Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Your Path to Global Leadership – Study the International Management MBA in Full-Time!

Study International Management (MBA) in Cologne!
Do you want to fully focus on your academic development while preparing for an international career in business leadership? Then the full-time MBA in International Management at CBS is the perfect choice for you! In just four semesters, you will acquire comprehensive, programme-specific expertise and apply your knowledge in real-world business projects.
Compared to the Fast-Track MBA, the full-time programme consists of 120 instead of 60 ECTS credits, allowing you to deepen your expertise in specialised subjects and take a wider range of elective courses. All lectures are conducted in English, ensuring that you are fully prepared for the demands of a global work environment.
Who is the MBA in International Management for?
This MBA programme is particularly designed for graduates from non-business disciplines who have gained first-hand experience through their undergraduate studies or professional background. With this programme, you can broaden your skill set with business management expertise and qualify for senior leadership roles.
Even if you already have a business-related degree, the full-time MBA in International Management provides a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge or specialise in a specific business area. An MBA degree can be the decisive step towards achieving the next level in your career.

Learning content
Master Thesis Workshop
3
ECTS
During the Master Thesis Tutorial you will learn the fundamentals for your Master thesis: Defining the topic as well as structuring the thesis and you will learn the theoretical knowledge for scientific working.
Career Seminar
3
ECTS
In this module students will learn about future possible employments and business sectors of their interest. Aim is to discuss the master thesis and industry-related issues with companies to see future prospects, chances and limitations of particular business areas. Furthermore, students shall be able to make important contacts with business people for their further career development.
Master Thesis
24
ECTS
You have 12 weeks to complete your thesis and the subject is freely selectible. A supervisor from CBS will support you and you can write the thesis in collaboration with a company as well.
Creative Thinking & Innovation
3
ECTS
- Contemporary Theories of Creativity and Innovation
- The Ten Faces of Innovation
- Creativity and Intelligence
- Barriers, Blocks and Squelchers
- Inspiration through Analogical Thinking
- Brainstorming and Others Techniques of Ideation
- Lateral Thinking
- Creative Problem Solving
- The Art of Incubation
- Assessing Creative Potential
- Using Imagination, Association, Intuition
- Creative Questioning
- Creating Flow
Management & Leadership Competencies
3
ECTS
- Theories, Models, Processes around Peoples and Teams
- Managerial competencies i.e. Planning and Administration Competency
- Strategic Action Competency
- Leadership competencies i.e. Communication Competency
- Personal Vision and Self-Motivation
- Goal Setting and Mission Statement
- Teamwork Competency
- Multicultural Competency
- Self-Management Competency
- Leading in a Culture of Change
- Knowledge Building
Business Project
6
ECTS
- Project Kick-off
- Project objectives, scope and key milestones presented by the “client”
- Deep-dive sessions and feedback loops
- Lecturer on a weekly basis supports students with designing their intermediate presentations
- Feedback sessions
- Final presentations
Business Elective
9
ECTS
- Strategic Management and Consulting
- Fundamentals of Consulting
- International Competitive Strategy
- Corporate Strategy and Renewal
- Entrepreneurship
- The Entrepreneur
- Start Up Management and Business Modeling
- Digital Network Economy
- Sustainability
- Sustainability and Business Ethics
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Sustainable Financial Management
Business Simulation Game
3
ECTS
- Storage
- Cost accounting
- Capacity utilization
- Cash-Flow
- Performance indicators
Digital Management Strategies
3
ECTS
- Introduction to socio-technological trends driving digital transformation: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Robotics, Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, Cloud Computing, mobile technologies, social media, semantic Web, Augmented und Virtual Reality, 3D print, …
- Digital management approaches
- Cross-functional coordination
- Digital product management: product evaluation; product lifecyle management
- Interplay between analytics and business model thinking; creation and orchestration of stakeholder networks
- Process digitization
- Digitization of value chains
Digital Technology and Business Applications
3
ECTS
The module description is currently being worked on and will be available soon.
