International Business and Management (M.A.)
Master of Arts
Characteristics of the Master's program International Business and Management
You would like to study in Germany and at the same time prepare for an international career? To achieve this goal, studying International Business and Management M.A. at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences could be the ideal option for you:
- Through the international curriculum, our graduates are well prepared for specialized and leading positions in international companies and organisations.
- Both German and international students from all over the world study together in intercultural teams.
- Students can opt to study abroad for a semester or even pursue a dual degree.
- The program can be studied completely in English language.
- Lecturers with international experience provide for in-depth insights into current international business and management issues.
- The master program has a strong practical orientation, which is manifested through practice-related assignments or lecturers who have previously worked in international companies.
The Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences is a member of EFMD Global. EFMD (European Foundation of Management Development) is a network of business schools and corporations dedicated to enhance excellence in management education and development globally.
News
Global Classroom: Balancing private life and career development - dependent on culture and gender?
Should employees inform their superiors that they are getting married in the near future, especially if they plan an international career and foreign assignments? What implications does transparency about a change in private life have on career development? And what are the potential complications?
During a virtual global classroom on November 19, 2024, students from the International Business and Management Master's program at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and students from Cardiff University in Wales explored the influence of personal decisions on career development and possible differences that can arise depending on culture or gender.
Insights from the participants showed that decisions in their private lives can influence their career development and can be a sensitive topic. Not only for themselves, but also for their superiors and the company. For example, most participants would keep a marriage a secret for the time being to prevent potential career complications. In the concluding plenary discussion, it became clear that the reconciliation of private life and career development is not only gender-dependent, but also culture-dependent. Students specially valued the diverse perspectives of the group and the open and trusting communication during the discussions.
The Global Classroom for the module “Human Resource Management in Multinational Companies” was organized by Prof. Dr. Nicole Böhmer and Prof. Dr. Heike Schinnenburg from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and their colleagues from Cardiff University, Dr. Xiaoni Ren and Dr. Florence Kode.
On 16th October 2024, our MIBM students gathered in the Caprivi Lounge for the first “Fireside Chat” of the winter semester. Our special guest at this event was Mr. Michael Busiek, CEO of Leder Brinkmann. The students were enthusiastic about his international experiences during his studies and inspired by his professional career. He has now been running his own company for over 17 years.
"Fireside chats" with senior managers or MIBM alumni offer students of the master’s degree program in International Business and Management (MIBM) the opportunity for interactive discussions with senior managers or MIBM alumni. At these informal meetings, guest speakers can share their experiences about their career path and give our students insights into their current position. The next event is scheduled for the 20th November 2024, featuring our alumnus Lukas Reinken, Member of State Parliament of Lower Saxony.
A new semester brings a new start and a new group! We are excited to welcome a new study cohort in the winter semester of 2024. The students were warmly welcomed at the MIBM welcome event on our Caprivi campus on September 18th. We celebrated a diverse group of students from Albania, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Colombia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Germany. During this event, the new students were introduced to the details of the master’s program and the university's services. They were also given a tour of the campus and library to learn more about the university's infrastructure and facilities. As part of the team-building process, they participated in an intercultural workshop tailored specifically for master's students. Various events will be offered throughout the semester to support their academic development and promote a strong sense of community.
Upcoming events can be found on INTRANET.
The evaluation portal StudyCheck honors the university as "Top University 2024". Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences achieved in first place in the ranking of universities and universities of Applied Science in Lower Saxony and 13th place in the national ranking. For more details, please read the press release in German language.
In this year's CHE master's ranking, students evaluated their degree programs in the field of business administration – with positive results: The master's degree programs in Business Management, Controlling and Finance, International Business and Management, Management in Health Care and Management in Non-Profit Organizations are very well received by their students. In eight out of ten areas, there are above-average ratings compared to other universities, and in the Weser-Ems region, the master's degree programs in the business administration cluster at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences are also characterized by good ratings. The study programs belong to the top group in terms of, among other things, study organization, the general study situation, support during studies and practical orientation in teaching.
Detailed information
What makes studying at Hochschule Osnabrück unique for German and International students? Find out more on our Youtube channel what Hochschule Osnabrück means for our students: Studying at Hochschule Osnabrück & International students and lecturers at Hochschule Osnabrück.
Besides making a choice for Hochschule Osnabrück as a university, many of our students choose the Master program International Business and Management also for the following reasons:
Management competence
The Master's program in International Business and Management aims to guide young people on their way to executive positions in international companies and organisations.
