MOIN!
Welcome to Hamburg. A city full of character, contrasts, and global connections. Often called “the Gateway to the World,” it blends maritime heritage with modern urban life, creating an atmosphere that feels both international and distinctly local.
From calm views across the Alster to the striking silhouette of the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s many faces showcase the diversity that shapes everyday life in this harbour city. Its culinary specialties, from classic Fischbrötchen to the beloved Franzbrötchen, add to its unique charm.
As an integral part of this vibrant environment, the University of Hamburg offers an academic setting that mirrors the city’s diversity and forward-looking spirit. As one of Germany’s largest and most respected research institutions, it attracts students and scholars from around the world to collaborate, innovate, and address global challenges.
With interdisciplinary programs, strong international partnerships, and a campus woven directly into the city, the University of Hamburg provides a rare balance between academic excellence and everyday urban life. For universities seeking a global-minded partner, Hamburg stands out as an open, connected, and future-oriented choice.
Impressions of Hamburg

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
Hamburg’s historic old town combines centuries of history with modern city life.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
The Elbphilharmonie rises above the River Elbe as Hamburg’s iconic landmark of music and architecture.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
One of Europe’s largest ports – a place where global trade meets maritime tradition.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
Small canals and historic buildings give Hamburg a unique, almost Venetian atmosphere.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
The Binnenalster lake offers a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
At night, the Jungfernstieg and the Binnenalster create a magical cityscape.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
During the festive season, Hamburg comes alive with traditional Christmas markets and festive lights throughout the city.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
A local favorite: Hamburg’s famous cinnamon pastry, best enjoyed fresh from the bakery.

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A true northern classic – fresh fish served in a roll, straight from the harbor tradition.

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The Hamburg DOM is the city’s largest funfair, bringing lights, rides, and excitement several times a year.

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Neon lights and music define Große Freiheit, one of Hamburg’s most famous streets.

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Hamburg’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse, especially around the legendary Reeperbahn.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
World-class theatre productions make Hamburg one of Germany’s leading cultural cities.

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In winter, Planten un Blomen transforms into a popular ice-skating destination.

