Management, HR, Marketing, Taxation, Investment, Accounting, Controlling, Production, or Logistics? In the Master’s program in Business Administration, you set your own focus! The flexible curriculum allows you to shape your individual profile. This way, you’ll build strong subject-specific and methodological expertise—preparing you to thrive in a dynamic professional environment and to develop scientifically grounded solutions to emerging economic challenges.
Restricted admission means that there is a limited number of places available in the degree programme (NC = numerus clausus = closed number). As a rule, there are more applicants than places, therefore a selection procedure is used.
Free admission means that there are sufficient places available in the degree program. All applicants therefore receive an acceptance letter and are guaranteed enrollment if all enrollment requirements are met (e.g. aptitude tests, language tests or internships).
Formal requirements
Successful completion of the Bachelor's degree programme in Economics at Paderborn University, an equivalent or comparable research-oriented degree programme in Economics or a relevant degree programme. In principle, other Bachelor's or FH degrees are also sufficient.
The Bachelor's degree programme must either
Content requirements
Overall, you must have knowledge in the following fields and scope:
Language requirements
Please note that international students (before they can start their actual studies) must prove that their language skills are sufficient for their chosen degree programme. Accepted tests and specific requirements can be found at the International Office.
Are you missing ECTS?
If you are missing up to 30 ECTS credits from your Bachelor's degree, enrolment in the Master's programme is possible subject to certain conditions. If possible, the requirements should be fulfilled in the first year of the Master's programme. You can find out which content you need to re-study in the notification sent to you by the study office. The Office of Student Affairs will also be happy to be your contact for further questions regarding the conditions imposed.
If you are missing more than 30 ECTS credits, enrolment is not possible under certain conditions, as the Bachelor's degree submitted differs significantly from a Bachelor's degree from Paderborn University.
If you would like to check in advance whether you meet the content and formal admission requirements for a degree programme, please send us your overview of grades from your Bachelor's degree to the Student Administration Office.
Further information on enrolment under requirements.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the admission requirements, please contact the study office.
You can find out all about deadlines and your next steps on the Paderborn University's central application information website.
Please check the admission requirements in advance.
The world of work is constantly evolving. Leaders and experts alike must navigate new markets and technologies, competitive dynamics, and a range of societal, political, and legal influences. Our master’s program is designed to equip you with the methodological and subject-specific expertise needed to independently analyze novel challenges in this dynamic economic environment and make well-founded, evidence-based decisions.
We offer a flexible curriculum that you can tailor to your personal interests and career goals. The program allows you to choose whether you want to specialize or build a broad, interdisciplinary profile. Key focus areas include Management, Taxation, Accounting and Finance, as well as Production, Logistics, and Controlling.
You’ll gain deep knowledge in economic modeling, empirical methods, optimization techniques, and IT skills—combined with management know-how and subject expertise. Our teaching approach is built around collaborative learning environments, blending traditional lectures with group projects, presentations, simulations, and case studies. This not only sharpens your technical and methodological abilities, but also enhances your communication skills and self-management.
3 Gründe für den Master Betriebswirtschaftslehre
Management, Personal, Marketing, Besteuerung, Investition, Rechnungslegung, Controlling, Produktion oder Logistik? Im BWL-Master legst du deine eigenen Schwerpunkte!
Maximum Flexibility: Design Your Own Path
In our four-semester Master’s program in Business Administration, there are no mandatory courses - giving you maximum freedom to tailor your studies to your strengths and career goals.
You decide which courses make it into your personal curriculum. Around half of the total ECTS credits come from core specialization courses in areas such as Management, Taxation, Accounting and Finance, as well as Production, Logistics, and Controlling. For more details, see the section on specialization areas below.
Whether you want to become a specialist by focusing on a specific area, or a generalist by combining topics freely - the flexible structure supports both paths.
You can further shape your business profile with insights from Economics, Business and Economics Education, and Information Systems. Our methods courses enhance your mathematical, economic, and analytical skills - giving you a clear competitive edge in both professional and academic settings.