Balance of theory and practical content
Courses such as Global Economic Framework, International Marketing and a choice of specialisations are linked to case studies to bring in expertise that can be transferred directly to an international working environment.
Intensive training of social and intercultural skills
Small international groups, individually counselled and supported, create a setting for a rich learning experience as well as for friendships that may last a lifetime.
Internationality at its best
Dual degree programs with universities in South Korea, France and Indonesia as well as cooperations with many international partner universities facilitate international experiences.
Teambuilding and companionship
Teambuilding seminars and regular get-togethers help the students to become a community.
The city and greater region of Osnabrück
Osnabrück with its green and historic city center and the surrounding region in the middle of Europe is home to many innovative and well-known companies in the high-tech, engineering, food and logistics sectors. Find out more here why the largest and research-intensive University of Applied Sciences in Lower Saxony may be a good choice for you.
We are convinced that the program provides our students with an ideal learning environment and experience.
The Master program International Business and Management qualifies students for employment in various industries and trade branches as well as in various functions and departments of international companies or organisations. Depending on the specialisation chosen during the course of studies, our graduates work in diverse positions in marketing, sales, HR or purchasing and logistics departments, as well as in consulting. Past evaluations have shown that most graduates work in larger medium-sized or multinational companies, mainly in the manufacturing sector (automobile sector, food industry & others). Several students have decided to join start-ups after their graduation. Moreover, IT-based and consulting companies are also attracting our graduates, the same applies to logistics and other service-based companies.
The details of the qualifications that will be obtained during the studies are outlined here:
Partner universities
Students who wish to intensify their international exposure as well as their language proficiency and intercultural competencies beyond the borders of Osnabrück, have the opportunity to spend the third semester of their studies abroad at one of the faculty's partner universities. In the Master program we work together with several partner universities abroad, where our students have already studied successfully (see below). Other universities from our faculty's general list of partner universities might be possible to attend for master students as well. The same applies to universities, which are not yet our partners. We will check and evaluate the possibilities at other universities individually with the student at the time of application for a study semester abroad.
The choice of the foreign university for a study semester abroad depends inter alia on the following criteria:
- Adequate offer of postgraduate courses at the partner university
- Compatible semester dates at the partner university
- Ability to study in the language of instruction at the partner university
- Proof that a minimum of 25 ECTS credits have been attained in the master program in Osnabrück by the time of the application for the semester abroad
The faculty can offer free study places for master students (without tuition fees) at some partner universities. For all other universities, tuition fees (depending on the partner university) apply.
Master students from the program International Business and Management have successfully completed their study semesters abroad at the following universities:
Europe
- Ecole de Management Normandie, France
- For a regular exchange semester, our students can choose any EMN campus, i.e. Caen, Le Havre, Paris, Dublin, Oxford or Dubai, depending on their interests and provided that suitable courses are offered at the respective campus and in the respective semester and for their study program in Osnabrück.
- Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
- University of Economics, Poznan, Poland
- Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- University of Economics, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Universidad de DEUSTO, San Sebastián, Spain
- Buckinghamshire New University, Buckinghamshire/Uxbridge, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Overseas
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
- Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
- Vancouver Island University, Canada
- Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan - Testimonial by our student Leonard on LinkedIn.
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- James Cook University, Singapore
- Kyung Hee University, Suwon, South Korea
- Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
- National University, San Diego, USA
- Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, USA
Double Degree Programs
What about studying abroad and coming back with a second degree? Master students have the possibility of acquiring a double master degree at Hochschule Osnabrück and at universities in South Korea, France or Indonesia. In all three agreements students study two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück and two semesters abroad, concluding with a master's thesis. Tuition fees are waived at the partner universities.
Kyunghee University in South Korea
Students of the Master's program International Business and Management have the possibility to acquire a Double Master's Degree through the cooperation with Kyung Hee University, a prestigious university in South Korea. If students study two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück and two semesters at Kyung Hee University and write their master thesis at Hochschule Osnabrück they can receive their master's degree from both universities.
