Management is the cornerstone of any organisation and if you want to stand out in a competitive global marketplace, it is important you earn the right qualification to do so. The master’s in business management equips you with the strategic skills and cutting-edge knowledge required to break into the field and make an impact – whatever role you end up securing. With a Master of Science in Business Management, you will be ready to take the lead in a variety of roles and achieve greatness in your career.

This master's degree is designed to prepare you for independent entrepreneurial activity or senior management positions with leadership responsibilities in corporations of all sizes and industries.

You will gain comprehensive knowledge of the business management field with a focus on transferable international skills. This course prioritises interdisciplinarity and there is a focus on information technology. Students also get the chance to enhance their management knowledge and application-specific specialisation skills, with a focus on real-world challenges.

Through several optional specialisations*, this programme supports various business management functional areas.

Gisma - Business School

The course is available to study both full-time and part-time. The standard period of study is two years full-time,.

However, if you have the relevant academic or professional experience you will be able to shorten the study period to one or one and a half years. Talk to our study advisors to find out whether this is the case for you.  

Accreditations and rankings

GISMA is a state recognised University of Applied Sciences which benefits from AMBA accreditation, which was awarded for our Global MBA. AMBA accreditation is an honour shared by only six business schools in Germany and 2% of all business schools worldwide. The prestigious accreditation represents innovation and excellence in education, which is one of our core values at GISMA.

How you will study

GISMA supports flexible and individual learning by applying a systematic state-of-the art hybrid learning scheme. You will be based at our flagship Potsdam Campus, complemented by e-learning sessions. You will work on cases, reflect on readings, take part in online discussions, and participate in group exercises and projects. This variety of learning methods is part of our unique teaching strategy, which includes student-centred pedagogy, project-based learning, collaborative learning and personalised coaching.

The course is available to study both full-time and part-time. The standard period of study is two years full-time, part-time correspondingly longer. Talk to our study advisors to find out whether your previous learning outcomes or relevant work experience make you eligible to shorten the study period to one or one and a half years.

Potsdam, your next study destination

Gisma - Business School

This high-tech, modern campus is home to our University of Applied Sciences students, where students study in person on campus and others study virtually. The architecture and building concept are focused on intelligence and efficiency, the spaces on flexibility, networking and collaborative working. It fosters the development of innovation through an exceptional learning environment specifically suited for collaborative teaching and learning. "Open Spaces" allow for recovery periods, networking, individual learning and group work.

The camera and sound technology in the classrooms is specifically suited to enable blended or hybrid teaching formats, where students on and off campus can join the class and connect in real-time, benefitting from seamless peer-to-peer interaction with each other. The campus is in a great location, with neighbours such as SAP Innovation Centre Network right across the road.

Potsdam is the picturesque capital city of the state of Brandenburg. It is known for its highly reputed science institutions, technological innovation, economic growth, a unique culture, and high living standards. It is a world heritage site, with the backdrop of outstanding nature. The city also benefits from being the twin city of Berlin, the German capital. The two cities share a border, and the journey from Potsdam Main Station takes just 20-30 minutes to the centre of Berlin, where you can find an inviting cultural, retail and nightlife scene.

Hear from one of our professors

Gisma - Business School

Studying is a unique time in one’s life and I believe that it should be as diverse as possible. When teaching at GISMA I bring my personal experiences with me: Lectures are geared toward interactive content with a variety of activities and are always connected to practical examples and outcomes. My objective is that you can take something with you for your life and your career out of the modules. They should be sometimes challenging, yet fun, but always feel beneficial in multiple ways for you. And, on a side note: I really think that the direct contact of students with faculty and staff at GISMA is quite unique. Open and direct communication is key here!

Prof. Dr. Peter Konhäusner
Professor of Digital Entrepreneurship

Learn from the very best in the field

You can be confident that you will be learning from some of the most accomplished and industry-respected professionals. Our professors at GISMA Business School are experts in their respective fields, with a wealth of experience and knowledge. They have come from and worked with some of the world's largest and most prestigious companies, including Amazon, United Nations, Harvard, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, KPMG, Boston Consulting Group, IBM, and Allianz.

