Program Outline
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Scope: 120 ECTS credit points
Regular period of study: 4 Semesters
Language: English
Admission: Winter semester (program start: 1 October)
Application: 15 February - 31 March
Details
The Master of Science Innovation, Business and Sustainability (MIBAS) grew out of Universität Hamburg’s highly successful Master of Arts in International Business and Sustainability (MIBAS) and Master of Arts in International Business Administration (MIBA). The MIBA program was inaugurated in the winter semester of 2013/14.
MIBAS focuses on developing specific expertise and skills in the areas of international management and sustainability.
The in-depth theoretical and methodological skills taught in this program enable graduates to take on challenging positions in multinational companies and organizations. Moreover, students who achieve above-average results may proceed to doctoral studies, which open the door to a career in academia.
The MIBAS brings together students from various cultural backgrounds and experiences to develop a shared understanding of the complex interactions that take place in the global economy.
The lecturing component of the program introduces 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 sense of responsibility among students aspiring to be leaders of the future.
Students can choose from a variety of courses throughout the two-year degree program, which consists of six modules covering compulsory subject areas. The first semester is devoted to covering basic theoretical knowledge surrounding business management and research methodology. The second and third semesters offer advanced courses in Innovation, Sustainability and Knowledge Exchange in Management, Sustainability in Management and Sustainable Finance and Accounting. MIBAS students may supplement their core studies by selecting from a variety of elective courses. The final semester concludes with a master’s thesis.
Frequently Asked Questions: New MIBAS program
Frequently asked questions about the new curriculum starting in winter semester 2023/2024 according to subject specific provision.
For current MIBAS MA students
Do I have to change to the new MSc program? What happens to my program?
- You can continue your studies for an MA. As there are no compulsory courses in the program, any changes to the course offering won't affect your ability to complete your degree.
Will my previous study structure change?
- No, the subject-specific regulations and the examination regulations with which you started your studies still apply to you.
Will the course offerings change?
Most of the courses are still offered unchanged, with the following exceptions:
- Some courses will be added, which you may also take:
- The course "Introduction to Econometrics" will be offered for summer semester 2023.
- Further new courses for the winter semester 2023/2024, will appear in STINE under the corresponding modules at the start of the registration phase for winter semester 2023/2024 ar the beginning of September.
- Three courses will no longer be offered:
- International Market Strategies
- Recent Challenges in Managing Public and Nonprofit Sectors
- International Normative Framework on Sustainable Management
For students who would like to change to MSc: Organizational aspects of the change
When can I switch and what is the application procedure?
- A change of examination regulations (e.g. changing from an MA to an MSc) will be possible in November 2023 pending on the approval of the relevant bylaws. The new MIBAS will start in winter semester 2023/2024. In order to change from an MA to an MSc, you must be enrolled in the MA MIBAS programme at the time of application.
- An apllication form will be made available from October 2023. The Academic Office will inform you about the necessary forms and steps to follow via STINE.
For students who would like to change to an MSc: Courses and modules in the new program
What will change in the study structure when I change to the MSc program?
- Introduction of compulsory electives: 2 of 3 modules must be completed (previously 2 compulsory modules) Innovation, Sustainability and Knowledge Exchange in Management; Sustainability in Management and Sustainable Finance and Accounting
- The previous modules Research Methods and Advanced Methods (previously 2x6 ECTS) will be merged into one 18 ECTS module.
- It will be mandatory to take at least one class each in qualitative and quantitative methods.
Quantitative Qualitative: Quantitative Research Methods – I Reading and Understanding Academic Articles Introduction to Econometrics Introduction into Philosophy of Science Advanced Econometrics Qualitative Methods of Empirical Research Decision Theory - It would be helpful to register for one course in (Advanced) Methods in the summer semester 2023.
- In the winter semester 2023/2024, no further courses on advanced methods will be offered in addition to the previously known course "Decision Theory".
- Electives will be reduced to 12 ECTS (previously 18 ECTS) Only graded courses can still be credited in the Electives module.
- Language courses can make up a maximum of 3 ECTS in Electives.
Will the assignments of courses to modules change in comparison to the previous curriculum and what does that mean for me?
- There are changed assignments. On the website of the Office of Academic office you will find an overview of the new courses within each modules under Program Outline.
- Changed assignments of the previous courses offered beyond this can be found here.
- Equal assignments of the previous courses offered beyond this can be found here.
How will my completed coursework be credited toward the new degree?
- The credits you’ve already earned will be credited for the new degree program according to the assignment of the individual previous courses to the new modules. An overview can be found of of the equal and changed assignments here.
For students who would like to change to an MSc: Examination regulations / Subject-specific regulations
Master's thesis
- All courses and exams as well as master's thesis will be in English, except electives (previously all also in German)
- Master’s theses in German are not transferable to the MSc. Theses in English can be accepted.
- The number of pages required for the Master’s thesis will be changed.
Please note that the change of the subject-specific regulations also results in a change of the examination regulations and that some further changes are associated with this (e.g. extension of the processing time for the Master's thesis ).
Other questions?
Please contact us with further questions. The FAQ will be continually updated as needed.
Program Goals
MIBAS students pursue the following knowledge- and skill-related goals:
- Develop expertise in the fields of innovation, sustainability in management and in finance and accounting.
- 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.
Curriculum for M.Sc. students starting in winter semester 2023/24
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. For more information you may refer to the subject-specific regulations.