Ecole de Management Normandie in France
In February 2012 another double degree agreement was signed, enabling our master students to graduate from both Hochschule Osnabrück and Ecole de Management (EM) Normandie in France. After spending the first two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück, the third and fourth semester will be spent in France (August-December and January-April). The studies must be concluded by writing a master's thesis that is assessed by either university. For the double degree program, our students can choose one of the following campuses depending on their interest and specialization:
- Caen Campus: International Marketing and Business Development
- Le Havre Campus: International Business, International Logistics & Port Management, Supply Chain Management
- Oxford Campus: Banking Finance and Fintech
- Paris Campus: Financial Data Management, Marketing and Digital in Luxury and Lifestyle, International Events Management, Sustainable Business Strategy
Université Paris-Est Créteil, Paris, France
With 7 faculties, 8 schools and institutes and 33 research laboratories, the Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC) has been present in all fields of knowledge since 1970 and educates more than 40,000 students and professionals every year. Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences has been working with UPEC since 2013. The "double degree agreement" was negotiated in 2022 and the contracts are already ready to be signed. There is intensive cooperation between the two universities, including through a professor from UPEC who regularly teaches at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.
Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia
Master students of the program International Business and Management have the possibility to graduate with a double degree from Hochschule Osnabrück and Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia. The dual degree agreement between both institutions was signed in January 2014 and the first students were exchanged in the winter semester 2014/15. The students study their first two semesters in Osnabrück and continue to study for another two semesters in the program Master of Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The dual degree concludes with a master thesis that is mainly assessed by lecturers of Hochschule Osnabrück.
E-Quality Label for Hochschule Osnabrück
In July 2006, the European Quality Label (E-Quality Label) was awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to Hochschule Osnabrück as best university in terms of international mobility, especially within the ERASMUS student and teaching staff exchange program.
Every student enrolled at Hochschule Osnabrück has to pay enrolment fees of approx. EUR 350 per semester to cover administrative charges, contributions to the Student Welfare Services, membership fees for the Students' Union and the costs of the semester ticket. The semester ticket covers public transportation in Osnabrück and the Osnabrück greater area. The cost of living in Osnabrück amounts to approx. EUR 750 per month, depending on personal needs and habits. This includes rent health insurance, books, living and miscellaneous expenses. There is no tuition fee. There are various possibilities for students to get supported by state institutions, companies and foundations, such as:
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): The DAAD offers scholarships for foreign students and graduates and an overview over funding opportunities can be found on the data base. From 2021 to 2024, we have received four students coming from Kenya, Cameroon and Ethiopia who are funded by the scholarship program "Leadership for Africa". Some of our master´s students are funded by the ERP Study Scholarships for Graduates of Economics and Business Administration.
Hochschule Osnabrück: Scholarships, Foundations and other Financing Possibilities: The following website provides more information about scholarships and foundations as well as other financing possibilities for your studies: Hochschule Osnabrück: Scholarships and Financing Possibilities
International and German students speak about their scholarships:
Maria Mora, Syria, DAAD Scholarship
“’Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be’ - George Sheehan
Ever since I was in the university studying for my bachelor degree, I had big hopes for myself. In order to study what I love the most and to get that degree, I had to endure 4 years of war, but I never once regretted it! It got me to here. And to be able to say that I have a DAAD scholarship, it means that all the effort I put into my study, did not go to waste. The DAAD opened a door for me in a time where I needed just a small window of hope. And not only to succeed in my studies here in Germany, but also to enrich myself and my personality with the German culture and to try to leave a small mark in this amazing country and to give something back to the DAAD and to my country as well, through hard work and success. I’m more than honored to have been accepted by the Hochschule of Osnabrück to study the master program: International business and management and I’m deeply grateful for their help in every possible way.”
Abdalrahman Alfarra, Palestine, DAAD Scholarship
"Ambitious persons always seek their goals in life by taking giant steps. Since the finalization of my bachelor degree in Palestine, I began to prepare myself for this step when I applied to the DAAD scholarship to complete my Master’s study in Germany. My application to the scholarship was combined by accumulating a list of the most attractive Master’s programs in the field of Business and Management in Germany. I was very lucky to be awarded the DAAD scholarship and at the same time secure a place in the master program of International Business and Management in Osnabrueck University of Applied Science. DAAD scholarship is considered among the most prestigious scholarships for international students and it supports its holders to engage very well in the German community through, for example, learning the German language. Osnabrueck Hochschule as well enables its students to pursue their studies in a very supportive and convenient learning environment."
Mariam Meparishvili, Georgia, DAAD Scholarship
"Obtaining my master's degree in Germany is of great importance to me as this is the country with the leading European education system. I am now being granted this amazing opportunity through The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It is the largest scholarship organization in the world that funds the international exchange of students and scholars. The program supports and encourages motivated students all over the world to study and experience German language and culture. Through close collaboration with many public universities in Germany, DAAD program provides students with a variety of potential universities and fields for their studies. I feel lucky to be a DAAD fellow and to have been accepted by Hochschule Osnabrück as a master’s student of International Business and Management. The experience that I gain within this program will help me to achieve my career goals and become a successful businesswomen."
