Betriebswirtschaft / International Business
The international interdependence of the economy - keyword 'globalisation' - affects all the companies today. Therefore, the need for specialists and managers increases, who have a good economic knowledge and are able to build and maintain international business relations in various languages and in an interculturally competent manner. We perfectly prepare you for your working life in this global environment. Our professors are always at the students' disposal when it comes to counselling. Additionally, we offer a mentoring program with our graduates to facilitate your career start.
At a glance
Prerequisites
The entry requirement is a higher education entrance qualification. Non-native speakers must prove sufficient knowledge of German.*
Contact
If you have further questions regarding our study program or the application procedure, please do not hesitate to contact us: ib(at)hs-pforzheim(dot)de, Tel.: 0049 7231 28-6085
*In addition to the university entrance qualification, admission is based on an internal process of the program. For the International Business program English language skills at level B2 CER are required as well as French or Spanish language skills at level B1 CER. We also take into consideration the Maths grades on the university entrance qualification. It should at least be equivalent to the grade 'satisfactory' (befriedigend / 3,0 / 9 points).
Program
Most of the courses are taught in English and another foreign language (French or Spanish): English and the second foreign language are almost equally weighted. Only some basic courses are taught in German.
In Pforzheim, you take courses of the amount of at least 80 ECTS in English and at least 20 ECTS in French or Spanish. During the second part of the studies the focus lays on international aspects of the economy, e.g. international marketing, international financial systems and accounting as well as the management in foreign cultures. It is mandatory to spend one semester abroad, two semesters are recommended. In addition to the degree from Pforzheim University you have the possibility to gain an academic degree from one of our partner universities.
You can also do your internship abroad.
Benefits
Special about the study specialization is the so-called study-abroad module. It is mandatory to spend one semester abroad, two semesters are recommended. This helps you to improve your language skills and to gain further intercultural competencies. You have the possibility to organize your semester abroad individually.
During that semester, you can either specialize in Marketing, Finance or Human Resources or use it to improve your generalist profile.
Double degrees at foreign partner universities: The agreement with ESSCA Angers includes a Bachelor / Master after ten semesters. There is also the possibility to gain a double degree with a specialization in Marketing or Finance at Universidad ESAN in Peru. In cooperation with Pforzheim University the private business school Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico offers a double diploma with a specialization in Logistics in seven semesters. At the IQS School of Management, Ramon Lull University, in Barcelona (Spain), International Business students have the opportunity to obtain a double degree in International Marketing in a Digital Economy. You can also gain an English double degree in Asia at the Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta (Indonesia). Our newest double degree programs are in cooperation with the Excelia Business School in Excelia La Rochelle (France) for a second degree in Business Administration, the SGH Warsaw School of Economics (Poland) for a double diploma in either Global Business, Finance and Governance or International Economics, and the Ural Federal University in Ekaterinburg (Russia) where students can get a double degree in International Economics and Business. Starting in September 2022, our International Business students get the chance to obtain a double diploma at the University of Limerick Kemmy Business School in Ireland in 8 semesters, thereby spending even three semesters at the partner university.
Our International Business program also includes international projects and excursions, e.g. to Ireland, France, Sweden, Russia, Spain or Turkey.
Program goals describe the competencies, which every student should have obtained at the end of their studies at Pforzheim Business School. Each one of these goals is outlined by learning outcomes, through which the competency goals are operationalized and become tangible.
You can find the program goals and learning outcomes of the various study programs in the navigation bar.
Goal at degree program level
Students have broad knowledge of theories and their practical application in order to understand business functions and processes. Expert Knowledge
Learning Objective/Outcome
1.1 Students demonstrate their distinguished and sound competencies in General Business Administration.
1.2 Students demonstrate their distinguished and sound competencies in Economics.
1.3 Students have command of legal methodology for case solutions on basis of claims.
1.4 Students are able to solve business problems based on profound data research skills and by applying quantitative methods.
1.5 Students have profound expert knowledge in their field of specialization.
Goal at degree program level
Students are able to use information technology successfully. Digital Skills
Learning Objective/Outcome
2.1 Students know and understand relevant IT software tools used in business and their features and have a solid understanding of digital technologies.
2.2 Students are able to effectively use and apply information systems to develop solutions in business settings.
2.3 Students are able to effectively use digital technologies to interact, to collaborate and to communicate.
2.4 Students handle the professional use of digital technologies in a responsible manner.
Goal at degree program level
Students demonstrate profound analytical and critical thinking skills. Critical Thinking and Analytical Competence
Learning Objective/Outcome
3.1 Students are able to implement adequate methods in a competent manner and to apply them to complex problems.
3.2 Students are able to critically reflect and interpret findings and to develop comprehensive solutions for complex problems.
Goal at degree program level
Students recognize issues and conflicts in the areas of ethics, sustainable development and social responsibility which can arise from economic and business activities and account for them accordingly. Ethical awareness
Learning Objective/Outcome
4 Students are able to develop sound strategies in the area of ethics, sustainable development and social responsibility and are able to apply them to typical economic decision-making problems.
Goal at degree program level
Students are able to express ideas and arguments clearly and convincingly in oral and written communication. Communication and Collaboration Skills
Learning Objective/Outcome
5.1 Students are able to express complex issues effectively in writing.
5.2 Students demonstrate their oral communication skills in presentations.
5.3 Students show that they are able to work succesfully in a team by performing practical tasks.
Goal at degree program level
Students are well-prepared to act successfully in a global business environment. Internationalization
Goal at degree program level
6.1 Students are able to understand and explain busienss challenges in an international context.
6.2 Students demonstrate that they can articulate themselves in a professional manner in international business.
6.3 Students successfully demonstrate awareness of cross-cultural differences.
