Guide the Business of Tomorrow: start your journey in Management
The General Management programme is designed to equip you for leadership roles or an academic career by deepening your expertise in management, economics, marketing, and sales. The curriculum is aligned with industry trends and emphasizes building a sustainable economy and society, allowing you to tailor your studies with specialized modules and hands-on projects. You’ll also gain practical experience through exciting excursions and internships.
This program is perfect for individuals with a background in business or related fields, ready to take their skills and career to the next level.
Degree
Master of Science 90 ECTS
Study location
Göttingen
Length of study
3 semesters (1,5 years)
Tuition fees
€5,100 per semester
€1,000 admin and enrolment fee (one-off fee)
€1,000 examination fee (one-off fee)
Start dates
April 1st, October 1st each year
Entry requirement
Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a business focus (see also "Semester 0")
Study content
The Master's degree enables you to add academic depth to specialist focus areas from the basic study programme or to add further focus areas. In addition, it concentrates on Corporate Management and Accounting. The study programme also contributes to developing your personality and strengthening your personal skills in the form of individual coaching sessions as well as courses in soft skills training and Business English. Moreover, the mentoring scheme of our professors and the University's own Career Service will support you in starting your career. Through its numerous elective options, the syllabus of the Master's degree offers maximum scope for individual specialisation in accordance with your career goals. For example, you would choose two out of six focus areas in the first semester.
PFH offers a Master's Foundation Programme (MFP), which enables students, who otherwise might not have enough study credits - especially in the business field, to get accepted for the Master’s degree in General Management.
With this foundation programme, students acquire the knowledge needed to pursue our Master’s degree in General Management. This means that students with no academic background in management, business or the like can apply for it. It is designed entirely as a distance learning programme, reducing the cost per semester by 50%.
Module 1: Corporate Management I
Students expand their knowledge of corporate infrastructure through an updated version of Porter's value chain approach, allowing them to critically assess key management tasks and dimensions. The module equips students with essential theoretical and practical skills in management, preparing them for leadership roles by examining strategic tools and processes from both organizational and human resources perspectives, while linking closely with the "Entrepreneurship" module, which focuses on owner-managed businesses.
Module 2: Business Administration Specialisation I
Students choose three of the following courses:
- Industrial Management and Logistics I
- Advanced Sales Management I
- Advanced International Marketing I
- E-Business I
- Corporate Financial Management I
- Business Psychology
Module 3a: International Governance
Students can analyse and discuss key issues in internationalization and globalization from various academic perspectives, drawing conclusions for national economic policy and entrepreneurial challenges. They possess the English language skills and research knowledge needed to analyse complex topics in a scientific context and present them clearly and concisely, both during their studies and in their future careers.
Module 4: Project I
Students choose between completing a research paper or an eight-week internship with a research component. They work on topics arising from current issues or ongoing research projects, applying and deepening their knowledge, describing complex connections, and linking theory to practice in their project reports, while working both independently and in teams.
Module 5: Corporate Management II
Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge in managing medium-sized and owner-led businesses, focusing on the entrepreneur's perspective rather than the public corporation model. The course addresses key challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a changing global economy, with special emphasis on innovation management and succession planning, preparing students for leadership roles or succession in such firms.
Module 6: Business Administration Specialisation II
Based on the 3 chosen courses in Module 2, the student further deepens their understanding of the same 3 courses. This module deepens your expertise in critical business functions.
Module 3b: International Governance
Students develop and enhance their skills in communication, conflict resolution, group work, leadership, responsible and sustainable practices. Through a series of lectures with rotating faculty, they learn the fundamentals of value-based management and sustainable entrepreneurship, with a focus on the triple bottom line: economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Module 8: Project II
Participate in advanced research projects, extended internships, or study abroad programs. This module provides opportunities for comprehensive professional development.
Module 9: Project III
Undertake significant research projects, long-term internships, or international study experiences. This module ensures extensive practical experience and global exposure.
Module 10: Master’s Thesis
Conduct original research and defend your thesis to complete your degree. This module represents the pinnacle of your academic journey, showcasing your expertise and research capabilities.
