Global Management (MA) Hof University of Applied Sciences

The English-taught Master’s programme in Global Management offers students a holistic approach towards management and provides a fundamental overview in the areas of sales, supply network management, operational excellence, digital marketing and global business strategies. Directed at graduates of a business-related Bachelor’s programme with an interest in international management topics, the programme imparts knowledge in all management areas relevant for innovative international value chains.

Apart from theoretical knowledge, international managers also need intercultural competence and an in-depth understanding of the markets they are dealing with.

Therefore, our MA students spend the third semester doing a practical internship in an internationally operating company (e.g. in a marketing or HR department). The Master's thesis is also project-based and written in cooperation with the company. Thus, you can immediately apply your knowledge and gain profound professional experience at the same time. The internship must be completed in a country which is different from the student's nationality.

At our practice-oriented university, students benefit from professors with international experience and many years of managerial experience.

First & second semesters:

• International Digital Marketing
• Global Business Strategy
• Global Sales & Key Account Management
• Finance & Accounting in a Multinational Business
• International Value Chain Management
• Nations and Firms in a Globalised World
• Leadership and Change Management
• Marketing Research
• Business Process Management and Automation
• Operational Excellence & Innovation Management

Third semester:

• Master's thesis in cooperation with an internationally operating company
• Practical work experience abroad (mandatory internship; at least three months)
• The internship must be completed in a country which is different from the student's nationality.

A business-oriented Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Business Management, International Management, Industrial Engineering or Business Informatics) from an accredited university with the following:

• at least 210 ECTS or equivalent (depending on home country) in total and a minimum of at least 110 ECTS in business-related subjects
• a minimum grade 2.5 according to the German grading system (please provide a diploma supplement or similar documents that explain the grading system of your university/country)

Special regulations for applicants with less than 210 ECTS

Applicants with less than 210 credits (ECTS) can be accepted, but must make up the missing credits through a post-qualification:

• either through an internship (at least 900 hours / six months) (only possible if the internship was not yet recognised as a compulsory internship in the Bachelor's degree) or
• attending appropriate modules at Hof University.

It is possible to combine the recognition of a shorter internship with the attendance of modules at the university. For both alternatives, please calculate an additional (fourth) semester.

Administrative fee of approx. 150 EUR per semester

The cost of living in the city of Hof is moderate compared to both other European countries and bigger cities in Germany. On average, living expenses for a student range between 800 and 1,000 EUR per month in total.

The following is an approximate cost calculation of expenditures per month:

• accommodation: 350 to 550 EUR
• mandatory health insurance: about 120 EUR
• food and personal expenditures: at least 350 EUR

The Career Service team at Hof University offers you a wide range of career preparation and orientation services, including workshops, company excursions, and job fairs. We will prepare you for the German labour market by providing you with specific information, counselling, and qualifications. Thus, you will be able to start your individual career as an intern and as a graduate.

The Housing Office supports international students in finding appropriate accommodation.

Rent for a single student room is approx. 350 to 550 EUR. Rent for a private one-room apartment for one tenant or for a couple is more than 550 EUR. We also have a limited number of double rooms for friends that cost about 250 to 320 EUR per person. Beside the rent, there are additional costs for water, energy, broadcast fee, and Internet.

For a full overview of the practical issues related to living in Hof and our support services for international students, please have a look at the website of our Welcome Service and Housing Office.

Studying at Hof University – your benefits at a glance

• Hands-on education that prepares you for a successful career
• Friendly, international study community
• Personal support from Welcome Service, International Office, and Career Service
• Help finding accommodation and a guided Orientation Week
• Career-building activities like intercultural training, field trips, and company visits

About Hof University

Founded in 1994, Hof University offers a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a hands-on learning environment. As a practice-oriented university of applied sciences with integrated internships in all programmes, the employability of our graduates is the main focus of our teaching.

Our commitment to students is reflected in StudyCheck rankings: Hof University was Germany’s most popular university in 2023 and 2024 and continues to receive excellent teaching ratings. In 2026, StudyCheck awarded the “Top Hochschule” distinction, recognising Hof University as one of the most popular institutions in Germany with fewer than 5,000 students.

We offer over 50 Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in engineering, advanced computing and AI, business, and design. The Graduate School provides fully English-taught postgraduate programmes for professionals with at least one year of work experience.

Practice-oriented learning

All professors have a strong academic background as well as practical experience in industry. Teaching is application-focused, including real-world projects, company collaborations, and site visits. This approach ensures students gain practical skills and confidence to succeed in national and international careers.

Personal support & international environment

Hof University is known for its friendly study atmosphere. An excellent student-to-lecturer ratio enables close interaction between students and professors and an active exchange of ideas. Students benefit from personal support services such as orientation programmes, integration events, and housing assistance.

With over 130 partner universities worldwide and more than 30% international students on campus, Hof University offers a truly multicultural and welcoming environment where you can grow both academically and personally.

Applied research & entrepreneurship

Six research institutes focus on areas such as information systems, sustainable water and energy systems, materials science, and organisational research, always connecting research to practical and sustainable solutions.

Students with entrepreneurial ideas receive guidance and support at Einstein1, the on-campus incubator that helps turn innovative ideas into real-world ventures.

Our main campus is located in the city of Hof, a safe and cosy town located at the top of Bavaria and in the heart of Europe. Hof has a population of about 45,000 inhabitants and offers all the amenities of a university town: a cinema, theatre, an annual film festival and a variety of cafés, bars and clubs.

Our region has the second-highest density of industry across Europe, with many companies specialising in machinery, automotive components, ceramics, and textiles. Many of these are small and medium-sized “hidden champions” in their field, offering excellent opportunities for internships and entry-level jobs.

The city of Hof is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is located between the low mountain regions of the Fichtelgebirge and the Franconian Forest on the banks of the Saale River. You will find excellent possibilities for all outdoor sporting activities such as cycling, hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Big cities like Berlin, Prague, and Munich are also within easy reach by train or bus. This means you can study in a practice-oriented environment while also enjoying life outside the classroom.