German Business Culture and International Management (MA) Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden – University of Applied Sciences

Coursework and exams are in English.

International students study German (level A1) in the first semester.

A very small number of electives are also available in German.

The Master's degree programme in German Business Culture and International Management aims to achieve a balance between theory and practice. The programme's graduates should be capable of:

• taking a global perspective as a manager
• negotiation and decision making within a leadership role in international organisations at home and abroad
• considering the relationships between economic, technical, social and cultural issues as they affect the organisation
• acting as a bridge between cultures across the organisation‘s range of activities and relationships

The winter semester starts on 1 September. Lectures normally start during the first week of October. Examinations are normally during the first three weeks in February.

The summer semester starts on 1 March. Lectures normally start during the third week of March. Examinations are normally during the first three weeks in July.

The Master's programme is campus-based. Students are required to be at HTWD to study. Some elements of the modules are online.

International applicants:
15 June via uni-assist for the following winter semester

German applicants:
1 May to 15 July for the following winter semester

The Master's programme in German Business Culture and International Management starts in the winter semester and comprises four semesters. The first two semesters are based in Dresden; the third and fourth semesters are based abroad.

The programme is delivered in a modular form. All modules are delivered in English. Each module includes four 45-minute lectures per week and additional self-study, which is determined by the lecturer and the student in terms of content and duration.

Each module is equivalent to 5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. One credit is equivalent to a workload of 30 hours (lectures + self-study). Each semester, 30 ECTS credits must be achieved. Thus the total workload for one semester including the vacation and examination period is 900 hours.

Semester one – Study in Dresden

Six compulsory modules have to be completed. The modules focus on German language and culture as well as German business culture. There are also introductory modules on international business and management. For details of the modules, please refer to the module descriptions available in the module database (Modulux).

Semester two – Study in Dresden

Four compulsory modules have to be completed, and two electives may be chosen from eight available. Two additional electives are also available in German for students who speak German. The particular electives that are available are decided by the Faculty Dean and depends on student preferences and the teaching resources available. For details of the modules, please refer to the module descriptions available in the module database (Modulux).

Semester three – Study at a partner university abroad

The third semester takes place at one of our partner universities. We have an established procedure for the allocation of partner universities, which takes into consideration the student's interests as far as possible. Details of the procedure can be found at our International Office.

The student studies 30 ECTS credits at the partner university abroad. The study programme is documented in a learning agreement after discussions between the student and the academic supervisors at the HTWD and the partner university. This procedure is normally anchored in a bilateral co-operation agreement between the respective institutions. A list of partner universities can be found at our International Office.

In the third semester, students also have to prepare for the Master's thesis. To this effect, students take a 3 ECTS credit module in "Academic Research Skills". This is an online study module, which provides a flexible approach to study that is independent of time and location.

Semester four – Master's thesis abroad

In the fourth semester, the students write their Master's thesis (27 ECTS credits). Finally, the Master's thesis is orally defended (viva voce examination).

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Short internships are possible during semester breaks. The Master's thesis can be completed as an in-company project.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 300 EUR per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in Germany and student services.

The cost of living amounts to approx. 850 to 950 EUR per month to cover personal expenses. This includes accommodation at a cost of 300 to 350 EUR per month.

First degree (Bachelor's or Diploma) in International Management or a field of business administration with a strong international orientation and with 180 ECTS

Further information on the application procedure can be found on the information page for international applicants.

Bonuses

• Study at a foreign university: If you have gained your Bachelor's degree at a university outside Germany, you will receive a grade bonus contribution to your Bachelor's degree GPA.
• English language: If your Bachelor's degree was 100% taught in English, you will receive a grade bonus contribution to your Bachelor's degree GPA.
• The two bonuses can be combined.

Please note that the bonuses can only be granted if the appropriate documentation (e.g. original or legally attested copy of degree certificates, and/or an official university letter) is included with your application.

Applicants are required to have language competence in English at the C1 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

English language skills have to be verified by suitable tests, such as the following:

• TOEFL iBT 95, PBT 627
• IELTS 7
• Cambridge: CAE with B or C, BEC Higher
• LCCI English for Business: Level 3 Distinction; Level 4: Pass
• UNIcert III

German language skills at level A1 to A2 are recommended but are not a formal requirement for entry.

International applicants:
15 June via uni-assist for the following winter semester

German applicants:
1 May to 15 July for the following winter semester

The university has a scholarship programme for excellent students (Deutschlandstipendium). Recipients receive approx. 300 EUR per month.

On campus: A limited number of student assistant positions and tutoring jobs are available. Knowledge of English is usually sufficient for these positions.

Off campus: The Career Service at HTWD supports international students when searching and applying for jobs. Students are allowed to hold off-campus jobs for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the lecture period and to work a maximum of 140 full days or 280 half days per year (according to regulations for foreign students requiring a visa). Basic knowledge of German is usually required for off-campus positions.

The Studentenwerk Dresden is responsible for student services. It offers a wide range of accommodation for students. Students can choose between small apartments for individuals, large apartments for student families, and numerous single and double rooms in flat shares. Students have to apply for accommodations via an online application procedure: https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/english/wohnen/antrag.html (English)

https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/antrag.html (German)

Private housing can be found online: http://www.wg-gesucht.de/en/.

The Career Service of HTWD assists students with job search and applications by offering workshops, individual consultations and coaching sessions.

HTWD also has a Consulting Centre for Company Founding (HTWD Gründungsschmiede), which helps new start-ups develop a business idea, create a business plan and use work stations and infrastructure for free.

Engineering, economics, design, and "green" disciplines represent the primary focus of HTWD – University of Applied Sciences.

Studies at the HTWD focus on practical education, giving you an excellent hands-on study experience. In addition, the HTWD is well-connected and works closely with partners in industry.

State-of-the-art laboratories, the university's globally connected computer network, an extensive library, and a language centre also ensure an effective and top-quality study.

The central campus is located on the southern edge of the Dresden city centre in close proximity to the main railway station and provides a relaxed social atmosphere that facilitates contact with fellow students as well as activities and social events hosted by the student council. The campus at Pillnitz is situated in the immediate vicinity of the famous Pillnitz Castle and Park. Rich in tradition and surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape, this campus is home to the Faculty of Agriculture/Environment/Chemistry.

The HTWD also offers a variety of sports, musical performances, and cultural experiences.

Dresden, the capital city of the state of Saxony, is located in the Elbe river valley, one of the most scenic landscapes in Germany. Dresden has all benefits of a major city and is a great base for excursions to explore the nature that surrounds the city.

The cultural life of the city is diverse. Students can explore baroque buildings, the Old Master’s Gallery and treasure chambers like the Green Room. The city also offers an array of theatres, concert venues, open-air stages, clubs, party locations and festivals. Old Town street cafés purvey Mediterranean flair, whereas the modern New Town, the "Neustadt", attracts guests to its trendy bar and pub scene and is a particularly lively place to meet students and friends after class.

In addition to arts and culture, business and science shape the image of the capital of Saxony, which has become one of the top technological regions in Germany.

Dresden is well connected to other European cities/capitals by plane, train, and bus, offering many options to discover culture in Europe. Further information is available at: https://www.dresden.de/index_en.php.