Your master’s thesis is written in a business field of your choice, providing yet another opportunity to pursue your individual interests and career objectives.
The study plan offers you a good orientation about your required and optional modules. However, the chronological order shown here is only an example and may change due to individual focus areas.
You are free to choose your business administration modules from the following three areas:
Management tasks are extremely diverse. At Paderborn University, we distinguish between two major focus areas: (1) Human Resource Management, Organization, and Leadership and (2) Marketing and Service Management.
In the first area, you will learn how to structure organizations to achieve their goals effectively. This includes, for example, how to build high-performing teams, how to motivate managers to act ethically, how best to define the organizational chart of an international company or how to produce sustainably. You’ll explore these questions using a variety of theories and methods that will help you define objectives, design strategies and actions, and monitor or adapt plans in your future career.
The second area focuses on designing products, services, and interactions that foster long-term customer relationships and create sustainable value. In today’s interconnected world, it’s vital to understand how technological systems reshape
business processes and products—and how customers respond to them. Thus, you’ll often explore themes such as digital business models, social media strategies or innovative marketing methods.
What makes Paderborn unique?
Business Ethics Focus: Paderborn offers a distinctive emphasis on business ethics. Issues like the climate crisis, tax scandals, or fast fashion highlight the importance of viewing economic problems not only through a profit-maximization lens but also from a societal perspective. You can, for example, join the annual Business Ethics Lecture Series in cooperation with Paderborn’s Faculty of Theology or participate in the Social Impact Festival and learn how, as a manager, you can make a
meaningful contribution to a better future.
Entrepreneurship & Start-Up Culture
Paderborn’s dynamic start-up scene, supported by the TecUp Transfer Center and garage33, is another strength. Many modules are designed to help you develop and launch your own business idea.
Typical questions you’ll explore in this focus area
Exemplary career fields
Your teachers in this focus area are professors of the Management Department
“A globally connected society needs a new kind of management. Through our research and teaching, we are helping to shape it.”
What role do annual reports, taxes, journal entries, loans, and investment decisions play in a company - and what career opportunities do they offer?
Through the TAF specialization, you’ll become an expert in the financial reporting and decision-making systems of companies and institutions. While finance and investment focus on securing and strategically allocating financial resources, the areas of taxation and accounting deal with the regulatory obligations companies must fulfill — both under German law and international standards.
Many courses focus on numbers and legal frameworks, so solid mathematical skills are definitely beneficial. At the same time, you'll also study the behavior of executives, investors, and financial managers, and analyze how transparent financial
information influences their decisions.
The TAF track is one of the largest specialization areas within the faculty, offering excellent opportunities for in-depth study and career preparation. You’ll gain comprehensive knowledge of
You’ll also explore how financial communication shapes market behavior, how CFOs guide corporate strategy, and how accounting choices can be used responsibly to support business goals.
With your expertise in accounting, finance, and taxation, you'll be well-equipped to start your career in virtually any industry. Particularly exciting are cross-industry roles in tax consulting, auditing firms, and management consultancies.
Through guest lectures, you’ll have the opportunity to meet professionals from these fields early on. They’ll share insights into their daily work, discuss current challenges in the business world, and demonstrate how they apply the knowledge gained during their studies to real-world situations.
Typical questions you will explore in this focus area
Career Paths
With your expertise in accounting, finance, and taxation, you'll be qualified for a wide range of positions across industries, including:
Your teachers in this focus area are professors of the Taxation, Accounting & Finance Department
?Fit for the future – We analyze and evaluate companies and financial service providers in both academia and practice.“
No matter which individual specialization you choose, you will engage with key future-oriented topics across all subject areas—such as sustainable development, a digitally connected service economy, social justice, and stable, transparent financial and economic systems. Join us as we help shape the future of work! Only by thinking in interconnected ways can we develop meaningful solutions for a sustainable world.
