Business Studies (Master)

In the Master of Business Studies program, you will deepen your knowledge of economics and refine your individual profile.

You’ll work with current academic approaches and learn to analyze and solve complex business challenges using a scientifically grounded methodology.

In doing so, you’ll set your own areas of focus and combine theory with practice:

• Specialization with a Focus: You’ll specialize in key areas of business management such as Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation, Management & Marketing, or Digital Business.
• Research-Oriented Work: You’ll learn to analyze issues using a scientific approach, interpret data, and develop solutions.
• High level of practical relevance: Case studies, projects, and collaborations bring real-world business challenges into your studies.

The result is a master’s program that combines analytical depth with societal relevance.

A distinctive feature of the program is the opportunity to tailor your academic profile. You choose one of three specializations— Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation (FACT), Management & Marketing (MuM), or Digital Business (DiB) —and can tailor your studies within these areas to your specific interests and career goals through elective modules. This results in a personalized skill set that encompasses both specialized and general business knowledge.

The curriculum is aligned with current developments in the business world. Among other topics, you’ll explore digital transformation, innovative business models, modern management approaches, and issues related to sustainable financing and strategic controlling.

Furthermore, the program combines research and practice in a variety of ways. Courses taught in German and English, projects with regional companies, case studies, business simulation games, and innovative teaching formats—such as AI-supported learning tools (VR-Lab)—enable you to apply academic insights directly to business management issues.

Another focus is on developing analytical and methodological skills. You will learn to systematically examine complex economic issues using qualitative and quantitative research methods. In addition, by taking courses in interdisciplinary key competencies, you can further develop your skills in analysis, discussion, and presentation. With the help of our personalized academic advising, you can also plan your studies strategically and further refine your personal profile.

With a Master’s in Business Studies, you’ll be qualified for challenging roles in a variety of industries and functional areas—depending on your personal area of focus.

Typical career fields include, among others:

• Risk Management
• Digital Consulting
• Strategic Controlling
• Market Intelligence
• Change Management

In doing so, you’ll often work at the intersection of analysis, strategy, and implementation, which makes you particularly well-suited for leadership roles.

This can take place in companies as well as in consulting firms, financial institutions, or organizational contexts.

More on career prospects

The Master’s in Business Studies combines academic content with practical issues. The business environment in the Kassel region offers a wide range of opportunities to gain practical experience—for example, through part-time student jobs, voluntary internships, projects, or theses conducted in collaboration with companies.

Thanks to the flexible program structure, a semester abroad can be easily integrated into the curriculum. The department maintains numerous international partnerships and supports students—for example, through Erasmus and other exchange programs offered by the University of Kassel (such as those with Australian universities)—in planning and financing their stay abroad.

The Master of Business Studies program is designed to last four semesters (120 credits). The program is divided into six core areas of study:

• Fundamentals of Business Administration
  Teaching of fundamental business administration concepts, including information management, controlling, and corporate governance.
• Specific Economics
  In-depth study of economic topics related to the chosen specializations.
• Research Methods
  Development of quantitative or qualitative methodological skills for independent academic work.
• Master’s Profile
  Your individual focus: consisting of required and elective modules in your chosen specialization in Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation, Management & Marketing, or Digital Business.
• Additional Key Competencies
  Development of interdisciplinary skills such as communication, organization, and presentation.
• Master’s Thesis
  Independent academic research on an economics-related topic.

Details on the Program Structure and Sample Study Plan

Research related to the program addresses current challenges in business administration and combines academic insights with practical issues.

The program focuses, among other things, on the following topics:

Management & Transformation
, corporate resilience, strategic communication, well-being, and gender-neutral management control systems.

Digitalization, AI & Innovation
Technology-driven business model innovation, trustworthy information systems and platforms, hybrid intelligence, and the human-centric useof artificial intelligence.

Finance & Controlling
Sustainable financial performance, supply chains, and sustainable mobility.

Marketing & Consumer Behavior
Transformative consumer research and the question of how to shape conscious consumption and responsible marketing.