Master in Management
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Before we compare the programs in detail, let's take a quick look at the individual programs. Each of the three universities – Munich Business School, CBS International Business School and Gisma University of Applied Sciences – offers master's programs with specific focuses and orientations.
This course of study in Munich not only expands your basic knowledge of economics, but also specializes you in various fields with individually selectable majors, thus strengthening your personal profile. The integrated semester abroad optimally prepares you for technical and management tasks in international business.
This German-language program in Cologne provides you with business knowledge at the master's level. Through electives, you can customize your studies and set your priorities by selecting a specific elective module from the German-language master's programs offered in each of the first three semesters.
This master's program in Potsdam will give you knowledge in the field of business management. The Business Management program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach and also integrates areas of specialization from information technology. Through optional specializations, the program offers students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in various areas of business management.
The following special features play a role in one or more of the Master's programs at Munich Business School, CBS International Business School and Gisma University of Applied Sciences. They provide insights into the content, structure and special features of the programs and illustrate how these courses promote practical learning, individual options and international experiences.
The following is a brief explanation of the concepts mentioned in the program.
Concentrations are advanced topics that you can choose within your study program to specialize in specific areas such as marketing, finance or entrepreneurship. In some programs, you can even choose more than one Concentration.
Elective courses give you the opportunity to choose the modules that match your interests and career goals, allowing you to tailor your studies to your individual needs. In many degree programs, you can choose more than one elective course.
A degree program with an international focus prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of global markets through intercultural content, languages and often international experiences such as semesters abroad.
A semester abroad allows you to study at a partner university in a foreign country, gain international experience and improve your language and intercultural skills.
An internship is a practical experience in a company where you apply your theoretical knowledge, gain professional insights and make valuable contacts.
A double/dual degree enables you to earn two master's degrees in just one period of study, often by spending an additional semester at a partner university abroad. This broadens both your professional qualifications and your international career opportunities.
A mentoring program connects you with experienced professionals or alumni who are ready to provide valuable advice, career tips, and personal support.
A business project is a real-world project in which you work in teams to analyze real business problems and develop innovative solutions, often in collaboration with a partner company.
In the Case Lab, you will work on realistic case studies from business practice to develop analytical skills and practical solutions.
A management simulation game is an interactive exercise in which you make decisions, practice strategic thinking and analyze the impact of your decisions in a simulated business environment.
A university's accreditations are an important indicator of the quality and recognition of its study programs. Institutions such as the Ministry of Education, FIBAA, the German Council of Science and Humanities, and renowned international accreditation organizations such as AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS assess the academic excellence, practical orientation, and international standards of universities. Below, we take a look at the most important accreditations of the three programs.
| Munich Business School | CBS International Business School | Gisma University of Applied Science | |
|---|---|---|---|
| German Ministry of Education | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| FIBAA | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| German Council of Science and Humanities | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| AMBA | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| AACSB | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| EQUIS | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Internationality plays a central role at all three universities and in all three degree programs, but with different emphases:
The following table summarizes the key facts about the three different Master in Management programs for you.
| Munich Business School | CBS International Business School | Gisma University of Applied Science | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree program | Master International Business | Master General Management | Master Business Management |
| Final degree | Master of Arts | Master of Arts | Master of Science |
| Duration | 3 Semesters | 4 Semesters | 2 - 4 Semesters |
| Study program language | English | German | English |
| Start of studies | Winter & summer semester | Winter semester | Winter & summer semester |
| Location | Munich | Cologne | Potsdam |
| Format | Full-time study | Full-time study | Full-time or part-time study |
| Numerus Clausus | No Numerus Clausus | 2.0 or special admissions process | No information |
| Recognition | State-recognized | State-recognized | State-recognized |
| Study requirements | Bachelor's degree in a related subject or a pre-master's program instead, also possible without a bachelor's degree under certain circumstances, proof of English proficiency through a test or a previous degree in English | First degree in an economics-related field, grade point average of 2.0 or better, or separate admission process | Bachelor's degree in economics or a similar subject or a pre-master's program instead, English proficiency from B2 |
| Scholarship opportunities? | Yes, up to €4,000 in funding | No | No |
| Thesis | Master's thesis in German or English | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
| Special features | Dual degree possible, 2 concentrations & 2 electives, international focus, business project, semester abroad, mentoring program | Internship, semester abroad optional, case lab, business project, management simulation game, 2 program-specific electives, business elective | Possible stay abroad, internship or practical project in the longer degree program, choice of specialization, dual degree possible |
Do you want to find out what the difference is between a Master of Arts and a Master of Science?
For more information on this topic, please visit our dedicated page.
