POSTGRADUATE

Master of Arts in International Business (MA IB)

The MA IB programme allows you to acquire the skills needed in international business. It broadens your knowledge by adding a truly international perspective to your business education and prepares you for middle management positions.

Degree Details

The MA IB programme takes four semesters in total. MA IB students spend their first academic year at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, where they are familiarised with the core subjects of international business. The third semester takes place abroad at one of our partner universities and is dedicated to the respective specialisation. During the fourth semester, students will work on the Master's thesis either in Mainz or at the partner university (if they have opted for one of our double degree programmes). The programme also includes an eight-week internship or work experience that can be done in any country (applied project).

Teaching Methods:

Teaching methods in each course are a mixture of lectures and seminars. A strong emphasis is placed on individual work and self-study projects. Group work is also very important. Larger and smaller groups work together on projects, which may be provided by (international) companies. Results are presented and reported back to the group.

Inter­national Focus:

The MA IB programme is truly international. Around 50% of the students come from outside of Germany; all modules are taught and assessed in English and take an international perspective. MA IB students spend at least one semester abroad. The teaching approach includes projects and group works, so that students will soon get accustomed to working in international teams. Exchange of professors and lecturers from partner universities further contribute to the students’ internationalisation. Many of the graduates keep in touch years after their studies, creating a worldwide network.

Professional Prospects:

The MA IB programme allows you to acquire the skills needed in international business. It broadens your knowledge by adding a truly international perspective to your business education and prepares you for middle management positions. As a graduate of the MA IB programme, future employers will appreciate your ability to work in and lead culturally diverse working groups, and your willingness to be internationally mobile.

Academic admission requirements

Applicants who wish to apply for the programme at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz have to fulfil the following requirements:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Management or Business Studies with above-average marks is required. The minimum requirement is ECTS mark C, (or a minimum average grade from the Bachelor's studies of 2.5 - according to the German grading system - if no ECTS grade is mentioned). Please hand in an official transcript of your grades from your Bachelor's studies along with your application.
  • Fulfil the language requirements a) English advanced, b) German A2 level, c) another language at a B2 level (see language requirements)
  • A motivation letter (approx. two pages) is required, in which applicants explain their motivation for their choice of the partner university (rank one to three) and their willingness to spend a part of the studies abroad.
  • Applicants should express their preferred partner universities (1-3) for the stay abroad during the third (and fourth) semester of studies on a form to be downloaded from the MA IB programme's website: maib.hs-mainz.de.
  • The full application package, including instructions and forms, can be downloaded from the MA IB programme's website
  • Applicants with a Bachelor's degree awarded by a university outside of the European Union will have to send their application via uni-assist.
  • German applicants and applicants with a Bachelor's degree awarded by a university within the European Union can apply directly through the application portal of the Mainz University of Applied Sciences.

Language requirements

Applicants who wish to apply for the programme at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz have to fulfil the following requirements:
Provide evidence of excellent knowledge of English, basic knowledge of German (A2) and advanced knowledge in another language (B2).

Proof of proficiency in English by presenting one of the following tests (not older than two years):

  • TOEFL score at least 92 (Internet-based)
  • TOEIC score at least 800 points
  • IELTS score 6.5 or higher

Proof of basic knowledge of German (A2), by handing in one of the following:

  • a high school diploma if German is your native language
  • a certificate issued by government agencies, universities or language training institutes which clearly certifies that an A2 level of the Common European Framework (CEFR) has been achieved
  • In case no certificate is available, applicants may use the form in our application instructions package. This form should be filled out by an official language or educational institution and confirm the A2 level (CEFR) in German.

Proof of another language on advanced level (B2), by handing in one of the following:

  • a certified translated copy (into English or German) of your high school diploma (to provide proof of your native language when this was the language of instruction)
  • a certificate issued by a government agency, university or language training institute that clearly certifies that the applicant has achieved a minimum of level B2 of the Common European Framework (CEFR) in this particular language.
  • In case no certificate is available, applicants may use the form in our application instructions package. This form should be filled out by an official language or educational institution and confirm a B2 level (CEFR) in the respective language.

Please note that in order to fulfil the language requirements, applicants must present clear and truthful documentation. The MA IB board of examiners will decide upon the equivalence of evidence.