During the first, second, and third semester students have several options when structuring their master's degree. Students are required to accrue a maximum of 30 credit points per semester.
The M.Sc. Innovation, Business and Sustainability is structured as follows:
First semester
- Module I: Fundamentals of Innovation, Business and Sustainability
The first semester of the MIBAS starts with the module Fundamentals of Innovation, Business and Sustainability. The aim of the module is to familiarise students in depth with issues of innovation, management and sustainability in an entrepreneurial context. In addition, they should be able to deal intensively with questions of innovation and social transfer in order to recognise the interfaces between the subject areas of this module.
Students must complete four courses, each worth 6 ECTS, within this module (24 ECTS credits in total).
First three semesters
- Module II: Research Methods
The first three semesters include courses designed to equip students with the methodological foundation for academic research. 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 as well. The module Research Methods focuses on the fundamentals of empirical social research, aims at imparting knowledge about key methods used in critical data analysis and prepares students for conducting their own research projects and for and writing their master's thesis in the fourth semester.
Students must complete three courses within this module (worth 18 ECTS).
Second and third semester
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: Innovation, Sustainability and Knowledge Exchange in Management
- Module IV: Sustainability in Management
- Module V: Sustainable Finance and Accounting
Courses in the three modules aim at raising students’ awareness for the primary issues associated with ethically responsible management of international companies and 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 these modules enable students to develop the skills required to generate sustainable value for business and society. An additional focus enables students to recognize and manage ethical dilemmas in the context of sustainable corporate management.
The courses 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, these modules seek 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 two of three modules (2X 18 ECTS in total).
- Module VI: Electives
Beyond the core curriculum, students must select two 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 two courses, worth 6 ECTS each, within this module (12 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.
Course overview for M.Sc. students starting in winter semester 2023/24
The following courses are offered in the MIBAS modules on a regular basis:
Module Fundamentals of Innovation, Business and Sustainability (1st semester) - 24 ECTS, 4 courses are required |
Innovation Management |
Organisational Development and Change |
Financial and Management Accounting |
(International) Finance and Investment |
Sustainability and Management |
Business Ethics: Managing CSR in the Age of Globalization |
Entrepreneurship and Sustainability |
Module Research Methods (1st + 2nd + 3rd semester) - 18 ECTS, 3 courses are required |
Quantitative Research Methods – I |
Introduction to Econometrics |
Reading and Understanding Academic Articles |
Introduction into Philosophy of Science |
Advanced Econometrics |
Qualitative Methods of Empirical Research |
Decision Theory |
Open topics - Research Methods |
Module Innovation, Sustainability and Knowledge Exchange in Management (2nd + 3rd semester) - 18 ECTS, 3 courses are required |
Managing and Organizing Innovation |
Consumer and Management Decisions |
Science Innovation (SCB) |
Organizational Behavior and Design: Trends in Empirical Research |
Knowledge Exchange and Innovation – Concepts |
Knowledge Exchange and Innovation – Methods |
Open Topics |
Module Sustainability in Management (2nd + 3rd semester) - 18 ECTS, 3 courses are required |
Strategic Management and Sustainability in the Digital Age |
Industrial Ecology |
Applied Business Ethics |
Case Study on Sustainability (Shell) |
Corporate Transition Toward Sustainability |
Innovative Organizational Design |
Open topics |
Module Sustainable Finance and Accounting (2nd + 3rd semester) - 18 ECTS, 3 courses are required |
Sustainable Finance: ESG and Capital Markets |
Sustainable Accounting: International CSR Reporting |
Sustainable Corporate Governance |
Sustainable Finance & Business Strategy |
Transfer and Innovation in Sustainable Finance and Accounting |
Impact Investment |
Open topics |
Module Electives (2nd + 3rd semester) - 12 ECTS |
depending on the students' course selection |
Curriculum for M.A. students from winter semester 2019/20
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. 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.
Course overview for M.A. students from winter semester 2019/20
The following courses are offered in the MIBAS modules on a regular basis:
Module Fundamentals of Management (1st semester) - 24 ECTS, 4 courses are required
|
Introduction to CSR: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Implementation |
International Strategic Management |
International Organization |
Management Accounting and Control |
Corporate Strategy |
Finance and Investment |
Sustainability and Management |
Module Research Methods (1st semester) - 6 ECTS, 1 course is required
|
Quantitative Research Methods for Market Strategies |
Reading and Understanding Academic Articles |
Module Sustainability Management and Socioeconomics (2nd + 3rd semester) - 18 ECTS, 3 courses are required
|
ESG and Capital Markets |
Business and the Natural Environment |
Applied Business Ethics |
International CSR Reporting |
International Normative Framework on Sustainable Management |
Industrial Ecology |
Varying additional courses in recent topics in Sustainability Management and Socioeconomics |
Module International Management and Economics (2nd + 3rd semester) - 18 ECTS, 3 courses are required
|
Consumer and Management Decisions |
Group Accounting & Controlling |
International Accounting and Controlling |
Innovation Management |
Strategic Human Resource Management |
Organizational Behavior and Leadership |
Varying additional courses in recent topics in International Management and Economics |
Module Advanced Research Methods (2nd + 3rd semester) - 6 ECTS, 1 course is required
|
Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences |
Qualitative Methods of Empirical Research |
Decision Theory |
Module Electives (2nd + 3rd semester) - 18 ECTS |
depending on the students' course selection |