International Management and Leadership
Master's degree, part-time
The part-time Master’s programme in International Management and Leadership equips you with essential skills in global management, intercultural leadership, and responsible decision-making. You will learn how to successfully enter international markets, manage complex projects, lead global teams, drive change and navigate cultural challenges – all taught entirely in English.
Upon graduation, a wide range of international career paths will open up to you: you may take on management or leadership roles in globally operating companies, lead international projects, or develop sustainable strategies for innovation and transformation. Whether as a Team Lead, Project Manager, Business Developer, or Change Manager – this Master’s degree enables you to take on key positions in an international context.
The programme is designed for international professionals with at least two years of work experience, regardless of your previous academic background.
The 120 ECTS credits are distributed as follows over the four semesters, including compulsory modules and the master's thesis.
Contextual Studies: Selection of 1 or 2 modules totaling 6 ETCS.
General information on contextual studies and how you can choose the subjects in contextual studies can be found here.
Business Fundamentals in the 1st Semester are mainly distant learning.
ECTS: Credit points based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Consistent with international standards, 30 ECTS points can be earned each semester.
TU: One Teaching Units corresponds to 45 minutes.
Course content in detail
CS | Contextual Studies: Selection of 1 or 2 modules totaling 6 ETCS.
General information on contextual studies and how you can choose the subjects in contextual studies can be found here.
ECTS: Credit points based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Consistent with international standarts, 30 ECTS points ca be earned each semester.
Admission to the final examination
To register for the final oral master's examination
- all courses in the curriculum must have been successfully completed and
- the master's thesis must have been positively assessed
The programme alternates between attendance at the FHV, e-learning units, self-organised learning, and group and project work. A reduction in professional activity to 50–80% is recommended in order to enable a good work-life balance.
Course times:
- In general Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday all day
- 1st semester - online courses during the week (evening)
- 2nd and 3rd semester - depending on the choice of contextual studies attendance is required either on Thursday evening or throughout one blocked week per semester
- Admission to the final oral examination:
- all courses in the curriculum must have been successfully completed (examination regulations and grading scale) and
- the Master's thesis must have been graded positively.
- Degree awarded: Master of Arts in Business, MA
- Level of the degree according to the national and European qualifications framework: Master's (2nd cycle)
- Field of study according to ISCED-F code: 0413 - Management and Administration
Career perspectives
Your career goal: think internationally, act globally. This Master’s programme prepares you for management and leadership roles in both private and public sectors – whether you’re leading diverse teams, managing global projects, or driving innovation and change. In today’s globalised economy, organisations need leaders who can navigate complex international markets and foster successful intercultural collaboration.
The programme also opens pathways to pursue a doctorate or PhD programme at an accredited university.
International Business Manager: Drive market expansion and lead international business operations.
Head of International Projects: Manage complex, cross-border projects and oversee multicultural teams.
Regional Manager: Lead business activities across different countries or regions.
Global Team Leader: Build and lead diverse, cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals.
Change & Transformation Manager: Design and manage organisational change and innovation initiatives.
International HR Manager: Develop and lead global talent strategies, intercultural training, and international assignments.
Management Consultant: Advise executives on global expansion, cultural integration, and strategic development.
Executive in Responsible Management: Oversee sustainability and ethical governance practices at a strategic level.
Entrepreneur: Launch and grow innovative businesses with an international or intercultural focus.
Doctoral Researcher or Lecturer: Pursue an academic career in research and higher education.
Why study International Management and Leadership at the FHV?
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Career-accelerating programme combining strategic management, leadership and intercultural cooperation to excel in global business.
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Fully delivered in English within a diverse, international learning environment with a multicultural cohort.
- Also suitable for students without previous studies in business administration.
- Master's programmes of the FHV offer an exceptional interdisciplinary pool of electives ▷ To Contextual Studies.
- A large share of our lecturers come directly from leading companies in the region or esteemed institutions abroad.
- The programme is designed to fit alongside your career, studies and family life.
- Our strong regional company and alumni network creates valuable opportunities for exchange, foresight and advancement
- Access to high-quality knowledge doesn't have to be expensive: We currently even offer this programme without tuition fee.
Access and application
The business-related Master’s programme International Management and Leadership at FHV requires the following qualifications or competencies:
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Completion of a Bachelor’s or Diploma degree (international documents require certification and translation)
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At least two years of professional experience (proof provided by qualified employment references or employment contracts in German or English)
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The previous degree must comprise at least six semesters and 180 ECTS credits at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary institution. The programme director decides on the fulfilment of admission requirements for equivalent Bachelor’s or Diploma degrees.
This Master’s programme is designed as a part-time programme. Current employment is not mandatory, but it is advantageous for the application process.
For admission, proof of language proficiency at level B2 in English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is required.
The application deadlines at the FHV are divided as follows:
Application deadline I 15th November - 1st March
By applying by March 1st, you will benefit from a faster confirmation of your study place
Application deadline II until 31st May
You can apply for all degree programmes until 31st May.
Application deadline III until 31st August
Some degree programmes still have a few places available until 31st August.
Important information: The ultimate application deadline for all applications sent from third countries (non EU or non-EEA, with the exception of Switzerland) is 1st March.
Two steps to your dream degree at the FHV:
Step 1:
Profound review of your application documents, in particular evaluation of your motivation letter, your achievements in your previous studies as well as your professional experience.
Step 2:
In an online admission interview, we will learn more about you, your goals, and your motivation for the study programme.
The best 15 applicants will be admitted.
Proven academic achievements that have been completed in master's degree programmes at colleges and universities can be recognized on an individual basis for individual courses or modules. The decision on recognition lies with the programme director.
Do you still have questions about the study programme?
For a personal consultation, please contact us directly:
| Friday | 9:00 - 11:30 am | 12:30 - 2:00 pm |
or individual appointment
Information events are held at the FHV throughout the year. You are welcome to drop by and get advice. Here is an overview of upcoming events: