Business Psychology and Management (M.Sc.)
Understand People, Shape Businesses – Your Business Psychology Master’s at CBS!

Study Business Psychology – Shape the Future at the Intersection of Psychology and Business
You want to understand what drives people in organisations and how psychology can make management smarter, more human, and more effective? The Master’s in Business Psychology & Management combines behavioural science with modern management to prepare you for leadership in an increasingly complex business world.
The programme focuses on how human behaviour influences organisations, decisions, and change. You’ll explore topics such as Organisational Psychology, Leadership, AI Based Data Research, and Coaching – learning how to design strategies that align people, purpose, and performance. What makes this programme unique is its blend of applied research, diagnostics, and real-world business practice. You’ll gain the ability to analyse behaviour, interpret data, and turn insights into actionable strategies.
At CBS, learning goes far beyond theory. You’ll collaborate with companies on real projects, guided by professors who bring both academic expertise and practical experience.
Studying in Germany – known for its strong economy, innovation, and people-centred management culture – gives you an ideal platform to launch an international career in HR, consulting, or organisational development. From Cologne, a vibrant hub of business and creativity, you’ll learn how to connect psychology and management to create lasting impact.
*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
ECTS
6
- 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
ECTS
6
- 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
ECTS
6
- 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
Consumer & Advertising Psychology
6
ECTS
- Analyse and understand consumption growth and development
- Know the value of consumer satisfaction, retention, relationship
- Apply psychology to advertising and marketing
- Understand mechanisms of advertising and their underlying strategy
Consumer & Advertising Psychology
ECTS
6
- Analyse and understand consumption growth and development
- Know the value of consumer satisfaction, retention, relationship
- Apply psychology to advertising and marketing
- Understand mechanisms of advertising and their underlying strategy
Psychology & Decision Making
6
ECTS
- Understand the principles of human behaviour and experience
- Reflect fundamental findings in general psychology
- Apply instruments of psychological competence
- Get familiar with interventions in conflict management, mediation, coaching, etc.
Psychology & Decision Making
ECTS
6
- Understand the principles of human behaviour and experience
- Reflect fundamental findings in general psychology
- Apply instruments of psychological competence
- Get familiar with interventions in conflict management, mediation, coaching, etc.
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
ECTS
6
- 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
Applied Research Methods & Experimental Psychology
6
ECTS
- Apply concepts of psychological research
- Review models and theories by collecting data
- Interpret and evaluate data in a meaningful way
- Learn to plan, conduct and evaluate a self-designed experiment
Applied Research Methods & Experimental Psychology
ECTS
6
- Apply concepts of psychological research
- Review models and theories by collecting data
- Interpret and evaluate data in a meaningful way
- Learn to plan, conduct and evaluate a self-designed experiment
Organisational Psychology, HR Development & Coaching
6
ECTS
- Obtain new knowledge of topics, theories and findings in organisational psychology
- Identify potential of employee growth and development
- Analyse different formats and tools of HR development
- Get to know the coaching phases and intervention techniques
Organisational Psychology, HR Development & Coaching
ECTS
6
- Obtain new knowledge of topics, theories and findings in organisational psychology
- Identify potential of employee growth and development
- Analyse different formats and tools of HR development
- Get to know the coaching phases and intervention techniques
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
ECTS
6
- 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
ECTS
3
- 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
ECTS
3
- 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
ECTS
3
- 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
ECTS
9
- 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
Applied Business Psychology
6
ECTS
- Apply psychological learning principles to foster talent
- Work with psychological goal theories to enhance motivation
- Recognise the value of diversity and diversity management within organisations
- Apply psychological insights to successfully shape leadership in the digital age
Applied Business Psychology
ECTS
6
- Apply psychological learning principles to foster talent
- Work with psychological goal theories to enhance motivation
- Recognise the value of diversity and diversity management within organisations
- Apply psychological insights to successfully shape leadership in the digital age
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
ECTS
6
- 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
ECTS
3
- 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
ECTS
3
- 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
ECTS
6
- 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
ECTS
6
- 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
ECTS
18
- 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
Career Prospects with a Master’s in Business Psychology
With a Master of Science in Business Psychology and Management, you will have numerous career opportunities—whether as an independent consultant or as a mid-to senior-level employee in international organisations. The broad range of career paths reflects the practical and future-oriented approach of this Master’s programme, making it an ideal choice for ambitious professionals.
Below, you’ll find top career opportunities with your Master’s in Business Psychology.
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.

Ablauf deS Masterstudiums


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 Business Psychology
Here you can find answers to all important questions all around your Business Psychology master's degree. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
What is Business Psychology and Management?
The Master’s in Business Psychology and Management integrates psychological insights with business and management strategies. It provides practice-oriented knowledge to help organisations understand human behaviour and develop effective business strategies.
Why should you choose the Business Psychology and Management degree?
This Master’s programme in Business Psychology and Management allows you to combine psychological expertise with business and management knowledge, preparing you for leadership roles in HR, marketing, consulting, and change management. Graduates develop the skills to analyse workplace behaviour, enhance organisational performance, and drive strategic business decisions.
How long does the Business Psychology and Management programme last?
The Master’s in Business Psychology and Management typically lasts 4 semesters (2 years) and concludes with the award of a Master of Science (M.Sc.).
Does the Business Psychology and Management programme have a Numerus Clausus (NC)?
There is generally no NC for the Business Psychology and Management Master’s programme. Admission is based on your academic background and relevant professional experience.
What are the admission requirements for the Business Psychology and Management Master’s?
Applicants need a Master’s degree in psychology, business, or a related field. Strong English skills are required, as many modules are taught in English.
How is the Business Psychology and Management degree structured?
The Master’s in Business Psychology and Management combines lectures, seminars, and practical projects such as Event Labs, Consulting Presentations, Entrepreneurship & Business Plans and Simulation Games.
Where can I study Business Psychology and Management?
The Business Psychology and Management Master’s programme is offered at the Cologne campus.
What will I learn in the Business Psychology and Management degree? What are the core subjects?
Key study areas in the Business Psychology and Management programme include:
• Consumer and Advertising Psychology
• AI-Based Data Research
• Leadership and change management
• Organisational Psychology
• HR Development and Coaching
• Research methods and data analysis
Can I study abroad during the Business Psychology and Management programme?
Yes! In the fourth semester, you can either study abroad and write your Master’s thesis internationally or complete a minimum seven-week internship as part of the Business Psychology and Management degree.
Can I write my Master’s thesis with a company in Business Psychology and Management?
Yes! In the final semester, you can either spend a semester abroad or complete a corporate internship, providing the ideal opportunity to write your Master’s thesis with a business focus as part of the Business Psychology and Management programme.
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