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.

Key Data
Structure
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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

Semester fee: €167.30 for regular students and €97.30 for exchange students
The state of Baden-Württemberg charges a fee of €1,500 per semester on students from non-EU countries.

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.

International Business Development students at the ESB Business School chatting in a lecture room.

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.

Aufbau und Inhalt

Das erste und zweite Semester absolvieren Sie an der ESB Business School der Hochschule Reutlingen, wo Sie Ihre bestehenden betriebswirtschaftliches Kenntnisse vertiefen und sich u. a. Fachwissen in den Bereichen Business Development, Strategisches Management und Internationaler Vertrieb aneignen werden.

Für das dritte Semester gibt es zwei Optionen:

Haben Sie bereits vor dem Masterstudium Auslandserfahrung gesammelt, können Sie nach dem zweiten Studiensemester ein freiwilliges Auslandsstudiensemester oder ein Praxissemester einlegen. Alternativ können Sie direkt Ihre Master-Thesis verfassen.

Wenn Sie vor der Aufnahme des Masterstudiums noch keine Auslandserfahrung gesammelt haben, absolvieren Sie im dritten Semester ein verpflichtendes Auslandsstudiensemester oder -praktikum. Mit dem Abschluss des Masterstudiums können Sie so qualifizierte internationale Erfahrung vorweisen. Studium verlängert sich dadurch um ein Semester.

Ihre Master-Thesis können Sie in einem Land Ihrer Wahl schreiben.

Der Studiengang International Business Development beschäftigt sich unter anderem mit folgenden Fragestellungen:

Was ist nötig, um Geschäftsmodelle entwickeln zu können?
Wie kann man innovative oder von einer Organisation noch nicht erschlossene Geschäftsfelder bewerten?
Wie kann die Rolle von Informationen aus den Bereichen Produktmanagement, Marketing, Vertrieb und Kundenbetreuung eingeordnet werden?
Wie wirkt sich die Komplexität von Entscheidungen aus?
Wie können interdisziplinäre Ansätze verknüpft werden?
Wie reagiert man aktiv auf sich wandelnde Märkte und sich verändernde wirtschaftliche Rahmenbedingungen?

Möglichkeit für Doppelabschlüsse

In Kooperation mit der Edinburgh Napier University in Schottland sind auch Doppelabschlüsse möglich: z. B. Master of Science International Human Resource Management oder Master of Science Management.

Inhaltliche Schwerpunkte

Der Studiengang beinhaltet folgende Module:

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

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

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.

We will invite you to the selection interview by email. The interview will be conducted online. If you are unable to attend the interview, please cancel your appointment immediately.

Please note that you will be excluded from the application procedure if you do not accept the invitation to the selection interview. You will also receive a rejection notice if you were not invited to the selection interview even though you fulfil all the formal criteria of the selection statutes. Whether you receive an invitation is decided by your academic performance in comparison to the other applicants (see § 5 of the selection regulations).

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.

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

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

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

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