Managing Change & Digital Transformation
3
ECTS
- Organizations and the environmental change
- The formal and informal subsystem of change
- Forms of change
- Frequency and magnitude of change
- Organizational responses to change
- Resistance, commitment and readiness to change
- Implementing change management
- Culture, politics and power
Intercultural Awareness
3
ECTS
- Concepts of communication
- Concepts of culture
- Categories of cultural analysis
- Creating brand identity across cultures
- Marketing in global social networks
- Cultural symbols and taboos
- Diversity in world markets
- Diversity in teams
- Identity and culture
- Gender and culture
International Human Resource Management
3
ECTS
- The organizational context
- IHRM in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, international alliances and SMEs
- Staffing international operations
- Recruiting and selecting staff for international assignments
- International training and development
- Re-entry and career issues
- International performance management
- IHRM trends and future challenges
Business Process Planning & Operations Management
3
ECTS
- Costs and Targets of Operations and Operations Strategy
- Location Decisions and Layout Planning
- Process Design and Business Process Optimization
- Aggregate Planning, Material Requirements Management and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
- Short-Term Scheduling in Production
- Lean Production and Toyota Production System
- Quality Management and Statistical Process Control
- Maintenance and Reliability Decisions
- Service Management
- Sustainable Operations
Modern Marketing Management
3
ECTS
- The Strategic importance of International Marketing
- The world trading environment
- International Marketing Research and opportunity analysis
- Consumer Buying Behaviour – Analysing Customer Requirements
- Identifying Market Segments and Targeting
- Marketing Strategy Development with focus on market entry strategies
- Implementation: The 4Ps in International Marketing
- Technology enabled International Marketing
Global Supply Chain Management
3
ECTS
- Fundamentals of international logistics
- Inventory management
- Warehouse management
- Packaging and transportation
- Procurement logistics
- Production logistics
- Distribution logistics
- Disposal logistics
- Supply Chain Strategy & Design
- Supply Chain Planning & Synchronization
- Trends in supply chain management
Financial Instruments
3
ECTS
- Overview of various types of fixed income securities, valuation of fixed income securities, understanding bond ratings, securitisation and asset backed securities, risks associated with investing in bonds, understanding yield spreads, interpreting the yield curve, Spot rates and Forward rates, measurement of interest rate risk, bond portfolio management strategies in the international context
- Derivatives instruments; Futures and forwards, option payoffs and options strategies, option valuation techniques
Corporate Finance & Valuation
3
ECTS
- Determinants of a firm’s financial structure
- Market value of a firm and financial decisions
- Effects of time, uncertainty, taxes, and incentives on the present value of firm cash flows
- Net present value and discounted cash-flow analysis
- Risk, Return and Capital Budgeting
International Law
3
ECTS
- Foundations to Organization Theory
- External & internal factors to change organizations
- Organizational goals and instruments
- Creating effective organizations
- Organizational development & change
- Alignment issues
- Organizational controlling
- Concluding a contract
- Different types of contracts and their typical features
- Performance and obligations
- Solving problems (e.g. failure to perform, liabilities)
- Safeguarding creditors’ rights
- Forms of business organizations
Applied Economics
3
ECTS
- Labour economics
- Business economics
- Development economics
- Health economics
- Education economics
- Monetary economics
- Public economics
- And economic history
Team & Self Management
3
ECTS
- Team typologies models: Hippokrates, Kretschmer, Belbin, Jung, & Myers Briggs
- From workgroup to high-performance self-managing teams
- Phases of team development & the team performance curve
- Conditions for team development Trust and control
- Group dynamics
- Ego-States: Eric Berne
- Realistic goal setting
- Team conflict: emergence and avoidance
- Escalation and management of conflicts: Friedrich, Glasl
Project Management & Digital Skills
3
ECTS
- Basic competence (Project specifications, project goals and evaluation, project phases and cycles, project norms and rules)
- Social competence (Communication, motivation, groups and team structures, leadership, conflict management)
- Methodological competence (Structural aspects, time management, cost management, human resource management, creativity and problem solving)
- Organisational competence (Quality management, documentation, risk management, project start and closure)
Managerial Accounting
3
ECTS
- Managerial accounting and global business environment
- Cost term, terms and classifications
- Job-order costing
- Process costing
- Cost behavior
- Cost-volume-profit relationships
- Variable costing
- Activity based costing to aid decision making
- Profit planning
- Sustainability and ethics in accounting decision making
Financial & Cost Accounting
3
ECTS
- Financial transactions and their impact
- Major financial reports
- Accrual accounting
- IFRS versus US-GAAP
- Ratio analysis