Sustainability matters! That’s why sustainability plays a central role in our programs. Five professorships will prepare you to become a sustainability expert across various fields of economics and business:
In addition, one third of our professors are already actively engaged with sustainability-related topics in both teaching and research and the number is growing!
Nachhaltigkeit in deinem Studium
Wie Nachhaltigkeit in die Studieng?nge der Fakult?t für Wirtschaftswissenschaften einflie?t – und warum das Thema immer wichtiger wird – erf?hrst du hier.
It is important to us that you get to know different cultures and develop your language skills. Decide for yourself which opportunities you would like to take to gain international experience.
Each student has the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. You can choose the perfect place for your exchange semester from around 70 partner universities. Our special focus is the Asian area as well as French and Spanish speaking countries.
You can also gain international experience in Paderborn, even while being at home, so to speak. For example, you can take modules taught in English language. Most of the modules are led by guests from all over the world. You can also take part in a tandem language course or help with the integration of international students. Special highlights, however, are our short-term programs and summer schools. Here, you work in an international team on topics of business and economics for a few days. One example is the International Spring Program with Tohoku University from Japan which has taken place almost every year.
Together with our 9 partner universities in Asia we have established a particularly intensive connection to Asian countries. The core element of our Asian focus is the program in Asian Studies in Business and Economics (ASBE Program). Taking part in this program, you can gain profound knowledge of the Asian economic area, focus on Asian culture and spend half a year at one of our partner universities in China, Korea or Japan.
Nine months in Denmark: Anna-Lena's internship abroad - Part II
Anna-Lena's wish to be able to look back on an instructive and enjoyable time at the end of her internship was definitely fulfilled.
About ramen and Japanese temples
Marie tells us about the temples of Japan.
Cinnamon buns, snow and wanderlust in Finland
In eastern Finland, Jessica was inspired by the Northern Lights and fabulous amounts of snow.
Northern lights and hearty waffles in Norway
Svenja tells how the Trondheim Fjord exceeds her expectations.
Enchanted by Colombia's diversity
Johannes reports how he accompanies turtles into the sea and observes whales.
Corona Semester Abroad in South Korea
Between green landscapes and ultra-modern cities, Jason studies.
Semester abroad in Spain
Beyhan discovers the capital of Catalonia and then the whole world.
ASBE-programme in China
Hüseyin meets a visiting professor from Paderborn in Beijing again.
Semester abroad in Finland
Julia is freezing and sweating with the Finns.
Internship in New York
Yuri talks about his KPMG internship in New York and his time as a freemover.
An internship is not compulsory. However, we recommend that our students organise an internship on their own initiative during the lecture-free period, in combination with a semester abroad or during a semester off. This gives you the opportunity to further deepen the contents you have learned in a real company. In addition, you have the opportunity to apply for an Erasmus scholarship for an internship abroad.
We complement your academic training with guest lectures from industry professionals, case studies, business simulations, and project work. We also support final theses and seminar papers written in cooperation with companies.
In addition, you can enhance your profile with optional qualifications such as Business English, IT training, SAP and ITIL courses. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to acquire additional qualifications and to become a part of various student initiatives, for example in the areas of marketing, project management or sustainability.
Gastvortr?ge
Praxispartner*innen geben Einblicke in Unternehmensstrukturen, Berufsperspektiven, Gesch?ftsmodelle und Problemstellungen aus dem Alltag.
The TRR 266 Accounting for Transparency is a nationwide Collaborative Research Center and the first of its kind in the field of business administration. Paderborn University serves as the coordinating institution for this unique research initiative.
A team of over 80 dedicated researchers investigates how accounting and taxation influence corporate transparency, and how regulations and transparency affect the economy and society. The goal is to develop effective regulation for corporate transparency and a transparent tax system.
If you're considering a career in research, the TRR offers outstanding conditions and a wide range of support. As a student, you also have the opportunity to participate in research projects and connect with guest researchers from around the world.
