Bachelor in International Management HWZ

Global Business in Action | 100% in English. Work-integrated. International focus every semester.

How can businesses operate successfully across borders in a world shaped by global markets, technological change, geopolitical developments and cultural diversity?

On the Bachelor in International Management at HWZ, you will learn to analyse international business situations, make informed decisions and actively shape change. You will explore global markets and trade relations, develop growth and market entry strategies, assess financial implications and lead international teams. You will also learn to use data and AI effectively and responsibly to support management decisions.

The programme is designed for working professionals who already operate in an international or multicultural environment or aspire to take on international responsibilities. It welcomes professionals from multinational companies, internationally active SMEs, start-ups and other organisations, as well as individuals with an international educational background or clear global career ambitions.

What you will learn in the Bachelor’s programme in International Management

Alongside subject-specific knowledge, you will develop the skills needed to take on international management responsibilities and progress in your career.

Career with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Management at HWZ

The Bachelor in International Management at HWZ opens up a wide range of career opportunities in internationally active companies and organisations. You will develop the skills and knowledge needed for demanding specialist and project-based roles, while building a foundation for future international leadership responsibilities. Potential career paths include:

• Corporate Development and Strategy

• International Business Development and Market Entry

• Marketing and Sales

• Finance, controlling and investment

• Global Supply Chain and Operations

• International Project and Product Management

• Consulting

• Digital Transformation & Business Innovation

• International Team and Leadership Roles

Reasons to choose the Bachelor in International Management at HWZ

How you will study at HWZ

In the Bachelor in International Management at HWZ, you put new knowledge into practice straight away. Each semester consists of five learning cycles, with two workshop days at HWZ at the heart of each cycle. During these workshops, you work on real business cases, develop solutions, present your ideas and discuss different approaches with fellow students and lecturers who bring industry experience to the classroom. You build the necessary subject knowledge beforehand through three focused evening sessions. This approach enables you to connect new knowledge with practical experience throughout your studies.

Assessments spread throughout the semester

No exam stress at the end of the semester: you complete your assessments on an ongoing basis and benefit from a balanced examination workload throughout the semester.

Individual support

Not every stage of learning requires the same type of support. That is why, at HWZ, you will receive different forms of guidance depending on the topic and your individual needs. The AI learning coach helps you to deepen your understanding of content in a personalised way. Within your study group, you can exchange ideas with fellow students. For academic or personal questions, lecturers and coaches are available to support you. In this way, you receive the assistance that will help you progress at each stage of your learning journey.

Study Schedules

The study model is designed for working professionals. The evening sessions and workshop days follow a predictable schedule.

• Study schedule 2026 + 2027

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Combine work and study

In the Professional Integration Lab, you apply selected aspects of your studies to your own organisation, industry or a partner company. We recommend working at 80% of a full-time position, with a minimum employment level of 50% required. This allows your professional experience and studies to complement each other: you can apply what you learn directly in your work, while real workplace challenges become part of your studies.

Four years, eight semesters and 180 ECTS credits: the Bachelor in International Management combines international management topics with academic research skills, practice-oriented projects and personal development. Five subject areas form the foundation of the programme. In the eighth semester, you bring together the knowledge and skills you have acquired in a Global Business Capstone.

Integrated learning across disciplines

Each semester is structured around an overarching Integrated Business Challenge. The modules explore different perspectives on the same management question. For example, marketing, finance, international trade, business law and research come together when developing a cross-border market entry strategy.

Professional Integration Lab

During the first seven semesters, you apply what you learn to challenges within your own organisation, industry or a partner company. The assignments evolve as you progress through your studies – from analysing your professional environment to business development, leadership, transformation and consulting.

Global Experiences

International experiences are an integral part of the programme. A one-week Global Experience in a different country is planned for each of semesters 1–7, followed by a two-week Global Capstone Residency in semester 8. Destinations and arrangements depend on the partner network and available projects and are subject to change.

• European Business Ecosystems

• Trade, Logistics & Institutions

• Leadership & Future of Work

• Entrepreneurship & Market Entry

• Digital & AI Ecosystems

• Emerging Markets & Resilience

• Finance, Governance & Corporate Diplomacy

• Global Capstone Residency

International partner projects

Once a year, you collaborate virtually with students from an international partner university or with an international company on real business challenges. You gain experience of international collaboration across different perspectives, communication styles and time zones.

Bachelor Thesis

From the third semester onwards, you gradually develop the research skills needed for your Bachelor Thesis. You learn to investigate practical business questions systematically using qualitative and quantitative methods and to develop academically rigorous answers.

Spreading these topics across several semesters gives you time to develop, apply and consolidate your academic research skills. It also helps distribute the workload more evenly throughout the programme, making it easier to combine work and study. At the end, you present your research process and findings orally.

Global Business Capstone

In the eighth semester, you bring together the knowledge and skills gained across the different areas of study. Through a practice-oriented final project, you tackle a complex international management challenge and develop well-founded, actionable solutions. You combine strategic, economic, technological and intercultural perspectives, applying your acquired skills to a real business challenge.

Optional semester abroad

Interested in spending a semester on the other side of the world – or somewhere in Europe? Alongside the integrated Global Experiences, you can choose to spend an optional semester abroad at a university or partner institution of your choice. A semester abroad offers the opportunity to broaden your horizons without extending the duration of your studies. You will experience different ways of life and perspectives, expand your network and gain valuable experiences that contribute to your personal and professional development.

The Bachelor in International Management at HWZ is designed for individuals aspiring to specialist or leadership roles in internationally active companies or multicultural working environments. It prepares you for demanding responsibilities in international management, business development and the leadership of international teams and projects.

As the programme is taught entirely in English, a high level of English proficiency is required. Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at C1 level.

Direct admission to the first semester

• Federal Vocational Baccalaureate in business and services (kfm BM)

• Technical, creative, social work or a Swiss Federal Vocational Baccalaureate in healthcare, plus one year of relevant practical experience related to the degree programme

• Academic baccalaureate or specialised baccalaureate, plus one year of relevant practical experience

• Selected colleges of professional education (höhere Fachschulen – HF)

To be directly admitted to part-time study at HWZ, you need to have at least one year of professional experience in an occupation related to your chosen field of study when you start your studies. With a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate in business and services, you are eligible for direct admission when you complete the baccalaureate.

Preparatory courses

HWZ offers preparatory courses in mathematics and accounting in German.

The tuition fees are CHF 4,750 per semester. This does not include the cost of course materials, non-standard assessments and resits, external language and subject certifications, or any applicable licence fees.

It is possible to pay the fees in monthly instalments. In this case, a surcharge of 5% will be applied to the tuition fees.

Regular assessments and the Bachelor Thesis are included in the tuition fees. Additional travel and accommodation costs apply to the compulsory Global Experience Weeks and the Global Capstone Residency and are not included in the tuition fees. These costs amount to approximately CHF 1,500 per semester and cover return flights, accommodation, local public transport, meals, company visits and a cultural programme.

• Bachelor Fees (DE)

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FAQ on the Bachelor in International Management at HWZ