Gisma - Business School

Immerse yourself in GISMA’s global atmosphere and learn from a 'high-flex’, customised and unique teaching style supported by innovative technology.

Why do so many students choose to study in Potsdam? The city is a hotspot for enterprise, fintech, start-ups and a short 1-hour drive from Berlin, watch this video to learn more.

*Subject to student numbers


The course is available to study both full-time and part-time. The standard period of study is two years full-time, part-time correspondingly longer. If you have the relevant academic or professional experience, you could be eligible to shorten the study period to one, or one and a half years. Talk to our programme consultants to find out whether this is the case for you. 

The programme is modularised, which means each module is assigned a fixed number of credit points and concludes with an examination. For this programme, the total workload for the courses is 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits, depending on the study period you select or are eligible for.

In the 2-year format (120 ECTS credits), the curriculum includes a ‘mobility window’ in the 5th semester: a semester reserved for you to study abroad, undertake an internship, or complete a business project in practice.

Students starting online will have the option to complete the programme on-campus in Germany seamlessly.

Modules

General Business Competencies

  • International Strategic Management
  • International Economics 
  • Innovation Management and Digital Transformation 
  • CSR, ESG and Ethics 
  • Management of People in Cross Cultural Environments
  • Emotional Agility in International Business 
  • Finance and Risk Management 
  • CEO Decision Making and Case Studies 
  • Study abroad or Internship or Business Project 

Scientific and Methods Competence

  • Research Methods and Scientific Work 
  • Research Seminar 
  • Master Thesis 

Specialisation: Cybersecurity

  • Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Management 
  • Data Management & Protection 
  • Cryptology 
  • Cyber Forensics 
  • Business Project in Cybersecurity

*Subject to student numbers

General Business Competencies

  • International Strategic Management
  • International Economics
  • Innovation Management and Digital Transformation
  • Management of People in Cross Cultural Environments
  • Behavioural Competencies in Virtual Teams
  • Emotional Agility in International Business
  • CEO Decision Making and Case Studies
  • Study abroad or Internship or Business Project

Scientific and Methods Competence

  • Research Methods and Scientific Work
  • Research Seminar

*Subject to student numbers

  • Master Thesis

Specialisation: Finance

  • International Accounting
  • Finance and Risk Management 
  • FinTech, Blockchain & Crypto Assets 
  • M&A and Structuring the Firm 
  • ESG and ESG Reporting 
  • Asset Management and Derivatives 

General Business Competencies

  • International Strategic Management
  • Innovation Management and Digital Transformation
  • International Marketing
  • Management of People in Cross Cultural Environments
  • Behavioural Competencies in Virtual Teams
  • CSR, ESG and Ethics
  • Emotional Agility in International Business
  • Study abroad or Internship or Business Project

Scientific and Methods Competence

  • Research Methods and Scientific Work
  • Research Seminar
  • Master Thesis

Specialisation: Project Management

  • Project Management 
  • Project Costing & Control 
  • Corporate Governance & Risk Management
  • Project Communication & Stakeholder Management 
  • Management Consulting 
  • Management of IT Projects

*Subject to student numbers

General Business Competencies

  • International Strategic Management
  • Innovation Management and Digital Transformation
  • International Economics
  • Management of People in Cross Cultural Environments
  • Behavioural Competencies in Virtual Teams
  • CSR, ESG and Ethics
  • Emotional Agility in International Business
  • Digital Competencies: Electives in Cloud Computing, Big Data, Cyber Security
  • Study abroad or Internship or Business Project

Scientific and Methods Competence

  • Research Methods and Scientific Work
  • Research Seminar
  • Master Thesis

Specialisation: Marketing

  • International Marketing
  • Pricing Policy
  • Brand Management & Product Development
  • Digital Marketing & Analytics
  • Customer Experience Design

*Subject to student numbers

General Business Competencies

  • International Strategic Management
  • Innovation Management and Digital Transformation
  • International Economics
  • Behavioural Competencies in Virtual Teams
  • CSR, ESG and Ethics
  • Emotional Agility in International Business
  • International Marketing
  • Digital Competencies: Electives in Cloud Computing, Big Data, Cyber Security
  • Study abroad or Internship or Business Project

Scientific and Methods Competence

  • Research Methods and Scientific Work
  • Research Seminar
  • Master Thesis

Specialisation: Human Resources

  • Employment Law
  • Cognitive Psychology & Leadership
  • HR Management and Organisation Design
  • HR Analytics
  • Management of People in Cross Cultural Environments

Human Resources pathway is taught for personal knowledge only; additional qualifications may be required to work as a HR professional in Germany.

