Master International Marketing and Brand Management (M.A.)

Truly understanding your customers is key for any business success! With our program, we will help you build your own expert profile in the area of international marketing and branding: from behavioral insights to digital marketing tools to innovation. Our ‘theory meets practice’ approach means that you will learn about the latest scientific evidence while also applying your knowledge when working on real-life projects, developing your own marketing campaigns and interacting with business professionals to prepare for your own career.

Your Master International Marketing and Brand Management at MBS

Business Project: Together with your fellow students, you will carry out a project on behalf of a real company and apply your acquired knowledge in practice.

Semester abroad and Dual Degree: You have the opportunity to spend the 3rd semester abroad at one of our many partner universities. Alternatively, with the Dual Degree option, you will spend two semesters abroad and earn two specialized master's degrees within two years.

International Focus: You choose one international focus per semester, exploring different markets and methodologies as well as specific economic areas whose development influences the global economy.

Internship: You have already studied or worked in a non-German speaking country for at least one year? If so, you have the option of completing a subject-specific internship in a German-speaking company in the 3rd semester.

Events

Get to know our master program. At our Online Info Sessions.

‌ Info Session

25 October 2022

Master's Info Session with MBS International Center – Explore the World with MBS In this info session you will get to know more about study… learn more

‌ Info Session

26 October 2022

Master's Info Session with MBS Career Center In this info session you will learn how the MBS Career Center… learn more

Key Facts
Master International Marketing and Brand Management

Start of Program

September

Language

English

Duration Single Degree

18 months

Duration Dual Degree

24 months

Format

Full-time

Scholarships

20% to 40% reduction on semester 1 and 2

Final Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

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What our students say about us

Guillermo Tamborrel

The lecturers not only teach their expertise but also share their personal experiences and how it's placed into action on a business daily basis.

Professors go even further, they become more of coaches and mentors. The program represents a unique opportunity in many senses, not only balances yet exceeds all diverse expectations on a master program. The learnings, its cross cultural environment, the friendships and network are elements I will forever treasure.

Yan Sun

Professors and lecturers at MBS have rich working experience in renowned companies, strong academic background, and excellent teaching styles.

In class, they are happy to share their career experiences and insights with students, and give students opportunities for interaction and communication. Besides, they invite many professionals to offer guest lectures to let students expand their knowledge.

Ellen Winter-Kichhoff

One of the best things about International Marketing and Brand Management was the guest lecturers from German and international companies.

We had access to high ranking employees of these companies, for example from BBDO, McKinsey or Service Plan. This helped us apply our education as well as build a strong network and understand more about the German job market.

Chaimae Benboubaddi

MBS students receive great support from all sides: academic director, lecturers and university staff.

And not only for their studies, but also in many other areas: Health insurance, accommodation, living standards. This is especially helpful for those who move to Munich from another country and speak a different language.

Jasmine Lichtman

I found the experience gained during the business project particularly valuable.

The students got exciting and instructive insights into the economy, were able to look over the shoulder of a start-up founder during his work and developed a market entry strategy for the Benelux countries. These are contents I can really use for my professional future.

Our
Master IMBM in Numbers

15-20

Students per group

International Partner Universities

4:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

100%

Business Hotspot Munich

21-32

Age range

57 %

International Students

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"This program offers a highly relevant specialization for modern students. In interactive, practice-oriented courses, we build a comprehensive understanding of international marketing and brand management – with many top-class guest lectures, workshops, excursions and exciting projects. Our behavioral marketing approach uses the latest findings from research and business to educate our students as the marketing professionals of tomorrow."

Prof. Dr. Sophie Hieke
Academic Director Master International Marketing and Brand Management

Course of Studies Master International Marketing and Brand Management

Semester 1

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING & BRAND MANAGEMENT MODULES

International Marketing and Brand Management (6 ECTS)

Sub-Modules:

International Marketing

Brand Management

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Learn how to recognize various market structures and competitive settings (commoditization, disruption, winner-take-all market, etc.) as well as their respective properties.
Deconstruct and evaluate market strategies in a global context.
Learn how to source relevant information and how to form a view on strategic options available to market participants.
Explain and assess brand-driven global marketing strategies for targeting customers on an international scale.

