HWR Berlin Double Degree Programme

Are you interested in pursuing the Bachelor's Double Degree programme in International Business Administration Exchange?

The programme is open to students on the following degree programmes:

• International Business Administration Exchange (IBAEx)
• Business Administration
  As a full-time student on the BA in Business Administration programme you can apply for a place on the Double Degree programme in your third semester. If your application is successful, you can apply to switch from the Business Administration programme to the International Business Administration Exchange programme. To do so, please contact the IBAEx student officeo.
• International Business Management (IBMAN)

You apply for a Double Degree place during the International Days in your third semester and spend your fifth and sixth semesters at the partner university. Your studies at the partner university follow a curriculum agreed between the two institutions. Upon successful completion of your studies at HWR Berlin, the partner university will award you your Bachelor’s degree.

Rennes School of Business (RSB), Frankreich, 

Degree: MSc in International Management (IMGT)

Students on the following programmes:

• International Business and Consulting Strategic Management,
• International Business and Consulting Human Resources,
• International Marketing,
• International Finance,
• Finance, Accounting, Controlling and Taxes (FACT)
• M.A. IBCON Human Resources,

are eligible to apply for the Master’s Double Degree programme with Rennes School of Business.

How the Master’s Double Degree programme with RSB works:

After successfully completing the first two semesters at HWR Berlin, students spend the third semester (September–April) at RSB. The application process for this takes place during the first semester during the International Days in October/November. The course at the partner university follows a curriculum agreed between the two institutions. Students return to the HWR Berlin in the fourth semester and write their Master’s thesis. 

Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW) , Schweiz

Degree: MSc. Management and Law

Students on the

• LLM. in Corporate Law in an International Context

programme can apply for the Master’s Double Degree programme at Zurich University of Applied Sciences.

This is how the Master’s Double Degree programme with ZHAW works:

After successfully completing the first two semesters at HWR Berlin, students spend the third semester at ZHAW. The application process for this takes place during the first semester. The course at the partner university follows a curriculum agreed between the two institutions. Students write their Master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

Leo Röpke, BA International Business Administration Exchange

I can highly recommend Finland as an exchange destination for the HWR Berlin dual degree programme. I had a fantastic year, during which I developed both professionally and personally. I really enjoyed Finland’s education system, culture and society, the organisation, and the wide range of leisure activities on offer. The city of Helsinki offered a lovely change from everyday life in Berlin and became my second home over the course of those 10 months. 

Erja Gudermann, BA International Business Administration Exchange

Photo: privat

This year abroad really helped me step out of my comfort zone; that was probably the most important thing for me. I don’t know whether the double degree itself will give me a significant competitive edge in the job market, but the soft skills I’ve acquired certainly will. I would definitely recommend a stay abroad. If possible, you should stay for a whole year. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Studentin, BA International Business Administration Exchange

The courses were consistently practice-oriented, internationally focused and varied in their structure. One particularly positive aspect was that there were no clashes in the timetable; the university coordinates this automatically. In the first semester, I actually had at least one class every day; in the second, I had Mondays off, and with fewer courses taken, it’s even possible to have two days off per week. 

Assessment was based on a mix of group work, presentations, written reports and occasional exams. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Double Degree programme at AUAS. If you’re looking for a combination of a solid education, an international atmosphere and an exciting student life, Amsterdam is the perfect place for you. For me, this year was not only a boost in academic growth but also in personal development. 

Frederike Giese, BA International Business Administration Exchange

I had several presentations or small assignments almost every week. The workload was manageable, but there was always something to do. In some courses there was less to do; it depended very much on the subject. Overall, the course is quite practice-oriented, which I really liked! I was able to work on my presentation skills a lot and discover new learning methods. The interaction with the lecturers was relaxed and a bit different from what I was used to in Berlin. There was plenty of discussion, questions and exchanges on an equal footing. My courses mainly consisted of other exchange students and few Dutch fellow students, but that’s exactly what made the international exchange so exciting. Everyone contributed their own experiences and perspectives, which I found very enriching. I would highly recommend Amsterdam as a city for a year or semester abroad, because I really had a great time there.

