The MSc Business Management and Human Resources degree at Gisma University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, Germany, is a two-year programme designed to equip you with the expertise to navigate the complexities of modern business management and HR management. You’ll gain a strong foundation in strategic management, international business, and digital transformation while specialising in HR leadership, talent management, and organisational design.

With a curriculum blending cutting-edge business management with Human Resource Management strategies, this programme prepares you to shape dynamic workplaces and lead people-focused business transformations. Whether you’re looking to advance your HR career, drive organisational change, or explore global HR opportunities, this degree provides the knowledge and practical skills to make a lasting impact.

This programme is designed for individuals who aspire to become strategic HR leaders in a global business environment. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy working with people, solving complex workforce challenges, and driving innovation in employee engagement, leadership, and company culture. If you’re passionate about the evolving role of HR in a digital and international context, this programme will provide the foundation to navigate and lead in this dynamic field.

The degree programme has been awarded the quality seal of the Accreditation Council Foundation. The Accreditation Council Foundation is a joint institution of the federal states of Germany for quality assurance in study and teaching at German universities.

Gisma University of Applied Sciences is state recognised. It also benefits from AMBA accreditation, which was awarded for the Global MBA. The prestigious AMBA accreditation represents innovation and excellence in education.

Gisma University of Applied Sciences supports flexible and individual learning by applying a systematic hybrid learning scheme. You will spend part of your lectures in class at our Potsdam campus. These face-to-face phases are complemented by e-learning sessions. You will work on cases, reflect on readings, take part in online discussions, and participate in group exercises and projects. This variety of learning methods is part of our unique teaching strategy, which includes student-centred pedagogy, project-based learning, collaborative learning, and personalised coaching.

The course is available to study both full-time and part-time. The standard period of study is two years full-time, part-time correspondingly longer. If you have the relevant academic or professional experience, you could be eligible to shorten the study period to one, or one and a half years. Talk to our programme consultants to find out whether this is the case for you.

The programme is modularised, which means each module is assigned a fixed number of credit points and concludes with an examination. This programme consists of 60, 90, or 120 ECTS credits, depending on the track and your eligibility. The standard track spans 24 months (120 ECTS), while the credit-based track can be completed in 12 or 18 months (60 or 90 ECTS), based on prior academic credits, qualifications, or work experience.

In the 2-year format (120 ECTS credits), the curriculum includes a ‘mobility window’ in the 5th semester: a semester reserved for you to study abroad, undertake an internship, or complete a business project in practice.

The MSc Business Management degree also offers the choice to specialise in other high-demand areas of business, including: cybersecurity, project management, marketing, and finance. Please visit these programme pages for more information.

General Business Competencies

International Strategic Management

Innovation Management and Digital Transformation

International Economics

Behavioural Competencies in Virtual Teams

CSR, ESG and Ethics

Emotional Agility in International Business

International Marketing

Digital Competencies: Electives in Cloud Computing, Big Data, Cyber Security

Study abroad or Internship or Business Project

Scientific and Methods Competence

Research Methods and Scientific Work

Research Seminar

Master Thesis

Specialisation: Human Resources*

Employment Law

Cognitive Psychology & Leadership

HR Management and Organisation Design

HR Analytics

Management of People in Cross Cultural Environments

Human Resources pathway is taught for personal knowledge only; additional qualifications may be required to work as a HR professional in Germany.

An MSc in Business Management and Human Resources prepares you for dynamic and strategic roles within HR and business leadership. You will gain the expertise needed to manage talent, drive organisational change, and implement HR strategies that align with business goals in a global context. With a strong foundation in international business management and specialised HR knowledge, you will be well-equipped to lead in diverse corporate environments.

Potential graduate opportunities: HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Organisational Development Consultant, Employee Relations Manager, Learning and Development Manager, Compensation and Benefits Analyst, HR Business Partner.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (business, economics or social sciences, psychology, law, engineering, computer science, or closely related sciences)

English proficiency: B2 (IELTS 6.0 overall, no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE or Duolingo. Gisma also offers an English test free of charge.