Customer Insights for Marketing and Brand Management (6 ECTS)

Content:

Fundamentals of Consumer Behavior

Behavioral Economics: From Heuristics to Nudging

Empirical Research: Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

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Understand the principles of consumer behavior, following the SOR model.
Get to know all about the foundation of behavioral economics and be able to interpret various biases and heuristics in the context of decision-making.
Learn how to combine qualitative and quantitative data analytics skills to gain valid and reliable customer insights.
Apply your skills to real-life case studies to study and evaluate consumer behavior.

International Marketing and Brand Management Project (3 ECTS)

Students work independently in small teams on real projects submitted to MBS by companies. Within the groups, students work under the supervision of professors over two semesters.

Deepen your knowledge about project work, teamwork, collaboration and communication in a group.
Apply your knowledge in a practical project work.
Learn to work with an international team.
Learn to use project management software or cloud-based software for project work: Slack, Trello, Toggle, Google Docs, Dropbox, etc.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT MODULES

International Business and Management (6 ECTS)

Sub-Modules:

International Strategic Management

Organizational Behavior

Conscious Business

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Learn about the drivers of globalization, related strategic models, and how to apply them in business operations.
Study the relationships between individual, organization, and society and reasons for behaviors in organizations.
Develop an understanding for alternative business practices compared to traditional profit orientation as the core goal of a business based on the four tenets of Conscious Capitalism as well as best practices in the field of Conscious Business.

International Focus (3 ECTS)

Choose 1 out of 3

Business in Germany
Business in Latin America
Business in China

Gain insights into business practices and current business topics in the chosen region based on an understanding of the social background as well as the economic and political system in the respective region.

Languages (Optional) (3 ECTS)

Choose 1 out of 3:

Spanish
Chinese
German

Depending on the level, learn the appropriate grammar and vocabulary skills to advance to the next level of language proficiency.

EXECUTIVE SKILLS

Communication in International Business (6 ECTS)

Sub-Modules:

Business Communication

Business Ethics

Negotiation Skills

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Identify and master the challenges of business communication particularly in an international and intercultural context.
Study and discuss topical and controversial business ethics issues as well as the philosophical origins of ethics.
Learn how to use effective communication skills as well as manage the human behavior dynamics in the negotiation process.

MBS Engagement

Feel a stronger sense of belonging to the MBS community by actively engaging in a variety of extracurricular offerings.

Semester 2

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING & BRAND MANAGEMENT MODULES

Integrated Brand Communication in a Digitalized World (6 ECTS)

Content:

(Digital) Brand Communication: Customer Journeys, User Experience and Analytics

(Digital) Advertising: Programmatic Advertising, Zero Friction and More

Social Media: The Purpose, The Impact and The Use for Businesses

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Understand and discuss the relevant aspects of digital brand communication: personas, user journey, UX etc.
Understand the relevance and potential of MarTech and data.
Get to know the different digital marketing platforms.
Learn to formulate digital marketing strategies.
Learn how to plan and evaluate digital advertising strategies.
Understand the role and relevance of social media for integrated brand communication.

Marketing of Innovations (6 ECTS)

Content:

The Basics of Innovation: Models, Context, Diffusion and Adoption

How to Market Innovations: Analysis, Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning and The Right Marketing Mix

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Identify sources of innovation, distinguish between different types, patterns, and models of innovation and derive appropriate marketing implications.
Detect specific innovation contexts, diffusion and adoption rates and identify required marketing tactics.
Explore and evaluate strategies for entering innovative markets.
Learn how to formulate marketing plans and strategies for innovations.
Get to know how to identify and apply tactics, approaches, activities, and measures for marketing innovations.

