Master of Science
Master International Management (CEMS MIM)
Your Gateway to a Global Business Career powered by a Global Network.
Key Facts
Why this programme stands out:
- Management practice, methods, and theories required for international companies. This includes, but is not limited to, topics in strategy, leadership, organisation, and responsible/sustainable business practices.
- The opportunity to acquire and improve your problem-solving skills, communication skills, ability to work in and lead international teams, hard and soft skills, and process capabilities.
- A unique global network and access to our CEMS student community (“CEMSies”) – at home and abroad!
The CEMS network is a Global Alliance of 33 leading business schools across five continents and more than 80 multinational corporations and NGOs that jointly offer the CEMS Master in International Management (CEMS MIM). Only one among the most reputed schools of a country can become a member of the alliance. The University of Cologne represents Germany.
Connecting with CEMSies from all over the world has shown me the magnitude of this programme. CEMS is not only a master programme – it’s a community with a unique spirit. Combined with the academic excellence of the University of Cologne and the tremendous corporate partner network, this programme presents an excellent chance for personal development and growth.
Who should apply?
- Have successfully completed a bachelor’s or equivalent degree in management, business administration or economics – talented applicants from around the world are welcome.
- Can demonstrate initial work experience in the shape of internships, voluntary work, projects, and other relevant experiences.
- Are not only academically successful but also display a high standard of ethical conduct: you should be able to draw upon cultural diversity with respect and empathy as well as showing professional responsibility and accountability concerning society as a whole.
Still undecided?
Then get to know our offers for prospective students, which are coordinated by the WiSo Student Service Point and will provide you with individual advice tailored precisely to your needs.
CEMS Master in International Management
Programme Overview
Preparing you for future challenges
The CEMS MIM is a pre-experience postgraduate degree. It is the pioneer in modern international management education and was founded by the University of Cologne (Germany), HEC (France), Bocconi (Italy), and ESADE (Spain) in 1988. The CEMS MIM has Germany-wide ranked among the Top 10 in the Financial Times Ranking of “Masters in Management” for many years.
Business Project
One highlight of the curriculum is a business project in which you work on current managerial topics in close cooperation with a company representative. The project’s goal is to apply scientific theories and methods to the issues at hand and to derive concrete recommendations. It includes conceptual and application-oriented elements, such as student presentations, case studies, discussions and guest speakers from the field.
I can’t think of any other program that offers the same access to top business schools around the world, the same sense of community among students, and the same range of corporate and NGO partners.
Link to the practical world
One strong feature of the programme is the practical contact you, as a student, will receive. Guest lecturers and skill seminars establish and promote direct exchange between companies and students. We emphasise academic rigour and practical relevance to educate you through broadly-skilled and international management leaders.
Do you want first-hand insights and experiences about the Master International Management (CEMS MIM) and the Student life at the University of Cologne from WiSo students?
Then don't hesitate and Chat with a student!
Academic excellence meets international scope
English taught programme
The programme is delivered entirely in English. Starting with the application to the programme, you must document a C1 Level in English and a B1 Level command of a second CEMS language. In order to graduate, you as a CEMS MIM student must demonstrate competencies in a third language at the end of the Master’s programme.
Semester and internship abroad
An integral part of the curriculum is a semester abroad which exposes you to another CEMS university and country, expands your academic horizon and develops your capacity to adapt to various educational settings. Collaboration in and with intercultural teams plays a pivotal role in international management, therefore an international internship is a compulsory requirement within the CEMS MIM. This internship must cover a period of at least eight consecutive weeks, comprise a full-time assignment and be completed within one company.
International study experience
More than 33% of CEMS MIM students1 at the University of Cologne are international passport holders. Outside of the classroom, the PIM & CEMS Club organises a variety of events on and around campuses to foster social and cultural learning experiences and to drive the international student community.
1average 2020 and 2021 UoC MIM intakes
Semester Abroad
You will spend your compulsory semester abroad at one of our 32 partner schools:
- The University of Sydney Business School Australia
- WU (Vienna University of Economics & Business) Austria
- Louvain School of Management Belgium
- Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo – FGV Brazil
- Ivey Business School Canada
- Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez Chile
- Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management China
- HKUST – Hongkong University of Science and Technology China
- Universidad de los Andes School of Management Colombia
- Prague University of Economics and Business Czech Republic
- Copenhagen Business School Denmark
- The American University in Cairo School of Business Egypt
- Aalto University School of Business Finland
- EESC HEC Paris France
- Corvinus University of Budapest Hungary
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta India
- UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Ireland
- Bocconi University Italy
- Keio University Japan
- Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Netherlands
- Norwegian School of Economics Norway
- SGH Warsaw School of Economics Poland
- Nova School of Business and Economics Portugal
- Korea University Business School Republic of Korea (South)
- National University of Singapore Singapore
- University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business South Africa
- ESADE Spain
- Stockholm School of Economics Sweden
- University of St. Gallen Switzerland
- Koç University Graduate School of Business Turkey
- The London School of Economics and Political Science United Kingdom
- Cornell SC Johnson College of Business United States
Career Opportunities
The CEMS MIM is a compelling choice for those seeking a truly versatile and geographically mobile international career: 36% of CEMS MIM graduates are located outside of their home country.
Potential employers range from start-ups and small/medium-sized companies to large global cooperations in the consulting, technology, consumer goods or finance sectors. The knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme prepare you for future leadership positions in areas of consulting, marketing, sales and finance.
My work with Transparency International during my CEMS Business Project was the trigger for my decision to accumulate expertise in the climate/energy/environment field. On top of that, the programmes at the University of Cologne offer an extremely effective way of learning to work in a flexible environment and to harness that flexibility proactively in a manner that is beneficial for oneself and others.
Graduates
- 97% are employed or continue their studies within 3 months after graduation
- 75% work for multinational companies
- 51% work for CEMS Corporate Partners
- 76% are fluent in 3 or more languages
Diverse Alumni Network
CEMS students have various opportunities to engage with the unique CEMS alumni network both during and after their studies. The network supports lifelong learning, professional development, and global networking, allowing alumni to establish valuable connections and actively participate in the CEMS community.
- WiSoAlumni, the alumni network of the Faculty of Management, Economics, and Social Sciences, keeps former students in touch and offers numerous career opportunities. For CEMS students in Cologne, WiSoAlumni provides access to exclusive events, career consultations, networking opportunities, a broad professional network and a vibrant connection to the University of Cologne.
- The PIM & CEMS Club Cologne, a student initiative at the University of Cologne, aims to build a network between students and alumni. It offers CEMS students practical experience through corporate events and workshops, language improvement opportunities, and participation in international study trips. The club also supports international students during their first weeks in Cologne and helps them integrate into a diverse community of over 1,700 members.
- The CEMS Alumni Platform connects CEMS alumni worldwide, fostering career opportunities and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. It provides access to exclusive events, professional resources, and a global alumni network, encouraging active participation in the CEMS community. The CEMS Network and Global Alliance includes over 20,000+ alumni, 78 corporate and social partners as well as academic partnerships of 34 schools worldwide.
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Get in touch:
If you have any questions please contact:
Philipp Sperber
CEMS Programme Management
- Phone: +49221 470-91041
- E-Mail: cems(at)wiso.uni-koeln(dot)de
Book an appointment (Zoom or in-person)