- Cost behaviour, terms, and definitions
- Traditional costing systems
- Job costing and process costing
- Activity-based costing
- Overhead analysis sheet
- Cost-volume-profit analysis
- Pricing decisions, product mix decisions
- Budgeting
- Transfer pricing
Organizational Behaviour
3
ECTS
- Research Methods for Organisational Behaviour
- Managing Diversity and Individual Differences
- Perceptions and Decision Making
- Work Motivation and Performance
- Job Satisfaction and Commitment
- Efficiency, Motivation, and Quality in Work Design
- Interdependence and Role Relationships
- Group Dynamics and Team Effectiveness
- Leadership in Groups and Organisations
- Power, Politics, and Conflict
- Culture, Change, and Organisational Development
Advanced Business Strategy
3
ECTS
- External Analysis
- Internal Analysis
- Generic business-level strategies for competitive advantage
- Basic Corporate-level strategic choices for long-term profitability
- Diversification strategy
- Internationalization
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Strategic entrepreneurship
- Strategic leadership
- Social Responsibility and Ethics of Strategic Management
- Basics of Corporate Governance
Modern Market and Business intelligence
3
ECTS
- Defining the marketing research problem and developing an approach
- Methods of international market research
- Research design
- Secondary Data
- Qualitative research
- Quantitative research
- Scaling and sampling
- Fieldwork and Data preparation
- Basic data analysis (how to use it)
- Report preparation and presentation
Academic Writing & Quantative Methods
3
ECTS
- Algebra and Mathematical Functions
- Matrix Algebra and Linear Equations
- Differentiation and Integral Calculus
- Optimization: Functions of several variables
- Linear Programming
- Mathematics of Finance
- Apply the sampling methods and the Central Limit Theorem
- Compute the measures of location and measures of dispersion
- Represent the statistical data
- Perform linear (multiple) regression and correlation analysis
- Describe the basic concepts of probability
- Set up a difference and/or relationship hypothesis and carry out statistical inference tests
- Apply decision making theory to make decisions under risk and under uncertainty
- Apply statistical software like R or SPSS in common business issues
Basics Of Industrial Management
3
ECTS
- Basic Business, Economic, and Market Principles and Key Terms
- External Business Environment: At both National and International Level
- Global Markets and International Trade
- Competitive Environment
- Internal Environment
- Management, Leadership & Motivation
- Business Function: HR
- Business Function: Operations
- Business Function: Marketing
- Business Function: Finance and Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Ethics: Ethical Business Management, International aspects of Ethics & CSR
- Emerging Business Trends
Foundations of Managerial Economics
3
ECTS
- Demand Analysis and Applications of Elasticities
- Supply Analysis and the Theory of the Firm
- Production Economics and Cost Analysis
- Economies and Diseconomies of Scale
- Market Equilibrium and Welfare Analysis
- Prices, Output and Strategy
- Strategic Interaction and Game Theory
- Market Failure and Government Regulation
Why CBS UNIVERSITY
Your path to CBS
The Getting started Your studies at CBS University of Applied Sciences are so individually Like yourself — and at the same time uncomplicated designed. With our easy to use Online application process Can you yourself cushy of everywhere From apply, completely without Numerus clausus.
Instead of staring Admission requirements Waiting for you with us is a personal selection processthat is your strengths and focuses on potential. Regardless of whether you are looking for dual, part-time or full-time studies Decide, the CBS University offers you the optimal connection of Theory and practice.

Admission requirements
Die Zugangsvoraussetzungen für dein MBA-Studium an der CBS University of Applied Sciences variieren je nach Studiengang .
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.
YOUR APPLICATION PROCESS
To ensure a quick and straightforward application process, we have made it as simple as possible! In just a few steps, you can apply for your MBA programme – online, flexibly, and without long waiting times.
Maximal Praxisah
Through our approach, theory and practice to connect, you can use the knowledge you have learned during your studies upfront apply and gain valuable insights into the real world of work.
Business Projects
As part of the business projects at CBS International Business School, students have the opportunity to work together with renowned undertakings at realistic projects to work. This practice-oriented Form of teaching combines theoretical knowledge with specific economic issues and provides deep insights into professional processes.
Business cooperation
Thanks to a network of via 1,300 established companies out various industries Do students benefit from exclusive insights into the working world. These collaborations not only open up exciting perspectives, but also promote development important contacts and offer sustainable career opportunities.
Internship/professional experience
Whether in the form of Compulsory internships, which are an integral part of many degree programs, or through the integration of professional experience into dual and part-time programs: You can your knowhow directly in the real working world apply.