Anna Zayats, Belarus, DAAD Scholarship
"I applied for a DAAD-scholarship in 2011 while still living in Minsk. It was a deliberate decision that is why I began to build my portfolio for the application much earlier. In 2012 together with the scholarship I was awarded the possibility to fulfill my dream – to obtain the international and high quality Master degree. DAAD-scholarship is not only the financial support which helps me to concentrate on my studies. DAAD itself inspires scholarship holders to constant personal improvement, for example to learn German language, to participate in conferences and forums as well as to integrate into the German environment in general."
Ahmad Zia Barekzai, Afghanistan, DAAD Scholarship
"After completing my Bachelor program in Kabul, I wanted to do an internationally recognized master degree in a multi-cultural university of a developed country through an opportunity of merit-based grant. My first choice was the DAAD, the world’s largest scholarship-awarding organization for all academic disciplines. Fortunately, I won the scholarship and now study International Business and Management in Osnabrück. I was really pleased by the selection process of DAAD. I was thrilled by the proper planning of the program for each scholarship holder and the guide provided for travel preparations, staying in Germany, intensive German language course, German cultural workshops, participation in DAAD seminars and the chance to network with other international elite scholarship holders. I am in the process of realizing my dreams because of the DAAD and would like to be an ideal DAAD alumnus in near future."
Kira Potowski, Germany, Scholarship Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
"I applied for a scholarship at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, one of the largest foundations in Germany. Since the beginning of my bachelor studies and later during my master studies, I received this scholarship which allows me to concentrate on my academic work only. However, not only financial support is assured, also the ability to join conferences, presentations and a huge network of other scholarship holders, alumni, professors, politicians, managers etc. Therefore, I would like to encourage other students to apply for a scholarship and hope many others will be able to take advantage of this kind of support while studying in Osnabrück."
Mirja Nordhoff, Germany, Deutschlandstipendium
"Last year I applied for the ‘Deutschlandstipendium’. This scholarship is financed one half each by the federal government and by a sponsor. My sponsor is the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung GmbH & Co. KG. Me and two other scholars, who are also sponsored by the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, were already invited to their premises and we had a vivid discussion about their business model, strategy, and future plans. We also talked about the opportunities this scholarship could mean for us: anything from internships and project work to a possible career entry were mentioned during our meeting. In our next meeting we will visit the printing plant. So aside from the financial support this scholarship brings, it represents a great opportunity to gain experience and to network which is becoming more and more important in today’s business world."
Studying for a degree and living abroad in a foreign country and culture can be a challenge, albeit a very rewarding one. Degree-seeking students from all over the world come to Osnabrück for studying in the Master program International Business and Management and we offer several services to support our international students:
- Individual counselling through the program coordinator before and during the studies
- Arrangement of accommodation in a student dormitory
- Buddy program (support before and during arrival through a student from a higher semester)
- International Orientation Days before the first semester starts, offered by our International Faculty Office (IFO)
- Support with registration formalities at the local authorities and counselling on financing / scholarship possibilities through our Center for International Students (CIS)
- German Summer Language School and German classes during the studies
- Counselling on academic writing standards and self-management through our Learning Center
- Explore Germany (cultural program for international students)
In the master's program International Business and Management emphasis is put on the students becoming a community and experiencing a sense of companionship. In order to promote this, extra-curricular activities are organized and offered for the students throughout the semester. These include company visits, discussions with guest lecturers from partner universities, Christmas parties and other social events.
Teambuilding and get-togethers
Not only does the teambuilding in the first and second semester serve to help the students learn how to work together and solve problems in different kinds of teams, but it also poses as the perfect opportunity to get to know each other right at the start of the study program. Students cherish this opportunity, as it helps them to start into the program as a team. Activities such as Cooking Event, our yearly Christmas party together with the Master program Business Management and our summer event at the end of the second semester, during which it is usually time to say good bye to the students going abroad in the third semester, are always highlights as they are spent in a nice location in a relaxed atmosphere.
Company visits and "Fireside chats" with senior managers
Fireside chats are get-togethers with senior managers for interactive discussions. Students of the master program "International Business and Management" come together with senior managers to share views on challenges of managing companies and career development. Visits to companies of the region, such as VW Osnabrück, CLAAS, manufacturer of agricultural machinery, or producer of specialized paper Felix Schöller Group are a good opportunity to look behind the scenes and to talk to managers or graduates from Hochschule Osnabrück working there.