Till Trense, BA International Business Administration Exchange

Time and again, you’re faced with new challenges and difficult situations, but you definitely grow from them. I can almost say that I’ve returned a changed person. Of course, it’s not easy being so far away from everything you’ve known so far – but the insights and experiences you gain in such a different part of the world are all the greater for it. I’ve grown to love the Argentinians, their culture and the way they interact with one another, and I’d go back there in a heartbeat – I already miss it terribly. I can hardly imagine a better place for a year-long stay abroad.

Pauline John, BA International Business Administration Exchange 

Brazil is an incredibly beautiful country, with a culture that’s very different from what we’re used to in Germany. This is particularly evident here in Fortaleza, where life is quite different with the beach on your doorstep and temperatures of 30 degrees every day. Brazilians are very friendly, open and cheerful people; it’s easy to make friends. They are very interested in other cultures, and if they speak English, it makes it even easier to chat. UNIFOR has a huge campus with plenty of green spaces – it’s a great place to study. Everyone is extremely friendly. There’s a wide range of courses on offer, so I can explore my interests further and choose subjects like strategic negotiation or communication and management. The lecturers are very approachable. The lessons are fun and very practical, with lots of project work.

Benian Bartels, BA International Business Administration Exchange

My year abroad at the Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR) was one of the most formative and wonderful experiences of my time at university – and probably of my life. If you have the chance to do this dual degree programme: go for it! It was a year full of joy, new perspectives, travel, friendships and personal growth.

Alua Kussainova, MA Accounting Student (Master Double Degree Programme) 

My Erasmus experience at Rennes School of Business was a defining chapter in my educational journey. The academic rigour, cultural immersion and opportunities for personal development offered by Rennes School of Business in the vibrant city of Rennes created fertile ground for discovery, learning and self-discovery. This experience not only deepened my understanding of global business practices, but also fostered my appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Through this incredible journey, I have become a more well-rounded individual, equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. The Erasmus programme truly embodies the essence of academic mobility, cultural exchange and personal transformation.

Hannah Jurich, BA International Business Management

Last year, I enrolled on the ‘International Business Track’ programme and completed a minor in International Finance. It was a year full of personal growth, challenges and unforgettable experiences. I had the incredible opportunity to learn alongside my international fellow students, exchange ideas and discover new ways of thinking.

Student, BA International Business Administration Exchange

My time abroad in Nice was the best part of my degree. I’m really grateful that we, as double degree students, have this opportunity, and I’d choose Nice again in a heartbeat. There’s always something to do and the city is the perfect size, as everything is within easy walking distance and you’re constantly bumping into fellow students. The double degree programme is a great way to make international contacts and gain experience

Studentin, BA International Business Administration Exchange

My time in Bilbao was a unique experience, and after 10 months I’ve really come to feel at home here. I’ve grown to love the city, which is something I never would have expected. To be honest, Bilbao had never really been of particular interest to me or a potential destination for a trip. It’s ideal for studying and offers a wonderful change from the hectic city life in Berlin.

Kim Florence Bachmann, BA International Business Administration Exchange Student

Photo: privat

I couldn’t have chosen a better place than Zaragoza for my year abroad and my double degree. I’ve made friends for life, learnt a great deal about myself and had some incredible experiences. Zaragoza might seem unassuming at first glance, but it has so much to offer, and I promise you won’t regret choosing it.

Faye Luisa Schwettmann, BA International Business Administration Exchange

Photo: privat

To sum up, I can only recommend that everyone goes to Madrid if the opportunity arises. The course is challenging and it’s definitely different from the HWR Berlin, but you broaden your horizons immensely and grow through the challenges you face. The Spanish people are incredibly open and friendly, provided you get involved and make an effort to engage with them. Madrid is so diverse and you can discover a new place every day.