Am I eligible for the General Management Master's degree programme?
Admission requirements
- A relevant bachelor’s degree in the area of business or management
Language requirements
- English proficiency at a minimum level of B2 (CEFR), can be proven with:
- English language certificate: TOEFL iBT score 86, IELTS score 6.5, Duolingo, or equivalent.
- Alternatively, a document stating that the medium of instruction for your Bachelor's course was English.
Career opportunities for General Management graduates
The Master’s General Management prepares you especially for leadership positions in companies and organisations. Additionally, the Master's degree opens up opportunities for an academic career and a doctorate.
Graduates of PFH's management programme are now working worldwide in various industries: as marketing managers in Asia, controllers in DAX companies, consultants in accountancy firms, international market managers at automotive companies, brand specialists in the food industry, CEOs of their own start-ups, or business professors at universities.
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Corporate Financial Management
Whether a startup, SME, or international corporation, solid and sustainable financing is crucial. Corporate financial management involves using diverse financing tools, from crowdfunding to equity financing, and requires up-to-date knowledge to develop effective strategies. It also includes managing financial risks, optimizing capital structure, and ensuring overall financial health.
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E-Business
E-business involves managing online commercial activities and ensuring the successful implementation of digital business projects. It requires skills in forecasting market opportunities, understanding business processes, and possessing entrepreneurial qualifications. Professionals in e-business work with key technologies to establish and operate online ventures, navigate economic and legal aspects, and apply digital solutions in various fields, including public administration and healthcare. This role is crucial for transforming small ideas into successful online businesses.
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Industrial Management
Industrial Management involves overseeing and optimizing production processes, sales, and procurement. This role suits jobs such as operations manager, supply chain manager, or production planner, where expertise in process management and controlling is essential across various industries. Specialising in this field offers excellent career opportunities in industry, consulting, or logistics.
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Sales Management
Sales Management involves overseeing and optimizing a company's sales processes, strategies, and performance. This role requires expertise in addressing complex business challenges related to industrial production, sales, and procurement. An MBA in Industrial Management and Logistics prepares you to handle strategic and structural issues, develop solutions for planning problems, and assess complex management alternatives across various industries.
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Business Psychology
Business Psychology focuses on understanding human behaviour in economic contexts. In the Master’s program in General Management, this specialisation examines psychological perspectives on various economic issues, such as economic decision-making, consumer markets, and financial and labour markets. As a Business Psychologist, you might work on improving workplace dynamics, enhancing employee performance, or designing effective marketing strategies by applying psychological principles to business challenges.
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International Marketing
International Marketing involves navigating the complexities of global markets, from market research and analysis to strategic planning, budgeting, and execution. This role requires understanding regional and cultural differences to effectively target diverse audiences. An MBA in International Marketing equips you with the skills needed for leadership positions in global marketing departments.
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Key Account Management
Key Account Management involves managing relationships with crucial clients who are vital to the company’s success. Key Account Managers focus on expanding these business relationships by developing strategic plans with key clients, determining product needs, sales volumes, revenue targets, and pricing. This role is essential for building and maintaining long-term, strategic partnerships with major clients.
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Project Management
Project Management involves initiating, planning, executing, and closing projects across various industries. Project Managers are responsible for writing business cases, creating project plans, managing costs and resources, and organizing and leading meetings. This role is highly interdisciplinary and includes leadership responsibilities, particularly when working with project teams.
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Consulting
Consulting involves optimising a company’s strategies and structures. As a Consultant, you analyse processes and systems to develop tailored solutions, such as improving production efficiency, enhancing supply chains, or implementing new IT systems. An MBA provides the necessary skills and knowledge for this role, equipping you with a strong foundation in business management and problem-solving to tackle diverse challenges based on your specialisation.
Job Guarantee
Since there are plenty of job openings in the German job market, we are confident our students will find jobs quickly after they finish studying. That's why we're offering a 20% refund on full tuition fees if they don't land a job within 9 months of graduating.
To be eligible for the refund, the student must have:
- successfully completed their studies within the regular study period.
- attained a minimum GPA of 2.5 upon graduation.
