Retail and Consumer Management Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

International retailers and brand manufacturers need well-trained managers who are familiar with retail management, consumer management, strategy, internationalisation, marketing concepts and digitalisation in the retail and consumer goods sector. We impart this knowledge to students in our leading and world class Master's degree programme in Retail and Consumer Management, a Master of Arts in Retail and Consumer Management, which is taught entirely in English.

Our programme builds on a Bachelor's degree and equips students with the necessary conceptual and strategic skills to pursue a career in a variety of exciting retail and branding industries – from lifestyle products to consumer electronics and automotive distribution. Developing expertise in cross-cultural competencies and retail analytics and consumer analytics is an integral part of our curriculum to meet the significant and growing demands of increasingly globalised retail management.

The Retail and Consumer Management degree programme covers areas such as International Retail Operations, Market Research and Consumer Behaviour, Retail Law and Trademark Law, Global Retailing and Internationalisation, Retail Lab and Consumer Projects, Digital Commerce in Retail, Retail Branding and Store Marketing, Strategic Retail Management, Merger and Acquisitions in Retail, Digital Marketing for Retail, Sales and Customer Lifecycle Management, and Supply Chain Management in Retail.

We offer elective courses in retail management and hands-on retail and consumer projects that provide opportunities for business cases and practice projects with international companies. Our graduates are prepared for various career paths in retail and consumer management and gain retail management expertise.

As the language of instruction is English, we welcome international students with a first degree and practical experience in the retail and consumer sector.

THI Business School is AACSB-accredited! THI Business School was the first of its kind in Bavaria to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This makes us one of the approximately six per cent of all business schools worldwide that have achieved this prestigious status.

The Retail and Consumer Management study programme is a post-graduate Master's programme of two full-time study semesters, followed by a third semester proposed for the Master’s dissertation. The course combines in-depth academic studies with practical examples.

During the first and second semesters, the students will learn the principles of retail operations, market research and environment, retail concepts and value management. Furthermore, a retail and consumer project will be completed. The detailed modules are shown in the diagram. See the module handbook on the course website for details and descriptions of the individual subjects.

With completion of the Master’s thesis, the academic degree of Master of Arts is awarded, which enables students for either a qualified job entry in the retail industry or a post-graduate research programme.

Internship and semester abroad
The study programme was designed in a way so that students can take part in a voluntary internship or semester abroad. Retail & Consumer Management has several partners in the retail industry in Germany, the United States and Brazil.

Programme admission requirements:

1. Requirements include an economics or retail-oriented Bachelor's degree from a German university with at least 210 ECTS credit points or an equivalent qualification from a university in Germany or abroad. A certificate must be submitted as proof. The examination committee decides on equivalence.
2. A successfully completed selection procedure (requirements and design of the procedure are laid down in Annex 2 and § 4 of the Programme and Examination Regulations)
3. Proof of sufficient knowledge of the English language (level B2 of the Common European Framework)

For general information, see: https://www.thi.de/en/international/studies/application.

The Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt can only make a legally binding decision about your eligibility for your desired study programme after reviewing the documents you submit with your application. We can’t provide a definitive assessment or evaluate your chances of acceptance until we have your full application, including your educational history.

Furthermore, it is possible to find out if you’re qualified to study in Germany before applying. Detailed information is available at the following link: www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/check-university-admission.

Additionally, you can find out about the qualification requirements via the study and examination regulations (=Studien- und Prüfungsordnung = SPO). Find these on the following page under the respective statutes: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/university-management/legal-department/.

Thank you for your understanding. You are very welcome to apply, and we will check your application documents.

All students will have to pay a student union fee of 82 EUR per semester.

In addition to tuition fees, students face the following fixed monthly living costs:

- Health insurance: approx. 150 EUR

- Liability insurance: approx. 10 EUR

- Accommodation: approx. 500 to 650 EUR

- Internet and mobile phone: approx. 25 EUR

- Food: approx. 200 to 300 EUR

- German TV/radio fee: approx. 19 EUR

- Public transport (Deutschlandticket 2026): approx. 43 EUR

Beyond these fixed costs, additional expenses will vary depending on individual needs, such as travel to visit family or participation in leisure activities. 