Part I at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz:

  • Leadership and Human Resources Management
  • Quantitative Analytical Methods
  • Business Research: Learn about academic standards and ethical questions in research, their application in desk and field research and writing papers.
  • Financial Reporting: Learn about intl. accounting principles and their application in different world trade areas (e.g. US-GAAP and IFRS). Acquire the skill to "read" income statements of multinational enterprises published in different economic areas.
  • Intl. Business Environment: Analyse world trade and world financial flows as well as exchange rate issues from a macro-economic and business perspective.
  • Digital Transformation: Broaden the students’ knowledge on problems and challenges of digital transformation.

Part II at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz

  • Strategic Management: Integrate the various views of marketing, finance, accounting, and leadership modules into cases.
  • Intl. Corporate Finance: Students focus on multinational enterprises.
  • Intl. Marketing: Learn about the principles of export-based, multi-domestic and global approaches of intl. marketing and their implications for product and price positioning as well as placement and communication.
  • Intl. Business Law: Analyse the legal framework of intl. trade including UNCITRAL, EU law and intl. organisations, access to markets including ICC rules on delivery and payment terms, licences, intellectual property rights, and anti-trust issues.
  • Export Management: Understand and know how to apply the major management tools to export operations including export finance and risk management.
  • Applied Project (Practical Experience): During their studies in Mainz or the summer break between year 1 & year 2, participants apply the analytical tools learned in the first two semesters to a real-life case. Ideally, students do the applied project work in an international company.

Part III specialisation at partner university abroad

  • Option one to Option five: Students are obliged to take at least 25 ECTS credits (5 options) abroad. This mandatory semester abroad should be used to specialise in either a certain field of management or a specific industry.

At many partner universities, MA IB students can also spend the fourth semester (writing the Master's thesis) at the partner university and may also be awarded a Master's degree by the partner university (double degree). In order to fulfil the double degree requirements, the student may need to earn more than 120 ECTS credits.

Part IV at partner university abroad or University of Applied Sciences Mainz
Usually in their last semester, students work on their final thesis, which consists of a research project on an international business issue. The Master's thesis may be combined with an internship at a multinational company or be based on an independent research project. The Master's thesis doesn’t need to be defended, unless the student is aiming for a double degree programme and the partner university requires a defence.

How To Apply

Mainz University of Applied Sciences

Complete your details and we'll make sure your inquiry is sent to the Mainz University of Applied Sciences which will contact you to discuss this degree. For more details, feel free to contact one of the educational consultants at EDVISE HUB Click Here To Book Your Session

Degree Details

The MA IB programme takes four semesters in total. MA IB students spend their first academic year at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, where they are familiarised with the core subjects of international business. The third semester takes place abroad at one of our partner universities and is dedicated to the respective specialisation. During the fourth semester, students will work on the Master's thesis either in Mainz or at the partner university (if they have opted for one of our double degree programmes). The programme also includes an eight-week internship or work experience that can be done in any country (applied project).

Teaching Methods:

Teaching methods in each course are a mixture of lectures and seminars. A strong emphasis is placed on individual work and self-study projects. Group work is also very important. Larger and smaller groups work together on projects, which may be provided by (international) companies. Results are presented and reported back to the group.

Inter­national Focus:

The MA IB programme is truly international. Around 50% of the students come from outside of Germany; all modules are taught and assessed in English and take an international perspective. MA IB students spend at least one semester abroad. The teaching approach includes projects and group works, so that students will soon get accustomed to working in international teams. Exchange of professors and lecturers from partner universities further contribute to the students’ internationalisation. Many of the graduates keep in touch years after their studies, creating a worldwide network.

Professional Prospects:

The MA IB programme allows you to acquire the skills needed in international business. It broadens your knowledge by adding a truly international perspective to your business education and prepares you for middle management positions. As a graduate of the MA IB programme, future employers will appreciate your ability to work in and lead culturally diverse working groups, and your willingness to be internationally mobile.

Academic admission requirements

Applicants who wish to apply for the programme at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz have to fulfil the following requirements:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Management or Business Studies with above-average marks is required. The minimum requirement is ECTS mark C, (or a minimum average grade from the Bachelor's studies of 2.5 - according to the German grading system - if no ECTS grade is mentioned). Please hand in an official transcript of your grades from your Bachelor's studies along with your application.
  • Fulfil the language requirements a) English advanced, b) German A2 level, c) another language at a B2 level (see language requirements)
  • A motivation letter (approx. two pages) is required, in which applicants explain their motivation for their choice of the partner university (rank one to three) and their willingness to spend a part of the studies abroad.
  • Applicants should express their preferred partner universities (1-3) for the stay abroad during the third (and fourth) semester of studies on a form to be downloaded from the MA IB programme's website: maib.hs-mainz.de.
  • The full application package, including instructions and forms, can be downloaded from the MA IB programme's website
  • Applicants with a Bachelor's degree awarded by a university outside of the European Union will have to send their application via uni-assist.
  • German applicants and applicants with a Bachelor's degree awarded by a university within the European Union can apply directly through the application portal of the Mainz University of Applied Sciences.