- shown proof of a B2 level German language proficiency in form of a certificate.
Student Buddy Programme
Ease into campus life with our student buddy programme! Connect with experienced peers who provide support, guidance, and a friendly face, making your academic journey a breeze.
International Dual Degree
You can also enrol for an international Dual Award Programme in collaboration with one of our Dual Award partners. You will complete one part of the study programme abroad and will have two Master's qualifications to show for it at the end. PFH is currently preparing further collaborative partnerships for international dual awards. You can, of course, also complete a semester abroad, without taking a dual degree, at one of PFH's partner universities.
Your Benefits
- Study programme with a job guarantee
- Two Master’s degrees in only three semesters
- Electives for individual study schedules
- Up to ten project months in companies
- Individual supervision in small learning groups
International University Cooperation
Depending on your personal interests, you can deepen and supplement the know-how acquired in Göttingen at the respective international partner university. PFH is currently collaborating with the following institutions in the dual degree programme, with further collaborations to follow:
- Kedge Business School (Bordeaux, France)
- Bond University (Gold Coast, Australia)
- Regent's University London (UK)
In principle, these cooperations are structured in the same way as international dual degrees. In detail, they are adapted to the circumstances of the respective partner universities. The goal is always the same: You receive two degrees at the same time and thus qualify as an attractive candidate for international companies.
Receive more information
Meet the professors
Bernhard Vollmar worked for several years as a consultant and research associate in a consulting firm. As an experienced start-up consultant, he heads the ZE Center for Entrepreneurship at the PFH.
Antje-Britta Mörstedt is Vice President for Distance Learning and Digitalization at the PFH. She provided innovative impetus for the concept of distance learning at the PFH.
Joachim Ahrens has extensive teaching experience, for example in the area of Executive Education. He has done research at Harvard, Stanford and Berkeley University.
Julian Voss studied Business Administration at PFH from October 2001, specialising in IT Business Account Management and Eastern Europe, and graduated with a Diploma in September 2005.
Hubert Schüle worked for a Hamburg consulting firm on the topics of business processes and the development of ERP systems. Today he works as a professor and management consultant.
Frank Albe worked for the TUI Group, where he was involved in the reorientation of the group and investment controlling. He has worked at PFH since 2000 and was elected President of the University in 2014.
FAQ
At PFH University, you can apply at any time.
- Application form via our website
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- School leaving certificate (University Entrance Certificate)
- Bachelor's degree certificate (or provisional certificate, if not yet awarded)
- Transcript of records for your Bachelor's degree
- Proof of English proficiency (minimum B2 level)
- English language certificate: TOEFL iBT 86, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo, or equivalent.
- Document stating that the medium of instruction of your Bachelor’s course was English.
- An employment reference is optional, though highly recommended
- Copy of passport
- Digital photo for your university card
- Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian students must obtain an APS Certificate from the Academic Evaluation Center to complete the admission process.
Yes, you will need proof of advanced English language skills, e.g., Bachelor’s taught in English, TOEFL iBT score 86, IELTS score 6.5, Duolingo, or equivalent.
If you are a citizen of a country in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you do not require a visa or other documentation to enter Germany and study here. However, once you arrive and find accommodation, you must register with the local residents’ registration office.
If you come from a country other than the ones named above, you will require a visa. For more information specific to your home country, please visit the Federal Foreign Office website.
At PFH University, we offer international students three types of scholarships:
- STIBET-Programmes
- DAAD Prize
- Deutschland Stipendium/Germany Scholarship
For more information on each of the scholarships, click here.
During your studies, you are generally allowed to do 120 full days or 240 half-days of paid work and take small student jobs. In exceptional circumstances, your local foreigners office may impose further restrictions.
International students coming to Germany have two options when it comes to accommodation: student halls of residence and private accommodation. For more information, you can visit the Accommodation Finder from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research or contact our international office.
When you compare Germany to other European countries, you’ll find that it’s not very expensive. The living costs are just slightly higher than the EU average, with rent being the largest expense. On average, students in Germany spend around 850 EUR per month (750 EUR in Göttingen for the management degree).