Additionally, don’t forget potential unforeseen costs, such as the need for a new laptop or mobile phone, etc.

Usually, non-EU students are required to provide proof of sufficient financial means with a blocked account for visa purposes. It should contain approx. 992 EUR per month for up to 12 months.

Whether you can work alongside your studies depends on several factors. At the beginning, it is advisable to focus on your studies and adjust to a new academic and cultural environment. Studying abroad can be challenging due to different learning cultures and the need to catch up on course content.

International students are required to take part in a programme preparing them for the German labour market.

A good command of German at least B2 level is essential for employment opportunities. Students are therefore encouraged to invest time in learning German.

After the first year, students may consider taking on a part-time job. Specialist skills are required to work as a student trainee.

Furthermore, non-EU citizens only have a limited work permit in Germany (see Study and work).

There are different scholarship opportunities for enrolled students in Germany. However, it is very important to understand that scholarships are highly competitive, limited in number, and never guaranteed. Students must ensure they can finance their studies independently and should not rely on receiving a scholarship. Most programmes focus on excellent academic performance, personal engagement, or specific qualifications; financial need is often not the main criterion. Some national scholarships also require German language skills (often B2 level).

THI offers its own scholarship opportunities for international students once a year, announced through the university’s communication channels. Deutschlandstipendium, for example, supports high-performing, committed students regardless of their financial situation.

Also, there are several major national foundations with extensive selection processes for which the university provides guidance and support.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt provides a comprehensive range of counselling and career services, including workshops designed to prepare students for the German labour market. These cover key topics such as application training, CV writing and interview skills.

After graduation, our graduates stay connected with the university and their study group through the Alumni Network.

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/organisation/career-service-student-counselling

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt does not run any student residence halls / dorms. You will have to start looking for accommodation on your own as soon as possible. At least 500 EUR per month should be budgeted for accommodation.

Here are some facts about finding accommodation in Ingolstadt or Neuburg.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) is an institution that specialises in business and technology and is characterised by innovative study concepts and modern facilities. We are currently training over 8,500 students in more than 75 study programmes in engineering, computer science, business, life sciences and sustainability.
Our students will graduate as sought-after specialists and managers. An extremely dynamic and successful region with a distinctly strong economic structure provides for excellent framework conditions. The relatively small student body guarantees individual guidance, a familial atmosphere, and close cooperation between students and professors.
One of the core features of studying at our university is its orientation towards practical application. Internships and projects, as well as continuous cooperation with regional companies, are fundamental components of every study programme.
The Ingolstadt campus was completed in 1999, and a new tract of buildings opened in 2014. In 2021, the Neuburg campus opened its doors with its Faculty of Sustainable Infrastructure. Modern equipment and facilities create an atmosphere that adds to students' success and enjoyment. Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt is proud of its commitment to offer the highest possible level of quality in research and education. It is possible to explore Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt by visiting the interactive 360° THI campus tour.

The campus is only a short walk from Ingolstadt's appealing old city. The view from the lecture halls is of a castle and other medieval buildings. Ingolstadt lies in the centre of Bavaria, one of the most prosperous German federal states, and it is only an hour by car from the metropolitan areas of Munich and Nuremberg. The opportunities to take part in leisure activities in the area – which is close to the Alps as well as to the beautiful Altmühl valley – are unlimited. With the headquarters of Audi (the international automotive company) and a large number of innovative corporations in the city, Ingolstadt is proud to be one of the strongest economic regions in Germany. Opportunities to participate in sports activities are provided by the university as well as by various amateur and competitive sports clubs. Bavarian charm and the Bavarian way of life – including summer evenings in beer gardens and the diverse cultural events on offer – make daily life in Ingolstadt particularly attractive for students.