The third iteration of the Mentoring.INTERKULT program reached its conclusion at the end of the 2024 summer semester. The program was established to support international students and students with a migration background in their transition to the job market and to address the shortage of skilled workers in the region. The program therefore includes workshops as well as one-on-one mentorings with mentors from the local industry. Fourteen students, including three students from the International Business and Management (M.A.) program, were celebrated at a closing ceremony and presented with a certificate. By: Kathrin Gottlieb, More details can be found in the press release (in German)
Marina Christine Tama received the DAAD Prize 2023! Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences honoured Marina Christine Tama with the DAAD Prize, endowed with 1,000 euros, for her voluntary work and outstanding grades. The prize is initiated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for outstanding achievements by international students who are also involved in voluntary work. The 2nd year master student of International Business and Management from Cameroon impressed with her good performance and a wide range of voluntary commitments, both in Cameroon and in Germany, e.g., in the Buddy Programme and the language café at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, but also at a school in Marburg, where she spoke with an English class on the topics of "gender norms and identities", "extreme situations" and "dilemmas". By: Kathrin Gottlieb, More details can be found in the press release (in German)
Four Master IBM students winning the Germany Scholarship of the funding year 2023/24 - Congratulations to our master IBM students Lavinia Rahmawati, Phyo Min Khaing, Rebecca Neil and Mohamed Metwally on winning the Germany Scholarship! "Deeply honored to have been recognized at the awarding ceremony for the Deutschland Stipendium. A heartfelt thank you to Osnabrücker Förderverein für Groß- und Außenhandel (OFGA) e.V. and the German government for their generous scholarship, and to Hochschule Osnabrück for opening up this incredible opportunity." Lavinia is excited about receiving the scholarship. You can find out what impressions and experiences she had at the award ceremony on 12th October 2023 at her LinkedIn-Post. Details on Germany scholarship program ("Deutschlandstipendium") can be found at this link.
DAAD Prize is awarded to our Master IBM student Lorena Escobar Arispe from Peru! In recognition of her outstanding academic achievements and her impressive extra-curricular activities in support of animal protection she has been awarded the DAAD Prize 2020. More details is available at the university press release
Together with professors lecturing in the Master program International Business and Management some of our students and graduates have already participated in conducting research published in the academic world. A few examples of successful publications are listed below:
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Böhmer, Nicole; Griese, Kai Michael; Rahmawati, Lavinia Celina (2023): Social sustainability: Brand Management and SDG 5. In: Schuster, Gabriele; Wolter, Lisa-Charlotte (Hrsg.): Nachhaltiges Markenmanagement, Springer, S. 71-83.
- Harald Trabold and David W. Weaver, Pay What You Want - Möglichkeiten und Grenzen eines alternativen Geschäftsmodells. Vierteljahreshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung, DIW Berlin, 85. Jahrgang, 02.2016, pp. 81 - 97.
- Mayer, P.; Freese, U.; Treptow, J.; Weaver, D.; A Comparative Analysis of Water Service Delivery in Germany and South Africa - Part 1: Water Service Delivery in Germany - A Synopsis of Issues. Discussion paper, Osnabrück, No. 1/2011.
- Steinert, C.; Halstrup, D.; Schlechte Führung wird toleriert, wenn die Zahlen stimmen. Stellenwert der Personalführung in deutschen Unternehmen. Personalführung, No. 7/2011; pp. 38 - 41. Note: This publication resulted from an empirical research project conducted by Master students taking part in the course "Strategic HR Management and Organization".
- Steinert, C., Wagner, L.; Globales Talentmanagement. Personalmagazin, No. 1/2010; pp. 16 - 19.
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Steinert, C.; Bockemühl-Simon, K.; Grenzenloses Wissen. Personalwirtschaft, No. 2/2009; pp. 51 - 53.
Contact
- Program management
Prof. Dr. Kai Michael Griese
Program director
Phone: +49 541 969-3880
E-Mail: k-m.griese@hs-osnabrueck.de
Prof. Dr. Kim Werner
Program director
Phone: +49 541 969-7268
E-Mail: k.werner@hs-osnabrueck.de
- Advice and coordination
Gita Lestari-Kötting
Program coordinator
Room: CN 0204
Phone: +49 541 969-3569
E-Mail: ibm-ma@hs-osnabrueck.de
- Application, admission and exams
Ina Müller-Schlicht
Registrar's Office
Room: CB 0006
Telefon: +49 541 969-3142
E-Mail: i.mueller-schlicht@hs-osnabrueck.de