Foto: UHH/InternationalOffice
In summer, the canals invite students to relax, explore, and enjoy Hamburg from the water.
Ranking Universität Hamburg
In research-focused rankings, the university is placed in ARWU 2024 between 151–200 in Management and 201–300 in Business Administration. It ranks 238 in URAP 2024/25 (Business) and 141 in the US News 2025/26 ranking for Economics and Business. In overall subject performance, THE 2025 positions the university in the 126–150 band for Business and Management.
University of Hamburg Business School
The University of Hamburg Business School combines a strong research tradition with a modern, data-driven approach to business education. Rooted in Hamburg’s international trade history, it focuses on evidence-based decision-making, quantitative research, and responsible leadership. With a growing international profile and prestigious EQUIS accreditation, the School prepares future leaders to shape business and society in a sustainable and impactful way.
Brochure business school (PDF)
BSc Business Administration
Language: German, English
Course Catalogue:
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BSc Business Administration combines a distinguished Hanseatic tradition of commercial trade with the methods and theories of modern, quantitative management research. Teaching and research are interdisciplinary and international in scope. We look for, uncover, and support the individual talents of our students and researchers.
For more information please refer to the homepage of BSc Business Administration.
MSc Business Adminstration
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The Master of Science in Business Administration is a research and method-oriented degree program offering a comprehensive range of electives in the field of business administration and its sub-disciplines. In addition to in-depth knowledge of general business administration, the program provides students with further analytical and methodological skills, and imparts insight into at least two of six sub-areas, including corporate management, marketing, and media. The master's program in business administration also reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field.
For more information please refer to the homepage of MSc Business Administration.
Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences
The WISO-Faculty at the University of Hamburg blends strong academic tradition with a modern, interdisciplinary approach to economics, business, and social sciences. Through a mix of empirical research, sustainability-oriented projects, and social-scientific inquiry, it fosters evidence-based teaching and socially relevant analysis. Its strong international profile and varied, future-oriented degree offerings prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to business, policy, and society.
Booklet Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences (PDF)
BA Political Science
Languages: German / English
Course Catalogues:
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For more information please refer to the homepage (DE) of BA Political Science.
BA Socioeconomics
Language: German / English
Course Catalogue: Students of the BA Socioeconomics can choose between all Bachelor courses within the faculty for Business, Economics and Social Sciences (BA Political Science, BA Sociology, BSc Economics). Please refer to their course catalogue for an overview on the course offer.
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For more information, please refer to the homepage (DE) of BA Socioeconomics.
BA Sociology
Language: German / English
Course Catalogue:
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For more information please refer to the homepage (DE) of BA Sociology.
BA Economics
Lanugage: German / English
Course Catalogue:
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Why is demographic change challenging the welfare state? What would be the effects of universal basic income on society or what can we learn from the recent worldwide financial crisis? If you are interested in coming to grips with the complexity of modern economies, studying economics in Hamburg provides you with an excellent starting point.
The harbor metropolis with a turnover of around 140 million tons of goods every year is the ideal location for grappling with the larger economic issues in a globalized world. Get into a field of studies that addresses the big economic questions.
For more information please refer to the homepage of BSc Economics.
MA International Criminology
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The program focuses on social practices and dynamics at various levels—from the micropolitics of social environments and institutions such as prisons, through to global security interventions.
A research-oriented, interdisciplinary approach at the interface of law and social sciences imparts advanced, subject-specific theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills oriented towards current international scholarly debate. The aim of the program is to enable students to analyze “criminological facts” and reflect critically on their development, conduct independent research, and contribute to criminological understanding in public discourse.
For more information please refer to the homepage of International Criminology.
MSc Economics
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The program attaches great importance to quantitative skills and emphasizes state-of-the-art methods in empirical research. It encourages applied work and relates it to policy. The program prepares students for real-world economic situations and challenges. It provides solid training in best-practice methods in mainstream economics. Students have the opportunity to undertake optional in-depth studies in areas of particular personal interest, which are designed to facilitate the transition into independent research.
For more information please refer to the homepage of MSc Economics.
MA Human Resource Management (HRM)
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Besides the core areas of human resource management (staff selection, staff training and development, staff assessment, leadership and cooperation), students also gain specialist knowledge in the fields of operational co-determination, gender policy, organizational theory, and ergonomics. The program emphasizes key soft skills such as communication and conflict management, team and project management, coaching, and mediation.
For more information please refer to the homepage of Human Resource Management.
MA Journalism and Mass Communication
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Encouraging quality journalism is the guiding principle and overall objective of this program. In a media landscape in which PR strategies and search engines increasingly influence the practice of reporting, the master’s in journalism and mass communication seeks to train journalists for whom thorough research, an impartial appreciation of the facts, professional skepticism, comprehensible reporting, and independent judgment form the cornerstones of the trade.
For more information please refer to the homepage of Journalism and Mass Communication.
MA Political Science
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Within the core curriculum and two specializations, students take a theoretical, empirical, and practice-oriented approach to consider complex governance issues both inside (regional, sub-national, and national levels) and outside (supra-, trans-, and international levels) of states. A research module enables individual research under qualified supervision.
Two specializations are offered within this research-based program: comparative and regional studies (VRS) and international political theory (IPT).
For more information please refer to the homepage of Political Science.
MA Sociology
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The MA in Sociology gains its special profile from three components. Two core areas of the discipline are covered at an advanced, international level, namely sociological theories and quantitative and qualitative methods of empirical research. The program moreover focuses on the mediation of practical, research-based expertise and skills.
For more information please refer to the homepage of Sociology.
MA in International Busniess and Sustainability (MIBAS)
Language: English
Course Catalogue:
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The MIBAS focuses on developing specific expertise and skills in the areas of international management and sustainability. The taught component of the program initiates students into the far-reaching theoretical and practical challenges faced by companies and society in the pursuit of sustainable business strategies. The program introduces students to the ethical, ecological, social, and political implications of corporate value creation processes, thus fostering a particular sense of responsibility among students aspiring to be leaders of the future.
For more information please refer to the homepage of MIBAS.
MSc Health Economics & Health Care Management (HEHCM)
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Students acquire academic and professional knowledge in health economics and health care management. The program is aimed at students seeking qualifications for work in (a) academia, (b) the health care industry (e.g., hospitals, health insurance funds, pharmaceutical and/or medical devices companies, associations of health care providers), and (c) public and not-for-profit institutions in the health care sector.
For more information please refer to the homepage of MSc HEHCM.
MSc Interdisciplinary Public and Nonprofit Studies (PUNO)
Language: German, English
Course Catalogue:
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The students learn to understand and to develop solutions for interdisciplinary problems in the public and nonprofit sector.
For more information please refer to the homepage of PUNO.
MSc Politics, Economics and Philosophy (PEP)
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The program focuses on the analysis of individual and collective decision-making from the perspective of the program’s respective three disciplines. Students will learn how to combine insights from political science, economics, and philosophy in order to solve decision problems arising in such diverse areas as politics, corporate governance, international relations, and others. The program is research-oriented and aims to provide a thorough and rigorous training in modern theories and methods in political science, economics and philosophy.
For more information please refer to the homepage of MSc Politics, Economics, and Philosophy.