Master of Business Administration
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Choosing the right MBA program is an important step for professionals who want to develop their management skills in a targeted manner. In Germany, several private universities offer specialized programs with different focuses and study formats. Below, we present the MBA programs offered by Munich Business School, CBS International Business School, and Macromedia University.
The MBA General Management program at Munich Business School is aimed at professionals with leadership potential and offers a strong international focus and practical content. The program includes a short stay abroad as part of EMBA Week, leadership training, and more. Small learning groups and a strong network round out the program.
The MBA at CBS International Business School is a four-semester full-time program offered in Cologne. It provides comprehensive business management knowledge with a focus on international corporate management. The program includes practice-oriented projects and offers access to a network.
The MBA at Macromedia University is offered in English and can be completed in three or four semesters. The program focuses on strategic management, innovation and change management, and digital skills. It includes practical projects and prepares students for leadership positions in business.
The following special features play a role in one or more MBA programs at Munich Business School, CBS, and Macromedia. They provide insights into the content, structures, and special features of the English-language programs and illustrate how these programs promote practice-oriented learning, individual design options, and international experience.
Below, we briefly explain what the concepts and terms used in the Master of Business Administration study program mean.
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.
Study projects are practical tasks in which you work in groups to analyze real challenges faced by companies and develop solutions—often in collaboration with industry partners.
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.
A stay abroad during your studies allows you to study at a partner university abroad for a certain period of time, participate in a project abroad, or gain international practical experience in order to strengthen your intercultural skills.
Career coaching offers you individual support in career orientation, job applications, and career planning from experienced advisors or the university's career services.
Leadership Week is an intensive week in the MBA program during which leadership skills are developed through seminars, practical projects, and coaching.
This is an additional offer to help students learn or improve their language skills (especially in German) in order to prepare for an international or possible German career.
In a business simulation game, you take on the role of a management team and make strategic decisions in a simulated business environment to experience economic relationships in a realistic way.
A Master's Thesis Workshop provides structured preparation for writing your thesis, with input on finding a topic, academic writing, and time management.
A university's accreditations are an important indicator of the quality and recognition of its degree programs. Institutions such as the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, FIBAA, the German Science Council, and renowned international accreditation organizations such as AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS assess the academic excellence, practical relevance, and international standards of universities. Below, we provide an overview of the most important accreditations for the three MBA programs.
| MBS | CBS | Macromedia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| German Ministry of Education | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| FIBAA | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| German Council of Science and Humanities | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| AMBA | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| AACSB | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| EQUIS | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Internationality plays a central role in the MBA programs at all three universities. Each institution has different areas of focus in order to prepare students for a global career.
The Munich Business School attaches great importance to an international orientation. A semester abroad is therefore an integral part of the MBA program, and there are partnerships with over 60 universities worldwide. Courses are taught entirely in English, and the student body is international, which promotes intercultural exchange.
The CBS International Business School's MBA in International Management is aimed at students with international career ambitions. With locations in several German cities and a number of partner universities worldwide, CBS offers international experience and networks. Students benefit from a multicultural environment and practice-oriented projects with global companies.
The Macromedia University also offers its MBA program entirely in English and attracts students from over 90 countries. With locations in Berlin and Munich and a strong focus on practical projects and cooperation with international companies, the university prepares its students for leadership positions in a global environment.
In the following table, we have summarized the most important facts about the various Master of Business Administration programs offered by the three universities MBS, CBS, and Macromedia.
| Munich Business School | CBS | Macromedia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree program | MBA General Management | MBA International Management | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| Duration | 2 Semesters | 4 Semesters | 3 – 4 Semesters |
| Study program language | English | English | English |
| Start of studies | Winter & summer semester | Winter semester | Winter semester |
| Location | Munich | Cologne | Berlin, Munich |
| Format | Full-time study | Full-time study | Full-time study |
| Numerus Clausus | No Numerus Clausus | No Numerus Clausus | No Numerus Clausus |
| Recognition | State-recognized & accredited | State-recognized & accredited | State-recognized & accredited |
| Study requirements | Bachelor's degree, 2 years of professional experience after the BA (also possible with less than 2 years under certain circumstances), English language skills proven by test | Academic degree with 180 ECTS (also possible without under certain circumstances), final grade of at least “good/2/B” or separate admission procedure), at least 1 year of professional experience 1 year, English language skills proven by test | Admission with bachelor's degree with 180 or 210 ECTS and at least 2 years of qualified professional experience, English language proficiency |
| 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 | 2 elective courses, international focus, career coaching, business project, individual research project or business plan or consulting project (choose one), language courses, short stay abroad as part of EMBA Week | Business simulation game, business project, elective courses, career seminar, master's thesis workshop, corporate cooperation | Research-oriented Project, Practical-based Project, Own Project, Electives |
Do you want to find out exactly what the difference is between a traditional Master's degree and an MBA?
