategic management and international sales, our graduates find a wide range of applications in many areas of business.

Doctoral degree

Your Master of Science degree in International Business Development from Reutlingen University also provides you with the best foundation for a doctorate and an academic career.

Tim Geyer  Strategy & Growth Manager US  MARKT-PILOT  Graduate of 2021

The degree programme at ESB opened countless doors for me in strategy consulting and in the start-up sector, thanks to the perfect mix of methodological skills, entrepreneurial spirit and building a diverse network.

 

Tim Geyer

Strategy & Growth Manager US

MARKT-PILOT

Graduate of 2021

Viktoria Kirchmaier   Vice President Global Sales Development Office  HUGO BOSS AG  Graduate of 2016

Entrepreneurial thinking, a hands-on mentality and always keeping your finger on the pulse of the times are 3 crucial success factors for running an international group like HUGO BOSS and constantly developing the company.

 

Viktoria Kirchmaier 

Vice President Global Sales Development Office

HUGO BOSS AG

Graduate of 2016

 

Alexander Diernberger  Specialist Sales Operations Individualization  Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft  Graduate of 2014

With its practical lectures and projects with companies, the Master's programme in International Business Development offers excellent conditions for a later career - nationally or internationally. The focus here is on interactive study and promoting personal and interdisciplinary development.

 

Alexander Diernberger

Specialist Sales Operations Individualization

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft

Graduate of 2014

Meike Kastner  Venture Partner BSH Startup Kitchen  BSH Hausgeräte GmbH  Graduate of  2014

The Master of International Business Development gives excellent preparation for an international career. I really appreciated the international focus, the practical orientation of the programme and the teamwork.

 

Meike Kastner

Venture Partner BSH Startup Kitchen

BSH Hausgeräte GmbH

Graduate of  2014

 

It is possible to study and work if the employer is a little flexible.
Our recommendation - up to 10 hours per week
 

Overall, the work as a working student as well as in ESB Student Consulting e.V. is very enriching, but at the same time, planning your time ahead is the basis and it is important to remember that these activities do not have to come out of your study time, but out of your free time.


Lennart
2. semester IBD

It is possible to study and work if the employer is a little flexible.
Our recommendation - up to 10 hours per week

Studying alone can almost be regarded as a full-time job, which means that additional student jobs should definitely be well thought out


Luca
3. semester IBD

IBD and ESB on social media

Rankings & Accreditations

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