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Ablauf und Präsenzzeiten deS Studiums
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Inspiration und Impact – Das sagen unsere Alumni
Lass dich von den Erfahrungen unserer Alumni inspirieren und entdecke, wie das Studium an der CBS ihre berufliche und persönliche Entwicklung geprägt hat.
FAQ: The Most Important Questions About the Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Here you will find answers to all the key questions about your MBA programme. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
Is my International Management MBA recognised?
Yes, all CBS University of Applied Sciences master’s degrees are fully recognised and hold international accreditation.
Can I pursue a PhD after completing my International Management MBA?
Yes, with a master’s degree in International Management, you qualify for a PhD programme.
What salary can I expect after completing the International Management MBA?
Graduates of the International Management MBA enjoy excellent earning potential. Salaries vary depending on industry, company size, location, and prior work experience.
According to a study by mystipendium.de, the average starting salary after a Bachelor’s in International Management is approximately €48,000 per year. With increased work experience and senior positions in larger corporations, salaries can be significantly higher.
What career opportunities and job roles can I pursue with an International Management MBA?
Thanks to the broad curriculum, graduates have a wide range of career paths, including:
• Consulting
• Project Management
• Marketing & Sales
• General Management
• Product Development
• Research
• Administration
How can I find the right job with an International Management MBA?
As a CBS student, you will have numerous opportunities to network with companies throughout your studies. The integrated internship and business projects allow you to gain practical experience across different industries.
Additionally, our Career Service offers personal coaching and access to the exclusive CBS corporate network to help you secure the perfect job.
What are the admission requirements for the MBA?
To apply for an MBA at CBS University of Applied Sciences, you must have:
• A first academic degree from a recognised university, university of applied sciences, or business academy (German or international).
• A minimum of 180 ECTS credits from your undergraduate degree.
• At least one year of professional work experience to demonstrate practical business competencies.
All application documents must be submitted in English and will be carefully reviewed by the CBS Admissions Office to ensure all requirements are met.
Where can I study the Master of Business Administration (MBA)?
You can complete the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in cologne. The city offers a dynamic economic environment with numerous companies, networking opportunities and an international community — ideal for your career in management.
How long does an MBA programme take?
The programme lasts four semesters (24 months) and is offered full time.
What content is taught in the International MBA?
The first semester includes introductory modules on various management topics as well as research methods, and also covers the basics of accounting. In the area of transferable skills, additional courses are offered, such as “Project Management and Digital Skills” or “Team and Self Management”. Because, in addition to technical expertise, social skills are particularly advantageous when searching for a job.
2nd Semester: Global Management and Corporate Finance
The focus in the second semester is on international management. Most companies operate not only nationally but globally. Future employees are therefore required to have knowledge of international markets and economies. To serve this purpose, seminars such as the following are offered:
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Modern Global Marketing Management
• International Human Resource Management
• Intercultural Awareness
Other focuses include finance and business law.
Business Project and Business Simulation Game in the 3rd Semester of the MBA in Cologne
In the third semester, the learned content is applied in a Business Project. In this, students work on real case studies from companies and present their solutions to company representatives. Additionally, a Business Simulation Game is held, where students make realistic business decisions and experience the consequences of those decisions for the company.
The curriculum also includes an elective course in Strategic Management and Consulting, Entrepreneurship, or Sustainability. Additionally, the modules “Leadership Skills and Management Competencies” and “Creative Thinking and Innovation” are covered.
Master Thesis in the 4th Semester of the Master’s in Business Administration
The fourth semester primarily focuses on the Master Thesis. In this, students work on a current issue using scientifically-based methods and approaches, often in close collaboration with a company. This way, both students and companies benefit from the results. Additionally, a Career Seminar takes place, focusing on possible career fields and career prospects. This is also an opportunity to network with relevant business leaders.
What are the benefits of studying for an MBA?
The combination of business-related and transferable content is not unusual for a business administration (BWL) degree. Since the MBA is mainly pursued by individuals with professional experience, another important aspect comes into play: the networking aspect. Professionals from various industries come together here.
Especially thanks to this networking effect, an MBA degree serves as a powerful career booster. Many graduates successfully transition into new jobs or industries and significantly increase their salary due to their high qualifications.
Any questions? We're here to help
Do you have any questions about our bachelor's or master's degree programs? Our Student Advisory team is here to support you! Schedule your personal consultation—online or in person—for tailored, non-binding guidance on finding the right study program for you.