*Subject to student numbers


A business management degree provides the academic knowledge and skills to pursue global career opportunities and helps you develop a broad and diverse understanding of businesses. With your choice of specialism, you will have the skills and knowledge to delve into a specific field within business management.

Graduates of business management are presented with a variety of job opportunities in:

  • Management
  • Consultancy
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Human resources
  • Retail and sales
  • Finance

As a student at GISMA, you will be supported by our Career Centre, who provide coaching sessions to improve your soft skills, such as CV writing, interview preparation, and interpersonal skills. They will also host career days, where local, national, and global organisations interview GISMA students for internships, graduate, and leadership positions.


Fees and funding

Please contact a programme consultant for more details on how to apply.

 

Pricing - up to 30th March 2023:

    Total price Early bird discount
EU/Germany 1yr  €     13,000 20%
2yr  €     17,000 20%
International 1yr  €     15,500 20%
2yr  €     20,000 20%
Online 2yr €     9,500 20%

 

*Early bird offer for applications submitted at least 8 weeks before orientation date.

Regional discounts are available for CIS, MENA and LATAM regions. Please check the fee section on this page.

 

New pricing - from 31st March 2023:

  Price per year
  Duration Standard Price  15% Discount 25% Discount:
Half of the fee is paid upfront
30% Discount: 
€3,000 Deposit paid, rest of the full fee paid within 3 months after lectures start
33% Discount:
Entire fee is paid upfront
EU/Germany 1yr € 13,000 € 11,050 € 9,750 € 9,100 € 8,710
2yr € 17,000 € 14,450 € 12,750 € 11,900 € 11,390
International 1yr € 15,500 € 13,175 € 11,625 € 10,850 € 10,385
2yr € 23,150 € 19,678 € 17,363 € 16,205 € 15,511

 

Flexible payment plan

GISMA offers flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the costs of your programme fees in up to six instalments. A refundable* deposit of €2,000 is required to secure your place, and the remainder of the tuition fee is to be paid after the start of programme in accordance with your payment schedule.

You will be eligible for a discount of 5% off the total fee if the payment of the entire tuition fee is completed before the first instalment due date.

Payments are accepted by bank transfer, or via one of our payment partners – Transfermate and Stripe. If you have any queries regarding payment options, please speak to a programme consultant.

*Terms and conditions apply.

 

Entry requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (business, economics or social sciences, psychology, law, engineering, computer science, or closely related sciences)
  • English proficiency: IELTS (or equivalent) 6.0 overall, no less than 5.5 in any componet

For students who have educational degrees from India

Students who have acquired their education degrees from India will need to follow the Academic Evaluation Center (APS) process required by The German Foreign Affairs Ministry. For more information, please refer to our APS Step-by-Step Guide webpage.

 

Financing your studies

BAföG 

In many cases, non-German citizens studying in Germany are entitled to apply for the BAföG (Federal Education and Training Assistance Act) grants-and-loans system, if certain conditions are met. 

If foreigners have the prospect of staying in Germany and if they are socially integrated, they are considered eligible for funding. For more information and to check your eligibility please use the link below (which can be translated into English). 

BAföG for non-German citizens

Download Materials

  • Full-time
  • Potsdam | Online
  • 12 or 24 months
  • Apr, Jul, Oct 2023
  • € From 13,000 per year
  • € 15500 International students

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Recognised


GISMA Business School is state recognised and AMBA-accredited for our Global MBA

Top 2


Germany has the 2nd best unemployment rate in Europe at 3.4%**

**Statista

€45,000


Chance to earn to €45,000***, the average graduate salary in Germany

***Business Insider

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Join a network of students from over 40 nationalities across the globe

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