Aicha Emily Joof, BA International Business Administration Exchange

As my exchange at the University of Hertfordshire is now sadly coming to an end, I look back on a chapter marked by personal and academic growth, new friendships and unforgettable moments. The eight-month study abroad programme has broadened my horizons in every respect. One of the most rewarding experiences was adapting to an academic system that was completely different from what I was used to in Berlin. From practical assignments and interactive teaching methods to close collaboration with lecturers – this experience really took me out of my comfort zone and helped me to grow both personally and professionally.

Henriette von Angern, BA International Business Administration Exchange

I can highly recommend spending a semester abroad at the University of Aberdeen. It’s a great place for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and being in nature, or who’d like to experience student life in a small town.

Studentin, BA International Business Administration Exchange 

Who is Scotland the right choice for? Anyone who longs for beautiful natural surroundings, doesn’t mind packing a rain jacket, is sociable, and enjoys trying new things with a sense of humour and a touch of sarcasm. RGU’s stunning campus is situated on the outskirts of the city, right by the River Dee. The buildings are modern, bright and well-equipped. My favourite place to catch up on work and study was the top floor of the library, where you have almost a 360-degree view and can have a chat. You could also borrow laptops there if you’d forgotten yours. Otherwise, there were booths in the Riverside Building that you could book, which I often did for breaks between lectures.

You study for two semesters (one semester for Master Double Degree) at one of HWR Berlin’s partner universities offering double degrees and receive a second bachelor’s or master’s degree.

For a bachelor’s double degree, you will study for a total of 8 semesters.
For a master’s double degree, you will study for a total of 4 semesters.

You will receive a degree from HWR Berlin and a qualification in accordance with the regulations of the partner universities abroad.

More than just a stay abroad – a real career advantage. A double degree combines academic excellence with international experience and specifically prepares you for the global job market. International experience, independence and adaptability are particularly valued by employers.

Bachelor’s double degree

At selected partner universities in::

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Finland
• France
• the UK
• the Netherlands
• Spain

Master’s double degree:

At selected partner universities in:

• France
• Switzerland

The Bachelor’s Double Degree Programme is open to students on the following courses: Business Administration, International Business Administration Exchange, International Business Management.

The Master’s double degree programme at Rennes School of Business is open to students on the following Master’s programmes: International Business and Consulting Strategic Management, International Business and Consulting Human Resources,  International Marketing, International Finance, Finance, Accounting, Controlling and Taxes (FACT).

The Master’s double degree programme at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is open to students on the  LLM Unternehmensrecht im internationalen Kontext.
 

Bachelor’s Double Degree Programme: The standard duration of study is 8 semesters – you will obtain a degree from HWR Berlin and a degree from the partner university – without any additional study time. 

Master’s Double Degree Programme: The standard duration of study is 4 semesters

Bachelor’s double degree students

• usually spend the 5th and 6th semesters at the partner university. The programme at the partner university follows a curriculum agreed between the two universities.
• 7th semester: Placement
• 8th semester: Bachelor’s thesis
• Upon successful completion of your studies at HWR Berlin, the partner university will award you your Bachelor’s degree.

Master’s Double Degree students

• spend the 3rd semester at the partner university. Studies at the partner university follow a curriculum agreed between the two universities.
• They write their Master’s thesis in the 4th semester.
• Upon successful completion of your degree at HWR Berlin, the partner university will award you a bachelor’s degree certificate.

Bachelor’s double degree students apply for a place on the double degree programme during the International Days in their third semester. 

Master’s double degree students apply for a place on the double degree programme during the International Days in their first semester.

A double degree programme isn’t necessarily more stressful, but rather more structured and focused. Bachelor’s students follow the standard curriculum from the outset and earn 120 ECTS credits before going abroad. At the partner university, you will complete a coordinated study plan over two semesters. Master’s students spend their first year at HWR Berlin and complete a coordinated study plan at the partner universities. In this way, you combine academic excellence with international experience and prepare yourself optimally for the global job market.

Generally speaking, no. However, some partner universities require that the bachelor’s thesis be written and submitted in English rather than German.

Only one partner university requires students to submit a shorter bachelor’s thesis in English, which they can use for their main thesis at HWR Berlin.