There is no single typical career path for graduates of this program, as the range of opportunities is broad and diverse, depending on your chosen area of specialization. Earlier on this page, you'll find examples of potential career fields listed under each specialization to help you explore your options.
By the end of your studies, you will be equipped with the economic decision-making skills needed to approach both theoretical and practical problems methodically, and to develop comprehensive, solution-oriented strategies.
You will be qualified to work as a leader or subject-matter expert at both national and international levels. Your career opportunities span the private sector, public institutions, and academia.
During the course of your studies, questions about career orientation arise from time to time. In events, practical projects and company visits as well as in the job and career portal, you can get to know possible professions and fields of activity and work out your personal interests and strengths.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
Every year on three days in November, various companies from the region and from all over Germany present themselves at the company contact fair LOOK IN! Find out about numerous companies in company presentations in the foyer of the University of Paderborn or talk to HR staff directly and without obligation. During the fair, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of workshops or speed dating sessions with various companies. Through direct contact with the companies, interested parties can secure final theses, internships and working student jobs.
The largest company contact fair in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region is organised by students for students. So if you want to experience event management first-hand, you can register with LOOK IN! GbR, in which the university groups Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen e.V. and Wirtschaftsinformatik Paderborn e.V. are involved.
Explicitly research-oriented modules are aimed at students who plan to continue their doctoral studies after their Master’s degree. As one of a few faculties in Germany, we offer you an opportunity to study within a structured doctoral program.
Our research thrives on networking and exchange. Various seminar series and workshops enable our young researchers to get to know the research work of guest researchers from all over the world and to present their own work and ideas and develop them further in discussion.
Every two years, the junior researchers leave the familiar university environment for the Faculty Research 365体育_足球比分网¥投注直播官网, so that space is created for new ideas and lectures, discussions and poster sessions can be supplemented with connecting activities.
As part of the TRR 266/ TAF Research Seminar, renowned scholars from around the world present their current research findings. Doctoral students and professors from the department actively participate in these sessions through critical and constructive discussion. This culture of exchange helps refine ongoing research and inspires new research projects.
In preparation for each TRR 266 / TAF Research Seminar, a prep-session is held. This doctoral seminar is designed to facilitate in-depth analysis and discussion of the research paper that will be presented. The goal is to critically examine the research question and chosen methodology, offer suggestions for improvement, and reflect on relevant reference papers. Doctoral students prepare the guest papers in advance, present them in the prep-session, and actively contribute to the academic discourse. This typically takes place one week prior to the corresponding TAF Research Seminar.
The peer mentoring program "Insight!" offers future female graduates the opportunity to exchange ideas about the prospect of a doctorate and to prepare for this. The exchange is accompanied by a PhD graduate who provides tips and strategies for decision-making based on her own experiences. The goal of the program is to offer participants insights into scientific work and to expand their personal and professional skills and development opportunities through the exchange with mentors.
The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics provides students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with support. The team at the Postgraduate Centre will be more than happy to provide you with information and advice.
Art from Tanzania in Paderborn
Felix, Thorben and Lindsey want to offer street artists from the global south a stage in Europe with their start-up.
As Key Account Manager, look after major customers and further develop marketing strategies
India's studies and working life are accompanied by mathematics.
Dream job: Human Resources Officer at Deutsche Bahn
Through an internship, Jan gets his dream job right after graduation.
From the lecture theatre to the Head of PM
Cafer already worked as Head of PM in a Shopware agency during his studies.
Working abroad: Business knowledge and foreign languages
Anna Sophie applies her Spanish skills in Colombia.
From student council chairman to CEO
Kevin gained leadership experience for the family business in student representation.
Adventure Bundestag
Norina was already involved in numerous initiatives during her studies and now as a staff member in the Bundestag.
From the idea to the start-up-to-be
Lia and Franziska are studying - and preparing to start their own business on the side.
Dream job: Human Resources Manager at WDR
Laura found her career aspiration during her studies and realised it immediately.
