Program Outline

MIBAS students pursue the following knowledge- and skill-related goals:

• Develop expertise in the fields of international management and sustainability.
• Acquire knowledge of relevant institutional frameworks and develop the ability to grasp the complex interactions that occur in an increasingly global economy.
• Develop skills required to create sustainable value for both companies and society.
• Develop skills necessary to handle ethical dilemmas and acquisition of knowledge about instruments for sustainable management.
• Learn about methods and instruments in modern management.
• Acquire knowledge of basic concepts in economic analyses.
• Acquire knowledge of fundamental methodological skills for empirical social research.

Furthermore, the program encourages students to

• develop a consciousness concerning the moral responsibility of future executives;
• establish intercultural open-mindedness via a multicultural learning environment and focus on problems in international businesses; and
• further develop leadership skills through practical courses.

The degree program is worth 120 ECTS and the standard period of study totals four semesters.
The program incorporates six modules from which students may select a variety of courses, as well as the master’s thesis.

An overview of the modules and courses can be found in the program's course overview (PDF). For more information you may refer to the subject-specific regulations.
During the first, second, and third semesters students have several options when structuring their master's degree. Students are required to accrue a maximum of 30 credit points per semester.

The MA International Business and Sustainability is structured as follows:

First semester

• Module I: Fundamentals of Management

The first semester of the MIBAS starts with the module Fundamentals of Management, which includes introductory classes in international management and sustainability. Thus, the focal point of the study program is clear from the outset.
Students must complete four courses, each worth 6 ECTS, within this module (24 ECTS credits in total).  

• Module II: Research Methods

In addition, the first semester includes courses designed to equip students with the methodological foundation for academic research. The module Research Methods focuses on the fundamentals of empirical social research and aims at imparting knowledge about key methods used in critical data analysis.
Students must complete one course within this module (worth 6 ECTS).

Second and third semesters

Semesters two and three cover advanced modules, each dedicated to relevant subject areas. Within the individual modules, students may customize their studies by selecting different courses according to their individual needs and interests.

• Module III: Sustainability Management and Socioeconomics

Courses in the module Sustainability Management and Socioeconomic aim at raising students’ awareness for the primary issues associated with ethically responsible management of international companies.
This module also focuses on raising awareness of the complex way in which business is embedded in society while revealing the environmental consequences of corporate actions. The courses within this module enable students to develop the skills required to generate sustainable value for business and society. An additional focus in this module enables students to recognize and manage ethical dilemmas in the context of sustainable corporate management.
Students must select and complete three courses, worth 6 ECTS each, within this module (a total of 18 ECTS).

• Module IV: International Management and Economics

Courses in the module International Management and Economics intend to help students develop specific skills in the fields of international management and economics. Beyond equipping students with specific methods and instruments for managing international organizations, this module seeks to both impart knowledge about significant institutional frameworks and enable students to comprehend the complex interactions that take place in an increasingly global economy.
Students must select and complete three courses, worth 6 ECTS each, within this module (18 ECTS in total).

• Module V: Advanced Research Methods

To provide students with sufficient knowledge of research methodology in accordance with the objectives of the program, additional courses in Advanced Research Methods are offered in the second and third semesters.
This module prepares students for conducting their own research projects and for and writing their master's thesis in the fourth semester.
Students must complete one course within this module (worth 6 ECTS).

• Module VI: Electives

Beyond the core curriculum, students must select three elective courses that correspond with their personal and professional interest(s).
This may include, for example, pursuing additional courses from the MIBAS program, courses offered by other master’s programs of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences or studying a foreign language.
Students must select and complete three courses, worth 6 ECTS each, within this module (18 ECTS in total).

Fourth semester       

• Master's thesis

The fourth semester is devoted to the master's thesis. The thesis is worth 30 ECTS, which reflects the level of time and intensity of supervision required.
Students have six months (from registration) to complete the thesis.

To complete the program, students must complete all modules and the master's thesis.