Electives (6 ECTS)

Choose 2 out of 6:

Brand Storytelling:
Learn to understand key principles of human behavior, gain insight into branding, advertising, and sales techniques, and learn how to design effective branding strategies based on consumer insights.
Psychology of Marketing:
Learn to understand the basics of storytelling and communication mechanisms, be able to discuss brand strategies and get to know how to design and analyze branding campaigns.
Independent Research Project:
Learn how to and develop a scientific paper, publication, working paper (or similar) on a self-chosen research topic in consultation with a faculty mentor.
Success Factor Happiness:
Personally experience the concepts of happiness, mindfulness, higher purpose, compassion, and gratitude through specific exercises and learn from best practices how to apply them in a work environment to increase (among others) subjective well-being, health, productivity, and satisfaction and decrease stress.
Technology Trends:
Learn how to identify and analyze technology trends and their implications for management and society and practically create use cases, strategies, and business models.

International Marketing and Brand Management Project (3 ECTS)

Students work independently in small teams on real projects submitted to MBS by companies. Within the groups, students work under the supervision of professors over two semesters.

Deepen your knowledge about project work, teamwork, collaboration and communication in a group.
Apply your knowledge in a practical project work.
Learn to work with an international team.
Learn to use project management software or cloud-based software for project work: Slack, Trello, Toggle, Google Docs, Dropbox, etc.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT MODULES

International Focus (3 ECTS)

Choose 1 out of 5:

Business in Europe
Business in Latin America
Business in China
Business in USA and Canada
Business in Emerging Economies (India, Africa)

Use case studies, business simulations, in-depth reports as well as expert knowledge to understand the complexities of the business environment in the chosen region from a cultural, economic, social, political, and legal perspective.

Languages (Optional) (3 ECTS)

Choose 1 out of 3:

Spanish
Chinese
German

Depending on the level, learn the appropriate grammar and vocabulary skills to advance to the next level of language proficiency.

EXECUTIVE SKILLS MODULES

Responsible Leadership in a Global Context (5 ECTS)

Sub-Modules:

Responsible Leadership

Business & Society

Master Thesis Preparation

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Learn how to lead and manage people in business in a responsible way, including how to motivate and support people depending on the given circumstances, personality, and culture.
Get familiar with the origin and development of different cultural core beliefs, value systems and how they define business practices from a top management perspective.
Learn how to collect, evaluate, assess and present the state of the art in the academic discipline regarding a specific research question.

MBS Engagement (1 ECTS)

Feel a stronger sense of belonging to the MBS community by actively engaging in a variety of extracurricular offerings.

Semester 3

Semester Abroad or Internship (15 ECTS)

Students in the Master International Marketing and Brand Management gain comprehensive international experience by studying one semester at one of the numerous international partner universities of MBS. Alternatively, students can spend two semesters at selected universities and complete their studies with a dual degree.

Have you already studied or worked for at least one year in a non-German-speaking country? Then you have the alternative option of completing a subject-specific internship in a company in Germany, Austria or German-speaking Switzerland. The duration of the internship is at least 15 weeks.

Master Thesis (15 ECTS)

Last but not least: writing you Master Thesis

Download Module Overview Master International Marketing and Brand Management

Business
Projects

Business Projects

One important focus in the program Master International Marketing and Brand Management are the business projects. You will be working for a company on a specific project of practical relevance. In cooperation with your fellow students you show that you can develop a marketing and branding concept for a start-up and put it into practice. Moreover, you will draft and implement a marketing and branding project for a real company. If you study marketing in Munich, you will also benefit from a strong business location. Thus in your business project, you might also get the opportunity to design a brand awareness campaign for a global market leader from the Bavarian surroundings.

What our business project partners say about us

Citkar

After the successful launch of our zero emission heavy duty cargo bike fleet across Europe, we wanted to explore a market entry in the US.

The students in this project delivered an excellent projedetailed market entry strategy including market research, identifying new collaborators and setting up a road map for the first few months of entering the US.

Stefan Räth, Co-Founder & Managing Director Citkar

Helleluja

I am the proud owner of a local Bavarian beer – Helleluja – and the IMBM students have developed a complete branding strategy for me,

The result included market research, customer profiles, and a marketing mix targeted at Munich and outskirts. Everything is super detailed, well explained and I can actually carry this out myself – hallelujah!