Difference between a M.A. and a M.Sc.The best location for your Master in Management depends on your personal preferences and goals. Your choice should depend on your budget, industries and lifestyle. Here is a rough consideration of the three locations Munich (MBS), Cologne (CBS) and Potsdam (GISMA) for a Master in Management:
| Munich | Cologne | Potsdam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 10/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 |
| Internationality | 9/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 |
| Networking Opportunities | 8/10 | 6/10 | 1/10 |
| Infrastructure | 9/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 |
| Quality of Life | 10/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Cost of Living | 2/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Student Life | 8/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 |
| Nature | 10/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Recreational Possibilities | 10/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 |
| Culture | 9/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| 85/10 | 71/100 | 44/100 |
The career prospects after the three courses of study are consistently promising, with some differences based on the respective program focuses and networks of the universities:
Alumni of the Master International Business program benefit from Munich's strong business network, particularly in internationally oriented industries such as consulting, corporate management or global marketing. The proximity to leading global companies and the practice-oriented education open doors to top employers in Germany and abroad.
The Master General Management program prepares students for management positions in a wide range of industries. The practice-oriented program and specialization options provide our alumni with excellent opportunities in management roles, medium-sized companies and international corporations.
Alumni of the Master's in Business Management benefit from the location near Berlin, one of Europe's start-up capitals. The program focuses on current topics such as digitization and innovation, which creates good conditions for careers in industries such as tech or consulting.
Alumni experiences are a crucial factor when choosing the right master's program. Ratings on platforms like the german site StudyCheck give you authentic insights into the quality of teaching, support, and career prospects from the perspective of former students. Below, we compare ratings of the master's programs at Munich Business School, CBS International Business School, and Gisma University of Applied Sciences to give you a solid basis for your decision.
These ratings come from the German rating portal StudyCHECK.de. The ratings are current as of 01/24/2025.
★★★★☆ 4,2
98% would recommend
44 ratings
★★★★☆ 4,5
100% would recommend
7 ratings
★★★★☆ 3,8
88% would recommend
180 ratings
★★★★☆ 3,5
67% would recommend
9 ratings
★★★★☆ 3,9
80% would recommend
5 ratings
No ratings!
Munich offers a high quality of life with numerous leisure opportunities, a vibrant cultural scene and a good infrastructure. The city is ideal for students looking for a balance between study, culture and nature. Beer gardens, parks like the English Garden and cultural events like the Oktoberfest make Munich particularly attractive. Mountains and lakes are easily accessible just outside of Munich, but the city itself also offers adrenaline seekers a number of attractions, such as the famous Eisbachwelle. There are also many networking events, which is advantageous if you are looking for professional orientation during your studies.
Challenges:
The cost of living in Munich is among the highest in Germany, especially for rent.
Cologne is known for its vibrant and open atmosphere, which makes student life here so diverse. The city has a young, creative scene and events like Carnival, which create a strong sense of community. In addition, numerous student initiatives and a wide range of cultural activities offer opportunities to make contacts and express yourself.
Challenges:
Cologne's infrastructure is not as well-developed in some areas, and the city is less modern than other metropolises in places. Furthermore, rents are rather high compared to other cities in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Potsdam offers a rather quiet and relaxed student life, characterized by a historical backdrop, nature and a manageable size. The proximity to Berlin is a great advantage, as it allows you to take advantage of the capital's dynamic nightlife and cultural offerings while enjoying lower rents and a quieter atmosphere in Potsdam. Especially for students who like to be in nature, the lakes and parks offer many recreational opportunities.
Challenges:
Life in Potsdam itself can be a bit too quiet for some students, especially if they prefer the hustle and bustle of a big city. If you want to take advantage of Berlin, you have to plan for the travel time and the costs of commuting.
Germany is an excellent choice for a Master in Management, as the country is known for its high quality of education, practice-oriented programs and strong links to the business community. International students benefit from the global recognition of German degrees, the wide range of career opportunities and often also from moderate tuition fees compared to other countries.
A Master in Management usually takes 18-24 months, depending on the school and program.
Whether you should pursue an EMBA depends on your career goals and interests. If you want to deepen your business knowledge, improve your career prospects and aspire to a management position, then the degree is a worthwhile investment.
With a Master in Management, you can work in a wide range of industries and functions, such as project management, consulting, marketing or corporate management. The degree qualifies you for leadership positions and offers you the opportunity to make strategic decisions and actively shape companies.
With a Master in Management, the starting salary in Germany is usually between €45,000 and €60,000 gross per year, depending on the industry, company and location. With increasing professional experience, the salary can increase significantly.