Language requirements

Applicants who wish to apply for the programme at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz have to fulfil the following requirements:
Provide evidence of excellent knowledge of English, basic knowledge of German (A2) and advanced knowledge in another language (B2).

Proof of proficiency in English by presenting one of the following tests (not older than two years):

  • TOEFL score at least 92 (Internet-based)
  • TOEIC score at least 800 points
  • IELTS score 6.5 or higher

Proof of basic knowledge of German (A2), by handing in one of the following:

  • a high school diploma if German is your native language
  • a certificate issued by government agencies, universities or language training institutes which clearly certifies that an A2 level of the Common European Framework (CEFR) has been achieved
  • In case no certificate is available, applicants may use the form in our application instructions package. This form should be filled out by an official language or educational institution and confirm the A2 level (CEFR) in German.

Proof of another language on advanced level (B2), by handing in one of the following:

  • a certified translated copy (into English or German) of your high school diploma (to provide proof of your native language when this was the language of instruction)
  • a certificate issued by a government agency, university or language training institute that clearly certifies that the applicant has achieved a minimum of level B2 of the Common European Framework (CEFR) in this particular language.
  • In case no certificate is available, applicants may use the form in our application instructions package. This form should be filled out by an official language or educational institution and confirm a B2 level (CEFR) in the respective language.

Please note that in order to fulfil the language requirements, applicants must present clear and truthful documentation. The MA IB board of examiners will decide upon the equivalence of evidence.

Part I at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz:

  • Leadership and Human Resources Management
  • Quantitative Analytical Methods
  • Business Research: Learn about academic standards and ethical questions in research, their application in desk and field research and writing papers.
  • Financial Reporting: Learn about intl. accounting principles and their application in different world trade areas (e.g. US-GAAP and IFRS). Acquire the skill to "read" income statements of multinational enterprises published in different economic areas.
  • Intl. Business Environment: Analyse world trade and world financial flows as well as exchange rate issues from a macro-economic and business perspective.
  • Digital Transformation: Broaden the students’ knowledge on problems and challenges of digital transformation.

Part II at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz

  • Strategic Management: Integrate the various views of marketing, finance, accounting, and leadership modules into cases.
  • Intl. Corporate Finance: Students focus on multinational enterprises.
  • Intl. Marketing: Learn about the principles of export-based, multi-domestic and global approaches of intl. marketing and their implications for product and price positioning as well as placement and communication.
  • Intl. Business Law: Analyse the legal framework of intl. trade including UNCITRAL, EU law and intl. organisations, access to markets including ICC rules on delivery and payment terms, licences, intellectual property rights, and anti-trust issues.
  • Export Management: Understand and know how to apply the major management tools to export operations including export finance and risk management.
  • Applied Project (Practical Experience): During their studies in Mainz or the summer break between year 1 & year 2, participants apply the analytical tools learned in the first two semesters to a real-life case. Ideally, students do the applied project work in an international company.

Part III specialisation at partner university abroad

  • Option one to Option five: Students are obliged to take at least 25 ECTS credits (5 options) abroad. This mandatory semester abroad should be used to specialise in either a certain field of management or a specific industry.

At many partner universities, MA IB students can also spend the fourth semester (writing the Master's thesis) at the partner university and may also be awarded a Master's degree by the partner university (double degree). In order to fulfil the double degree requirements, the student may need to earn more than 120 ECTS credits.

Part IV at partner university abroad or University of Applied Sciences Mainz
Usually in their last semester, students work on their final thesis, which consists of a research project on an international business issue. The Master's thesis may be combined with an internship at a multinational company or be based on an independent research project. The Master's thesis doesn’t need to be defended, unless the student is aiming for a double degree programme and the partner university requires a defence.

How To Apply

Mainz University Of Applied Sciences

Complete your details and we'll make sure your inquiry is sent to the Mainz University of Applied Sciences which will contact you to discuss this degree. For more details, feel free to contact one of the educational consultants at EDVISE HUB Click Here To Book Your Session

Apply With:

Duration: 4 Semesters

Location: Germany

Fees:

intake: April and September

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