International Business and Consulting: Strategic Management

  • Degree
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
  • Type of study
    Full-time study
  • Standard period of study
    3 semesters
  • Commencement of studies
    Winter semester (1 Oct)
  • Credits (ECTS)
    90
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Department / Central Institute
    Department of Business and Economics

Degree programme

The consecutive Master’s degree programme International Business and Consulting provides broad-based Business Administration training in two international and application-orientated fields. Building on and extending Bachelors-level knowledge and experience, it provides students with the oppor- tunity to work creatively to develop an innovative problem-solving approach.

Students taking the option International Strategic Management work in small groups with an international composition to prepare for management roles in international companies. All classes and exercises are conducted in English, so as to train presentation and communication skills in real-world simulations. Working in interactive seminars, students formulate and discuss innovative solutions.
Students taking the option International Human Resource Manage- ment deal with the central questions of Strategic Personnel Management and augment their foundation level knowledge with consideration of the strategic and sustainability aspects of Personnel Management.
Selected students from both options can be entered in the dual award programme organized with the ESC Rennes (France) or the Symbiosis Inter- national University in Pune, (India).

Professional field

The option International Strategic Management prepares its students for cross-functional positions in internationally-active companies, positions in Management Consultancy and international state business development agencies. Graduates often work in internal and external project management, perform consultancy roles or work in teams dealing with Strategy and Change Management projects.
The option International Human Resource Management qualifies its graduates to assume specialist and management roles in internationally-active companies such as an HR business partner, an HR specialist, HR Management Consultancy or HR contractors.

Degree structure

The modules taught in the first semester provide students with the opportu- nity to attain 30 ECTS. In completing these modules, students deepen their knowledge in a handful of selected specialist areas. The modules taught in the second semester (30 ECTS) build on the insights gained in the first semester. Both semesters are accompanied by a tutorial seminar. The third semester is intended for the Master’s thesis and the final oral examination, unless an internship or a semester abroad is completed.  In this case, the study programme is extended from three to four semesters.

First semester

  • Module 1: Principles of Consulting
  • Module 2: International Project Management
  • Module 3: Global Strategic Management
  • Module 4: International Supply Chain Management
  • Tutorial seminar

Second semester

  • Module 1: Advanced Consulting Skills
  • Module 2: Strategic Performance Management or another elective from the Master’s pool
  • Module 3: Innovation and Technology Management
  • Module 4: International Strategy Project
  • Tutorial seminar

Third semester

  • Research methodology seminar
  • Master’s thesis
  • Colloquium
  • Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Business Studies from an accredited university,
  • At least 210 credit points. Applicants with 180 credits will be required to obtain the additional 30 credits, for example by completing a placement in the third semester (the programme will then last four semesters),
  • evidence specifically of having completed undergraduate modules in Strategic Management, Accounting and Controlling, as well as  Operations Management (or equivalent topics) together worth at least 15 ECTS
  • English language skills on a high B2 level proved by a standardised test, e.g. TOEFL (iBT minimum score 83), IELTS (minimum score 6.0), TOEIC Four Skills (minimum score 1200), PTE Academic (minimum score 67), Cambridge English Scale (minimum score 170), Oxford Test of English (minimum score 126), UNIcert II
    If you have studied in the higher education system a minimum of two semesters entirely in English, this can be accepted as equivalent (please provide proof with your application). You do not need to provide further English certificates if you hold a GMAT.
  • Letter of motivation in English
  • Curriculum vitae in English

In addition, if applicable:

  • Proof of work experience in the field of studies if you have worked for at least one year (showing the content and period of employment)
  • A GMAT/ GMAT Focus with a score above 600 points; with a GMAT/GMAT Focus no extra English proof has to be submitted

Applicants with a degree from a German university:
15.04.-15.06.
Please, apply online through the HWR Berlin application platform (S.A.M.).


Applicants with a degree from an university abroad:
15.03.-15.05.
Students with a Non-German Bachelor degree apply at uni-assist e. V.

Programmakkreditiert durch den Akkreditierungsrat

Students who acquired less than 210 European Credit Transfer System [ECTS] points in their Bachelor course must obtain the missing credit points for example by way of an integrated period of practical training, for which 30 ECTS points are awarded. This internship semester is scheduled in the third semester, after the theoretical phase and before the completion of studies. The master programme will thus last four semesters.

The content of the internship has to relate to the focus of your master studies. After enrollment you can place a request for accreditation of previous work experience or internships.

Alternatively, the missing 30 ECTS may be gained through studies abroad during your third semester. More information will be given after the start of studies upon request.

You will not have to acquire extra ECTS if your Bachelor programme was not accredited according to the ECTS point system. This generally holds true for non-EU-study programmes.

Students who have already gained 210 ECTS points in their Bachelor and completed an internship may do an additional voluntary internship in their third semester.

All information on the offered modules and lectures can be found on the online campus management system S.A.M. (Study Administration Management).

All regulations, forms and documents can be found in your faculty site.

Fees and grants

  • Tuition fees

    None

  • Semesterfee

    ca. € 300 per semester (incl. local transport semester ticket)

Information for prospective students

Student Counselling Services

Admission and enrolment

Office for Applications, Admissions and Enrolment

Office hours:

Mon 14.00–16.00
Wed 10.00–12.00
Thu 14.00–16.00

Student advisory service

Department of Business and Economics
Heike Koch
Student Office

Academic director

Department of Business and Economics
Prof. Dr. Caroline Rudzinska
Professor of Strategic Management

Double Degree Cooperation with Triple-Accredited Rennes School of Business (RSB)

For more information: doubledegree(at)hwr-berlin.de