Master of Arts in International Business (MA.IB)

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 a 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).  This degree 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. Furthermore, 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 60% of the students come from outside of Germany. All modules are taught and assessed in English and take an international perspective, and MA.IB students also spend at least one semester abroad.  This teaching approach includes projects and group work, so that students get accustomed to working in international teams. Exchange of professors and lecturers from partner universities further contribute to the students’ internationalisation. Many 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 and 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 and lead in culturally diverse working groups as well as your willingness to be internationally mobile. Semester One (winter) — Mainz University of Applied Sciences Sustainable International Economics: Analyse global trade, financial flows, and exchange rates from macroeconomic and business perspectives. Leadership and Human Resources Management Quantitative Analytical Methods Financial Reporting: Learn international accounting standards (e.g. IFRS, US GAAP) and analyse financial statements of multinational companies. International Marketing: Understand export, multi-domestic, and global marketing strategies and their impact on product, pricing, and communication. International Business Law: Study legal frameworks of global trade, including EU law, UNCITRAL, ICC rules, intellectual property, and competition law. Semester Two (summer) — Mainz University of Applied Sciences Digital Business and Transformation: Explore challenges and opportunities of digital transformation. Strategic Management: Apply knowledge from marketing, finance, and leadership to real cases. International Corporate Finance: Focus on financial management in multinational enterprises. International Management and Trade: Learn tools for export operations, including finance and risk management. Business Research: Develop academic research skills and apply them in projects and papers. Applied Project / Internship: Apply analytical tools in practice, ideally within an international company. Semester Three — Abroad (Partner University)  Students complete at least 25 ECTS credits abroad and specialise in a chosen management field or industry. Optional Double Degree  Students may also complete their fourth semester abroad and earn a double degree, depending on partner university requirements. Semester Four — Final Thesis  The final semester focuses on a Master's thesis addressing an international business issue. It may be combined with an internship or conducted as an independent research project. A defence is only required for certain dou