Business Development University of Münster

Courses are held in English.

The Master of Science in Business Development equips students with the tools to create, grow, and transform businesses in a global economy. The programme combines entrepreneurship, strategic management, and innovation to foster future business leaders and founders.

In addition to six core modules covering business modelling, growth strategies, and corporate entrepreneurship, students choose five elective courses to shape their profile. Two advanced seminars and a final thesis complete the programme. A semester abroad is recommended, and international credits can be recognised.

Practice-based learning is central to this programme. Students work on real cases, develop business plans, and pitch their ideas to professionals from industry and academia. Strong team collaboration, individual mentoring, and ethical reflection support both personal and professional development.

Whether students aim to start a business, consult companies, or lead innovation in established organisations, this programme provides the necessary mindset, skills, and experiences.

Applications can be submitted from the beginning of May to 15 July. For more information, please visit our homepage.

The Master’s programme in Business Development is a four-semester (120 ECTS) programme focused on entrepreneurship, strategic growth, and innovation management.

Programme structure:

First Year (Semesters 1 and 2):

• Six compulsory core modules (36 ECTS): Innovation Management, Business Modelling, Go-to-Market and Business Development, Managing Growth, Corporate Entrepreneurship, Foundations of Economic Ethics

• Students start selecting elective courses (from a predefined catalogue) to deepen or broaden their competencies in areas such as International Business Development, Digital Transformation Strategies, Venture Capital and Private Equity, Business Negotiations.

Second Year (Semesters 3 and 4):

• Completion of five elective modules (30 ECTS) based on personal interests

• Two research seminars (24 ECTS): These are focused on practical case studies and business plan development. Students are required to pitch business ideas and work closely with practitioners from the start-up scene or corporate development sectors.

• Optional semester abroad: Students are encouraged to spend a semester at one of the partner universities. Credits earned abroad can be recognised towards the degree.

• Master’s thesis (30 ECTS): Conducted on a business development-related topic, often based on a self-developed business plan or strategic growth study

No tuition fees

Students must pay a semester contribution fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester. This includes a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in the greater Münster area as well as all of Germany.

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/einschreibung/semesterbeitrag.shtml.

We recommend that students budget at least 1,000 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance).

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/international/en/studierende/general-information/cost-and-funding.html.

The specific admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations and on our homepage.

The specific admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations and on our homepage.

Applications can be submitted from the beginning of May to 15 July. For more information, please visit our homepage.

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As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and is not easy to find in Münster – but it’s not impossible either!

Please contact the International Office (Bachelor's and Master's students) or the CERes (doctoral candidates) of the university for advice. Please also note that the University of Münster (like most German public universities) does not have its own student halls of residence.

The Career Service team of the University of Münster provides a comprehensive range of seminars, information, and advice to help students, doctoral candidates, and graduates develop a sustainable professional profile, initiate contacts with employers, and learn application strategies and techniques.

The International Office of the university provides advice and support on study-specific and social issues and problems such as:

• at the beginning of your studies (authorities, start of studies)
• health insurance
• financing your studies
• problems during your studies or in everyday life

The Student Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB) of the University of Münster provides support for students in various areas, including:

• assistance with learning techniques
• workshops on learning techniques and stress management
• psychological counselling for students dealing with personal difficulties that are affecting their studies

The Student Advice and Counselling Centre provides relevant information, assesses the individual circumstances of the student, and considers objective factors to help develop customised solutions and potential courses of action.