For more information on this topic, please visit our dedicated page.
Difference MBA and MasterThe location that is best suited for your Master in Business Administration depends on your personal preferences and goals. The choice should be made based on your budget, industry, and lifestyle. Here is a brief overview of the three locations Munich (MBS, Macromedia), Cologne (CBS), and Berlin (Macromedia) for an MBA:
| Munich | Cologne | Berlin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 10/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Internationality | 9/10 | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Networking Opportunities | 10/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Infrastructure | 10/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Quality of Life | 10/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Cost of Living | 2/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 |
| Student Life | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Nature | 10/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Recreational Possibilities | 10/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Culture | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| 88/100 | 70/100 | 74/100 |
The career prospects after an MBA at Munich Business School, CBS International Business School, and Macromedia University are promising, but vary depending on the university, network, and individual focus. Here is an overview:
Absolvent*innen der Munich Business School profitieren von einem starken Unternehmensnetzwerk in München. Laut dem Employment Report 2024 erzielen sie durchschnittlich ein Gehalt von 80.923 € nach dem Abschluss, was einem Anstieg von 91 % gegenüber dem Vorstudium entspricht. Über 70 % sichern sich bereits vor dem Abschluss eine Stelle, und 90 % erhalten innerhalb eines Jahres eine Beförderung. Top-Arbeitgeber sind unter anderem BMW, Siemens, Allianz, Deloitte und Amazon. Die häufigsten Positionen umfassen Projektmanagement, Consulting und Führungsrollen.
Der MBA in International Management der CBS bereitet auf einige Karrierewege vor, darunter Projektmanagement und Marketing. Das Programm beinhaltet praxisorientierte Projekte und ein integriertes Praktikum, wodurch Studierende praktische Erfahrungen in verschiedenen Branchen sammeln können. Der Career Service der CBS bietet zudem persönliches Coaching und Zugang zu einem Unternehmensnetzwerk.
Die Hochschule Macromedia fokussiert sich auf praxisnahe Ausbildung mit Verbindungen zur Industrie. Absolvent*innen übernehmen häufig Positionen wie Projektmanager*in. Das MBA-Programm bietet zudem einige Praxisprojekte mit internationalen Unternehmen an.
The experiences of alumni are a decisive factor when choosing the right MBA program. Reviews on platforms such as StudyCheck provide authentic insights into the quality of the program, the support offered, and the career opportunities from the perspective of former students. Below, we compare the reviews of the three Master's in Business Management programs offered by Munich Business School, CBS, and Macromedia to provide a solid basis for your decision.
These ratings come from the German rating portal StudyCHECK.de. The ratings are current as of May 9, 2025.
★★★★☆ 4,3
99% would recommend
★★★★☆ 4,5
100% would recommend
★★★☆☆ 3,7
85% would recommend
No ratings!
★★★★☆ 4,0
90% would recommend
Not available & no ratings!
Munich is one of Germany's strongest economic centers, with many corporate headquarters (e.g., BMW, Siemens, Allianz) and a strong SME sector. Its proximity to large companies opens up good opportunities for networking, internships, and career entry. The city also offers a high quality of life, with countless leisure activities and a diverse natural environment.
Challenges:
The cost of living in Munich is high, especially for rent. The housing market can also be very tight.
Cologne is an important media and service location with many company headquarters in the region (e.g., RTL, Rewe, Bayer). The city has a strong cultural life, is somewhat less expensive than Munich, and is very well connected thanks to its location.
Challenges
The economic diversity is somewhat smaller than in Munich or Berlin, especially in the area of international corporations.
Berlin is Germany's startup capital with a creative, international environment. Many MBA students benefit from the innovative spirit, slightly lower cost of living compared to Munich, and a dynamic startup scene.
Challenges
Fewer large DAX-listed companies, which can affect traditional corporate career paths. Competition on the job market and housing market is high, as many skilled workers want to move to Berlin.
A Master of Business Administration provides you with sound business knowledge, strengthens your leadership and management skills, and improves your career prospects, especially if you are aiming for a management position or want to change career.
With an MBA, you can expect a starting salary of between €60,000 and €90,000 per year, depending on the industry, position, and professional experience. Significantly higher salaries are possible later on in management positions.
An MBA is very valuable if you want to develop specific leadership skills, accelerate your career, or change career direction—especially in international and business-related fields.
A Master of Business Administration qualifies you for management positions, provides you with comprehensive business management expertise, and helps you think strategically and act entrepreneurially.
As an MBA graduate, you will take on challenging management tasks, make strategic decisions, and lead teams or projects in companies across a wide range of industries.
Yes, a Master of Business Administration is an internationally recognized master's degree with a focus on management and corporate management, even if it differs somewhat from other master's programs in terms of requirements and structure.