Marcus Büttner, Founder & Owner Helleluja

FLSK

The students worked on a market analysis and developed a realisation strategy for smart bottles for us.

We were very impressed with the know-how and structured approach of the work they delivered.

Patrick Bohrer, Founder FLSK

Harmann - A Samsung Company

We gave the students the task to create a digital marketing campaign for our Automotive Audio business in China.

The team carried out extensive market research which contributed towards the development of a successful marketing campaign for BMW.

Paul Gregory, Automotive Division Harmann

Mary's Coffee

Mary’s Coffee is a local coffee brand in Munich and we have been wanting to expand our range of iced coffee products to other European markets.

The students developed a market entry strategy for the BeNeLux region including a complete positioning strategy.

Mary Weiß, Founder Mary's Coffee

Orange Ocean

We asked students to assess the possibility of a merchandise concept for our NPO – but what they delivered completely blew our minds:

an online shop with fully designed and market-tested collections, a sustainable supply-chain concept and a digital launch campaign. We were deeply impressed with the skills and the knowhow that went into this!

Peter Christmann, Founder Orange Ocean

Zero Bullshit

As a young start-up, we have been looking for guidance on our branding strategy. During our project with the students, they completely revamped our brand:

they brought clarity and structure to our logo, a great corporate design and ideas for every single touchpoint along the way. These insights have been invaluable for us!

Sandra Ebert, Co-Founder Zero Bullshit

GlaxoSmithKline

When we told the student team to be bold and think outside the box for the activation campaign for our products, we never expected this level of creativity!

They developed three different 360 campaigns across B2C and B2B customers and surprised us with great concepts we can use for our marketing strategies!

Christina Heger, Brand Manager, GlaxoSmithKline

3rd Semester:
Semester Abroad or Internship

You define your focus

Semester abroad: Students in the International Marketing and Brand Management master program have the opportunity to spend their third semester abroad at one of our numerous international partner universities. During your semester abroad, you will gather extensive international experience and expand your intercultural skills. Students can also choose to spend two semesters at selected universities and complete their studies with a dual degree.

Internship: If you have already studied or worked abroad in a non-German-speaking country, you will also have the option of completing an internship specific to your subject area at a company in Germany, Austria or the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Internships run for at least 15 weeks.

Internationality

Studying at Munich Business School is an international experience, because internationality is not only taught but also lived. This is why studying abroad is an integral part of our programs. MBS maintains partnerships with over 60 universities worldwide and is continuously expanding its international network. The cooperations range from classic programs such as ERASMUS+ and exchange programs to over 20 dual-degree agreements with partners in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the USA.

International Focus

Although global economic principles can in general be applied everywhere, international markets are strongly influenced by political, cultural and historical characteristics.

By choosing one international focus per semester, you explicitly dedicate your Master International Business to the study of different markets and methods as well as special economic areas whose development influences the global economy.

Semester Abroad

You will spend the third semester abroad at one of our numerous international partner universities.

Students of the Master International Business gain comprehensive international experience by spending a semester at one of MBS' numerous international partner universities. Alternatively, students can spend two semesters at selected universities and complete their studies with a dual degree.

International Atmosphere

Around half of MBS students come from abroad, which gives our lectures and seminars a certain international flair.

Engaging and exchanging ideas with international students will give you a detailed understanding of different cultures and offer you the opportunity to explore approaches and mindsets from other cultures – an experience that will expand your own horizons. Joint activities outside the classroom will help you develop a wide network of international contacts and friendships.

Dual Degree

With the dual degree option, you acquire an additional, specialized Master's degree from one of our partner universities.Munich Business School's cooperation with renowned international universities gives you the opportunity to acquire two different master's degrees within two years. For a dual degree, you will normally spend two semesters at MBS and then two semesters at the partner university, followed by the Master's thesis.

Mentoring Program

You have the opportunity to apply for our exclusive mentoring program. Within the framework of this program, a professionally experienced person from the circle of MBS alumni will support you with words and deeds during the hot phase of your studies, help you to achieve your career goals and provide you with valuable contacts through their network.