More than just a title
The doctorate provides Jennifer with different perspectives and an opportunity to develop herself further.
No matter whether you become a generalist or a specialist, your future career will involve making many important decisions. That’s why you should enjoy gathering and analyzing information to make the best possible choices based on available data. One of the first key decisions in your studies will be selecting the courses that best align with your career goals. This degree offers great freedom — so being able to navigate that flexibility is essential.
In addition, strong interpersonal skills and communication abilities are crucial in the field of business administration. With these strengths, you’ll be able to motivate team members, understand client needs, build professional networks, and
stand by your decisions with confidence.
The M.Sc. in Business Administration is a good fit for you if...
Even if it is not your first semester at the University, we would like to make your start as a Master student as easy as possible.
During the first weeks of the lecture period, the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics will welcome you and inform you how studying with us works. Additionally, the individual study program coordinators and student representatives will offer you a welcome program and show you around the campus, organize social events and help you to create your personal study plan. The first week is the best opportunity to get to know the university, the study process and your peers.
In our online course we will explain to you how the study process looks like. With the help of learning videos, you will learn how to plan your semester, where you can find information on your study plan and the modules and also what examination regulations you need to know.
Not quite right for you? One of our other study programs might be a better fit!
In addition to study-related content, Paderborn University offers you a lot more: for those eager to learn, for those seeking exchange and for all those who want to think outside the box. Learn and improve your language skills at the Center for Language Studies and brush up on your software skills with the courses offered by doIT. The servicecenter-medien offers special media workstations where you can let off steam creatively, and the university sports program ranges from American football to Zumba. Get involved with the university radio station L'UniCo or the university newspaper universal and become part of one of the many project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular theater program at our Studionbühne, slams and readings, Big Band and university choir are just a few examples of our diverse cultural offerings. A special highlight is our AStA summer festival: up to 15,000 people make the pilgrimage every year to what is probably Germany's largest outdoor campus festival and enjoy the summer party atmosphere with numerous local student bands as well as well-known headliners on various stages.
Campus
Almost all of Uni Paderborn's buildings are located on campus. There are green meadows to relax in and plenty of places to eat and drink: Mensa Academica and Mensa Forum, the Grill|Café and Café Bona Vista. Everything is within easy walking distance. Our library is also centrally located and is a great place to study thanks to its good opening hours.
Accommodation
Living in accomodations close to campus is possible: The Studierendenwerk Paderborn offers you places in halls of residence directly on campus or in the immediate vicinity. But you will also find what you are looking for on the usual accommodation portals: Both in the immediate vicinity of the university and city center, as well as in the individual Paderborn districts.
Costs and financing
Everyday student life offers you plenty of opportunities to work alongside your studies. However, BAf?G or a scholarship are also options that you can use to cover your costs.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every concern. For example, our advisory and service facilities are available to answer your questions about academic work, career orientation and goal setting, funding opportunities and many other concerns.
Our university is an open-minded university that also takes a clear stance on gender and diversity. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender- and family-friendly work and study culture for many years. This includes support for a better balance between studying and family life as well as support for students with health impairments.
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
Studienbüro Wirtschaftswissenschaften
E-Mail: studium@wiwi.upb.de
[Translate to English:] Studiengangsverantwortung M. Sc. Betriebswirtschaftslehre
E-Mail: studium@wiwi.upb.de
[Translate to English:]
Studienbüro of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (Credit Point Recognition)
E-Mail: studium@wiwi.upb.de
Examination Board of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
E-Mail: pruefungsausschuss@wiwi.upb.de
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Internationalisation Office of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
E-Mail: international@campus.upb.de
Phone:05251/60-1696
Student Council for Economics and Business Studies
Registrar’s Office
Uni-Assist
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinl?nder*innen
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinl?nder*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
Examination Board of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
E-Mail: pruefungsausschuss@wiwi.upb.de
Examination Office
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
FamilienServiceBüro
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.