At the beginning of your studies, you will receive more information about our mentoring program and can apply for one of the limited places until the end of September. In October, the mentoring committee makes its decision and in November, the selected mentees meet their mentors. The mentoring meetings will take place between November 2021 and August 2022.

Application

In order to qualify for the Master International Marketing and Brand Management study program, you must fulfill academic, linguistic, and to some extent professional requirements.

You may submit your application documents at any time. Since the places are limited, we advise you to apply for your desired study start as early as possible.

Apply Online Schedule Appointment

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

The main requirement for admission to the Master International Marketing and Brand Management study program is a successful Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS or more). Applicants with a degree in Business Studies/Management/Economics are entitled to apply for the program directly, applicants without a degree in economics can qualify for the program by completing the Pre Master Program. Upon request, we will gladly verify your documents in advance. Please contact your Program Advisor

Language Requirements

English Proficiency

Applicants must proof their English language skills by passing one of the following language tests:

TOEFL ibt: minimum 85 (min. 22 in writing and min. 20 in all other bands; MBS TOEFL Institution Code: 5772)
IELTS: minimum level of 6.5 – Academic Module
ELS English for Academic Purposes: Advanced Level 112

Test results can only be accepted if achieved within the last two years. If you are unable to obtain your test results before handing in your MBS application, please inform us about your planned test date.

The English proficiency test can be waived by the following candidates:

Applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e., High School Diploma, IB)
Applicants having completed their first academic degree in English

Application Process

Step 1: Written Application

When submitting your online application, please provide the following mandatory documents:

Answering questions of motivation (various questions are available for selection during the online application process)
Résumé/CV
Copies of your graduation certificates* and/or current university transcripts*

You may also upload the following additional documents:

recent photo of yourself (professional, in color with bright background)
Copy of the school leaving certificate (e.g., Highschool Diploma, IB, Abitur)*
Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or ELS)
Reference letters (if available)
When applying for a scholarship: personal statement (1 page)

*Please provide the original documents or certified copies when you gain admission and matriculate to the program.

Online Application

Alternatively, you can also submit your written application.

Download Application Form

Step 2: Admission

Qualified applicants will be invited for a personal interview on site in Munich or online via Microsoft Teams (approx. 30 - 45 minutes). The interview may include the processing of a case study.

As soon as you are an admitted student, you have the opportunity to get to know MBS even better – before making your final decision whether to join Munich Business School.

Our study advisors will of course be available for all kinds of potential questions and personal consultations.

Step 3: Study Contract

Once you have successfully completed the application process, Munich Business School will provide you with an acceptance letter as well as two copies of your study contract. Please sign one copy and return it within two weeks to secure your spot in the program. The other copy needs to be kept for your own records.

The acceptance to the study program requires an enrollment fee of 690 Euro (EU/EFTA) respectively 1,490 Euro (non-EU) and a deposit of 1,000 Euro due upon signing the study contract. The deposit will be deducted from your first tuition fee installment.

Step 4: Student Visa

If you are a non-EU national, you are required to apply for a student visa in order start your studies in Germany. To obtain a visa invitation letter from Munich Business School, which is necessary to apply for the visa, please add a copy of your passport details page when handing in your signed study contract.

More about Student Visa

Scholarships

Munich Business School offers attractive scholarships. These are 20 - 40% for the 1st and 2nd Master semester. Students who show particular commitment can continue to receive support after the second semester.

The application for one of the scholarships is made together with the application for a study place. Further information can be found under "Scholarships and financing".

Tuition
Fees

The tuition fee is payable in three semester installments à 8,000 Euro or 18 monthly installments. The first rate is due upon the beginning of your studies and can be paid via bank transfer or PayPal.
Books, travel costs and accommodation are not included in the overall tuition fee.

The non-refundable processing fee is due upon application, the one-time enrollment fee is due upon signing of the study contract. Both is be paid via bank transfer or PayPal.

Additional costs can incur for the semester abroad, depending on the partner university of your choice and depending on your choice to complete a dual degree.

Munich Business School offers attractive scholarships. Detailed information can be found here.